Behind Bars Cocktail image

Behind Bars Cocktail

Bar Cocktail bar

One of the Top rated Cocktail bars in Utrecht


Address

Hamburgerstraat 14, 3512 NR Utrecht, Netherlands

Website

www.behindbarscocktailbar.com

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (428 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Saturday: 5 pm to 1 am
  • Sunday: 6 pm to 12 am
  • Monday: (New Year's Day), Closed, Hours might differ
  • Tuesday: Closed
  • Wednesday: 6 pm to 12 am
  • Thursday: 6 pm to 1 am
  • Friday: 5 pm to 1 am

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: cocktails (54) Utrecht (25) cocktail (23) great (17) atmosphere (13) drinks (12) good (11) service (11) staff (11) Great (11)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 2/5 Wouter K. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Not very hospitable and upon entering you get the feeling that you can be happy that you can come in. After three attempts I give up, but no Japanese whiskys (Original) Weinig gastvrij en bij binnenkomst krijg je het gevoel dat je blij mag zijn dat je binnen mag komen. Na drie pogingen geef ik het op, dan maar geen Japanse whiskys
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Maria Luisa M. 1 year ago on Google
    Nice to be back after almost 3 years!! Menu is smaller than it used to, but still amazing cocktails! An opportunity to try new things! We will be back!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Sigrid E. 1 year ago on Google
    The first time I visited everything was great! Good cocktails, good service…. So we decided to go back! This time good cocktails… not great service, bartender guy was really rude… don’t think I’ll be returning cause of this experience! Which is a shame cause the cocktails are good and it’s a cute little place!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Martijn S. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Best cocktails in Utrecht. Cozy homely atmosphere. (Original) Beste cocktails van Utrecht. Gezellige huiselijke sfeer.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 A Google U. 1 year ago on Google
    The best cocktails I’ve ever had, period. Oh and with a speciality in whisky, especially Jpanese. The bartender might seem hard-headed at first, but once there’s a click, you’ll notice he’s a super friendly guy with interesting stories to tell and has a lot of fun subjects to talk about.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Cyril F. 2 years ago on Google
    The cocktail bar to go in Utrecht. Small and cozy with well finished decor. A mix of urban and Scandinavian atmosphere, that makes you want to relax. The cocktails are well balanced with a lots of options. Also whatever you want, just ask the bartender armed with its expertise will make it happen.. Prices are descent as compare to the rest of what you can get in the city. Definitely to try if you are visiting or living in the city
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Taco H. 1 year ago on Google
    Had a really good time during a cocktail workshop. Very knowledgeable, lots of interesting things to learn and amazing cocktails. They also have a huge collection of Japanese single malt whiskey's. Highly recommended, super friendly and serious owner that knows his stuff.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Brian B. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Very small, little atmosphere .. Cocktails good (Original) Erg klein, weinig sfeer.. Cocktails wel goed
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Christina P. 1 year ago on Google
    This is a one man's show so big applause! The bar is nice and cozy and the drinks are t-a-s-t-y! You better go early as it fills up quickly. Wait for your turn and enjoy your drink!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Maura B. 1 year ago on Google
    This is a beautiful cocktail bar. The atmosphere is lovely, the owner/bartender is incredibly knowledgeable. The drinks are top tier, the selection is fantastic. It gets busy, like busy busy, on the weekends. Don’t be a jerk - wait or go somewhere else. This is a small bar for people who really enjoy cocktails. One of my favorites in the world.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Ed Z. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) This is really for a very selective audience, not the nicest place (Original) Dit is echt voor een zeer selectief publiek, niet het fijnste plekje zeg maar
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nynke K. 2 years ago on Google
    Best cocktails in Utrecht with amazing service and staff with great knowledge

  • 5/5 Kevin 3 years ago on Google
    Went here back in March and absolutely loved the place. Drinks were excellent and definitely worth the price, and the bartender was extremely friendly and welcoming. My friend and I were traveling thru Europe and didn’t have much on our itinerary so our bartender, Nicole, went out of her way to recommend us a list of places to visit and things to eat in Utrecht. We followed her recommendations and couldn’t be happier. Will definitely be back if we ever stop by Utrecht again.

  • 4/5 Berkay B. 5 years ago on Google
    Great cocktail bar in Utrecht. It does not have outdoor sitting for hot summer days but it is not a reason for not going there.

  • 4/5 Stijn V. 5 years ago on Google
    Very nice cocktailbar. The cocktailmaker didn't speak any Dutch but that didn't bother us. He was very informative and clearly knew his stuff. Our favorite cocktail was the lion's tail. We also ordered some Parma meat. This was a big quantity but I feel the quality could be better. Maybe give less meat but higher quality.

  • 5/5 Calixte A. 4 years ago on Google
    We went there for a birthday. We ended up making 3 delicious cocktails ourselves in a fun and interactive way. The owner seems to deeply care about his ingredients and cocktails, so I would 100% recommend it to anyone who wants to taste the best cocktails in Utrecht.

  • 5/5 Shane M. 4 years ago on Google
    A hidden gem for Utrecht, great staff that's in the mix to give you the best mixes (music and drinks) for coming their way! Real plus is the option to give them a cocktail not on their menu to see if they can recreate it. #CheckEmOut

  • 5/5 Laurens M. 6 years ago on Google
    By far the best cocktails in Utrecht! Very kind, professional and knowledgeable staff who create the cocktails exactly as you like them. Once you're in, you'll feel like you're at home. Enjoy!

  • 5/5 A D. 3 years ago on Google
    Small cocktail bar where the love for cocktails and Japanese Whisky is celebrated. Since it's currently closed due to it-which-must-not-be-named, they offer a delivery service, which is also highly recommendable! Of course the social component is missing, but if you are a cocktail fan, do try it :)

  • 4/5 SMT C. 4 years ago on Google
    It was ok. The cocktails were fabulous! Marcel knows his stuff. But the bar itself could do with an upgrade. Make a choice cosy or kitsch. But whichever make sure it's clean. 2 stars for the bar but an additional 2 stars for the cocktails. They are to travel for ;)

  • 5/5 Celestina B. 2 years ago on Google
    The bartender is amazing! Super knowledgable about cocktails that have been forgotten over time! Such a fun experience!

  • 1/5 Nikki M. 1 year ago on Google
    Very rude and unwelcoming owner/manager. Seemed like he didn't want any customers or make an effort. Cranky and rude, if you want a nice experience, don't go here.

  • 5/5 Raoul S. 2 years ago on Google
    Amazing collection of unique Japanese whiskeys, best I've seen in the country. Will be returning here to try special bottles or ones that I've been trying to find. Service is very direct and extremely knowledgeable

  • 4/5 E D. 1 year ago on Google
    Good cocktails, they have a large variety of mostly japanese whiskeys and a limited menu of cocktails of 11,- and 13,- (whiskeys priced differently of course). Bartender was kind but has a workstation at one end of the bar, which means he communicates more with the people on that end of the bar than others. Also means there isn't much of a cocktail show as you might expect since he's too busy for that it seems. It's a trendy bar for young people with limited seating. Would've liked to see him make the cocktail but it was too busy and he was busy with 2 customers in front of him.

  • 4/5 Eric 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Small, somewhat secluded cocktail bar with a varied audience. The staff is attentive, has a sense of humor and is happy to help you find a good cocktail. The atmosphere is intimate and homely. All in all had a great evening here. (Original) Kleine, wat afgelegen cocktailbar met een gevarieerd publiek. Het personeel is attent, heeft humor en helpt je graag met het vinden van een goede cocktail. De sfeer is intiem en huiselijk. Al met al prima avond hier gehad.

  • 5/5 Shantel P. 1 year ago on Google
    Great selection of whiskeys, great cocktails! Highly recommend!

  • 5/5 Güliz C. 1 year ago on Google
    Always my to go place in Utrecht! If you are a whiskey lover, the whiskey collection is great! I love the cocktails. It’s definitely suggested!

  • 5/5 Lay O. 1 year ago on Google
    If you are looking for quality and superb vibes this is the place to be!! The Host is superb and extremely professional. No.1 go to 🫧

  • 5/5 Alizabeth V. 1 year ago on Google
    Nice cocktails, lovely owner. Especially the cocktails with Japanese whiskey, it doesn’t taste alcoholic drinks at all but at the same time, quite strong after few sips. Cozy place!

  • 5/5 Yury E. 1 year ago on Google
    Cocktails are amazing! Also, the owner is super open minded person and super welcoming

  • 5/5 David M. 1 year ago on Google
    Great bar for bourbon! I didn’t get to the cocktails because there were several bottles I wanted to try neat. Owner is knowledgeable about his whiskey.

  • 4/5 Peter B. 1 year ago on Google
    This place is a no nonsense place for great cocktails (the zombie is a must try). Do not expect great decor and bar tenders with fancy mustaches though 😉

  • 5/5 Mairahlk 1 year ago on Google
    Amazing drinks, good atmosphere, got good and very knowledgeable whisky recommendations. Cocktails were insanely tasty!

  • 4/5 Corey T. 6 months ago on Google
    Arrived at the bar (Sunday evening) after reading reviews about service being poor and drinks being amazing. I don’t think the service is anything to write home about, but that’s not why I came. If you came to be amazed, let it be because of the libations. I had the espresso martini which was fantastic, and then followed that by the Old Fashioned which took some time but was PERFECT. If you enjoy an old fashioned, this is the place to get one. I also tried the Yellow Bird which was really fruit (sweet) forward, but flavor fantastic. As the rest of the reviews state, if you come for drinks you won’t be disappointed. Bravo. Did have some good conversation with the bartender as well once he was done doing his work on the computer. I did hear him engaging in educating other customers on different drinks and whiskeys as well, so nice to hear that passion. Definitely recommend.

  • 5/5 TeeVeeGee 5 months ago on Google
    Great place for great drinks! Small in size with a cosy atmosphere. Cocktails and whiskey/whisky, probably one of the best places around! The Ramos gin fizz, what a treat! Seems there are some comments on the service. The owner does a great job; making great cocktails takes a bit of time folks. In a time where everyone seems to want everything "here and now!", the pace might not seem up to speed. I say: relax, you're here in your free time, no need to rush! Have not tried the bites to eat, so cannot comment on those. But on that front it is only snacks, no kitchen.

  • 5/5 William Z. 9 months ago on Google
    Great cocktails in a cosy atmosphere with great and knowledgeable service, especially if you’re into whiskey too…My favourite in Utrecht!

  • 5/5 David J. 5 months ago on Google
    The Japanese whisky cocktail on the specials board was incredible and I’d definitely recommend popping in here for a drink or two. The atmosphere is really cozy and dark. We didn’t try any of the food as it seemed like it was mainly for drinks.

  • 5/5 Seb H. 3 years ago on Google
    I've go here for their take-out cocktails. Especially nowadays, it's nice to be able to get these awesome drinks for at home. 😀

  • 4/5 Rafaela R. 4 years ago on Google
    We learned a lot and had plenty of fun during our cocktail workshop!

  • 5/5 Irene Alcubilla T. 4 years ago on Google
    Utrecht hidden gem! Amazing cocktails, great service and cozy, friendly atmosphere. Definitely something different from the usual bar

  • 5/5 Marijn de W. 4 years ago on Google
    Excellent and attentive service, delicious cocktails made with professionalism. Not pretentious

  • 5/5 Inger B. 4 years ago on Google
    Great place! Drinks are custom made and amazing, calm atmosphere and polite and friendly staff. Will definitely be back

  • 5/5 kiranhamilton 5 years ago on Google
    A hidden gem in Utrecht! Super friendly staff who create amazing libations. The Pain Killer was absolutely spectacular.

  • 5/5 Eric J. 4 years ago on Google
    Great cocktail bar! Lots of specials and a full menu, but the bartenders were super knowledgeable about what they had and could make for you. Would totally go again if I’m ever back in Utrecht :)

  • 5/5 Matthijs ter B. 4 years ago on Google
    Loved the place, the people who work there give advice to your wishes and know their craft. Would recommend it to all cocktaillovers

  • 5/5 Marieke O. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) The best cocktails in the Netherlands (Original) De beste cocktails van Nederland

  • 5/5 Jonathan T. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Cozy and intimate place to have a cocktail or two in Utrecht. Recommended! (Original) Gezellige en intieme tent om in Utrecht een cocktailtje of twee te doen. Aanrader!

  • 5/5 Lorenzo 3 years ago on Google
    The best cocktails in Utrecht

  • 3/5 tomas o. 3 years ago on Google
    Ok

  • 5/5 Anne E. D. 3 years ago on Google
    Amazing drinks! Lovely people

  • 3/5 Mostert 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Hi Behind Bars, I was in the bar about 3 weeks ago. My girlfriend and I came in and since it was empty and quite dark we asked to be sure the bar was open. The young lady responded to this: otherwise the door is not open, is it? Then I asked about a cocktail that has been on your menu for a long time. I believe it was on the map as Reina. I was told in reply that he is no longer on the card, which implied that he can no longer be made. Fine, but I appreciated a different way of indicating that it can no longer be made. Then I got up to look at the cocktails on the board outside the menu, I was then strictly told that I should not walk in the bar because of the Corona measures. I should have known this because the rules are on the door, but I had not seen this rule. Again I preferred another way of pointing out the rules. All in all, every contact was very unpleasant and that is a pity because as I mentioned earlier, the cocktails are of very high quality. Greeting, Mostert Been a few times now and the cocktails are good quality. Unfortunately there is a young lady who can turn the mood around with her own hands. Customer-friendliness is not her number 1, that much is clear. That is very unfortunate because it spoils the atmosphere so much that I can no longer enjoy a delicious drink. (Original) Hoi Behind Bars, Ik was ongeveer 3 weken geleden in de bar. Mijn vriendin en ik kwamen binnen en aangezien het leeg en vrij donker was vroegen we voor de zekerheid of de bar open was. Hierop reageerde de jonge dame: anders staat de deur toch niet open? Vervolgens vroeg ik naar een cocktail die lang op jullie kaart heeft gestaan. Ik geloof dat deze als Reina op de kaart stond. Ik kreeg als antwoord te horen dat hij toch niet meer op de kaart staat, waarmee werd geïmpliceerd dat hij dus niet meer te maken is. Prima, maar een andere manier van aangeven dat deze niet meer gemaakt kan worden had ik gewaardeerd. Vervolgens stond ik op om op het bord te kijken naar de cocktails buiten de kaart om, er werd mij toen streng verteld dat ik niet mag lopen in de bar vanwege de Corona maatregelen. Dit had ik kunnen weten want de regels staan op de deur, maar had deze regel niet gezien. Wederom had een andere manier van het wijzen op de regels mijn voorkeur. Al met al was elk contact erg onaardig en dat is jammer want zoals ik al eerder aangaf, de cocktails zijn van bijzonder hoge kwaliteit. Groet, Mostert Inmiddels een paar keer geweest en de cocktails zijn van goede kwaliteit. Helaas werkt er een jonge dame die eigenhandig de sfeer de nek kan omdraaien. Klantvriendelijkheid staat bij haar niet op 1, zoveel is duidelijk. Dat is erg jammer want het verziekt de sfeer zoveel dat ik niet langer kan genieten van een heerlijk drankje.

  • 5/5 Cody F. 3 years ago on Google
    My favorite cocktail bar in Utrecht! They have friendly bartenders and a good whiskey selection as well.

  • 2/5 Vera T. 3 years ago on Google
    This is one of our favorite bars of Utrecht, but we are unhappy by how we got greeted recently. We walked in and the staff immediately said “No, no, no” and someone came to us and walked us out since we didn’t have a reservation. They could have done this in a more courteous way instead of forbidding us access. Other than that bad experience, their cocktails are great.

  • 5/5 Mark C. 4 years ago on Google
    Great cocktails. Friendly and knowledgeable

  • 5/5 Michel K. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Staff very friendly and extremely tasty cocktails (Original) Personeel heel vriendelijk en extreem lekkere cocktails

  • 5/5 VHJS 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Best cocktails in Utrecht! (Original) Beste cocktails in Utrecht!

  • 5/5 Guillaume G. 3 years ago on Google
    Just perfect as ever.

  • 4/5 Matthieu R. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Small tent, but tasty cocktails. (Original) Kleine tent, wel lekkere cocktails.

  • 5/5 Henco van O. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Great cocktails and friendly staff (Original) Geweldige cocktails en vriendelijk personeel

  • 5/5 Emi S. 4 years ago on Google
    Such a cool little cocktailbar in lovely Utrecht!

  • 5/5 Martin M. 4 years ago on Google
    One of the best bars in the Netherlands

  • 5/5 Rutger van B. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Best cocktail bar in Utrecht! (Original) Beste cocktail bar van Utrecht!

  • 5/5 Amanda L. 4 years ago on Google
    Vast collection of whiskey and bourbons. The staff is also great!

  • 5/5 Ariston G. 4 years ago on Google
    The only bar I know that is not cramped and overly crowded

  • 5/5 Sherdina R. 4 years ago on Google
    Great cocktails and great service!

  • 5/5 Anna H. 4 years ago on Google
    Asked the bartender to do something with amaretto and they came up with quite possibly the nicest drink I've ever had 👌 super talented staff and a nice atmosphere, highly recommend!

  • 3/5 Aravind 4 years ago on Google
    Wide collection of cocktails, a bit expensive. They don't have tissues here.

  • 4/5 Zandra den H. 4 years ago on Google
    Unique cocktail concoctions! And a very friendly man.

  • 5/5 Pam R. 3 years ago on Google
    Great staff and they really know what they serve!


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Amenities


  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Food
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Spirits
    • ✓️ Cocktails
  • Accessibility
    • ✗ Wheelchair-accessible car park
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✗ Delivery
    • ✗ Takeaway

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