Taplokaal Gist in 030

A bar with 30 taps, hearty dishes and a sun-drenched waterside terrace. That’s Taplokaal Gist. This month, the place opened on De Helling in up-and-coming Rotsoord.

You may know initiator Erik from café Derat, a place loved by more than just Utrechters. According to the American website Ratebeer, Derat is the best café in the city. The selection changes every two weeks and you’ll find only exceptional beers there. They even have the largest selection of sour beers in the Netherlands. After the great success of this small establishment, it was time for a new adventure. Following a successful crowdfunding campaign, Erik started Taplokaal Gist together with his business partner Jasper and chef Manon. Naturally, we had to go there straight away.

A glass full and a plate full

When we step inside, we don’t quite know where to look first. The bar is imposing, there’s an open kitchen at the back, the windows are large and there are seats upstairs too. In the atmospheric restaurant, exceptional beers are paired with matching dishes. You can drink surprising brews from small producers near and far. The staff help us with the (almost) impossible choice of different beers, wines and ciders.

And because every drink deserves something to eat, there’s a menu full of beer-proof food. The kitchen experiments extensively with beer too. The result? Pork belly to die for, mushroom terrine, a substantial bread & butter pudding and plenty more comfort food. Gist is already a hotspot… just imagine what it will be like when the weather gets warmer and the large terrace opens.

Taplokaal Gist
Helling 9, Utrecht
Open: Daily from 2:00 p.m. to midnight.
Friday and Saturday until 1:00 a.m.