Sometimes, when life seems too fast-paced, an aperitivo in good company is bliss. Especially when you can pair it with the Dutch golden hour and enjoy a beautiful terrace.
Fortunately, it’s easy to enjoy an aperitif in Het Gooi as you’re spoilt for choice.
Some spots are more chill and casual, while others are decidedly more chic. What they all have in common though is that you can forget about free snacks. I will say, however, that in Italy I’ve occasionally received stale snacks, so it’s not always a bad thing to get nothing gratis.
In this article, I’ll share my favorite spots for an aperitif in Het Gooi.
Hands down one of my favourite spots for an aperitif, lunch, or dinner.
If we step back in time, we discover that Meddens used to be the name of a high-end fashion boutique! Founded in the 19th century by the Meddens family, they opened their Hilversum branch back in 1923. The store went on to dress generations of Gooi locals.
Even after its renovation, the venue has preserved that chic essence through both its menu and interior design. They have a fantastic wine and cocktail list, you’ll be spoilt for choice. My personal favourite? The Pornstar Martini
Every Friday and Saturday, they offer “Aperitivo Night” from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM, where you can enjoy their drinks at discounted prices.
Plus, if you’re an oyster lover, they have “Vissa – Cocktail Night Editie” on the every last Friday of every month from 5:00 PM onwards, featuring oysters for €1.50 each and all cocktails for €9.
I’m cheeky and like to combine the aperitivo night with the oysters.
Address: Kerkstraat 112, 1211 CS Hilversum
Laren, the artists’ village and cradle of the Dutch Gooische School.
In the early 1900s, American painter William Singer and his wife Anna fell in love with Laren and the beauty of the Gooi. They decided to build their villa, De Wilde Zwanen (The Wild Swans), which was later transformed into a museum and theatre in 1956.
But that’s not all. The venue features a beautiful sculpture garden designed by Piet Oudolf, a green oasis where its colours and shapes shift with the changing seasons. It’s the perfect spot to stop by and enjoy a drink.
The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Occasionally, they offer late-night openings, so don’t miss the opportunity if one pops up!
I recommend taking your time to wander around the artwork, before wrapping up with a glass of wine and a few bites out in the garden.
Address: Oude Drift 1, 1251 BS Laren
A fantastic spot not only for a nice aperitif, but also for renting a boat.
Founded in the 1970s by Sven Otten, the location grew to become a favourite destination spot for locals. Initially a small sailing school and boat rental, over the decades it grew and eventually started offering food and drinks.
The area gets quite lively during the summer months when you can jump in for a swim in the lake. In the summer, I love spending the day swimming and then settling in for a late-afternoon spritz. During the colder months, I enjoy watching the sunset from indoors.
Ottenhome itself hosts events throughout the year, and I can guarantee you there’s never a dull moment.
Address: Zuwe 20, 1241 NC Kortenhoef
From an industrial power plant to a creative hub, this is a venue where you can enjoy a great drink in a truly unique setting.
Built in 1938 in the Nieuwe Zakelijkheid (New Objectivity) architectural style, the building originally served as a private steam plant for the nearby Balatum NV flooring and felt factory. It later went on to supply electricity to the entire Gooi region before eventually closing in 1967.
In 2018, the venue was given a new life, transforming into a vibrant culinary, cultural, and sports hub. And so much more.
I highly recommend dropping by for a drink indoors so you can take in the industrial interior, complete with its modern, leafy touch. They also have a very intriguing menu of signature cocktails, like the Botanicus.
Address: Havenstraat 76, 1271 AG Huizen
The perfect spot for a drink and a good bit of people watching.
The area is always buzzing, and in the evening, especially on weekends, the dance floor opens up, making it a brilliant night out with friends.
I have to say, they have a great selection of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails, as well as a lovely wine list. I’m a huge fan of their homemade iced tea, and they make a fantastic piña colada!
Every now and then, I like ordering a few snacks like chips, nachos, or a bittergarnituur to go with the drinks.
To understand Rex we need to go back in time, precisely in 1913 when it was known as Bioscooptheater New York. The building, designed by B.H. Bakker, was Hilversum’s very first cinema. The venue then took an art deco twist with renovations in 1935, renamed Rex, it continued being a cinema until 1984 when it closed.
Address: Groest 23, 1211 CZ Hilversum
It’s impossible not to have stumbled across the phrase “Kom maar hooooooor…”.
This venue is a modern bar-bistro that pays tribute to a special local legend: Alardus ‘Nannes’ Scholten. Nannes was a homeless man who became a beloved Hilversum icon. He used to spend his days helping drivers park, shouting his famous catchphrase “Kom maar hoor”, which translates to “Come on in!” or “Right this way!”.
Today, that slogan has become the location’s personal invitation to step inside, grab a seat, and feel at home. The vibe here is pretty laid-back, complete with music and board games.
I really like their mojito, and they also have an interesting beer list. They serve one called “Thai Thai” that’s spiced, definitely worth trying! Their nachos are also top-notch in my opinion.
Address: Groest 27, 1211 CZ Hilversum
Legend has it that in 1811, during a visit to Muiden, Napoleon rode into this venue on horseback. At the time, the Netherlands was part of the First French Empire.
While empires and emperors come and go, Ome Ko is here to stay. A living piece of history, the building is officially recognised as a national monument.
Not only can you enjoy a drink in a truly historic setting, but the views alone are well worth the trip. You can take in Muidersloot Castle and the Groote Zeesluis (Great Sea Lock), where all sorts of boats and historic tall ships pass through.
Address: Groote Zeesluis, Herengracht 71, 1398 AD Muiden
In Conclusion
As always, there are still plenty of spots I’d love to try. If you have any recommendations, please don’t be shy! 😉
Until next time!
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