The best cafes and coffee shops in the Hague for coffee in Den Haag

I knew that the Hague was cosmopolitan, however, I never expected the range of cafes in the Hague that I’ve found here.  As someone who is an entrepreneur, I find that working at a coffee shop (not that kind!) helps me feel both refreshed and inspired in a way that I cannot feel at home.  Similarly, there’s a lot of taking a moment to enjoy a good cup of coffee and the little joys that something so simple can bring, so keep reading for my favorite cafes and coffee shops in the Hague!

A brief history of coffee in the Hague and the Netherlands

It’s actually quite fitting to drink coffee in the Hague as it is the Dutch who we can thank for our coffee addictions. Long before the West discovered coffee, it was widely enjoyed elsewhere in the Middle East/Asia, however, traders from Yemen tried to control the supply once it was discovered by Europeans.

In 1616, a Dutch trader stole one of the fertile seedlings and brought it back to Amsterdam. Within the next hundred years, the Dutch started cultivating coffee in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), partially due to slave labor.  As soon as the Dutch were able to supply their own coffee, the demand flourished.  As a result, the first coffee shop in the Netherlands opened here in the Hague on Korte Voorhout in 1664.

After perfecting the coffee plant itself in Amsterdam, Java (in Indonesia today) became the setting for large-scale coffee plantations with forced labor.  This forced labor system remained in place until 1908.  Admittedly, the history of coffee still is interwoven with the history of forced labor in other forms.

Luckily today, we have the means to choose coffee that comes from sustainable roots in terms of labor as well as the environment.  In this list of coffee shops in the Hague, I’ve chosen to focus on cafes in the Hague that serve sustainable beans and/or make efforts to contribute back to the environment.  No green stuff, I promise. 😉

Best Cafes & Coffee Shops in the Hague

As a caffeine addict who writes full-time, I’ve done a lot of research for you all. 😉  To be fair, I’m lactose-intolerant and I often drink a latte when I’m out, however my husband is the one typically orders a black coffee.  I hope this list of the best coffee shops in the Hague (according me as well as friends) helps inspire you to get a nice coffee somewhere in the Hague.

I swore that I had photos of all of these cafes, but I’ll be updating this with better photos.  Similarly, I’ll do my best to keep this list updated with new recommendations, so let me know if I missed your favorite cafe in the Hague!  As I’m lactose-intolerant, I’ve probably missed a couple of places as I’ll leave immediately if there’s not a non-dairy milk alternative.  You’ll find a map at the bottom.

The Bookstore

This stunning bookstore cafe in a historic building with beautiful stained glass windows is straight out of your Instagram feed.  Complete with hipster staff and a good assortment of options for those with food allergies, you’re guaranteed to find something tasty to drink at this cozy cafe.  The wifi is fast and I never can resist browsing the selection of used books while relaxing here.  The slow pace is perfect for anyone looking for a relaxing cafe with atmosphere that can’t be beaten.

Hometown Coffee

Although this small cafe close to the Buitenhof always comes up on the lists of top cafes in the Hague and I can’t deny the fantastic taste of the coffee, I rarely come here as it’s often tough to find a seat.  The advantage is that it’s a quieter cafe that caters well to freelancers working on their computers although I struggled with finding an outlet here.  It’s one of my favorite places for coffee to go in the Hague while walking around the center.

Netherlands Bagels

In case you did not hear, I opened a cafe. I will not brag too much, but we proudly offer specialty coffee from my favorite roaster from Rotterdam along with filter coffee (with a refill) for those days when you need to get a lot done or just relax with friends. Laptops are welcome most days–and there is always something sweet available to accompany your coffee. In terms of vegan options, oat milk is available along with freshly baked bagels that are vegan-friendly! I am occasionally your barista if I am in the front.

Lily´s

I do not consider Lily ´ s a coffee cafe, but it is a great place to get work done. This lovely Bubble Tea cafe along Prinsestraat has friendly staff and the best bubble tea in the Hague. They have good wifi as well as ample outlets. The clientele skews a bit younger, but is a cozy place to get some work done while enjoying a bubble tea.

Kaafi

This cozy specialty coffee bar in the Hague makes up in warmth what it does in space.  I’ve often struggled to find a seat here as it can get quite crowded all the time, however, the coffee from this third-wave coffee shop is worthwhile.  Stop in here for a slice of cake (or a healthier brunch) and a cup of coffee. Owner Zeeshan often has secret specials including orange hot chocolate as well as nitro coffee, so be sure to ask. They have a beautiful spacious terrace in summer and I often will crave their Chicken Tikka Masala menu item.

Duckrabbit Coffee Brewers

The newest coffee addition to the Hague (March 2023) is Duckrabbit Coffee Brewers, run by Wesley, a former coffee trainer. The interior of this cafe is very modern and it is relatively quiet although well suited for quiet talks or working on your laptop. Unlike many cafes, they only offer cakes and coffee (for now), but their rotating selection makes it a nice place to stop into for a nice surprise.

Cafe Blossom

 

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This spacious cafe right around the corner from the Peace Palace is one of my favorite places for brunch and coffee in the Hague.  Unlike many other cafes that lack the seating for larger groups, I find that Cafe Blossom is perfect for laid-back group togethers.  Their menu is very reasonable as well as allergy-friendly, which is a huge plus in my book.  I also love how quiet this cozy cafe is, which makes it one of my top picks for cafes in the Hague to work in.

Bleyenberg

Bleyenberg is a new concept restaurant, cafe, and bar in the Hague.  Although I’ve been for dinner, I think that it should be added to the best cafes in the Hague as the atmosphere is really charming and they’re open late.  I think that this is an American thing, but I sometimes enjoy having a cup of coffee at night while chatting with friends.  Most cafes in the Hague (and in the Hague) only operate during “business hours,” so I recommend stopping by Bleyenberg for a nice coffee and a late night snack/meal if you’re in need of coffee before a night out on Grote Markt.

Cafe Pomegranate

Cafe Pomegranate recently took over Pim Coffee. It is run by an Aussie family and brings all of the warm Down Under vibes. Their coffee and cakes are a highlight, but they also offer brunch with an Aussie twist with unlimited mimosas on the weekends. Note that the cafe can get quite loud during brunch due to its open layout, but it makes for a cozy place to have coffee/lunch on the weekdays with friends.

Pistache Cafe

 

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This vegan-friendly cafe in the historic centre in a stunning building is always crowded for its top-rated coffee and delicious vegan food.  Finding a seat can be a bit tricky, but it’s a favorite of one of my freelancer friends for its cozy environment.  They serve up Bocca coffee and gorgeous views of the Noordeinde Palace out the window.

Lebkov & Sons Den Haag

 

A post shared by Lebkov & Sons (@lebkov) on Jan 31, 2017 at 1:59am PST

This modern yet vintage-inspired coffee shop is super vegan-friendly with a location close to Den Haag Centraal.  I found the atmosphere very quiet as well as inspiring for those looking for a cozy place to work although the line can be on the longer side. I absolutely love the tiling, which adds a bit of quirk. Due to its strategic location near Centraal, Lebkov has better hours than many other coffee shops in the Hague opening up 6AM on weekdays.  Skip Starbucks in Den Haag Centraal and come here on your way to work.

Anne&Max Den Haag Kerkplein

Anne&Max is a popular Dutch chain for coffee, however, the location next to the Grote Kerk makes it an easy meeting place in the Hague.  As with all Anne&Max shops, the environment is relaxing enough that you don’t need to be rushed out and it’s lovely to have scenic views of the center.  For non-coffee drinkers, there’s a good tea selection.  They also serve pastries, lunch, and appetizers in case you’re getting hungry.  I should note that Anne&Max is open a little later (7 pm some days) than many other coffee shops in the Hague as they serve wine.

Filtro

Yet another specialty coffee bar in the Hague, Filtro often tops the list for best cafes in the Hague. For those of us working online, I would certainly agree although it can be a bit awkward to ask someone to share their table while you’re both on your laptops.  Arrive early for your own seat in this modern cafe.  Filtro is located on one of the most charming streets in the Hague, perfect for a coffee to go while strolling in the city center around Noordeinde.

Lola Bikes and Coffee

I considered NOT putting Lola Bikes and Coffee on the list, however the coffee is good.  Last time I visited, they had a strictly no laptops / wifi policy, so do not try to work here.

Koffiebranderij BOON

 

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This small coffee shop sells fresh beans with an ever-changing selection.  If you’re looking for sustainable, high-quality beans, BOON is one of the best places to go.  Similarly, if you’re looking for a tasty coffee with your choice of beans, I recommend stepping into BOON as they’ll make a fresh coffee for you!  They have a little table outside, perfect for enjoying a coffee at.

Coffee-Star

Coffee-star is one of my favorite cafes in the Hague to work at as they’re closed within the public library.  Expect affordable prices, polite service, and a work-friendly environment with super-fast wifi.    Right on Spui, you’ll find the cafe overlooking the main square and Primark, making it the perfect stop-off after a day of shopping.  There are other branches within the Hague, but this is my favorite one. I collect stamps from here!

Capriole Café

This unique cafe in the Hague, a short bike ride from Den Haag HS, is located within an old warehouse.  The baristas at Capriole Cafe are serving up organic coffee in a tasteful, minimalistic and professional environment.  I’d consider this cafe one of the better working cafes in the Hague.

Hop & Stork

 

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This chocolatier and cafe in the UNESCO-recognized Passage has fantastic chocolate as well as tasty coffee for those who enjoy a more savory combination.  Here at Hop & Stork, you can find a good assortment of single-origin coffee with an ounce of creativity.  The chocolate is not to be missed, so be sure to ask for a piece while you’re enjoying your coffee.  If you’re lucky enough, you’ll have coffee art made by barista André Reis.

Coffee Company

I couldn’t leave out Coffee Company as it’s one of the most dependable places in the Hague for a decent cup of coffee and I often am working within a Coffee Company.  I know it’s not super local/independent, but I enjoy that the source of the coffee is well-defined and that Coffee Company is sensitive about food allergies.   You’ll find one all over the Hague.  The wifi is always fast and reliable.

Kicking Horse Cafe

After moving to Scheveningen, both my husband and I were a bit skeptical of this chain that everyone that I knew swore had the best coffee in Scheveningen.  I was won over by their creative coffee combinations, lots of seating, and good outlets.  It’s in the middle of the Paagman on Frederik Hendrikstraat, one of my favorite streets in the Hague.

Single Estate Coffee Roasters

One of the newest editions to the Hague is Single Estate Cofee Roasters located in the Zeeheldenkwartier. They pride themselves on coffee sourced directly from producers–and you can trust that their coffee is good and sustainable.

Lot Sixty One Coffee Roasters 

This popular Amsterdam cafe has finally come to the Hague. This industrial-looking cafe is a nice place for a meeting as it’s quiet enough to have a conversation without too much going on. It’s also a nice place to cozy up while getting some work done. There are enough outlets to go around although mostly on highchairs. Their staff is international and really friendly. The food is worth ordering too!

Do you agree with these recommendations? Please let me know your favorite coffee shop in the Hague!

For more tips for the Hague, click for my list of what to do in the Hague.

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