De Sluyswacht is a small bar in a crooked former lockkeeper’s house at Jodenbreestraat 1, beside the Oudeschans canal in central Amsterdam. Built in 1695, the building leans noticeably, and its uneven floors and timbered interior make a drink here as much about the setting as the beer. Take a terrace seat for views over the canals, or order bitterballen with a beer inside. The Rembrandt House Museum and Montelbaanstoren tower are nearby, making this an easy stop between sights.
A lockkeeper’s house with a noticeable lean
De Sluyswacht stands at Jodenbreestraat 1, beside the Oudeschans canal. The small building dates to 1695, when it was built as a home for the lockkeeper, the person responsible for operating the nearby lock. Its former working life gives the bar a different feel from a purpose-built drinking spot: it occupies a compact house shaped by the canal and lock beside it.
The building’s tilt is visible from outside, and the slant continues indoors. Stone floors and the staircase sit at an angle, while wooden beams cross the ceilings. The effect is especially clear once you step inside and look across the room. Take care on the uneven floor as you move around.
Beer, bar snacks and a canal-side table
Beer is the main draw. The taps include Dutch-brewed Hertog Jan and Belgian Leffe, and Tripel Karmeliet is another beer to look for. The food is simple bar fare rather than a full meal: bitterballen, croquettes and fries make practical choices alongside a drink. Bitterballen are a particularly fitting snack here, served in the casual style of a Dutch pub.
The terrace is the place to settle in if you want to watch the canals. The house sits beside the lock, with water views in two directions; the terrace is popular for a summer drink. If it is full, the interior still gives you a close look at the building’s crooked lines. This is a good stop for a drink and a snack, though the compact bar is less suited to a long meal.
Sights close by
The location works well as a pause between nearby cultural stops. Montelbaanstoren tower is close, and the Rembrandt House Museum stands across from the former lockkeeper’s house. Rembrandt once lived in the house that is now the museum, making the two buildings easy to combine on foot.
The building has also had uses beyond its original role as a lockkeeper’s home, including as a hardware shop, before becoming a café. Its position and distinctive lean have kept it part of the canal-side streetscape. Come for the historic house, then choose a terrace table or a beer inside depending on the space available.
Perguntas frequentes
Where is De Sluyswacht?
It is at Jodenbreestraat 1 beside the Oudeschans canal in central Amsterdam, near the Rembrandt House Museum and Montelbaanstoren tower.
What should I order at De Sluyswacht?
Try bitterballen with a beer. The bar also serves croquettes and fries, and its beer selection includes Hertog Jan and Leffe.
Can you sit outside at De Sluyswacht?
Yes. There is a canal-side terrace with views over the water. It can get busy, so a quieter visit may make it easier to find a seat.
How long should I spend at De Sluyswacht?
Allow about 30 to 60 minutes for a drink and snack. The bar is also close to the Rembrandt House Museum and Montelbaanstoren tower.
