Ruk en Pluk

# Café Ruk en Pluk – A legendary Amsterdam pub full of character

Some cafés are so special that you really have to see them with your own eyes to believe it. Café Ruk en Pluk in Amsterdam-Oost is perhaps the finest example of this. You will find this genuine Amsterdam neighborhood pub on Linnaeusstraat, where conviviality, humor, unique stories, and a healthy dose of individuality come together.

Anyone who steps inside Ruk en Pluk immediately discovers that this is no average café. The interior is truly an experience in itself. Colorful garlands, Christmas decorations, photos, clowns, and a wide variety of unique objects hang everywhere. It is essentially a party here all year round. Not a sleekly furnished hipster café, but an authentic Amsterdam pub where every square meter tells a story.

Café Ruk en Pluk has been a household name in Amsterdam-Oost for decades. For years, the establishment was run with heart and soul by the well-known café owners Janny and Marijke. Together, they spent a combined sixty years behind the bar, making Ruk en Pluk a beloved meeting place for generations of Amsterdammers. In 2025, Jaap van der Heijden took over the café with one important promise: the unique character and special interior would be preserved.

And that is exactly what makes this place so fantastic. Here, it is not about trends or luxury, but about real people, good conversations, a cold beer, and old-fashioned Amsterdam coziness. Regulars sit at the bar, visitors spontaneously strike up conversations, and before you know it, you are part of the fun.

Even behind the striking name lies a wonderful story. According to legend, the name originated during a camping holiday of two former owners. While one pulled green beans from the ground, the other picked them. That is how Ruk en Pluk was born. A name that is at least as idiosyncratic as the café itself.

Whether you are stopping by for a nice beer, drinks with friends, or are simply curious about one of Amsterdam's most unique cafes, there is always something going on at Ruk en Pluk.

Our tip: Are you exploring Amsterdam-Oost with a walking route or pub trail from Loculy? Then Café Ruk en Pluk absolutely cannot be missed. Step inside, admire the impressive collection of decorations, and take a seat at the bar. Order a nice drink, chat with the people around you, and enjoy the authentic Amsterdam pub culture. This is exactly the kind of special place that makes Amsterdam so much fun.

Café Ruk en Pluk is no ordinary pub. It is a piece of living Amsterdam heritage, full of special stories, humor, and conviviality.