Disclaimer: BAISmag does not encourage any form of alcoholism
Jimz: the go-to bar
For all people who want to meet new people -especially IS students- Jimz is the perfect place to go. Funky wall decor, a pool table, a lipstick wall in the girl’s bathroom, the perfect mix of a cozy and dingy atmosphere, and comparably cheap alcohol make this a great student bar. It is especially recommendable for get-togethers with friends Especially when talking is secondary to alcohol consumption, as it can get rather loud on busy nights. However, for those who do feel like philosophizing about all that is wrong with the world (or whether pineapple goes on pizza), there is always the option of stepping outside and taking a breather or a cigarette beneath the sunblind. Its location next to Plein makes it easily accessible and a good place for pre-drinks if no one wants to host before going to a club. It’s open from Tuesday to Saturday. All I recommend is for you not to throw up anywhere (the bartenders aren’t super fond of that)!
-Lilly
De Gekke Geit: A laid-back hangout
Are you looking for a chill location with (relatively) cheap beer and wine? Then I have the right bar for you: De Gekke Geit. Located on a side street vnear Grote Markt, the bar is not too far from all the hustle and bustle, while at the same time still allowing you to have a conversation without having to yell at each other. Indoor seating is quite limited (and admittedly, not very attractive), but the outdoor seating area makes up for it. De Gekke Geit might not be the fanciest place, but it sure is the place to be if you want to unwind with a cold beer after a long day, surrounded by like-minded people.
-Vanessa
Oude Molstraat: (not so) hidden gem bars
I must admit: I am not that big an expert in The Hague’s bars as most of the time me and my friends end up in Grote Markt or O’Casey’s. However, if I have to name one absolute local gem, it is Oude Molstraat. I love the vibrant vibe on this street during the weekend, which reminds me of my favorite neighbourhood in Amsterdam: with its many crowded bars, it might be called a miniature version of De Pijp. Among notable mentions: Huppel The Pub and Café de Oude Mol. The first one is great to stop by if you go on a bar tour with your friends: drinks are nice, and music creates a party atmosphere but you are definitely going to want to catch some fresh air at one point (that is why it seems like there is a separate party in the smoking area). The second one, in my experience, is perfect for a Tinder date: it does have a kinda cute interior design, usually, there are a bit fewer people, it has a nice selection of wine and fruity beers, and you can still manage to hear the person you are talking to (which some might find a plus).
-Mariia
Millers (anti recommendation): an expensive trap
On Valentine’s Day this year, I came across an enticing offer published in an obscure WhatsApp group. The high-end bar/restaurant Millers, located at Plein, offered free tequila shots for this special day. Desireful to meet my soulmate and in the worst case experience an evening of lavish lifestyle to bond with the local aristocracy, I went on my bike ready to conquer the world. After a well-deserved KFC meal, I headed to the place. I was welcomed by an extensive security apparatus which made me feel more important than I am. Come inside, the place is all in length, with the bar and dining area near the entrance, and a clubbing podium towards the back. The decoration, while pretty luxurious, was still cozy and coherent. This silver lining built my hopes up, and I confidently headed to the bar to redeem my free drink. Then in an instant, my future shattered as I was announced they had run out of tequila. I was outraged that one could play with my feelings like that, but then I realized: “Isn’t it the theme of Valentine’s after all.” To this day, I still have a bittersweet feeling towards it, but one thing is sure: if you want to experience such a cautionary tale in a beautiful place this is the bar for you.
-Alex
Cloos: Who doesn’t drink on Mondays?
If you want cheap, avoiding Plein seems to be a rule of thumb. Although not significantly more expensive than other bars at this location, a night at Cloos is usually not a joyful experience for your bank account. However, if you find yourself on a rainy Monday evening in November, craving a cocktail, Cloos is the place to be – financially at least: rainy Monday evenings in bars will be depressing wherever. As a consolidation for the feeling of shame one feels when publicly drinking strong alcohol just one day after the weekend is over, as well as for the undoubtedly miserable life events that led to this decision, Cloos offers all cocktails for the very reasonable price of seven euros and fifty cents on monday nights. It’s almost worth ignoring that you have a 9 a.m. class on Tuesday.
-Diederik
O’casey’s:
Looking for a bar to hang out? To watch football or to have a karaoke night? Then O’Casey’s is the bar for you. An Irish pub in the middle of The Hague, where you can get some traditional beer served by professionals. As a student this is the place to go, the festive atmosphere and wooden design add to the authentic character of the “2019 World’s Best Irish Pub”. Concerning the prices, let’s just say that who loves doesn’t count. But you can still get a discount on beer by showing off your student card!
– Marguerite
Piet Patat
Not a bar but oh so crucial to a night out. When the decision has been made that it is time to leave the bars and dance floor and go home, but you still want to continue the chat with your friends, or need a debrief of the night, or feel like having something heavenly greasy, then it’s time to pass by Piet Patat. The menu offers nothing more or less than your normal Dutch snack bar and is not much bigger than a hole in the wall, but after a sweaty crowded bar, the patat tastes best in the fresh night air anyway.
-Martina
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