The Dutch are definitely beer drinkers, which is why there's no shortage of Heineken signs hanging outside typical brown cafés all over Amsterdam. But for those of you who prefer a more adventurous beer experience, try one of these specialty bars, shops or even a small, local brewery.

•Brouwerij 't IJ

You don't have leave Amsterdam to see a traditional Dutch windmill, or to find a small-scale brewery crafting Belgian-style beers. At Brouwerij 't IJ (named for the body of water it's near) you can accomplish both. Located in a former bathhouse at the bottom of a windmill, the brewery offers unfiltered varieties -- including a pils, a dubbel, a tripel, a brown, a few seasonal beers and even one made with cilantro -- in its no-frills tasting pub. Not only are they delicious, but these pints all cost less than € 3! On sunny days, join the largely local crowd on the ideal south-facing patio.

Brouwerij 't IJ
Funenkade 7
Tasting pub: Open daily 3 - 8 p.m. daily
Tours: Every Friday at 4 p.m. Free; no reservations necessary.

•Café Gollem

Over the past 30 years this alleyway brown café has become a mecca for beer-loving locals and visitors, offering more than 200 bottled beers (95 percent are Belgian). You'll also find 10 taps (six rotating) and Dutch microbrews. Seats aren't as plentiful; this place is the size of a large closet. Go early for a spot at the bar or in the loft, where you can watch everyone from roughneck regulars to young professionals sip their nectar. Ask the well-informed servers for suggestions (I like a honey beer called Barbar). Be warned: the alcohol content in these beers ranges from 5 to 12 percent!

Café Gollem
Raamsteeg 4
Open weekdays 4 p.m. - 1 a.m.; weekends 2 p.m. - 2 a.m.
Alternate location: Daniel Stalpertstraat 74 in De Pijp areaMore »

•Café 't Arendsnest

Run by self-proclaimed beer experts, this biercafé serves only beer from Dutch brweries. That equates to more than 350 beers, 23 of which are on tap. This is a great place to try beers you'll probably never see outside this part of the world. Known for their special events and tastings, "The Eagle's Nest" is also bigger and brighter than Gollem.

Café 't Arendsnest
Herengracht 90
Open daily 4 p.m. - midnight; Fri & Sat until 2 a.m.More »

•Cracked Kettle

If you like what you find in Gollem and want to bring home a few liquid souvenirs, take three steps across the cobbled alleyway to Cracked Kettle. The equally minuscule space is crammed floor-to-ceiling with more than 500 specialty beers from the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Scandinavia and even the United States. They also carry wine and will pack and ship your purchases abroad.

Cracked Kettle
Raamsteeg 3
Open daily 12 - 10 p.m.More »

•De Bierkoning

The main differences between this specialty beer shop just off Dam Square (the name means "The Beer King") and Cracked Kettle are De Bierkoning's slightly bigger size and much larger selection of the glasses meant for their respective beers. These make great gifts (or treats for yourself) to take home. They also sell pre-packaged gift packs of beers from all over the world. Even if you're not a big fan of beer, the sheer size of their selection is mind-boggling and worth a look.

De Bierkoning
Paleisstraat 125
Open Mon 1 - 7 p.m.; Tue - Fri 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Sat 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Sun 1 - 6 p.m.More »