September 16, 2025 · Culinary Journalist
Craft beer with a quirky twist on Poelestraat
In the bustling Poelestraat, where pubs and (nowadays increasingly) restaurants jostle for space, is Bar Oblomov A fixture for twelve years. Not an ordinary nightclub, but a craft beer bar where enthusiasts can indulge themselves. With ninety types of beer on the menu, thirty on tap, and a striking interior, Oblomov is anything but run-of-the-mill.
‘We want to continue to distinguish ourselves with innovation, craziness, and fun things,’ says co-owner Marcel Levee. ‘That makes it fun for us, but especially for our guests.’
Oblomov was conceived by Jeroen Penninga, and the concept is simple: you can only sit high up. So, only bar stools and high tables. ‘That seems like a detail, but it really makes a difference,’ explains Levee. ‘It creates a lively atmosphere, and besides, we are the only establishment in De Poele that does it this way.’
Oblomov’s beer menu is impressive: over ninety varieties, about thirty of which are on tap. And that selection is constantly evolving. ‘We also have a few dedicated beer fanatics working here who make it a sport to bring in beers you won’t find anywhere else,’ says Levee. ‘From sour beers to American specialty beers that enthusiasts love to come and drink.’
The menu is updated twice a year, seasonal beers are featured on the rotating tap, and trends are closely monitored. ‘You see that the consumption of regular lager is declining, but craft beer continues to grow. People are looking for new flavors. We are happy to cater to that.’
Oblomov recently even got its own beer: the Tropical Tsar, brewed in collaboration with Jopen Bier. It is an IPA with fresh notes of mango and lychee, exclusively available at Oblomov. ‘We’ve been working on it for a year and a half,’ says Levee. ‘Testing, tasting, refining. It will finally be on tap soon. For now in a limited edition, but if it catches on, there will be more.’
Oblomov attracts a surprisingly broad crowd. During the week, you mainly find students there, while on weekends you find young working professionals and even hospitality staff from other establishments. ‘It’s already pleasantly full here from half past eight,’ says Levee. ‘Exactly during the hours when the clubs are still quiet. That is precisely what makes Oblomov an ideal start to the evening.’
Oblomov is celebrating its twelfth anniversary this year. There are no expansion plans. "We are pretty much at our limit in terms of space," says Levee. Incidentally, he is hardly a beer drinker at home himself. "If I open something, it is usually a bottle of wine. But in the shop, of course, I do taste along, especially our own beer."
For more information, see oblomovgroningen.nl.
