February 12, 2024 · Culinary Journalist
Their café is located in the nicest nightlife area of the city of Groningen. That is what Roos Brinkman and her manager Wouter Eilering, of Dinercafé Soestdijk, think. With the Pintelier just a little further down the road and Café Wolthoorn around the corner. And because it is not situated in the middle of the city's traditional nightlife district, the atmosphere is very relaxed.
‘When you step into our café, it really feels like coming home,’ says Wouter. ‘It is very accessible, a place for everyone. For young and old, and also for families.’
Soestdijk has been around for 30 years and is a fairly traditional café, according to the owner. Various princes and princesses have also worked here, including Maurits, Marilène, and Bernhard. Maurits and Marilène even met here. ‘She worked serving customers and he behind the bar,’ says Wouter. ‘They fell in love here.’ Maurits and Marilène’s children also know their way to the café and regularly drop by.
‘Actually, anything is always possible here,’ says Roos, ‘that makes our café unique. Although, of course, everyone in the hospitality industry always puts the guest first; that is why you are in this profession.’ ‘We always think in terms of possibilities,’ adds Wouter. ‘For example, if a group suddenly walks in, we move everything aside to ensure they have a good seat. We are always open to anything, and there is always one of us present here. I think that also ensures that people feel welcome and that we have many regulars. Nothing is too crazy for us.’
According to Roos, what further makes the café unique is the smooth transition from lunch, drinks, and dinner to a party café. For lunch, you can choose from various types of gourmet sandwiches. Several shared dining dishes are perfect for drinks, and for dinner, there is an à la carte menu. ‘That ranges from a simple satay to a beautiful tenderloin steak, vegetarian dishes, or a piece of grilled tuna. But we also cater to the seasons with dishes like mussels and asparagus.’
In addition, there is a so-called King's Meal; a daily special that is different every day. Sometimes it features stamppot, another day pork tenderloin with a mustard-bacon sauce. "Always reasonably priced," says Roos.
Dinercafé Soestdijk is open every day of the week. For more information, visit cafesoestdijk.nl
