Treasure behind the treasure: Restaurant Baardman

In this monthly column, we highlight one of our entrepreneurs each time. This spring brings sunny days that are perfect for enjoying a terrace. One of our favorite spots these days is the terrace of Restaurant Baardman. They have everything you need for the perfect afternoon: delicious drinks, a menu full of great bites, a super friendly staff, and—most importantly—plenty of sunshine!

Bart – Restaurant Baardman

While many restaurants see frequent staff changes, at Baardman, you’ll almost always find the same familiar faces. A dedicated team with a passion for good food and hospitality. And did we mention that this is the perfect spot if you’re arriving by train and looking for a cozy place near The Hague Central Station—without the hustle and bustle of the city? Time to catch up with owner Bart (who, fun fact, doesn’t have a beard—the restaurant is actually named after the bearded reedling, a small bird).

How did Baardman begin?

Baardman has been around for five years now—actually, a little longer. We opened on March 16, 2020. A great start, right? We had to close almost immediately due to COVID. But hey, we’re still standing! After a successful takeaway campaign during the lockdown years, we’ve become a go-to spot for locals and workers in and around the ‘Trees’ district. And that’s exactly why we’re here: Tuesday to Thursday for the working crowd, and on Fridays and Saturdays for the true Hagenezen.

What makes Baardman truly Baardman?

Baardman is a wonderfully unpolished place where the food and wine are always good. The menu might not always be perfectly in sync, but we make up for it with a warm atmosphere and plenty of daily specials. That ever-changing element makes every visit worthwhile.

Which fellow The Hague treasure do you often visit?

Unfortunately, I’m usually too busy with the business—and with my little kids—so I still have a lot of The Hague treasures to explore! My longtime go-to spot for drinks was the Oude Molstraat, which I believe is home to many treasures. Especially in the late hours, it’s a fantastic and diverse meeting place. Fellow treasure De Kwartel is truly exceptional as a beach bar, with a great and diverse wine selection. And when I’m in the mood for a good Swiss cheese fondue, Bistro Jules is the place to be.