Our History

On the side of the building, there is a mosaic with the text ‘Zum Barbarossa’, showing a fruit tree and two clovers, like those found on playing cards. 'Zum' refers to the small door next to the mosaic, which leads to a room that is invisible from the street.

Barbarossa is housed in a centuries-old building that once served as a beer cellar where shady gambling games were played. This past contributes to the air of mystery surrounding the bar: Barbarossa was once the name of the Groningen beer that secretly flowed from the tap. Now, it is the name of an intimate bar, right in the middle of the city yet still hidden away.