A characterful canal-side café-bar with an excellent terrace, friendly moments and appealing drinks, but food quality and table service can be inconsistent.
Café De Sigaar draws a loyal canal-side crowd with its water views, terrace seating, and classic bitterballen and burgers, but inconsistent execution and long waits for food keep it from grade A territory. Friendly staff and quick drinks help, yet unattended tables and a disappointing salad show the kitchen does not always match its best dishes.
Café De Sigaar is at its best with a drink in hand on the canal-side terrace: the water views, sunlight, greenery and attractive grand-café interior repeatedly win people over. One recent diner summed up the appeal as a scenic place to relax, while others praised the terrace as among Groningen's finest. The catch is operational rather than atmospheric: several guests describe friendly, fast service, but others waited too long for attention or food. The kitchen takes a broad, elevated-café approach rather than chasing culinary fireworks. Bitterballen, burgers, schnitzel, fish and chips, saté, soups and sandwiches make the menu accessible, with vegetarian and vegan choices extending beyond token salads. Reviews especially like bitterballen, burgers, schnitzel and mustard soup, although one recent chicken-salad experience was notably ordinary. It is a comfortable choice for lunch, breakfast, casual dinner or drinks, with the setting doing considerable work. Families should find plenty to work with: fries, burgers, schnitzel, fish and chips, croquettes and sandwiches are familiar options, and the menu also includes vegetarian and vegan alternatives. There is no children's menu listed, so picky eaters may need to share or choose from the main menu. The relaxed café atmosphere is welcoming, but consider allowing extra time if ordering a full meal.
Area vibe: Canal-side, compact university city centre known for nightlife, cafés and student life.
Safety: Generally safe with active evening footfall but occasional late-night rowdiness around bars.
What's nearby: Near the Oude Boteringestraat canal, Groninger Museum, University precinct, shops and nightlife on Grote Markt.
The setting is built around sunny canal-side lounging, with an attractive interior and enough casual energy for drinks or lunch.
The safest bets range from praised bitterballen and burgers to a vegan aubergine main and several tempting desserts.
Go for the terrace and relaxed café setting, but plan around uneven service and a meal bill that can rise once drinks and snacks are added.