Café de Rijnbar was on the map by 1920 as part of "Plan Zuid" designed by the world famous architect Hendrik Petrus Berlage (1856-1934).
In 1922 the Rijnbar was built by architect Gerrit Jan Rutgers (Berlage-Group) at Rijnstraat 1, Amsterdam.
A lot of the genuine Art Déco features of the pub (a listed building) have been preserved, most notably the original counter, the floor in the taproom, the beautiful stained-glass and the tiling in the Ladies' cloakroom.
 
In the 1930s a number of celebrated artists and writers made themselves at home in the Rijnbar, among them Herman Middendorp (1888-1941), who in 1935 dedicated a thriller to his favourite pub: "The murder at the Rijnbar".
 
During World War II Café de Rijnbar played a major role in the Dutch Resistance Movement.
The Café was the headquarters of resistance hero Tijmen "De Jong" Hoekstra and served as a stock- room for weapons and ammunition supplies.
 
To this day the atmosphere of gaudy times and eventful history lingers on at Café de Rijnbar making a visit there more than worthwhile.