Tabasco Hapjesbar

Tabasco Hapjesbar is located at Theresiastraat 12 in Bezuidenhout, a neighborhood in the Haagse Hout district of The Hague. The establishment combines coffee and other drinks with small dishes intended for sharing. In doing so, Tabasco presents itself not exclusively as a coffee bar, but as a hospitality venue with multiple functions throughout the day.

According to Maurice van der Lans, the location opened on September 3, 2012. Van der Lans publicly describes himself as the founder of Tabasco Hapjesbar. Other public profiles link the establishment to David Mook and Ica Verkouteren. A 2017 profile names David as the owner and Ica as his business partner. The website concludes its own description with the names “David & Ica”.

The exact division of roles during the founding is not publicly documented. Therefore, based on the available information, it cannot be determined who was formally considered the founder. It is clear, however, that multiple people were involved in the development and operation. David was previously associated with the The Hague hospitality venue Nul70. Ica Verkouteren is also mentioned as the owner of Bistro Madame Moustache.

The concept revolves around coffee, drinks, and small dishes for shared use. The establishment also mentions Wi-Fi and offers space for guests working on a laptop. Additionally, the premises can be used for group parties, dinners, and private gatherings. This combination makes the location both a regular hospitality venue and a meeting place for groups.

Public activities show how this social function is fulfilled. In March 2026, a music quiz with presenter Eri was scheduled. Participants could join in teams of three to six people. Social platforms have also documented gatherings at Tabasco. In November 2025, The Hague Women’s Circle organized a meeting there focused on oysters, wine, and networking.

The current menu lists Mocca d’Or Sulawesi Kalosi as the house coffee. A 2021 menu described this coffee as a single-origin made from 100% arabica beans. According to that description, the beans came from the Tana Toraja–Mamasa region in Indonesia. Information about individual farms, producers, or certifications is lacking.

The coffee offering consists mainly of espresso-based preparations. The menu includes regular coffee, cappuccino, espresso, espresso macchiato, and double espresso. Additionally, coffee verkeerd, latte macchiato, and flat white are included. Manual filter methods, such as V60, AeroPress, or Chemex, are not mentioned on the current menu.

In addition to hot coffee drinks, there are several variants with ice, desserts, or alcohol. Examples include iced coffee, affogato, and espresso martini. French, Spanish, Mexican, Italian, and Irish coffee preparations are also on the menu. Caffeine-free coffee and oat milk are available as additional options. Thus, the offering caters to various preferences, without showing a separate program for filter coffee.

Mocca d’Or is the documented coffee supplier. The menu also lists tea from Betjeman & Barton, spirits from Van Kleef, and oysters from Hélie Farm. These names appear on the menu as brands or suppliers. No public information is available regarding formal partnership agreements.

A 2021 menu stated that the entire proceeds of fifty cents per glass of tap water went to Save the Children. The current menu under review does not repeat this statement. It is therefore unclear whether this arrangement still exists. No broader data was found regarding waste reduction, renewable energy, or independent sustainability certifications.

Tabasco appeared shortly after its opening in a neighborhood overview from December 2012. This overview listed the address, contact details, and the concept of small dishes. In 2017, a profile was published about the people involved, the menu, and the terrace. Later, the terrace was included in a national editorial selection of locations in The Hague.

The establishment has also played a role in local and social activities. During the Welcome Weeks of Hogeschool Inholland in 2021, Tabasco provided hot dogs for students and staff. Workshops, coffee tastings, and exhibitions are not publicly documented. No independently verifiable hospitality awards or formal distinctions within the coffee sector are known.

Tabasco Hapjesbar combines an espresso-based coffee offering with drinks, small dishes, and group activities. The available information depicts an establishment with a social and broad hospitality function. For coffee enthusiasts, the Sulawesi Kalosi and the range of classic milk and espresso drinks are particularly relevant. However, detailed information on extraction methods, producers, and sustainable sourcing is not publicly recorded.