Dining in Amsterdam
Blarney Stone
Nieuwendijk 29
1012LZ
Amsterdam
Tel: 0031 (0)206233830
Situated on the Nieuwendijk in one of the central tourist areas of Amsterdam, The Blarney Stone offers a lively atmosphere, big screen TV sports coverage, and lashings of Guinness. Far more authentic than a lot of Irish bars in town, and certainly not an Irish "bar in a box" theme pub. Plenty of alcohol gets consumed here, so be prepared for generous helpings of jovial insanity. Beware of The Groper.
Bulldog Palace
Leidseplein 15
1012GH
Amsterdam
Tel: 0031 (0)206271908
Opened in 1985 in what was formally a police station, The Bulldog Palace is the ultimate "one stop" bar and coffeeshop experience in the heart of Amsterdam's Leidseplein nightlife area. Walk up the central front stairs, and you will find yourself in a large, attractively decorated bar and lounge, the first of two, with a smoking area to the rear where you can also play pool or surf the net.
Café Brandon
Keizersgracht 157
1015CL
Amsterdam
Tel: 0031 (0)654347136
Fabulous traditional old Amsterdam Brown Bar. Restored in such a way as to maintain as much of the original bar as possible (more of a clean up than a renovation), Café Brandon absolutely oozes authenticity. A lovely old billiards table, covered when not in use, takes pride of place in a comfortable lounge area where one may smoke. The pavement terrace areas surrounding the bar attract a lively social crowd of an evening, served with well kept beers by and friendly and kindly landlord. Café Brandon is situated in a perfect canal side location in one of the most picturesque areas of Amsterdam.
Café de Sluyswacht
Jodenbreestraat 1
1011NG
Amsterdam
Tel: 0031 (0)206257611
Originally built as the watch-house for the lock (sluis) on the Sint Antoniesluis in 1695, the Café de Sluyswacht provides a selection of salads, and also various fried Dutch snacks described as tapas. The upstairs room of this beautiful little building is available to hire for private functions of up to 100 people. Worth a visit if only because, although small, this is one of those quaint buildings which help make Amsterdam so unique.
De Badcuyp
Eerste Sweelinckstraat 10
Amsterdam
Tel: 0031 (0)206759669
De Badcuyp, formally the local bath house back in the day before in-house facilities, plays host to various live entertainment in either it's main hall, or in the cafe featured here. The menu is small but extremely good value, and there's always an interesting and tasty dish of the day. Events in the main hall usually require a ticket or paid entry unlike the cafe which is generally free. Very nice atmosphere, good well priced food and drinks, and some excellent music make the Badcuyp well worth a visit. Check out their website for details of forthcoming entertainment.
Chocolate
1e van der Helststraat 62
Amsterdam
Tel: 0031 (0)206757672
Chocolate is a modern, unpretentious establishment, serving breakfast, lunch snacks, soups, salads, and a dinner menu. There is usually a soup of the day, a pasta dish of the day, and an antipasti. The main menu comprises an interesting selection of Italian and Asian inspired dishes, for example, Asian noodle soup with prawns, chicken, and fresh vegetables, a salad of baked pear, provolone, fried shallots, and cherry tomatoes, risotto with vongole and chipolata sausages, or homemade Thai style green chicken curry.
Café Gollem
Raamsteeg 4
Amsterdam
Tel: 0031 (0)653780273
With it's truly awesome selection of more than 200 fine Belgium beers, Gollem has to be one of the world's top bars. If you've recently escaped from Isla Del Monos, and your idea of a good night out is swilling pints of cut price larger followed by bags of greasy chips, this is hopefully not the place for you. If however you're looking for a friendly place, well stocked with connoisseur beers, an excellent cheese board, and are interested in experiencing a real old Amsterdam Brown Bar, then Gollem is the perfect venue.