Amsterdam Cocktail Bars
A proper cocktail bar can not only offer a well-made Dirty Martini (the ultimate test), but you can also tell the bartender what you’re in the mood for and he/she can create something creative and delicious. These are the bars I’ve found that can do both well.
I added photos to give a sense of the vibe of each spot but honestly, I’m typically drinking at these establishments so my photographs are representative of a person drinking at a cocktail bar….
LOVE this bar. Located in the Depijp neighborhood under the Moak Pancake restaurant. If you’re lucky, you’ll be there when the owner, Leroy, is bartending and he’ll mix you up something amazing. My go-to first cocktail (because there’s never just one here) is the Ginnegapper (close-to-pronounced ‘hin-eh-hopper’). Extra points for the decor which makes you feel like you’re walking through Vondelpark Park at dusk.
James Bond-inspired custom cocktails; great pre- or post-dinner spot; walk in when they first open to get a table or sit outside on the windowsill and people watch; one of the best, most creative bars in AMS.
This new bar in the Depijp neighborhood has it all: Swanky interior, stellar and creative cocktails, a Shot Wheel and a Photo Booth. And while you’re perusing the menu you can choose from one of their mini-cocktails to sip on while you decide. It’s like getting a snack to walk around with at the grocery store. Brilliant. My favorite is the Vesper.
Swanky, cozy bar overlooking Dam square but any air of pretension is taken away by the warm and friendly staff happy to make suggestions or go off menu. The espresso martini with espresso beans toasted at the table (pictured) was the best I’ve had.
This spot is temporarily closed, but when it’s open it is THE BEST. Super creative concept using fresh ingredients from the Albert Cuyp Market inspiring cocktails in every category: Sweet, Sour, Boozy, Bitter or Wildcard. My choice is always the Bitter. Plus they employ a bark-tender - Parker (shown here) - who makes sure everything runs smoothly.
Cozy spot that’s super popular so I suggest you make a reservation. Otherwise, get there right as they open or prepare to wait. Serving up unique concoctions alongside classics.
Located near Dam Square, Tales is rated one of the top cocktail bars in the world and it fills up quickly. Go right when they open at 5:30 to get a table inside, or outside if the weather is welcoming. They offer an interesting and inventive cocktail list that focuses as much on presentation as it does on taste. The drink shown in the picture is the Splish Splash that arrives as shown. Not show is the umbrella you hold while the song Splish Splash plays. This drink isn’t always on the menu but it’s worth the ask. They also have a new punch each day that is pricey but tasty. My husband loves it here, I think it’s meh. Worth a single visit for the spectacle.
Sins of Sal - Edgy cocktail bar with creative cocktails and Latin-inspired food. Although I didn’t eat here during my visit it did smell amazing so I will be back to eat. But I can highly recommend the Adult Entertainment cocktail.
Bar Oldenhof - Cozy old-fashioned style spot serving classic cocktails with a twist. I love it in here. An excellent place to stop in and try something new. Or old. Or both.
Door 74 - Speakeasy style creative cocktail bar; good for a pre- or post-dinner spot; def call ahead for a reso; it can get loud and very warm in there so plan accordingly.
Bars I Haven’t Been to Yet But Recommend…
Tailor Bar | Law & Order | Rosalia’s Menagerie | Dutch Courage
