4 Unique Spots to Grab a Drink in Amsterdam
While there are plenty of places to grab a drink in Amsterdam, there are a few spots that are unlike any other. Whether they have a remarkable history, stunning liquor selection or unmatched ambiance, you won’t want to miss out on a single one.
The back booth in Cafe 't Mandje
Café 't Mandje (Zeedijk 63, 1012 AS)
Dating back to 1927, this historic gay bar is decked floor to ceiling in quirky memoribilia and photographs. Back when homosexuality was illegal, this little bar acted as a safe haven for all to come, dance and be themselves. It’s located near the Red Light District, and is full of lovely people, a great jukebox selection and an incredible history. If anything, at least pop in - it’s well worth the visit.
In’t Aepjen (Zeedijk 15-1, 1012 AN)
One of Amsterdam’s oldest bars has a truly fascinating backstory, with the decor to go along with it. In’t Aepjen, translating to “in the monkeys,” refers back to when pet monkeys were used as a form of payment by sailors during the golden age of the Dutch Empire. Eventually these monkeys - and their fleas - became quite a bother, and they were given off to what would become the zoo. However, the legend is still very much alive in this old, little bar, as monkey statues, stuffed monkeys and paintings cover the interior. It’s whimsical and a bit creepy in the most adoring way possible.
Wynand Fockink (Pijlsteeg 31, 1012 HH)
Wynand Fockink
Located in a charming alley in the city center of Amsterdam, Wynand Fockink (incredible name, by the way) was my favorite spot. They have been making and serving liqueurs since the late 1600s. With a very high alcohol content, their liquor is delicious in the most dangerous way, and there are over 70 to choose from.
Now, I’ve never been one to enjoy straight liquor, so this was entirely out of my comfort zone, and yet I loved every moment of it. I got to enjoy two different types, but if I’d had more time, I’m sure I could have gone through many more - at the expense of driving everyone mental, though I’m sure.
Upon walking in, let the bartender know you’d like to do a tasting - it is a tasting room, after all - and they will help you decide on which two you should try. Once you’ve made your selection, they will fill a tulip glass to the brim, leading us to my favorite part - because the glass is so full, one has to take part in tradition by bowing down, and taking a slurp off of the top. Delightful.
Once you’ve got your liquor of choice, be sure to order a beer along with it (trust me), then head outside and enjoy. If you like what you’ve just had, you can walk down the alley to Lucas Bols Distillery and buy a bottle of it. Brilliant.
Café Batavia 1920 (Prins Hendrikkade 85, 1012 AE)
Located across the street from Central Station, this spacious pub has food, plenty of seats and a friendly staff (ah! and tvs if you fancy a football game). I’d say this is a great first place to go and relax - feel welcome - when you first arrive in town. It’s located along the canal, so they’ve got an awesome view and a great variety of beers on tap (I’d recommend trying the Grolsch).
Amsterdam is very supportive of their small businesses, so there are tons of neat little spots to try out if you’re willing to explore. Happy drinking!
