In de Wildeman may just be the best beer bar in Amsterdam. It is housed in an old distillery from 1690 just off the Nieuwezijds Kolk. The clientele consists of beer lovers who come from all over the world. Roughly 18 draught beers are available at any given time, along with around 150 bottled beers. Of course, the beers are changed regularly to avoid boredom and there are special themed weeks in which certain beers are celebrated, so there's always something new to sample.
Near Amsterdam's second most important amusement area, the Leidseplein, lies this small jazz pub with a short bar and just a few tables and chairs. Dimly lit, the cafe has a rustic charm to it with its soft candles and lanterns. Alto has been entertaining jazz lovers for more than 50 years and you will find the plastered photo walls of jazz greats quite alluring. The wooden floors adds to the mystique of the place while the nightly live performances gives it an ethereal aura to it. Go there if you are a jazz enthusiast, you might just love the place.
Launched in 1990, Bourbon Street is arguably one of the best live music venues in Amsterdam. This place is a great choice if you're looking to experience a vibe akin to music clubs in the 1920s. Its retro ambiance is a great backdrop for blues, jazz, reggae and alternative rock. Their stage has been graced by the likes of BB King, Bruce Springsteen, and Joss Stone.
One of the oldest Irish pubs in Amsterdam, Mulligans is always alive with cheer and fun. On the menu are Irish staples like Guinness and Kilkenny on tap, as well as a large selection of regional whiskies. Live performances, mostly Celtic based, provide the background music of the night. Occasionally they host open mic sessions that are open to amateur musicians. Their staff is friendly and the atmosphere mirrors that of a lively pub in Ireland. You know you are in for a good time when you are at Mulligans.
Brouwerij is not really your ordinary pub and brewery. Only house-brewed beers are tapped here or sold in bottles. The furniture consists of bare wooden seats and tables next to a simple bar in this former municipal bathhouse. On the large terrace you will find people scattered out, sitting on the ground as well as the tables and chairs. Tours are available as well.
True beer aficionados, take note! Proeflokaal Arendsnest stands out among its many competitors by offering at least one beer from each brewery in The Netherlands. You can also find many aged varieties here, which are rather unusual in Amsterdam. The pub itself is long and narrow in the typical style, and offers bar stools as well as tables in the back. If you want to learn more about the beers you are sampling, sit at the bar and chat up the owner, who is incredibly knowledgeable about his craft.
St Paul's effortlessly transforms itself from a cosy restaurant during the day to a stylish lounge at night. While the bar offers a selection of wines and handmade cocktails alongside coffee, the kitchen whips up a variety of delicious meals including their special lamb kebabs. With everything from burgers, pastas, sandwiches and soup, to salads, omletes and tapas, you are sure to find something that is just right for you. Its friendly staff, great music, tasty drinks and delicious food make St. Paul's a great choice for a relaxed meal or drink with friends.
With a very large, sunny terrace on a bridge over the Singel canal, Café van Zuylen is a popular choice for a beer and a bite to eat during the summer months. Inside, the bar is full of nooks and crannies for privacy as well as large window seats for a comfortable evening of people watching. It can get pretty busy on the weekends with the crowd of young professionals spilling out onto the streets. The breakfast, lunch and dinner menu offer a wide choice for every meal, while the Spanish tapas platter is a favorite off the snacks menu for those looking for a quick bite.
De Drie Fleschjes is Amsterdam's oldest bar, serving up its signature slection of tasty liquors and beverages to locals since 1650. Situated on the West side of the Inner City, this historic location is still dominated by an entire wall of casks (fifty two to be specific), containing an assortment of signature blends. Old world decor and a near-unparalleled selection of high-quality tipples have kept De Drie Fleschjes in the mix since the 17th Century.
If you are looking for a meal that you’ll remember for a long time, head to Mr Porter and expect to be delighted. Though the indoor seating area is quite cozy, there is also a lovely terrace seating from where patrons can enjoy a fantastic view of Dam square or simply watch the sunset with their companion. Roast Beef Carpaccio, Pan Fried Baby Squid and Tunisian Tuna Tartine are some of the delicacies served on the menu. Besides these, there is also a great selection of small plates and homemade dishes. Pair the decadent meals with a glass of wine or call for one of the expertly prepared cocktails. If you have some room left, you can also go for one of the creamy desserts like Mara Des Bois. Whether you decide to come here for an early morning breakfast, a lunch date or to celebrate a special occasion in the evening, the decadent food, great views and the lovely ambience is sure to make your dining experience here a memorable one.
O'Reilly's is a quintessential Irish pub in the heart of Amsterdam’s city center. Its prime location and authentic Irish experience can be credited to patrons revisiting. Enjoy regional ales and stouts with home-cooked grub. Equipped with televisions showcasing live sports, this watering hole is at its liveliest best on game nights.
Drawing inspiration from the opulent Belle Époque Era, The Duchess is an elegant bar and restaurant which reminds one of the fashionable grandeur of Venice and the class of upper crust London. With crystal lanterns hanging from the ceiling, glossy glass tables and plush seats and beautiful decor, the place is perfect for a special date. Along with a range of zippy cocktails, fizzy bubblies and other drinks, the place also offers a menu of delicious Italian and French dishes. Starting from the baked king crab and mushroom platters to the scrumptious homemade ice cream and champagne sorbet, each bite is indulgence in the purest form.