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.
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.
This late night refuge is named after the old iron ship that was originally moored on Amsterdam's qua. The ship may be long gone, but the bar remains and Cafe Pollux is the kind of place that welcomes everyone through its doors. The music is old school, with a jukebox blasting out classic rock. Wax statues of the couple that run the place make for some interesting decor. Whether you're there just for drinks, to attend one of the bar's theme nights or to watch a football match, Cafe Pollux is happy to have you.
This collective collaboration of the NH Group of Hotels and three-star Michelin chef Jacob Jan Boerma is the flagship restaurant of the iconic Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky. The White Room is widely considered to be the longest running restaurant in Amsterdam. The interiors include ceiling ornaments, artwork and original 19th-century wall panels. The main dining room is grand as it gets and the cuisine is contemporary with a hint of local flavors.
Old-school punks and hardcore rock fans make this crowded little bar in the city center their home. If you're a fan of loud music, inexpensive beer and excessive facial hair then The Minds has pretty much everything you're looking for. The bar gets pretty busy on weekend nights, but arriving before 11p is usually enough to secure one of the tables or even get in a little pool practice, provided you don't mind doing so in an area slightly too small for a pool table. The Minds couldn't be more central, located just around the corner from Dam Square on Spuistraat; there is even a big neon arrow pointing to the door to make it easier to find.
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.
Cafe Bar The Pint is a lesser known pub, hidden away in the vibrant, nocturnal Red Light area of Amsterdam. The cozy bar features a lot of Rolling Stones paraphernalia as a part of its decor. The drinks here are cheap and stiff while the service is nice and friendly. Live music acts are often hosted here, all in all, The Pint has a lot to offer for American tourists.
Tales and Spirits serves cocktails which are crafted to perfection by their generous and talented bartenders. The interior of the bar is brightly lit with the glow emitting from gorgeous chandeliers. Wooden furnishings give the place a vintage look and modest tables and chairs make comfortable seating spaces. What if...?, All things nice, Little Miss Trouble, Stings like a bee, and Zombie are some of their concoctions that taste as fun as they sound. Duck liver brioche burgers, Brandt and Levie sausage, and crunchy chicken complement the drinks very well. They also have a separate dinner menu and dining room for those who'd prefer a more substantial meal.
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.
De Nieuwe Anita is one of the best spots to experience Amsterdam’s underground music scene. This club and culture center is split into two levels and features a well-stocked bar. Grab a drink and enjoy their eclectic line-up of live entertainment, movie nights and dance parties. Alternative styles that resonate here include rock, pop and Prohibition-era jazz. The retro décor and laid-back vibe gives this place character.