Where Are the Good Bars in Amsterdam?
From Weber Bar to Greenhouse Effect - The City's Laid-Back Pubs
If you've ever lived within the urban cocktail sprawl that is New York City, you have no choice but to grade the rest of the world's bars on a generous curve. Take Amsterdam, for instance, the Netherland's pride and joy. You might say that the nightlife in Amsterdam is like a magic eye painting. At first glance, it seems to offer only repetitive imagery of a drug-induced landscape, but eventually, to those persistent enough, it will reveal a familiar sight: the casual, decent bar.
Before we go any further, let's define a "decent bar." In Amsterdam, this is a place without overpriced drinks, achingly loud music centered on an electronic pulse, and herds of newcomers who are unabashedly aware of what city they are in. Not too much to ask, right? Well, it's a tall order in this town. Amsterdam is not a city that attracts the casual bar patron. There are ”coffeeshops“ galore, but most do not serve alcohol. Although you may find peace and quiet, along with intoxicants of other sorts, the lack of booze is a deal-breaker – a cow with no milk, a coffeeshop with no coffee. The locales that do offer hard drinks are generally the places where frat boys from around the world ceremoniously numb themselves, like soldiers from the Battle of Waterloo, before and after they usher each other behind the glass doors of the red-light district. These are not drinkeries for one seeking a cold whiskey and a warm vibe. No, just about all of these spots – yes, brothels included – fail to meet the standard of a "decent bar."
Never fear, there are a few oases for the parched traveler.
Marnixstraat 397 & Marnixstraat 403, Liedensplein
These are two separate bars, located next door to each another, just around the corner from Leidensplein, an area surrounded by live music and local art galleries. Because they are very similar in appearance, you may find yourself midway through your third Grolsch before you realize you're in Lux, not Weber. Both have a neighborhood feel, but maintain a sophisticated atmosphere. You could just alternate between the two (a beer, a bar), but if you prefer a Brit-rock soundtrack to your night over a more ambient score, then you'd find your niche at Weber rather than Lux (and vice versa).
Plantage Middenlaan 4A, the Plantage
In Holland, this nightspot is fairly well known. Divided in two, there is a bar in front and an intimate music venue in back that hosts live sets for nationally aired radio. What's great is that you can experience it all without overbearing hordes of spectators. Because it's slightly off-center from town, the patrons are music-lovers and most of the artists are not yet known, you'll find a relaxing setting. This can be a stimulating cultural break from a city that offers mostly mind-numbing nightlife activities.
Warmoesstraat 53, Red-Light district
This is perhaps the best example of what a bar in Amsterdam has the potential to be. It's a must for any visitor, especially with its proximity to Central Station. Next door is a coffeeshop by the same name. The interior is cozy yet sleek with a subtle, eclectic music mix bouncing off its narrow walls. What's special about this place is that you are allowed to engage in typical "coffeeshop activities" while at your table or barstool. Most bars forbid this; it's generally one or the other. This may not be a necessity for some but it's certainly a bar experience unique to Amsterdam.
Amsterdam Bars
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