Enjoyed a nice breakfast with a colleague at this gem of a place in Anchorage. Had a great eggs Benedict and the portion was healthy, and the taste even better. Don't recall the name, but it has avocado and the croissants soaked up the egg and sauce just right. Breakfast potatoes were skillet fried just right. Clean, delightful atmosphere with lovely artwork, and good service. Good value, too! Super simple and easy parking. read more

I loved my visit here. Super nice crowd and fun rnviroment made our trip very much worth it. The food was hot and fast. The drinks were cold. And everyone had a big smile. We definitely will be back out next visit. read more

I usually go here with my mom or gma at least 4 times a year... Love their Eggs benedict. .. Im not a super picky person, but the service is Always Super SSSSlow...unless you force yoruself a table... They take forever to clean tables even when not busy.. However, there is one waiter who is really with it and he fills everyone's drinks up in great timing...but the women there...yea.....they should work on their customer service :( The food is always very flavorable, especially the teriyaki entrees... , The 2nd to last time I had a Benedict it seemed it had been sitting out for a while while they made the other meals to deliver at the same time. AND The whole reason Im even writing this review: lol.. Great place to go for the Worst Rueben sandwiches in the world. ... They barely even melt the cheese! This has happend twice! Spenard Roadhouse doesnt even have a true rueben with cornbeef, but instead has ham and their's is to die for thick n juicy! read more

I was wholly unimpressed with their food, their prices, and some of their service. Also, as a former food industry employee, I have zero interest in patronizing a business that verbally abuses its staff. read more

From the moment I walked in, the manager treated me with complete disrespect. I went to join my husband and friends for a drink while on my way back from work. I asked the manager if I could pull up a chair, and she frowned and turned away, annoyed. After waiting a while, I drank some water on the table and took a sip of my husbands beer to try it. The manager then comes over and said to me, "it's one thing to pull up a chair, but to drink a beer and not check your id is really effed up." Well, if she actually acknowledged my arrival, I would have been offered me a menu and my id checked after I sat down. Also, I'm almost 30. I will never go back here, and I feel bad for the servers and employees under her management. Not to mention, I would never treat a customer the way she did. read more

Food was ok, but had to stop coming in because of staff/management problems resulting in very poor service. Who wants to hear a server being yelled (yes, yelled) at by manager for no good reason? read more

Owner had a genuine melt-down when we pulled two small tables together...place was empty. Food was so-so and way over-priced. Decor is tired and the place looked grungy. Won't darken their doorway again! read more

Absolutely rude! The owner is such a mean person, and she does not care about her patrons. Sad because it has a good beer selection, but it is over priced. read more

Strange beginning to a disappointing meal. Our server was awesome-we were greeted quickly, sat fast and received our food very quickly as well. The problem was the manager (or owner?) who was unnecessarily rude about where my friend could place her sleeping baby in a carrier. It could be that she has terrible people skills but if that's the case, she should not be in the front of house. The food quality was low-chewy, dry turkey on my friend's melt and cheap, bag mix salad. For the amount I paid I would've expected salad that was a little fresher and house made. I haven't eaten here in years and probably won't revisit. read more

OK - so I'm upgrading this joint one star. Not because of the food, but because this time around for a lunch pow-wow I heard zero screaming from the owner's wife. And I believe that that deserves another star by itself (I know, kinda sad for the reasoning but I'm sure they'll take it coming from this LA Times food critic). I ordered the eggs florentine for lunch. They were fine...wasn't overly impressed but wasn't disappointed either. Here's where my love for numbers comes into play though. The plate itself was $15. $15 for 2 eggs on an untoasted muffin with straight-from-the-bag-cold spinach & huge chunks of unripe tomatoes slathered with some hollandaise sauce & a baby's handful of cottage potatoes (I had to google cottage potatoes - I'm pretty sure they need to as well), left me questioning where the rest of my money was going. Pretty sure the cooks are receiving nothing more than minimum wage, the decor is outdated - plastic chairs and tables, servers get min wage too & I'm almost positive most of those ingredients came straight from Costco. Has our economy tanked so much that a local restaurant must sink so low as to robbing the consumer?? Perhaps...Glad I only went in for lunch, I'd be scared to look at their beer prices. For that kind of money, this New York Times food critic expects the eggs to be gathered from the chickens outside (preferably hormone free & free range), the spinach to have a little legal happy stuff in it, the lemon juice in the sauce to be squeezed from the freshly plucked lemon tree growing on Benson and the tomatoes, well, if they could just be ripe...that would be great. read more

This place is a hidden gem for Belgian beer lovers. Most Anchorage locals know of it, but I don't think it gets much foot traffic from visitors. It's a small, intimate cafe located on Benson in the Metro Mall, right across from the Sears Mall. Owned by Ken and Shauna Pajak. Ken was a brewer at the Regal Eagle Brewpub in Eagle River. He now offers some of the best Belgian and local beer selections in the city at Cafe Amsterdam. You enter into an area, reminiscent of a street cafe, with a few tables and chairs off in the corner near the window wall which, by the way, lets in tons of sunlight. That is especially appreciated during the winter months when sun is at a premium. If you arrive for dinner and there is a waiting line you can enjoy a great beverage at the bar or one of the cafe tables. The dining area is quaint, has an intimate feeling in the winter evening when it's dark outside and the lights of the restaurant are dimmed. It's nice to note that the full menu can be had at the bar in the cafe entry as well as in the dining room. The beer menu is usually heavy on bottled Belgians, with a few of them on tap along side some great local offerings. You won't find any Bud, Miller or Coors in this place. The wait staff is knowledgable with regards to the beer, but if you really want answers talk to Ken or Shauna. One of them is always there. They are quick to offer alternatives to those that come in and ask for a Bud. Doing their part to spread the word of good beer. There are usually 16 or so beers on tap (a few from Midnight Sun and Glacier Brewhouse, Unibroue, Chimay and others, I've seen meads and ciders on tap as well) and somewhere in the vacinity of 80 bottle selections. For example: Orval 11 oz. $8.50, Westmalle 11 oz. $7.50-8.00, Abbaye Des Rocs 11.2 oz. $6.00-$6.50, Duvel 11 oz. $4.50, Maredsous 10 750ml $13.50, Dupont Saison 750ml $11.50, Liefman's Gluhkriek 12oz. $9.00. A few French ales like Castelain Blond Biere de Garde 750ml $15.00 and a few English ales like Fullers 1845 16oz. for $6.00. There are some German ales and lagers like Einbecker Pils 11oz. $5.00. American and Canadian offerings are from Unibroue, Ommegang or local. The beers are always served in the appropriate glassware and at the appropriate temperature, a big plus. The beer menu changes depending on what's available. This list is just a partial. I want to remind anyone reading this that my take on assigning $$ value to this place is based on the fact that I live here and I find their prices to be reasonable as compared to other places in this area. Visitors from outside may find them expensive. The food menu is ever changing as well. Seasonal specials are common for the menu and I believe the menu is changed weekly or so with some items remaining the same for each menu. They serve breakfast all day, every day and have the best eggs benedict in town. Lunch offers many varieties of sandwiches, both hot and cold. Big salads are a staple on the lunch menu as well. There is a fantastic artisan cheese plate available also! The breakfast and lunch menu are served from 7a -9p. They used to have a night menu, but no longer....AND beginning May 3, 2009, they will be open on Sundays! For dessert maybe a burnt cream or brownie sundae ($5 each). They've also been known to throw beer dinners during the fall and winter months. This is a place that we enjoy visiting once a month or so. If you find yourself in Anchorage, stop by and check it out. Something I should mention; Cafe Amsterdam is the only place, that I know of, in town that does a slow-pour pilsner, when they have it on tap. read more

Wow, i am going to try and be fair, their food looks great. Although extremely overpriced! Considering they were not busy the service was crap, came in and sat for about 10 minutes and was not acknowledged once. Got up and left. Not happy. If you are going to demand those prices then people need to demand equal or better service. All in all a big fail for mothers day! Boooo read more

Food was mediocre the staff was not pleasant. The waitstaff was being bossed around by a head waitress/manager who verbally abused her staff. They had several empty dirty tables sitting in the restaurant the entire time we were there. The head waitress would get extremely loud while complaining about staff in the open restaurant area. I will not come back. read more

Did I ever mention that I'm from Chicago? That one of the places I love best in Chicago is Germantown? In just one cafe I have the very best of Chicago's Germantown. The beer selection is always outstanding and it is served with breakfast, a Chicago tradition. This place even has German dinner specials after 5 pm. My Beloved and I first went here last year for a beer tasting hosted by the Anchorage beer brewers club. Wonderful group of people! My favorite dish is a variation of eggs benedict called Croissant Beatrix, which involves perfectly ripe avocadoes and a squiggle of sour cream. I usually order something Hefeweiss-y with this, light and fruity. Last week I went for a grilled sandwich and a Midnight Sun Coho, my favorite 'Sun' brew- very hoppy but with a strong grapefruit character. The staff is always right on top of what brew they have available. It is a delight to match beers with food under the guidance of people who 'get it'. my Beloved had the Reuben sandwich. He felt the corned beef was corned in-house, which does not surprise me. The cooking is European home-style in the good way. My Beloved and I have been here more times than any other place in the past year. I can't believe I forgot to review our favorite place. I was probably keeping it a secret as seating can get tight. read more

Had breakfast around 7:50am. Was greeted after a minute wait and given a glass of water immediately after. Ordered the Eggs Benedict; a very delicious and rich plate. The atmosphere and service was great. The only reason I gave this restaurant three stars was, because of the employee politics. When an employee does something wrong or if you are unhappy with someone, do not express your dissatisfaction in front of the costumers. Everything was perfect until I had to hear negative comments while trying to enjoy my first meal of the day. Please keep the politics behind closed doors. I am willing to go back, but if I have to hear more about the restaurant's internal affairs, then there won't be a next time. read more

The food and drinks are not the issue here - it's the time it takes to get them. We walked in and noticed the entire wait staff and the entire kitchen staff were all sitting around talking. I had to physically get up and find our waitress and give her our order. Then we ordered a drink from her, but she went to the bar and just talked to the bar tender for 10 min and forgot about my drink! We didn't have a lot of time so it was stressful. Mom (a restaurant owner) said she would come in here and fire everyone - ugh!!!! read more

Try the new dark IPA if you're into IPAs, very delicious. This place is definitely a hidden gem in town.

One word: perogies. Love them. Cafe Amsterdam has great beer and wine selection and a diverse menu. Perogies.

We stumbled on to this spot on the way out to look at glaciers. We were just looking for a simple breakfast, this place exceeded all expectations. We interacted with at least five staff, and they were without exception kind, friendly, helpful, and witty. The food was wonderful! It is a family owned and operated place, and this really showed in how they worked as a team. As they have a Dutch theme, I ordered the uitsmijter, it was perfect. My partner had the Beatrix croissant, again absolutely wonderful. They had a fresh fruit as an option to potatoes, and their blueberry/port salad dressing was so good we begged for the recipe. Highly recommended. Will be back. read more

I must say that I came to Cafe Amersterdam with high expectations as a friend had introduced me to their beer menu online. The beer selection did not disappoint but I found the food menu both limited and over priced. We each had a $7.50 salad and split a $20 appetizer with sliced meats & some cheese. They did accommodate our request for an order of olives on the side, which was not on the menu. While the beer list was extensive, they had advertising/signage for a number of beers on the wall, many of which were mot offered, which was frustrating. If I'm in town again I'd stop in for a drink but probably eat somewhere else. read more

Very poor experience!!! I just wanted a coffee and I told the guy this when he offered me a menu. Apparently the training waitress feels no matter what I have to take the menu and was upset with me and the guy even though he tried to give me one and I kindly refused!!! Very rude experience!!! read more

My family stopped by on our vacation from Los Angeles and were amazed at how great the food was. The staff was extremely friendly and made sure our needs were met. I was surprised at the nice beer selection. We will definitely be back when we are in town. read more

Had a very relaxing Sunday brunch here. If you are looking to explore some interesting beers, check out their menu online and you can get a heads up on what they are serving. I tried three excellent saisons that I haven't seen in Anchorage. The food is a little on the spendy side, but it was filling and tasty. Would definitely come back again. read more

Very unique place to have breakfast. Service was exceptional the two times I've been. The first time it was rocking busy. I expected like most breakfast places, the breakfast potatoes would be nothing but filler. They actually were seasoned well and ended up accompanying the eggs benedict. I like my red onions so that may sway my opinion of this place, since they include those with breakfast. My husband on the other hand doesn't and held off the onion and replaced the potatoes. I would challenge anyone to find a cleaner place in town. They are meticulous and this might have something to do with staff, but clean is hard to find anymore. read more

This is a yummy place for brunch. They have delicious Eggs Benedict and French Toast.

Matt is back at the Amsterdam, WE MISSED U!!!! Looking forward to awesome food, with awesome people and awesome beer!!!!

Heard really great things about this place but even as much as I wanted to like it, it fell short. It wasn't bad I just felt like I could have made the food myself and the decor was for sure an Amsterdam theme but a little to tacky for my taste. read more

The Thai Vegetarian was very good. I was worried that the curry might be too strong but it was mixed just right with the peanut sauce. Surprisingly good! read more

This place is interesting. First you feel like you are walking into a bar, next you feel like you are in someone's living room. At the back of the room is an open kitchen lay out. My biggest turn off was the chef who wore shorts, a tee shirt, and ate bits of food while he cooked food. Food was mediocre at best. I will not be back. read more

Great service, massive amount of drinks, wine, beers, ciders, and other, food selection is limited but good, albeit a bit on the pricey side. I took a date there, I had two drinks, she had one, and we had an appetizer with the meal and it came to about 75 dollars. Nice place to pop into for breakfast or lunch as well. read more

We ate here while visiting Alaska over the summer and it really is a hidden gem. Our hotel was nearby and we popped in looking for a quick dinner. The environment was cute and inviting and the food was fantastic! Our server recommended the blueberry dressing on the green salad and it was seriously out of this world delicious! The dressings are made in-house and the ranch was great too! The other item we tried was the Ruben and it was absolutely perfect! I left wishing this place were near my home so I could become a regular. read more

Awesome restaurant! I was there for breakfast and had the Bavarian Apple Pancake with bacon. I ordered the small pancake (still a lot of food). The pancake was absolutely delicious and reminded me of Germany or Austria. The bacon was perfect. The best bacon I have had a breakfast place in a while. I sat at the counter and had a chance to talk with the owners and they were the nicest people. I will definitely be back and would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone traveling to Anchorage. read more

great blueberry vinergerette! visiting from the Bayarea this place made me feel like it was just a chilly day in San Francisco. great beer selection and you can't go wrong with having a guiness on a cold march day! great service and great beer selection - what more can you ask for! read more

Good food, had a bowel of oatmeal with fruit and a mushroom Swiss omelet. The servers were friendly and kept my coffee cup full. The wait time was a little slow and the prices were a little high but the flavor of the food was very good. Would go back. read more

Avocado melt is delicious and the service is great. Quaint little restaurant, just like the ones I've been to in Europe. And a beautiful bar!!! Definitely come back again. Probably for some beer!! Three whole pages of beer and wine selections!! Great art adds for a relaxed family restaurant. Open and in a great location. read more

great benedict florentine, the regular benedict and the Moluska (with lox!) are also really good. they all come with cottage potatoes that are yummy the cocoa comes with a dollop of home made whipped cream if it's warm out you must try the sparkling lemonade -so tangy! chicken avocado melt, grilled tuna and smoked turkey are all excellent the blueberry port vinaigrette is really good and the fruit crisp is the perfect end to a great lunch -if you have any room left read more

The Reuben is the reason why I come here. It's the perfect meld of flavours with the right amount of kraut. The beer selection is not bad either. Everything else I feel is meh. read more

Back in Anchorage for a visit and had Sunday breakfast/brunch at Cafe Amsterdam. Great service from the owner and her son. I had the veggie omelette. Fresh peapods, so crunchy, paired well with the more usual mushrooms, tomatoes and avocado. Not fancy, but reliable and delicious. read more

Mediocre at best. The service was good, but I hate leaving a restaurant feeling like I could have made the same meal at home, only better (and I'm not that great of a cook). I had the Amsterdammer and my boyfriend had the Chicken curry sandwich. Both were very basic, bland, and over-priced. I do like that they serve breakfast all day, so I may have to give it a second chance for breakfast, but I will not be going back for lunch. read more

Finally stopped back in and had the Bavarian Apple Pancake. It was very large so you may want to order the 1/2 order versus the full one. The pancake was wrapped around the sliced apples was excellent! The apples were well cooked just enough that they were slightly firm/crunchy. The sauce was bathed over the apples inside the pancake and over it. My one comment would be instead of a brown sugar cinnamon sauce I would prefer a vanilla sauce with cinnamon over everything. read more