This is an interesting little bar in a few ways. For one it's been there since 1670. Some of the casks behind the bar are from that period. It's small with a main area near the bar where locals hang out, and an upper area with tables and chairs. There are also tables and chairs along the perimeter of the cafe as well as a whole table and chair section under an umbrella across the street on the corner of Prinsengracht and Rozengracht. It's a great location and a cozy little brown cafe.
They have several beers on tap and an interesting selection of bottled beers. They also offer a selection of appetizer sized snacks like cheese, meatballs, bread and sliced cold cuts. I've sat outside with a friend drinking beer and watching the world go by. Being on the corner at a stoplight you see all the people riding by on their bikes, people on their bikes stopped at the stoplight, people coming from the Anne Frank house from across the street, more people disembarking from their tourist bus, all the cars whizzing past and general foot traffic walking by. It's quite the show.
Service is not slow but neither is it fast. There are two people working the floor and the bar. There is the bartender and a waiter both delivering drinks, serving the locals and tourists alike. I walked up to the bar and asked the bartender if he could recommend a dark beer to me. His reply was curt. He said, "NO....I have no idea what you like!" and turned away. The two locals sitting at the bar got quite the chuckle out of the whole interaction and chimed in, "yep he can't help you." Not to be outdone, I stepped over to one of the tables, grabbed a menu and chose a beer. Whence I stepped back up to the bar to order, the two locals were ready for a good show and watched intently. I waited for the bartender to look my way and told him which beer I'd like. His response, "it's already on it's way!" somewhat annoyed and growing more impatient. So I said, fine, all the while wondering, "okay how did he know which one or did someone already order it for me?"
LOL it took me most of the night to figure out that he meant it would be delivered to me shortly. So, sit down already. Out of the corner of my eye I could see the two locals giggling hysterically. This was some fun now this tourist being put in his place. LOL I thought it was kind of funny myself. Regardless, I wasn't offended by his curtness but slightly amused. The waiter was almost constantly delivering drinks and picking up empty glasses. He was also taking drink orders and acting as a cashier. And then???? we left....walked off into the night. Gone. Places to go things to see, you know.
Now I can't say whether I'll go back but I might. I mean it IS a great people watching spot. read more