I'm a bit confused, really. I was the first of my party to show up, and I was early. The staff barely looked at me but left me standing by the door. Finally I walked into the dining room and managed to grab the attention of a server to tell her I had a reservation, which prompted her not so much to sit me, the paying customer, but to get me the first empty table so I was out of the way.
While I waited for my friend, a few Dutch couples walked in and each was greeted with a big smile and the type of enthusiasm reserved for famous people - maybe everyone happened to be famous, but that should be irrelevant because everyone would be paying the same amount and everyone should be treated the same anyway? Each was promptly seated and their drink orders taken. It took effort on my part just to get a menu, and I gave up trying to order a drink. Based on the looks on the servers' faces you'd think I was disturbing their work by trying to order something I'd pay for.
As soon as my Dutch friend arrived a server was at his feet with a smile and aforementioned enthusiasm - though my friend is definitely not famous - and then my wishes of drink and food could be granted.
The food was good and the portions were big but the crappy service/treatment is inexcusable. Besides, there are plenty of cheaper places in Amsterdam where a paying customer can be treated like an inconvenience. read more