Amsterdam's Famous Coffee Shops

Dan Segal

Last summer five friends and I embarked on a three week journey through five European countries. Our first stop was Amsterdam, and we made sure to enhance our visit with a few stops to some popular, and some obscure, coffee shops throughout the city. As devoted observers of our surroundings, we discussed our preferences and complaints for each location. Below is a review of several coffee shops that left the biggest impressions, for better or worse.

 The Overrated

The Bulldog

Photo via The Bulldog

I had to kick things off with the most mentioned coffee shop on the list. The Bulldog offers a spacious interior with a cool retro feel to it, complimented by the fact that it’s built inside an old police station. It’s also close to the Heineken factory and the Van Gogh Museum, which are popular tourist destinations.   Unfortunately it’s extremely touristy and offers the worst “product” — noticeably so. While it’s worth a visit, its popularity overstates its quality.

Grey Area

Photo via Wunderland

Essentially a dealership, Grey Area gets an outstanding reputation mostly for boasting some of best strains in Amsterdam, but the difference in quality between the higher-end strains at competing shops was rather small. The shop itself is the smallest on the list; it offers only one table and some barstools. The décor is a set of walls layered in stickers without the great diner feel. If you’re a real connoisseur give it a shot, but don’t expect a seat.

The Good Times

Coffeeshop Johnny

Photo via Flickr

Located in the beautiful Jordaan neighborhood, Coffeeshop Johnny is a small coffee shop boasting an inviting red exterior. They ask you to stand at a bar in a ventilated area if you intend to smoke, which is unusual, but the vent is whisper quiet and the bar is comfortable. Stop in for a quick toke on you way to one of the many delicious brunch places nearby, and honor my heritage by asking for a gram of Kosher Kush, a strain I only saw at Johnny.

P.S. Pancakes! Amsterdam — a renowned pancake house — is only a minute away and serves incredible old-fashioned Dutch pancakes. These two make a great pair.

Hunter’s Coffee Shop

Photo via Neslo

Sporting a vibrant atmosphere, a helpful staff, and the most thorough menu I saw in Amsterdam, Hunter’s is a really fun coffee shop. You can find strains like Buddda Diesel, Candy Cheese, and even Pineapple Express, and the staff will help you navigate the extensive menu. Also, the logo is a dog with bloodshot eyes giving a thumbs-up, so you know this place has a sense of humor.

P.S. They have moved locations between my last visit and this writing but all indications say they have maintained the same easygoing vibes.

The Doors

Photo via blazingheadynugz.com

Talk about grunge. The Doors is a dimly lit, spacious coffee shop that plays music by, you guessed it, The Doors. Order off their chalkboard menu and then head upstairs to the pool table. Oh, and check out the 6-foot Statue of Liberty they have up there while you’re at it.

The Jolly Joker

Photo via True Amsterdam

This one is one of my personal favorites on this list, and one of only two coffee shops we decided to revisit. The Jolly Joker has a comfortable, inviting atmosphere and an instant-classic feel. Besides bar stools downstairs, it offers two wooden tables on an indoor balcony overlooking the bar area. There’s nothing too fancy or unusual about it, which may not stand out as a tourist attraction, but it also made me feel immediately at home. It’s also on a block brimming with good cafés and ethnic food, so definitely stop in and grab a bite.

The Necessities

Abraxas

Photo via Damsterdamer

This entire place feels somehow spiritual, with an earthy vibe. Everything that could possibly be carved out of wood is, and it’s decorated with bright stained glass. It may be the most expensive place on the list, but it’s worth it. Venture upstairs for even more wall art and a comfortable seating area. It’s a thing of beauty.

Dampkring

Photo via Flickr

This is another coffee shop we had to visit twice. Several tours end here, and for good reason. It is somewhat touristy, but more than makes up for it with its friendly staff and atmosphere. The interior is something out of a fantasy realm, and is what makes Dampkring a can’t-miss experience. An added bonus: the menu is good and extensive.

P.S. Ask about their edibles

Dan is a junior Business major from Livingston, New Jersey. A self-proclaimed history geek, cinephile, and avid traveler; he aims to walk away from every new destination with a good sense of the cuisine and a great story. He once jumped off of a moving train at the wrong station.

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