amsterdam.html

---
title: "Amsterdam Cafe Reviews: out to lunch"
description: Where to have lunch in Amsterdam - reviews from 2000-2004.
keywords: amsterdam,netherlands,holland,lunch,cafe,cafes,lunchcafes,bagels,sandwiches
layout: hh
---

<p>This is your guide to where to have lunch in Amsterdam. Unfortunately, although we do live in the Netherlands, we actively avoid going to Amsterdam, so these reviews are shockingly out of date - years old. Your mileage may vary, but at least classic good places tend to survive relatively unchanged.</p>

<p>Amsterdam certainly has more than a few people who are completely <em>out to lunch</em>: it really is the Los Angeles of Western Europe, but with less sun. However, Amsterdam has a saner element hidden between the cracks, and they're <em>having lunch</em>.</p>

<p>Contents:
<a href="amsterdam.html#coffee-connection">Coffee Connection</a> |
<a href="amsterdam.html#lunchcafe-dialoog">Het Lunchcafe Dialoog</a> |
<a href="amsterdam.html#t-doktertje">'t Doktertje</a> |
<a href="amsterdam.html#de-drie-fleschjes">De Drie Fleschjes</a> |
<a href="amsterdam.html#de-drie-graefjes">De Drie Graefjes</a> |
<a href="amsterdam.html#espresso-corner">Espresso Corner</a> |
<a href="amsterdam.html#harlem">Harlem</a> |
<a href="amsterdam.html#de-jaren">De Jaren</a> |
<a href="amsterdam.html#t-papeneiland">'t Papeneiland</a> |
<a href="amsterdam.html#de-schutter">De Schutter</a> |
<a href="amsterdam.html#singel-404">Singel 404</a> |
<a href="amsterdam.html#cafe-'t-smalle">Cafe 't Smalle</a> |
<a href="amsterdam.html#stoop-en-stoop">Stoop en Stoop</a> |
<a href="amsterdam.html#de-zotte">De Zotte</a>
</p>

<h3 id="coffee-connection"><img class="framed" align="left" width="320" height="320" src="facade/amsterdam-coffee-connection.jpg" title="Coffee Connection">
Coffee Connection; Nieuwezijds Kolk, tel. 4273572</h3>

<p>Good for: <strong>coffee</strong></p>

<p><a href='picture/photo/netherlands/amsterdam_dam_crowd.jpeg'><img src='picture/photo/netherlands/amsterdam_dam_crowd_s.jpeg' width='125' height='198' alt='Amsterdam: the crowd at the millennium celebrations' title='Amsterdam: the crowd at the millennium celebrations' style='float:right'></a>
This is probably the only decent North-American style cafe in Amsterdam. The interior is the real thing - spotlessly clean, bright, modern and white, which really sets it apart from the average <i>eetcafe</i>. True to the cafe's transatlantic roots, ordering a coffee or bagel involves lots of decision-making, which is great when you really want smoked-salmon and hummus on a toasted poppy seed bagel, or something just slightly different. This is definitely the place for excellent bagels and the best frothy white coffee this side of Berlin.
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<h3 id="lunchcafe-dialoog"><img class="framed" align="left" width="320" height="320" src="facade/amsterdam-lunchcafe-dialoog.jpg" title="Het Lunchcafe Dialoog">
Het Lunchcafe Dialoog, Prinsengracht 261, 1016GV, tel. 6239991</h3>

<p>Good for: <strong>sandwiches</strong></p>

<p><a href='picture/photo/netherlands/amsterdam_dam_stage.jpeg'><img src='picture/photo/netherlands/amsterdam_dam_stage_s.jpeg' width='198' height='125' alt='Amsterdam: the stage at the millennium celebrations' title='Amsterdam: the stage at the millennium celebrations' style='float:right'></a>
This basement cafe next to the Anne Frank house is a great place to hide out from Amsterdam's frequently dismal weather. Once inside you get to take comfort from lots of breakfast, sandwich and bagel choices, decent coffee and friendly staff.</p>

<p>The cafe has a diverse international style that fits well with its inevitably touristy crowd, and is sufficiently down-to-earth for anyone to feel at home: from Scots-in-jeans with pint of beer, to Spaniards-in-cashmere with espressos. Apart from the 'Departure Times Museumboat' on the wall there are  few clues which country you're in. If anything the overall effect is a more North American style of considered diversity than anything else.</p>

<p>Unlike the old-fashioned Jordaan bruincafes around the corner, where you settle into a cosy corner, the tiles, bright lighting and pale wood here give a more upbeat atmosphere. Fortunately the big wooden beams on the ceiling and the decoration on the wall soften the effect.
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<h3 id="t-doktertje"><img class="framed" align="left" width="320" height="320" src="facade/amsterdam-t-doktertje.jpg" title="'t Doktertje">
't Doktertje, Rozenboomsteeg</h3>

<p>Good for: <strong>mellow afternoon drinking</strong></p>

<p><a href='picture/photo/netherlands/amsterdam_dam_fireworks.jpeg'><img src='picture/photo/netherlands/amsterdam_dam_fireworks_s.jpeg' width='198' height='125' alt='Amsterdam: fireworks at the millennium celebrations' title='Amsterdam: fireworks at the millennium celebrations' style='float:right'></a>
This tiny bar is a living museum piece that oozes character, along with the jazz. This, and the well-stocked bar, make it a great place to escape to from the hell of Saturday afternoon crowds on the Kalverstraat.</p>

<p>It could probably seat eight at tables and another eight at the bar, if nobody moved. Being this small, the conversations between pairs of tourists are almost inevitable.
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<h3 id="de-drie-fleschjes"><img class="framed" align="left" width="320" height="320" src="facade/amsterdam-de-drie-fleschjes.jpg" title="De Drie Fleschjes">
De Drie Fleschjes, opposite De Drie Graefjes</h3>

<p>Cosy old-fashioned wine bar, with a great atmosphere and lots of wine to drink.</p>

<p>Good for: <strong>wine</strong>
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<h3 id="de-drie-graefjes"><img class="framed" align="left" width="320" height="320" src="facade/amsterdam-de-drie-graefjes.jpg" title="De Drie Graefjes">
De Drie Graefjes, Eggertstraat 1, Dam</h3>

<p>Good for: <strong>lunch, coffee</strong></p>

<p><a href='picture/photo/netherlands/de_drie_graefjes_i.jpeg'><img src='picture/photo/netherlands/de_drie_graefjes_is.jpeg' width='141' height='198' alt='upstairs, i De Drie Graefjes cafe, Amsterdam, the Netherlands' title='upstairs, i De Drie Graefjes cafe, Amsterdam, the Netherlands' style='float:right'></a>
De Drie Graefjes is a thoroughly modern cafe, with bright colours, excellent Italian coffee and smart-looking menus and staff. The food takes ages to arrive, which doesn't matter because the club sandwiches are outrageously good.
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<p>The upstairs room is always mostly empty and quiet, which makes it easy to forget that you're just around the corner from Dam square.
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<div style="margin-left:320px; padding-left:1.5em">
<h3 id="espresso-corner">Espresso Corner, Herengracht 82 (Herenstraat), tel. 6248195</h3>
<p><a href='picture/photo/netherlands/amsterdam_shutters.jpeg'><img src='picture/photo/netherlands/amsterdam_shutters_s.jpeg' width='125' height='198' alt='Amsterdam: shutters on the front of a house' title='Amsterdam: shutters on the front of a house' style='float:right'></a>
Good for: <strong>lunch</strong></p>
<p>'A massive smoked salmon and salad ciabatta please...'</p>
<p>This is another lovely cafe with excellent sandwiches and a nice pleasant interior, with a friendly atmosphere.</p>
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<h3 id="harlem"><img class="framed" align="left" width="320" height="320" src="facade/amsterdam-harlem.jpg" title="Harlem">
Harlem - 'drinks and soul food', Haarlemmerstraat 77</h3>

<p>Good for: <strong>lunch, drinks</strong></p>

<p>Harlem, while typically mellow, is unusual because it doesn't have a very Dutch feel, although I'm not sure why. It's probably the music, the slightly trendy food, and the suggestion that drink is important. Anyway, the food is lovely and it was a shame to have to leave - to see a film at the nearby The Movies cinema.
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<h3 id="de-jaren"><img class="framed" align="left" width="320" height="320" src="facade/amsterdam-de-jaren.jpg" title="De Jaren">
De Jaren, Nieuwe Doelenstraat 20-22, 1012CP, tel. 6255771</h3>

<p>Good for: <strong>drinks</strong></p>

<p>One of Amsterdam's few big cafes, De Jaren is a modern cafe with cool decor and a good central location. The drinks are a bit more pricey than most places, which is probably the main thing that selects the customers.
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<h3 id="t-papeneiland"><img class="framed" align="left" width="320" height="320" src="facade/amsterdam-t-papeneiland.jpg" title="'t Papeneiland">
't Papeneiland, Prinsengracht 2, 1015DV, tel. 6241989</h3>

<p>Good for: <strong>drinks</strong></p>

<p>Here's another small and nice Jordaan brown cafe - the sort of place that it's nice to have as a local.
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<h3 id="de-schutter"><img class="framed" align="left" width="320" height="320" src="facade/amsterdam-de-schutter.jpg" title="De Schutter">
De Schutter, Vootboogstraat</h3>

<p>Good for: <strong>drinks, dinner</strong></p>

<p>If you're looking for a real pub that's not some fake Irish effort then this is probably what you're after. Hell, you even have to order at the bar. Once you've managed to find your way in the inconspicuous front door and up the stairs, you find yourself in the sort of big bar that still manages to have a relaxed and dingy atmosphere when it's sunny outside. In the evening, lots more people arrive and the place gets much livelier.
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<h3 id="singel-404"><img class="framed" align="left" width="320" height="320" src="facade/amsterdam-singel-404.jpg" title="Singel 404">
Singel 404, Singel</h3>

<p>Good for: <strong>lunch, coffee</strong></p>

<p>This is the archetypal down-to-earth Dutch lunch cafe, with unpretentious decor, slow service, and a huge choice of great sandwiches. There isn't much room, so the tables fill up predictably quickly, given the handy location.
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<h3 id="cafe-'t-smalle"><img class="framed" align="left" width="320" height="320" src="facade/amsterdam-cafe-'t-smalle.jpg" title="Cafe 't Smalle">
Cafe 't Smalle, Egelantiersgracht</h3>

<p>Good for: <strong>drinks</strong></p>

<p>Small museumpiece Dutch brown cafe, with lots of character. Apart from being a nice place to stop for a drink, the bar is really interesting, because it's so low - below waist height.
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<h3 id="stoop-en-stoop"><img class="framed" align="left" width="320" height="320" src="facade/amsterdam-stoop-en-stoop.jpg" title="Stoop en Stoop">
Stoop en Stoop, Lange Leidsedwarsstraat 82, tel. 6200982</h3>

<p>Good for: <strong>dinner</strong></p>

<p>A rare find - a decent <em>eetcafe</em> just a stone's through from Leidseplein. As you'd expect from the location, it's usually packed. What you might not have been expecting is good-value food and a nice atmosphere.
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<h3 id="de-zotte"><img class="framed" align="left" width="320" height="320" src="facade/amsterdam-de-zotte.jpg" title="De Zotte">
De Zotte, Raamstraat 29</h3>

<p>Good for: <strong>beer, food</strong></p>
<p>Classic Belgian beer cafe, with lots of character and lots of beer! Fortunately, you can order hearty Belgian food so you won't have to interrupt an afternoon's drinking just because you got hungry. Another plus is that it's relatively hard to find (buy a map) so you stand a good chance of getting a seat.
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