Café De Amstel

Café De Amstel is an authentic brown café on the Amstelkade, far removed from the polished bars of the city centre. A café has occupied this corner since the surrounding block was built around 1930, and its large curved bar and collection of regulars preserve the atmosphere of a genuine Amsterdam neighbourhood pub.

Personality is a major part of the experience. Café owner Arie van de Velden is known as De Moppentapper, the joke teller from Radio 538, and humorous conversations are almost as important here as the drinks. The café regularly organises Amsterdam sing-along afternoons with singers, as well as pub quizzes, parties and special events.

The kitchen serves satisfying Dutch pub food, including homemade spareribs, chicken satay and tournedos traditionally fried in butter. Come for an easy meal or a beer at the bar, but stay for the jokes, music and wonderfully uncomplicated Amsterdam atmosphere.

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