HPS (Hiding in Plain Sight)
This opulent duplex bar in the heart of downtown is among the most elegant cocktail venues in the city. With knowledgeable staff always ready to accommodate and improvise, a comfortable lounge area, and an atmosphere that is live and vibrant, it is the perfect round off to a dinner at any of the adjoining restaurants. Owing to its small size, it is recommended to phone ahead on weekends; though the turn over is usually rapid, and long waits are a rarity.
Address: Rapenburg 18, 1011 TX Amsterdam, Netherlands
Door 74
Few speakeasy bars go to such pains to be genuine as Door 74, carefully hidden in Amsterdam’s tourist district. With its ‘hidden door,’ tin ceiling, and sumptuous appointment, it harkens well enough back to the era of Prohibition while compromising nothing of an appearance as modern and luxuriant as any of the best contemporary venues. Door 74 features a menu of 12 signature drinks, but its experienced mixologists are always happy to improvise.
Address: Reguliersdwarsstraat 74I, 1017 BN Amsterdam, Netherlands
NJOY
In a space like a pelagic cave, under a lowly-arched ceiling and subdued fluorescent lights, NJOY is a popular late-night venue, serving a young clientèle with a minimum entrance-age of 23, and a moderate dress code of zero sportswear. Famous for their unusual cocktails, with features of presentation including fire crackers and crystal skulls, its experienced mixologists can extemporize your new favorite cocktail in minutes.
Address: Korte Leidsedwarsstraat 93, 1017 PX Amsterdam, Netherlands
Tales and Spirits
This commodious establishment (close to the infamous Sex Museum in downtown) features a dark-beamed, chandeliered ceiling, red brick walls and high French windows, with an atmosphere refined yet without pretension. There is an excellent range of cocktails, including ten variations of the classic Old Fashioned, served from a group of well-dressed barmen in black ties. Tales & Spirits is also well-reviewed for the quality of its barfood (at few other venues can you expect a premium flank steak and frites), friendly service and relaxed atmosphere.
Address: Lijnbaanssteeg 5, 1012 TE Amsterdam, Netherlands
Chapter 21
This high-fashion venue near Madame Tussauds is located hypogeum-style under the sumptuous Supper Club, and features a beautiful, dark lounge area with leather seating and a fantastically-lit dance floor. With an emphasis on presentation, one is easily dazzled by the spotless array of modern furnishings and walls like solid gold. With a seemingly unlimited list of cocktails and constant entertainment from the bar’s numerous guest performance-artists, Chapter 21 is the best first and last spot for a night on the town.
Address: Jonge Roelensteeg 21 Burgwallen-Nieuwe Zijde,Centrum, Amsterdam