Address: Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 171, Amsterdam 1012 RK

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Although folks differ as to whether the bar serves the actual, mind-altering absinthe that was so favored in the 19th century (they're licensed to make their own), it does cultivate an exotic ambience that is in keeping with the mysterious liqueur. The place also maintains a strong alternative quotient, from its North...

Address: Vondelpark 5, Amsterdam 1071 AA

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Dating from 1937 and designed by brothers HAJ Baanders and J Baanders, the 'Blue Tea House' is a glorious example of functionalist architecture. Resembling a flying saucer – which looks like it has carefully negotiated the trees to land in the middle of the Vondelpark – this café somehow feels like one of the city's...

Address: Funenkade 7, Amsterdam 1018 AL

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If you're a true beer aficionado, interested in the myriad possibilities of wheat, hops, and the like, you'll want to make a side trip to this small micro-brewery, located nextdoor to a windmill. Alcohol content ranges from 6 to 10%, and many of the potent libations are double- or triple-brewed. Along with house-made...

Address: Marnixstraat 381, Amsterdam 1016 XR

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This combination bar and restaurant pays homage to bovines with its name and its decor, which features cow prints and cow artwork. (The moniker means Cow Café.) The cozy, unassuming place is ideal when you want to kick back with a drink or partake of simple, affordable food, including hot dishes, pastas, salads and...

Address: Rembrandtplein 24, Amsterdam 1017 CV

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This renowned art-deco café remains virtually unchanged since its establishment in 1913, and is especially popular with literary and artistic folks. Paintings of former owner, Frits Schiller, adorn the walls and it's a welcome respite from many of the square's other noisy watering holes. The restaurant at the rear...

Address: Ferdinand Bolstraat 333, Hotel Okura Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1072 LH

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'Blue Sky' aptly describes the bar of this desirable French restaurant, given that the two share a lofty perch on the 23rd floor of the Okura Hotel. The sophisticated venue affords upscale clientele an incomparable view of the city, especially at twilight or at night, when Amsterdam is laid out below like a handful of...

Address: Gravenstraat 18, Amsterdam 1012 NM

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Since 1650, this place has been offering residents of – and visitors to – Amsterdam a bit of alcohol. In the early 19th century, it became affiliated with a local distillery and is now their tasting house. The cozy, authentic establishment invites folks to come in and try jenevers and traditional Dutch liquors. A...

Address: Weesperzijde 23, Amsterdam 1091 EC

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By day, this desirable cafe offers a quiet place for patrons to sit and indulge in a drink or a bite. Come night, the 'drink and bite' part still applies, but things kick into a higher gear. The social scene picks up, and live bands play a variety of styles in the little theater at the rear. Outside, a shaded street...

Address: Warmoesstraat 51, Amsterdam 1012 HW

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Flash and glamor are the name of the game at this kitsch, New York-style bar, whose inspired cocktails are a favorite of gay men and women. Getto also has a fantastic restaurant at the rear, serving up tasty international fare with a deliberate 'home cooked' quality. Its burgers are the best in town! Along with...

Address: Kolksteeg 3, Amsterdam 1012 PT

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Occupying space that once sheltered a distillery, this popular tasting house may overwhelm you with possibility. Around 200 bottled beers represent the countries of the world (although the specialty is Belgian brews), 17 draught beers and a substantial array of jenevers (Dutch gin flavored with juniper berries and...