What is a Speakeasy Bar Amsterdam?
The term speakeasy originates to Kate Hester, owner of a cocktail bar in Pittsburgh, when she told her customers to “Speak easy, boys. Speak easy!” Why lower their voice? Kate Hester owned her bar during the Prohibition era, when the sale and consumption of alcohol was illegal.
In Amsterdam, speakeasy Amsterdam bars can be found throughout the city, each with its own unique atmosphere and style. From elegant cocktail lounges to cosy basement bars, Amsterdam’s speakeasy scene offers a taste of the city’s hidden world of drinking and entertainment. At some bars, you can even do a cocktail workshop Amsterdam style.
Here are our top 8 Amsterdam Speakeasy bars.
Top Speakeasy Bars Amsterdam Has to Offers
1. Door 74 Amsterdam
Located in the heart of Amsterdam and very easy to overlook, Door 74 is a popular speakeasy bar that has earned a reputation for its traditional cocktails and elegant, sophisticated atmosphere. Having earned its spot twice on The World’s 50 Best Bar list, its drinks and service are at the very forefront of the industry. Guests are required to ring a buzzer and wait to be let in, adding to the exclusive vibe of the establishment.
2. The Butcher Amsterdam
Hidden behind a door in the back of a burger joint is a lively and popular speakeasy bar that offers a cosy and underground atmosphere, live music, and a wide range of high-quality cocktails. It is well-known for its unique entrance and system. Guests must first book a reservation and then receive an email with a password that will grant them access to the bar.
3. Hiding in Plain Sight
With a name that says it all, HPS is a chic and stylish speakeasy bar with a focus on gin and other spirits. The decor is elegant, with velvet couches and vintage wallpaper, which creates a cosy and intimate atmosphere. This is the best hidden cocktail bar Amsterdam has to offer and has a strong focus on gin, with a wide range of high-quality gin-based cocktails on the menu. The bartenders are skilled at creating classic cocktails with a modern twist, and they are happy to make custom drinks to suit each guest’s tastes.
4. Bar Oldenhof
Tucked away in a quiet street in Amsterdam’s city center, Bar Oldenhof is a speakeasy bar that specializes in craft cocktails and a cosy, vintage-inspired atmosphere. The entrance is marked only by a small plaque on the wall, and you must ring a doorbell to gain access to the bar. The bar features an extensive collection of spirits, and the bartenders are known for their expertise and creativity.
5. The Wine Cellar
As its name suggests, this is a speakeasy bar located in the basement of a historic building in Amsterdam’s city centre. The entrance is discreet, marked only by a small sign above a staircase leading down to the bar. Once inside, you’ll find a cosy and intimate space. The bar has an extensive selection of high-quality drinks from around the world.
6. Bunkerbier
Bunkerbier is a unique speakeasy bar in Amsterdam that is housed in a World War II bunker. The bar is located in Vondelpark and has been transformed into a cosy and intimate bar, with low lighting, exposed brick walls, and a rustic decor. The bar has a focus on craft beer, with a wide selection of local and international brews on the menu.
7. Tales & Spirits
Combining a speakeasy vibe with a contemporary twist, Tales & Spirits is a popular Amsterdam bar that offers inventive cocktails and a lively atmosphere. The decor is colourful and eclectic, with mismatched chairs, vintage wallpaper, and a fun and playful atmosphere.
8. The Jungle Club
The Jungle Club is another hidden gem in Amsterdam, located just behind the bustling Rembrandt Square. Once you step inside, you’ll be transported to a lush and exotic oasis. The bar serves up a wide range of delicious cocktails, the bartenders are knowledgeable and skilled, and they’re happy to make recommendations based on your preferences.
These are just a few of the best speakeasy Amsterdam bars that can be found. Each bar offers its own unique atmosphere, style, and selection of drinks, making them all worth checking out for anyone looking for a memorable and unique nightlife experience in the city.
Secret Bar Amsterdam Revolution
If you’re looking for a unique and memorable drinking experience, then look no further than the city’s speakeasy Amsterdam bars. These hidden gems offer a glimpse into the city’s rich history and provide a cosy and intimate atmosphere where you can enjoy high-quality drinks and good conversation.
How to Find a Speakeasy Amsterdam Bar
Finding a speakeasy bar in Amsterdam can be a fun adventure, as many of these establishments are hidden away and require a bit of detective work to locate. Here are some tips to help you find a speakeasy bar in Amsterdam:
Ask the locals: One of the best ways to find a speakeasy bar in Amsterdam is to ask the locals. Ask bartenders, shopkeepers, or other people in the know if they can recommend any hidden bars in Amsterdam. Need more tips and tricks? Just contact us!
Look for unmarked doors: Many speakeasies are hidden behind unmarked doors, so keep an eye out for nondescript entrances that may lead to a hidden bar Amsterdam. These speakeasies can be found in newly renovated buildings or on oldskool Amsterdam Canal Houses.
Check out online guides: There are many online guides that offer tips and recommendations for finding speakeasy Amsterdam bars. Check out websites like Amsterdam Foodie or Amsterdam Diary for insider tips and reviews.
Follow the clues: Some speakeasies in Amsterdam offer clues or puzzles to help patrons find the entrance. Look for signs, symbols, or other hidden details that may lead you to the bar.
Make a reservation: Some speakeasy Amsterdam bars require reservations or have limited seating, so it’s a good idea to call ahead or make a reservation online to ensure that you can get in.
Pub Crawl Amsterdam: We highly recommend embarking on an exciting pubcrawl Amsterdam experience! Join fellow travellers and fun-loving locals as you explore some of the city’s most iconic bars and clubs.
Find your Amsterdam Speakeasy!
So why not step off the beaten path and discover Amsterdam’s best-kept secrets? With this guide, you’ll be able to find the hidden bars Amsterdam that locals love and experience the city’s unique and vibrant nightlife scene. Cheers!
How do I get into door 74?
Door 74 operates on a reservation-only basis. To increase your chances of getting in, it’s highly recommended to make a reservation in advance. You can do this by visiting their official website or by calling their designated reservation line. Once you’ve found the inconspicuous door, ring the doorbell or knock gently. When the staff member opens the door, kindly provide your reservation details, such as the name under which the reservation was made.
What is the most famous speakeasy?
In Amsterdam, the most famous speakeasy is Door 74. Door 74 is known for its dedication to preserving the atmosphere and mystique of a classic speakeasy. The discreet entrance, unmarked door, and intimate setting create an immersive experience reminiscent of the Prohibition era.
