The 10 Best Cocktail Bars in Amsterdam

Focus on Centrum and Grachtengordel for classic lounges and tailored drinks, or head to De Pijp and Jordaan for subterranean rooms and food-paired cocktails. Combine an early genever tasting with a late-night bespoke speakeasy.

1. Rosalia's Menagerie

Reaching this intimate speakeasy-style venue requires ringing the outside bell beneath a boutique hotel. Inside, the quirky atmosphere features candlelit tables and fresh tulips for sipping a Sicilian Sour or Colada cocktail with special ice. Be prepared for high prices relative to the modest drink sizes.

2. Dutch Courage | Cocktail Bar Amsterdam

This intimate spot stands out by championing Dutch spirits amid lively Zeedijk street vibes. Order a Genever Category flight alongside bitterballen with homemade mustard, or ask the bartenders for custom off-menu drinks. Because the bar is small, booking ahead is recommended to secure a table.

3. Bar Mokum

Hidden downstairs underneath restaurant Moak, this cozy basement speakeasy evokes an Amsterdam street night with funky music. The team excels in bespoke creations, easily shaking an off-menu request, a Graftak cocktail, or a Pornstar martini. Seats near the entrance can become cold since the door is kept open.

4. Sins of Sal

Shadowy interiors lit by red candles and lined with edgy posters set an intimate atmosphere here. Concept-driven drinks like the Dumpling Negroni pair directly with beef cheek tacos. Space is quite small, making an email reservation essential, though ingredients for specific specialty cocktails can occasionally run out.

5. Law & Order Cocktail Bar

A cozy, unpretentious atmosphere with clubby music and a friendly resident pet dog sets this room apart. Bartenders craft bespoke drinks tailored on the spot, including a whiskey sour or custom Esma. Keep in mind that no salty snacks like pretzels, chips, or popcorn accompany orders.

6. Super Lyan

Created by Mr. Lyan, this venue distinguishes itself through seasonal cocktails rooted in Amsterdam storytelling. The energetic yet unchaotic atmosphere suits an order of Concrete Spritz or Hagelslag, which Kimpton De Witt hotel guests may take to their rooms. The relatively small room comes with an expensive price tag.

7. Bar The Tailor

Distinguished by an open-air heated terrace and a dedicated cigar lounge, this venue offers an elegant, relaxed atmosphere. Sip champagne cocktails or the Gimmie Rest while staff provide complimentary welcome snacks and water refills. Expect a relatively high price tag on the drinks menu.

8. Flying Dutchmen Cocktails | Cocktail Bar Amsterdam

Set in a classic canal house featuring ceiling murals, this laid-back lounge emphasizes spirits education and theme-and-iteration menus. Climb the steep stairs to the upper floor for a Division Bell or Psycho Killer. Given its intimate layout, reserve ahead to guarantee a spot, particularly at the bar.

9. Bar Feijoa

House-made liqueurs and tailored, freestyled recipes differentiate this venue from conventional cocktail spots. The atmosphere is conversational yet lively, accompanied by great music and intimate surroundings that provide an easy setting for an Amaretto Sour or fresh Basil Smash prepared to your spirit preferences.

10. Bar TwentySeven

Perched on the third floor of Hotel TwentySeven, this upscale lounge pairs tailored craft cocktails with views overlooking Dam Square. Enjoy a Bohemian Rhapsody champagne cocktail served with complimentary nuts and water in a dark, stylish atmosphere. Premium drinks command expensive pricing, and seating can get slightly crowded.

How we selected this list: each venue is evaluated on how specifically its programme focuses on cocktail bar craft (named house serves, technique, and cellar or back-bar depth) alongside consistent visitor feedback. Venues that operate primarily as a different type of bar or restaurant are excluded. Prices are indicative and based on current menu ranges.