The 5 best terraces after five in Amsterdam
It's just noon, you know you still have half a day to slog through at work, but secretly you're already thinking about that lovely terrace with a well-filled glass of something or other. This scenario happens to me almost daily during the summer months. And the best part about that anticipation is thinking about which terrace you'll visit and with which group of friends, because everyone suddenly cleared their schedule to enjoy as much of that Dutch summer sun as possible. Now I often linger at that nice terrace around the corner from my house, and so I've gone in search of the best-kept terrace secrets of Amsterdam. And believe me: for these spots, you'll gladly take a little detour.
La Grande Brasserie Bodon
Now we were already huge fans of the ‘Cru’ (seafood) bar and fantastic French cuisine, but in the summer months, this spot is definitely a favorite. The cozy terrace by the water is the perfect location to start with a drink and then stay for dinner. I'll give you one tip: save room for the crêpe suzette that they prepare at your table, because you absolutely don't want to miss that.
Café de Ceuvel
In Noord, you'll find this lovely terrace where you can also comfortably bring kids. Additionally, they have a mission to serve food and drinks that are truly good for the world. They grow their own vegetables in Mijn Stadstuin, you can taste bitterballen made from mushrooms that are grown on the coffee grounds from La Place, and Jon had a ‘Schipholgans’ sandwich. Those geese are shot because otherwise, they end up in airplane engines, and the meat is often thrown away. Now that's a way to combat waste!
The College Hotel
For a special occasion or a drink date with your (in-laws), this is the place to be. No loud Amsterdammers, but an oasis of peace and luxury. The Mediterranean menu features delicious snacks, but it's definitely worth staying for an extensive dinner.
Sushi Samba
If you're heading into the city in the evening, this is the perfect location to start. Right in the center and by the water, this terrace has won the Talkies Terrace Award, and you'll quickly understand why: the food is truly delicious, you look out over the water where you spot the craziest characters, you hear the hustle and bustle of the sweltering city, and the up-tempo beats make you want to dance the night away.
Mr. Nieges
You have to be able to handle crowds, because this terrace is fully packed every summer evening. But that's for a reason: looking out over the IJ, you've temporarily escaped the busy city center. Everyone is cozily gathered at picnic tables close together, and when it starts to get a bit cooler, the heaters do their job well. Those festival vibes start to tickle spontaneously here!
