Bar Oldenhof

Kindly disregard any previous unfavourable reviews made by those perhaps less acquainted with the art of fine drinking — it is in your own best interest to do so. On a late Sunday afternoon, my friends and I found ourselves at Bar Oldenhof. Some were initially hesitant, swayed by online commentary, yet I persuaded them to trust the experience — and rightly so. We were warmly welcomed and promptly seated at a table well-suited to our group. Service began with water and a courteous overview of the menu, followed by bespoke cocktail recommendations thoughtfully tailored to each of us. What was meant to be a casual round turned into a delightful series of impeccably crafted drinks. The cocktails were balanced, elegant, and executed with finesse — far too enjoyable to resist. We left thoroughly pleased, appetite whetted, and with an excellent dinner recommendation to round off the evening. Many thanks to the Oldenhof team for a truly distinguished experience.

Went here for our two year anniversary, as we love a good cocktail. Despite both being from Amsterdam we haven’t been here before, and it was such a joy to discover. It was an especially busy night for the staff, but they were incredibly lovely and accommodating. Cocktails 10/10, added touch of the movie themed cocktails was really fun. Unique drinks as well, we will be back ❤️

Best bar my wife and I have been to in Amsterdam. Small, great atmosphere and great drinks. Fantastic service and bartenders are top notch. Drinks of all sorts. Cannot go wrong with any of them.

This place has one of the best pornstar martinis and I love that they give you a spoon so you can eat the passion fruit. Also tried the Balrog which is fabulous. Perfect place for a cocktail!

An nice bar to stop off for one or two drinks before moving on. I loved the cocktails I ordered, but it is hit and miss. Some of my friends ordered basic cocktails such as a margarita, and honestly it tasted dreadful. The fancy and unusual cocktails they make frequently seem great, but avoid standard items not listed on the menu. Other than this, the atmosphere sophisticated and comfortable. It's quite a mixed crowd inside, so it's interesting to visit and see who you may cross paths with. I recommend a good Ole porn star martini if you visit 🍸

There are very good cocktails, we had never drunk before. The interior design is very nice. And it has an amazing vibe with the view from the window. The staff is too kind and helpful.

Super cozy vibes!! Great staff and owners. Pleasant conversations at the bar. Great bar program. Bartenders were kind, knowledgeable and professional. Great variety of spirits! One of our favorite cocktail bars we visited while in Amsterdam. Nothing negative to say!

We did a whiskey tasting, which was awesome. The owner talked us through the beautiful history of whiskey with some great whiskeys. What do want more?! But the real speciality are the cocktails, when around try the ‘you should not pass’. Had a great night.

New York speakeasy vibes. My favorite bartender is Dutch Bob (yes that's really his name). I always love their concoctions and it's super gezellig to sit at the bar and spectate the drink-making and the dates-in-progress. They even put some tables outsjde during the warmer months.

No longer a "hidden" gem - still a gem, just not hidden. Summary: A not-so-secret speakeasy style bar; if you get in, you will have a nice comfortable place to enjoy a very well made cocktail or two; be prepared to pay for the experience. We walked by 3 times during our time in Amsterdam. The first time there were 5 groups waiting to get in, se we kept on walking. The second time there were 3 couples waiting and they said the wait was going to be about 45 minutes, so we moved on (I rarely wait in long lines for food or drinks - IMHO there are too many other good options to waste time waiting in line). The 3rd time was a charm - nobody waiting outside, we rang the bell, waited a few minutes and someone came to the door to tell us they could seat us in about 5 minutes. I think now that they are only open 5 days a week, the nights they are open are a little more crowded. Plus with the rage of speakeasy style places, the willingness of more people to pay for an "experience", and the write-ups online, more people know about this and the other speakeasy style places around the world. The cocktails are well made, I got their take on the Old Fashioned and it was very good. Some of the house cocktails have too many ingredients for me, but they look interesting. The beer and wine selection is pretty good for a cocktail focuses place. And with the strong dollar right now, the prices didn't seem too high. I'd certainly go back - maybe next time for a cocktail before heading out to dinner.

Such a friendly place! My friend and I really enjoyed the apple pie and atmosphere for both breakfast and pre dinner drinks!

very cool speakeasy with excellent bespoke cocktails; staff are excellent with great vibes

This review is very personal. Regarding MY type of bars. Didn't like the place. Too posh. Too expensive. More adapted for older people with money than young people who want to enjoy some drinks. The bar is really great, I guess that some people might even love it because it has this very special atmosphere. But it is just not my type of bar at all. I didn't find it very warm. I paid 16 euros for a Bloody Mary, which was indeed very good, but also very expensive. I just think that the target people is maybe not me, I mean people of my age - 26. Cheapest beer is 6€. Cheapest cocktail 16€. Can undertsand why some people might like it. It's a secret bar. You have to ring the bell to enter it. So very mysterious. You might also like the service which is really formal and polite.

I don't usually leave a review, but this place was a highlight of our trip. Highly recommend to sit at the bar and watch the bartenders make the drinks and throw some fire. If you like craft cocktails, spend some time here. You won't regret it.

This place was one of the highlights of our trip. The atmosphere was dark and intimate and the drinks were unique and tasty. The staff was super friendly and some of the fire drinks they were making were incredible. I'll definitely return to this bar every time I'm visiting and would recommend it to anyone who's looking for good craft cocktails in a cool environment!

Please don't come here - this is a terrrrrible spot... [whispering]...have I scared you away yet? Damn! I didn't think that would work given this place's perfect 5-star rating! It was worth a shot...living just around the corner, my husband and I are regulars at this point and this place felt like our little secret for some time before the lines started forming outside by people curious to get a look behind the blackout curtains. We've had many lengthy convos with Dwight and Quinz, the brothers who run this fine establishment - enamored by the speakeasy culture of London and NYC, they wanted to carve out their little slice of that in Amsterdam center with Bar Oldenhof. Everything from the decor (ex: antlers hanging on the wall to pay homage to the street's namesake - elands ="elk" in Dutch) to the music (jazz / jazz covers) to the photos on the wall (NYC, what what!) just fits together beautifully. It's like spending the evening at your coolest friend's place, the one who knows a thing or two about interior design and mixology! The brothers are also the ones mixing the drinks which is why it may take awhile to get your order - quality takes time. But they are always upfront about this and will warn you when they're short staffed for the night. Every drink on the cocktail menu is expertly prepared (pull up a chair at the bar if you want front seats to this show!) with new seasonal drinks appearing every few months - and they're as STRONG as they are delicious! Not sure what you should get? Don't be afraid to ask for advice or even a modification of an existing drink, they're very accommodating. Have I mentioned that there's FOOD here too?! Every bar snack I've tried here I can totally recommend. Sidenote: I've been here so many times that I've devised my own Oldenhof drinking game of sorts: as soon as you sit down, you're offered some bar snacks. As soon as you finish that plate, you get something more...and different. So I spent quite a few visits trying to reach that third snack, and have enlisted my drinking buddies to help me out on the quest before last call hits. For the rest of you, I will save your livers and satisfy your curiosity with a spoiler alert: 1- nut mix, 2- olives, 3- prawn chips. You can thank me later! The Oldenhof brothers are truly a class act - a reliance on good vibes, better drinks, and positive word of mouth continue to make them a huge success! No speakeasy gimmicks, just easily the best cocktail bar I've been to.

These OCD bartenders/owners got this place right. They seem to be perfectionists in every aspects of how they run their business, from the service down to their drinks. Although the drinks come out a bit slow due to their intense concentration of actually making one, when they arrive, it'll knock your socks off. I've been to quite a few "speakeasies" and I can still say that their cocktail menu is incredible. Note that this place is tiny, fitting a maximum of probably 25 people so don't come in a large group, or a group at all. When you arrive, you'll simply see a sign that says "Bar". Ring the doorbell and someone will be out to assist you shortly and pray that they have a seat for you. If you're tired of the beer pub scene and rowdy crowds, this place is for you. If you simply want to relax and have a crappy heiny or jack and coke, this place isn't it. 5 stars.

Very relaxing atmosphere. They really take good care of customers making sure you have enough water and stuff to nibble on while enjoying the cocktails. I had the 'penicillin' cocktail which tasted nice but a bit to 'medical' so I continued with the daily special, a nice wodka cocktail. We were here on a Saturday night starting a bit before midnight and I wandered why the place was not loaded, cause it is really worth it, but maybe you just gotta know it. Maybe this post helps ;-)

I tried to keep this place as my secret spot for a long time but hey maybe it's time to reveal the hidden treasure!!! I LOOOOVE loooove it here. The atmosphere, cocktails, service basically everything is all incredibly good. My favorite is Old Fashion- definitely a must try! They have a large menu refreshed for each season so believe me you'll find something for your own taste. Five stars goes to Bar Oldenhof! Nev

Classy, Personal, Indulging, Welcoming - these are the adjectives I would use for Bar Oldenhof, a brand new addition to the Jordaan area. Much like Door 74, Bar Oldenhof has a personal touch where you ring a doorbell and someone welcomes you. The cocktail menu has also been collaborated upon. It is best to call ahead to reserve a nice sofa for you and your equally wonderful company. The drinks are generous in proportions and very carefully blended together. The owner/bartender duo take extreme pride in serving you well-crafted cocktails with a smile. One is not enough. The interior is well done. Seating is comfortable. Music is low key and has a jazzy vibe to it, making personal and intimate conversations really easy. Combine that with comfortable seating and visual isolation from the outside that would entice you to spend your entire evening here! Not to mention that the location is extremely favorable. Bar Oldenhof also serves fancy cigars that you could smoke within the premises in a special area upstairs. Cigar and whisky - a wonderful combination! It is very rare for ambitious projects like this to thrive in a busy city like Amsterdam, and so it is upon us to cherish this place (named after the owners' last names!) as much as we can so that the city gets to keep this gem forever.

A true hidden gem in the center of Amsterdam! I have passed this place so many times, without even noticing that there was something so incredible cool going on behind the closed black curtains. Fortunately a friend told me about this '20 / NYC style whisky bar... and it is about time I shared it with you (but don't tell too much people about it!) For those that are yet familiar with the 'speakeasy' concept, Bar Oldenhof does not offer anything new. I have been to New York several times now, visiting places like these by the dozen. BUT not in Amsterdam! When you knock on the door, a distinguished gentleman will open it... asking you about your business. If you aren't dressed right (not too casual) or are with too many, it's better to move on. Otherwise you will be welcome after a short ten minutes wait. Once you're inside, you will forget all about Amsterdam... welcome to the times of 'Boardwalk Empire', 'Mad Men' and NYC in the '20's! The smooth jazz, the furniture and the relaxing entourage will make you feel special from the moment you step into Bar Oldenhof. During my first experience I was seated at the bar, where the bartender explained all about the chique and broad variety of Whisky, Gin and cocktails they had to offer. Once served, you will also get the chance to look at the bottle from which you are drinking, learning a bit more about the story behind it. Overall it was such a marvelous experience, that at a moment it felt like I was part of an old fashioned movie... for sure my #01 place to escape from the hectic outside world.

So I'm not much of a drinker. My taste is highly selective and I usually prefer not to drink alcohol altogether. But my husband is the opposite so on a night out with friends we ran into this fab little bar! Not only do they have fabulous selection of EVERYTHING! They also help you choose drinks according to your taste! They are mixologists and pros at what they do! I also like the whole secret hole in the wall kinda appeal. And upon entering you feel like you've walked in to the 50's. The whole experience was quite nice. They made a believer out of me!

You don't expect to find this jazzy cocktail bar with 30's allure on Elandgracht behind the closed curtains. Actually I was confused myself when I got there, as I thought the place is shut down. No it's not, just go ahead and enter it! The interior is dark and a bit mysterious, but the staff is cheerful and welcoming. Honestly, pretty much the best service I have ever experienced in Amsterdam. Wonderful gentlemen take your coat, offer you a seat, making charming jokes and - nota bene - create heavenly cocktails. It's like there is a time machine behind these closed curtains and you just stepped into the jazzy scene of the 30's, when people still had good manners, men treated women as ladies and nobody was in a hurry. Good news, it's in Amsterdam, located centrally and open for everyone. The prices are rather high, but who counts money for all this you get in return?!

Ditto to what everyone else wrote. This bar is really quite a treat. So I'll leave my review to things you should expect to enhance your experience. 1. It's tiny. If you're group is larger than 4 - good luck! Better yet, go somewhere else. They only have two seating areas that accommodate more than 4 and they're usually taken. Go when they open, prepare to wait, or go somewhere else. 2. If there isn't room available, leave your number. They'll call you when space does free up. 3. You can smoke upstairs. Cigars usually. So if you're picky about indoor smoking, probably best to skip this place. 4. If your drink tastes run simple - a Heini or an Absolut and soda - go somewhere else. Not only are you missing the point of coming here, the bartender / waiter will probably roll their eyes at you. 5. If you're planning to have a loud, boisterous night. Go somewhere else. It's quite civlized in there. And a word to the wise...there's one drink on the menu that you can only order an hour before closing. It has some herbs that will make you a little loopy. It's not a marketing gimmick. It really works. It kicked my butt.

Absolutely a delightful experience that one should experience from time to time. This is a beautiful bar. It's dark, cozy, inviting and comfortable. The bar has a maximum capacity of 30 people. They let no more than that in at anyone time to insure that everyone has a place to sit. The front door remains locked until someone leaves so someone can enter. The bartenders warmly welcome you. Their focus here is relaxed and classic. The background music is soft classic jazz. There's even a piano here for the occasional pianist that stops in to treat the crowd to live music. It's a place to sit back and enjoy a classic cocktail or fine beer and enjoy the company of friends and maybe even enjoy a fine cigar. Their attention is on excellent service and excellent classic cocktails in a setting full of ambiance. You're served a glass of water and a small dish of nuts along with your drink. There are snacks and finger food available. There is a menu of cocktails, wines and beers. The service is personal and impeccably polite which in itself is a treat in itself. I loved it.

Quiet atmosphere for enjoying all kinds of trendy concoctions and traditional "stirred not shaken" cocktails. Do not be alarmed when you arrive because you have to ring the doorbell and wait for someone to greet you and let you in. Once you are in, sit back and order your favorite drinks and tapas and enjoy.

Amazing whiskies, cocktails, atmosphere, service ... everything! It's always a roulette when trying to visit this place due to their no reservation/no standing in the bar policy, but it's worth the try nevertheless. The staff are very friendly and might not tell you this ... but let's try to keep the whole concept alive by showing up properly dressed. At least elegant casual would do. Loved this place every time.

Thick blue velvet curtains hide Bar Oldenhof. It's easy to walk past the little bar sign, but that would be a mistake. Push the buzzer, enter and be greeted by friendly waistcoated staff. To make friends order whisky rather a cocktail. Our full Amsterdam travel guide: http://www.eatacity.com/guide/Amsterdam/place/oldenhof/#

A hidden bar in the center of Amsterdam. You have to ring the doorbell, because only a limited number of people are allowed inside. The bar is old English/ old man's style. It almost seems as if you are in someone's private bar. The barmen are all dressed in style. Bar Oldenhof has some exciting beers and cocktails on the menu and a few good single malt whiskeys. The whiskey is even served with a small pipette do be able to dilute it perfectly with water. Something whiskey lovers appreciate! Bar Oldenhof is not cheap but you certainly get what you pay for.

Wow this is cocktail and whiskey heaven! This place is hidden kind of place (ring the bell at the door) and understand their cocktails are top notch. This Is a true cocktail and whiskey bar, and it's all about perfection. Friendly, INSANELY wonderful ambiance (dark, romantic) and top shelf only liquor selection. It's true bliss!!!

This place is run by 2 brothers, and what a classy place it is! We showed up around 30 minutes before closing 2:30 AM since this place was by the apartment we were staying in. My fiance and I were pretty wasted already but holding our composure. We walked up to the bar and treated to a warm hello. The bartendender made us feel warm and welcome and ended up mixing his own concoction for a whiskey drink. My Fiance loved it, and we even tried to come back on Monday but sadly it was closed. I recommend this bar to anyone who lives or is Visiting Amsterdam. Great drinks and so much class!

Great great great. This bar is fantastic. I went there initially thinking it was more of a cocktail bar due to some articles and reviews that I read, however these guys (2 brothers) specialise in Malt whiskeys. I ordered a margarita (my old time classic) and it was made with a lot of love and care (as was everyones) and tasted fantastic. I am normally very picky about how I have it, but I literally had nothing to complain about. Between us we had 2 margaritas , a great achel triple and one of their cocktails that was made up with several types of alcohol including malt and a splash of porter dark beer. A very strong, smooth bit of goodness. The interior of this place is sophisticated and cosy. The guys who own this place make everyone feel special. The service is impeccable and they want to get every last drink right for you. I felt like I was a regualar going back in time in this place. It's pricey but so so worth it. I will be back again and again.

A very cool place to be at. This is a place I definitely recommend to visit if you are a tourist in Amsterdam. Beautiful interior, high service and good drinks

This place is a rare find. Typically, you'll find the door is closed and you may have to ring the bell. Other times, the door is wide open so come on in. You may want to wait for acknowledgement from either Quins or Dwight, the owners (and brothers) before sitting down, but once you sit, hold on tight - you're in for a real treat. The cocktails are meticulously made with the best alcohol, so sip slowly. Two or three of any of the delicious concoctions will put you right to bed. The inside is dark and a bit mysterious, leather couches and a beautiful chandelier included. Let's stick with the theme here for how to dress - this place is undeniably sexy, so dress appropriately. One of the best cocktail bars I've ever been to, and I've been a NYC girl for 5+ years. Don't miss out on this spot!

Best cocktails in all of Amsterdam! We found this little gem on our vacation to the Netherlands and it was one of the best little bars we discovered on our trip! The drinks were delicious and the ambience was sultry! def recommend!

This place is cool. Great whiskey selection. Quiet atmosphere to talk without shouting. The bartenders here are knowledgable and friendly.

Great cocktail spot in Amsterdam. They take great pride in their cocktails. Massive gin and tonics.

Loved this speakeasy bar!!! Great drinks made by two brothers that obviously love what they do. I loved that wear ties and arm bands it's so 1920s. You have to knock to get in where you a greeted by one of the brothers and they take your coat. Fine jazz is playing and the place is decorated with rich dark wood and thick plush Maroon couches. Only seating for 32 then you have to wait for someone to leave to be admitted so they can keep the mood fun yet elegant. Stiff drinks expertly crafted and fun to watch being made. Highly recommend !!!

This may be the most charming bar I've ever been in, anywhere. It really does feel like stepping back into the 30's: bartenders in tuxedo vests mixing perfect custom cocktails at a small bar, cozy candlelit tables, classic jazz playing in the background, and most nights you need to ring the doorbell to get in, and are then greeted warmly at the door by the owner. If you're in the neighborhood don't miss it.

Love this place! Wonderful atmosphere representative of the 1920s speakeasy era. Great jazz/speakeasy music in the background. You can even smoke cigars upstairs. I would come here every weekend if I could!

Time travel! I absolutely loved this place! The service was great, kept on topping up the water as we drank amazingly tasty cocktails, wine or juices. Very quiet so great option if you want to talk to people. The decor is very original and feels like you've gone into a Hercule Poirot story. Definitely advise!

Cocktails are Just amazing. And the barman is very keen to advice you and provides you with a real "show" preparing chosen cocktails

These guys rock my world. Awesome characters, great drinks. You'd be a fool to miss it.

I had two different Champagne cocktails and they were both fantastic. Very cozy spot (couches, comfy chairs), great for conversation and upscale drinks. A bit too expensive to stay and drink here all night, but perfect for a pre or post dinner drink. GREAT Scotch list, so I'll definitely be taking my whiskey-loving friends here.