brian b.
Yelp
Gotta agree with so many of the reviewers, the energy level of the staff here is a wonder to see. They move through the floor with ease and a smile no matter how busy. This is a place run by foodies for foodies, without any attitude at all.
They get it, they care about what they put in front of you and how it's presented. That all comes through in the end product. We were fortunate enough to eat dinner and brunch at the Sociaal on our last trip to town. The hostees was nice enough to squeeze us in without reservations for dinner our first night in town. Chicken Sandwich was outstanding, frites were crisp on the outside and creamy on the inside. The fish special was interestingly prepared and perfectly cooked. Special guest beer was a Gose which was right on for the late summer season.
We made reservations for brunch later in the week, and it was absolutely outstanding! The Amsterdam weather doesn't come any nicer than it did that day, and we were fortunate that a sidewalk table opened up for us.
The Eggs Benny did not disappoint! The buttermilk muffin is expansive and fully enough to sop up anything that makes it to that level. There was a surprising and inventive schmear of homemade sauerkraut between the bacon and the muffin that really set this plate off. The eggs were the classic deep orange yolk that makes me regret the sad state of US eggs. Perfectly cooked and topped with a spry tangy sauce and fresh chives.
However, the winner by a large margin was the pancake. It was to sum it up a "Summer Fruit Pancake Explosion". Each bite was something different. The fruit was perfectly ripe, the pistachio pesto was inventive, unexpected, and was the perfect foil to the sweetness of the berries.
Coffee was top notch in a town known for top notch lattes. Our thanks to everyone at Box Sociaal for rolling out the red carpet for us and for showing us a great time.
Everyone's a Mate there, confirmed!