Kevin L.
Yelp
Me: Um. It should be right here.
Boy: Do you have a number?
Me: I assume it's 74?
Boy: Hm... I'm not seeing it...
Me: What about that? [eyes the doorbell of a flat nearby]
Boy: ...
Random Restaurant Server Smoking Nearby: Are you looking for Door 74?
Me: Yes - is it that obvious?
RRSSN: Haha. It's the door right there. [points]
Us: Oh, thanks!
----
Me: [ringing the doorbell] Well... I guess we'll see if they got my phone call to get on the guest list...
Bartender: [opening the door] Hello.
Me: Hello - I called earlier today to make a booking, but I'm not sure anyone got the message.
Bartender: I'll check for you... it doesn't look like your name is on the list, but I'm sure we can fit you in.
Me: [looking around the room... there are only four other people seated]
Bartender: Hm. Actually... it looks like all of our tables are booked. We only have seating at the bar...
Me: Oh, perfect! That's where we like sitting, anyway!
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Crossing the threshold of the entryway into Door 74 was crossing the Atlantic in a single step. This joint would easily fit in with the likes of Deep Ellum, Violet Hour, or Flatiron Lounge. A cosy bar, semi-private booths, and frighteningly overburdened shelves laden with booze were a welcome sight indeed!
All those bottles of alcohol aren't just for show, either. I find that a fair test of any bartender is to give them free reign with their creativity and to see how it turns out. After my sampling of their well-balanced cocktail of the day, I requested my typical not-sweet coloured-liquor base spirit drink. The result was a luscious concoction featuring aged genever, sweet vermouth, Fernet, and orange bitters. Most parts potent and all parts precisely what I'd hoped for.
It's a shame that The Netherlands only boasts of a single quality craft cocktail destination, but it's reassuring that the only one they have is world class. There's not much more one can ask for than great conversation, great drinks, great people, all in a great location. Door 74 has all that and more.