Andrew S.
Yelp
I came here on a recommendation by a friend here on Yelp and I was not let down. From the outside it looks like any other cafe in the area or throughout Amsterdam but inside is a more warm atmosphere. It has low lighting but not too dark to trip and far on something. The old wood decor, the waiter/bartenders with white dress shirt uniforms and the way the bar is setup gives an old world charm, a smaller European version of Cheers in Boston. I can definitely see this being a local pub. There were several unique brews on tap I never heard of and don't recall the name. The inside has stools at the bar, couple tables by the window and more table seating in the back. But before even entering, there is one aisle of seats where you can sit outside to drink your beer, no tables. Then there is another section of seating with tables enclosed by glass or plastic housing where you can still have that outside feel but stay warm when it gets too cold outside.
My order was a drink and the suggested Bitterballen (Portie Bitterballe) on the side, these little fried balls can be compared to Falafels but varies in recipe, taste and texture. These 8 little balls cost (ONLY) 5.50 Euros accompanied with slices of pickle and mustard, they are amazing. I am sure they are deep fried right there as you order them because each bite was crisp, steaming when bit into and the roof of the mouth scorching, yes burned the roof of my mouth, awesome! That hot burn is something you know is FRESH straight out of the fryer, not heated up. The inside was gooey but not like sauce gooey, like mash potatoes but tasted different, a flavor I never experienced before. The flavor was good and very strong, like it was loaded with spice, butter and bacon... really unique flavor and very filling. After I finish my snack and drink, my appetite was full. Time to continue my trek.
-Next door is also a Cafe Hoppe but was under construction.
-No Television
-Stairs leading upstairs I believe to the restroom or the second level (I don't recall)