Door 74
This bar is completely booked online, and it's the kind of place where the seats are snatched up instantly as soon as they become available. With a try-it-and-see attitude, we went to queue at the entrance 🚪. From the photos, you can't really tell that there are a lot of people waiting here; it's quite amazing that the bar's exterior doesn't at all suggest it's open for business. Everyone is actually waiting outside a closed door, and from time to time, a staff member comes out to confirm reservations. We were lucky because a group canceled just as we arrived, so we were able to share a table with another couple. Their business is so good that even though we had to sit with strangers, no one minded at all!
Once inside, the atmosphere is very pleasant. Despite the bustling business and many customers chatting, there are also those who are having a great time playing drinking games; overall, it’s not so loud that you can't hear your friends talking. The service was very attentive as well; the staff would come by at just the right moments to inquire about what we wanted to order. Besides cocktails 🍹, the bar also offers some simple meals. The cocktail menu is very detailed, featuring descriptions of the drinks, their base ingredients, the type of glass used, and the prices. For someone like me who doesn't like to have too much ice in my cocktails, just looking at the glass type helps me gauge what kind of drink it is, making it convenient and easy to choose!
After selecting my favorite drinks, they made them very quickly and even explained the features of the cocktails 🍷 I ordered when they were served. I personally really loved the cocktails here. I ordered two, my friend ordered three, and among those five different cocktails, there were continuous surprises. I believe even those who don’t usually drink will find them quite acceptable because they manage to balance the flavors perfectly; the alcohol 🍺 doesn’t overpower, yet it doesn't let the other flavors overshadow the overall aroma. The cocktails are also very creative. I ordered a cocktail whose name I've already forgotten, but they also paired it with cheese. Interestingly, when drinking the cocktail alone it has one taste, but when paired with the cheese, it creates a completely harmonious flavor as described!
Overall, I highly recommend this bar and suggest anyone visiting Amsterdam really try to check it out. If you can’t secure a reservation, it's definitely worth trying to wait outside. The staff are very dedicated to helping you find a way to get seated. Even if there’s no seat available, if you can have a drink while standing nearby, don’t miss out on that experience!