The evening was getting late and we were walking the streets of Amsterdam. Having done my research I was on a mission to find one of the city’s oldest, and most secretive speakeasy bars: Door 74. Having found the right street, Reguliersdwarsstraat, I found plenty of bars and restaurants, but couldn’t find our destination. Finally I started looking at the addresses, 72 Reguliersdwarsstraat, 73, 75, 76… aha! 74 was missing. In its place was this dark green door with blacked out windows. A single white light dimly illuminated the entrance.
There were no other markings on the door. No signage, no doorbell or buzzer, nothing. It did not seem welcoming. My wife was reticent for me to knock, but nothing ventured nothing gained, so knock I did. After a few minutes the door opened and a young woman peered out. She asked how many people were in our party, I said “just the two of us”. She nodded, and then closed the door. And with that, we found ourselves once again standing outside in front of this dimly lit doorway wondering, are they going to let us in? Are we too old, too American? Is this in fact the famous Door 74? Finally after a few long minutes, the door reopened and we were welcomed inside. It was worth the wait.
A small bar elegantly appointed in dark woods, leather chairs, vintage lighting, and a retro tin plate ceiling. It screamed cool. Our bartender was this incredibly friendly, and talented young woman named Julia. She was Italian, from the Parma region, and spoke great English. Having tried several of their amazing cocktails, I asked Julia if she could make me something unique, something of her own creation using Cynar. And with that was born, ‘La Julia’. 40ml of Cynar, 10ml of Rye, 20ml of Vodka, 20ml of Gogi berry syrup, and 25ml of lemon juice. Shaken and then poured over ice. She finished it off with a twist of grapefruit, a luxardo cherry, and white chocolate shavings! A thing of beauty.
The next bar wasn’t hidden per se, just very exclusive and mobile. It was the bar aboard the boat Ivresse. Built in the early 1900’s, the Ivresse is a classic ‘Saloon Boat’, built of teakwood and mahogany, this elegant vessel was made to cruise the canals of Amsterdam. We boarded our private yacht and set off down the Herengracht canal. The bar was simple but elegant. Stocked with all the basics, I kicked off our cruise with a gin and tonic, and my bride with a glass of champagne. The captain was fun and informative, the boat elegant. We felt like movie stars as we cruised along under the bright sun and azure blue sky. I simply can’t say enough about our time aboard the Ivresse, other than its a bar you must experience!
The last bar I want to share is the Groot Melkuis. Hidden in the heart of the Vondelpark (Amsterdam’s version of NYC’s Central Park), the Groot Melkuis is a lovely little chalet-style cafe, located next to the waterway that winds its way throughout the park. Sitting outdoors, watching the world go by, as you sip on a dutch beer and snack on amazing food (try their sandwiches, they’re amazing) simply can’t be beat. The Vondelpark is beautiful, filled with gardens and flowers its an oasis within the busy city confines. I could have spent all afternoon at the Groot Melkhuis, but Amsterdam beckoned and after a couple of beers, and a memorable moment, our quest for adventure continued!
Pyrate Bar 