Welcome to Barney’s Uptown, the biggest and best “smoker-friendly” bar and restaurant in the whole of Amsterdam!
If you’re looking for exceptional food, great value drinks and an exceptional service then you’re in the right place. Come and enjoy the massively varied menu in the comfort of our beautifully decorated building.
I had a chance to pop in here during the Cannabis Cup. Usually when I spot a pool table in a coffeeshop, I turn around and head elsewhere, but at The Rookies, it’s more of an after thought, rather than the primary focus of activity.
I think The Rookies works because it’s got a more open feel than most narrow, cramped coffeeshops. You can sit most anywhere in the room and observe everything going on. I chose to sit by the pool table, which turned out to be unwise as I was getting a lot of ass in my face when they weren’t taking aim at it with the backend of a pool cue. Fortunately this was noticed by one of the staff who rushed over and moved around a few tables to create more room for those shooting pool.
I enjoyed the tunes playing on their superior sound system. A little Van Morrison and other upbeat music give the place a lot of character, and set the happy tone here. While it’s not exactly my cup of tea, lots of young people like this cheery place.
Info:
Address:
Korte Leidsedwarsstraat 145-147
Amsterdam
Grungy canalside coffee shop & juice bar sprayed from floor to ceiling in colorful graffiti.
Once on the Nieuwmarkt, moved to the Warmoestraat.
Now permanently closed by the City of Amsterdam, all three locations are gone. This review is for historical purposes only.
I tried to visit the Rokerij during the 2002 Cannabis Cup, and found it next to impossible to find a seat. This place is very popular, thanks to the dj spinning cool tunes, really good smoke and a nice large room in the back to chill and be seen by the hip set.
The crowd during the cup seemed to be an interesting blend of Americans, other foreigners and Dutch locals. If I could’ve found a seat perhaps I could tell you more. I even returned the day after the cup ended, and still found no place to sit and would’ve waited, but the thick cigarette smoke drove me out.
There are two other Rokerijs open now. One across from Central Station, the other at Amstel 8. All had nice interiors.
Address:
Oude Leliestraat 2
Amsterdam
I’ve been to Amsterdam twice in the last 3 years. Tried many coffeeshops around the city. This my favorite coffeeshop by far. Not because of the quality weed, but because of the nice people working there. The weed was good also, but not the absolute best in the city. It has a laid-back atmosphere with good music and great hot chocolate. Free use of the bongs, which they will clean right before you use it. Backgammon and chess games available. More of an upscale interior with nice woodwork and brass finishes. Located at the edge of the Red light district near the Nuiewmarket, I think. Guido Rocks!
Off the Albert Cuypmarkt, for locals and adventurous visitors. Worth the visit, as they have character here. Characters behind the bar, in the seats and lurking about. But very friendly, and great stuff to smoke.
I have had a bad experience with the bartender/dealer at the Rembrandtplein location laying heavy pressure on you to buy cannabis in addition to drinks. He actually lied and said you had to buy some in order to stay.
Don’t give in! YOU DON’T HAVE TO BUY CANNABIS TO VISIT A COFFEESHOP, just a drink. Otherwise they’re no better than street dealers.
If you don’t like the pressure to buy cannabis, report them to the KvK (Chamber of Commerce).
Until they lay off the pressure to buy cannabis, and start treating their customers with more respect, we do NOT recommend this coffeeshop!
Address:
Herengracht 133
Amsterdam 1015 BG
Phone: 020-427 7874
Also at: Korte Koningsstraat 2