Tag Archives: Coffeeshops

Jolly Joker

Posted on by
Reply

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!

The Rookies

Posted on by
Reply

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

Rokerij

Posted on by
Reply

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.

Amnesia

Posted on by
Reply

This is a very pleasant Coffeeshop on the Herengracht with outdoor seating. It’s one of the few places in town that specializes in organically grown weed. I enjoyed the comfortable interior with nice cushions and pillows, hand painted tables by Zoe, and mellow music that set the mood.
Update: I visited the Amnesia again for one of their Vaporizer Parties. It was packed full of happy people toking up the clean vapors from two vaporizers kept going thanks to the Amnesia and the hard-working, knowledgeable folks from the Cannabis College.
The party was livened up by a guy outside playing the saw. Yes, the saw. It sounded real eerie, like a theramin or a sci-fi soundtrack. Inside a DJ was spinning mellow house music while a very good trumpet player was layin’ down some Miles Davis’ riffs which really made that house music fly with the jazz adding the needed melody.
Amnesia was also featuring it’s new fountain style drinks, the EXACT same kind we used to get back in the ol’ soda fountain daze in New York. We’re talkin’ da kine milkshakes, ice cream sodas, vanilla cokes, lime rickeys, malteds (I couldn’t resist a chocolate malt that took me waaay back), and most unusual for Amsterdam, the famous NYC egg cream!
What more could you want for the raving munchies, but a cool fountain drink to set it right. The fountain drinks alone will make me a regular there.
Smokewise the Amnesia has a good selection of organically grown pot including Bio Sage and Amnesia Haze. But the most impressive smoke I tried there was the King Hassan Supreme hashish (fresh, with an incredibly good taste), at 11 Euros a gram and their Ice-o-lator hash (18 Euros a gram – the most expensive smoke in the house). Skip the Manali (tastes like crap).
So sit back, have a great drink, a good smoke, and dig the music at the Amnesia!

Address:
Herengracht 133
Amsterdam 1015 BG

Phone: 020-427 7874

Basjoe

Posted on by
Reply


I always passed this place by on my way to other coffeeshops, and it took my good friend Lee Bridges, the Cannabis Poet to steer me in one day, as this is one of his favorite haunts.
James the proprietor and barman and dealer is the cool dude with a long ponytail made from dreads (one of the longest I’ve ever seen). Last time I was in he had me cracking up with his funny comments.
The shop has three outside tables that fill up fast on nice days. You can’t beat the view at the intersection of two canals, with the Zuiderkerk clock tower looming above (one of my favorite views).
Inside the walls are full of posters for upcoming events so it’s a good place to come to find out what’s going on in town.
Basjoe’s get’s high marks for service because they have a different attitude towards their customers than most coffeeshops. The staff is friendly, the smoothies are excellent and they even have table service. Now that’s cool!
If you want a good deal on hash, from a friendly & funny dealer, visit Basjoe’s on the Kloveniersburgwal.
Tip: The Himalayan black hash is some of the best in town. It’s soft, smooth and almost out-of-body. James always has excellent weed, which he says is now all organic! He has some really sweet stuff going down. Try the Special Haze or just ask James what’s good today.
This place has become much more popular lately (I wonder why?). Good goin’ James Leonardo! If you visit say hi from the HipTravelGuide, and they’ll treat you right!