Bar Blend

Description

Bar Blend is this funky little joint tucked away in the heart of Amsterdam, and it’s become my go-to spot whenever I’m in town. Picture this: exposed brick walls, dim lighting, and the kind of atmosphere that makes you want to stay all night long. Trust me, I’ve done it more times than I care to admit!

The bar’s got this whole industrial-chic vibe going on, with vintage furniture and quirky artwork scattered about. But what really sets Bar Blend apart is their insane cocktail menu. These mixologists are like mad scientists, I swear. They’re always concocting something new and crazy that’ll blow your mind. And don’t even get me started on their gin selection – it’s out of this world!

Now, Bar Blend isn’t exactly a secret anymore. It’s gotten pretty popular over the years, especially with us tourists. But don’t let that put you off. The staff are still as friendly as ever, and they’ll make you feel right at home. Plus, there’s always a good mix of locals and visitors, so you can strike up a convo with someone new if you’re feeling social.

One thing I love about Bar Blend is how they change things up with the seasons. Last time I was there in autumn, they had this pumpkin spice cocktail that was to die for. And in summer, they do these refreshing fruit-infused gin and tonics that are perfect for sipping on their cozy terrace. It’s like a little oasis in the middle of the bustling city.

Key Features

Alright, let’s break down what makes Bar Blend so special:

• Killer Cocktails: Seriously, these drinks are out of this world. The bartenders are like artists, and each cocktail is a masterpiece. They’ve got all the classics, but it’s their signature creations that’ll really knock your socks off. My personal fave? The” Amsterdam Mule” – it’s their twist on a Moscow Mule, and it’s dangerously good.
• Gin Paradise: If you’re a gin lover like me, you’ll be in heaven. They’ve got over 50 different types of gin from all over the world. And don’t even get me started on their gin and tonic menu. It’s like a book!
• Cozy Atmosphere: The vibe here is just perfect. It’s trendy without being pretentious, you know? The lighting’s just right, the music’s always on point, and there’s plenty of comfy seating. It’s the kind of place where you can have a quiet chat with friends or mingle with other patrons at the bar.
• Knowledgeable Staff: The folks working here really know their stuff. They’re always happy to chat about the drinks and make recommendations based on your tastes. I’ve learned so much about different spirits just from talking to the bartenders here.
• Seasonal Specials: Like I mentioned before, they’re always changing things up with the seasons. It keeps things interesting and gives you a reason to come back again and again.
• Snack Menu: While Bar Blend isn’t a full-on restaurant, they do have a great selection of bar snacks. The Dutch bitterballen are a must-try – they’re perfect for soaking up all those cocktails!
• Outdoor Terrace: When the weather’s nice (which, let’s be real, isn’t always in Amsterdam), their little terrace is the perfect spot for people-watching and soaking up the city vibes.

But you know what? The best feature of Bar Blend is something you can’t really put your finger on. It’s that feeling you get when you’re there – like you’re part of something special. It’s the kind of place that makes memories, you know?

Best Time to Visit

Now, when it comes to the best time to hit up Bar Blend, it really depends on what you’re after. But lemme break it down for you based on my countless visits (all in the name of research, of course! ).

If you’re looking for a chill, laid-back vibe, I’d say your best bet is to swing by on a weekday evening. Tuesday to Thursday, the place has this perfect buzz – enough people to create atmosphere, but not so crowded that you can’t find a seat. It’s ideal for those nights when you want to have a proper conversation without shouting over the music.

But if you’re after more of a party atmosphere, Friday and Saturday nights are where it’s at. The place really comes alive on weekends, with a DJ spinning tunes and the bar getting pretty packed. It’s a great spot to start your night out in Amsterdam – just be prepared to queue for a bit if you arrive after 10pm.

Now, here’s a little insider tip for you – Sunday afternoons at Bar Blend are seriously underrated. They do this amazing” Gin & Jazz” session from 4pm to 8pm. Live jazz, special gin cocktails, and a super relaxed vibe. It’s the perfect way to wind down the weekend.

As for the best time of year to visit, honestly, Bar Blend is great all year round. But I must say, there’s something special about cozying up here on a chilly autumn evening with a warm cocktail. Or in spring, when you can sit out on the terrace and watch the city come back to life after winter.

Summer’s awesome too, don’t get me wrong. The bar’s got this great indoor-outdoor flow, and they often have special summer cocktails on the menu. Just keep in mind that it can get pretty busy with tourists during peak season (June to August).

And winter? Well, there’s nothing quite like escaping the cold Amsterdam streets and warming up with one of Bar Blend’s hot cocktails. They do this mulled gin drink in December that’s absolutely to die for.

How to Get There

Bar Blend is in the middle of Amsterdam, in the Jordaan neighborhood. The exact address is Prinsengracht 494, 1017 KH Amsterdam. But let’s be real, unless you’re a local, that probably doesn’t mean much to you. So here’s how to get there based on where you might be coming from:

If you’re staying in the city center, you’re in luck. Bar Blend is within walking distance of most central hotels. It’s about a 15-minute stroll from Dam Square. Just head west towards the Jordaan, and you’ll hit Prinsengracht. The walk is half the fun – you’ll get to see some of Amsterdam’s famous canals and beautiful architecture along the way.

Coming from further out? No worries, Amsterdam’s public transport system is top-notch. The nearest tram stop is “Westermarkt” on lines 13 and 17. From there, it’s just a short walk to the bar. Or if you’re near a metro station, take the line 52 to “Rokin” and then it’s about a 10-minute walk.

Now, if you’re feeling brave (or Dutch), you could always rent a bike. There’s nothing more Amsterdam than cycling along the canals to get to your destination. Just remember to lock it up properly when you arrive – bike theft is no joke in this city!

For those of you who prefer to travel in style, Uber is widely available in Amsterdam. Just pop in the address and they’ll drop you right at the door. Taxis are also an option, but they can be pricey, especially at night.

Oh, and here’s a pro tip for you – if you’re using Google Maps (which, let’s face it, we all do), make sure you’ve got the right “Bar Blend”. There’s another bar with a similar name in a different part of town. You want the one on Prinsengracht.

Once you’re in the vicinity, keep your eyes peeled for a stylish black facade with gold lettering. It’s not flashy, but it’s definitely eye-catching. And if all else fails, just follow the sound of people having a good time – that’ll lead you straight to Bar Blend!