Bar The Tailor

Description

Picture this: you’re strolling through the bustling streets of Amsterdam, and suddenly, you stumble upon a hidden gem that’ll make your taste buds dance with joy. That’s Bar The Tailor for ya! This ain’t your average watering hole, folks. Nope, it’s a classy joint that’s got more personality than your quirky aunt at a family reunion.

Nestled in the heart of Amsterdam, Bar The Tailor is like that cool kid in school everyone wanted to be friends with. It’s got style, it’s got swagger, and boy oh boy, does it know how to mix a mean cocktail! The bar pays homage to its founder, A. W. Krasnapolsky, who was apparently quite the dapper gent with a knack for tailoring. And let me tell you, that tailoring theme runs through this place like a perfectly stitched seam.

When I first heard about a cocktail bar inspired by tailoring, I was skeptical. I mean, what’s next? A dentist-themed restaurant? But boy, was I wrong! These folks have managed to weave (see what I did there? ) the art of tailoring into every aspect of the bar, from the decor to the drinks. It’s like stepping into a fancy tailor’s shop, except instead of leaving with a new suit, you leave with a slight buzz and a big grin.

Bar The Tailor ain’t just about looks, though. These mixologists are the real deal. They’ve got more awards than I’ve got socks, including being crowned the winner of the “National Cocktail Competition 2021”. And get this – they were listed as the second-best cocktail bar in the Netherlands in 2023 by Cosmopolitan. That’s like being the second-best pizza in Italy – pretty darn impressive!

But wait, there’s more! (I always wanted to say that) In 2019, Bar The Tailor was voted the best hotel bar in Amsterdam. Now, I don’t know about you, but when I think of hotel bars, I usually picture sad businessmen nursing watered-down gin and tonics. Not here, folks. This place is where the cool kids hang out, whether they’re staying at the hotel or not.

Key Features

Alright, let’s talk about what makes Bar The Tailor more special than a unicorn riding a rainbow. First up, we’ve got their tailor-made cocktails. These ain’t your run-of-the-mill mojitos and margaritas. Nuh-uh. These bad boys are crafted with more care than my grandma puts into her famous apple pie.

The mixologists at Bar The Tailor have teamed up with Dutch Distiller Wynand Fockink to create a menu that’s more exclusive than a secret handshake. We’re talking homemade infusions, liqueurs, and sodas that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance. And get this – they even use tobacco bitters and special perfumes in some drinks. It’s like they’re not just making cocktails, they’re creating liquid art!

Now, let’s chat about the decor. Remember how I said the tailoring theme runs through everything? Well, they weren’t kidding. The lights are made from ribbons, people! And the carpet? It’s been stitched more beautifully than a couture gown. It’s like drinking in a fancy tailor’s shop, minus the measuring tape and awkward small talk.

But wait, there’s more! (I really like saying that) Bar The Tailor also offers a cigar and cocktail pairing experience. Now, I’m not much of a cigar person myself – last time I tried one, I coughed so hard I thought I’d time-traveled. But if you’re into that sort of thing, this place has got you covered.

And let’s not forget about the heated patio. ‘Cause let’s face it, Amsterdam ain’t exactly known for its tropical weather. But these clever folks have created a cozy outdoor space where you can enjoy your fancy drinks without turning into a human popsicle. It’s perfect for those chilly evenings when you want to feel like you’re sitting outside, but without the risk of frostbite.

Oh, and did I mention the bites? ‘Cause they’ve got those too. Perfect for soaking up all that booze and preventing you from drunk-dialing your ex. Not that I’ve ever done that. Nope. Not me.

Best Time to Visit

Now, you might be wondering, “When’s the best time to hit up this fancy-pants bar? ” Well, my thirsty friend, let me break it down for ya.

First off, Bar The Tailor is open daily from 5 PM to 1 AM. So if you’re looking for a breakfast cocktail, you might want to look elsewhere. Unless you’re on some weird nocturnal schedule, in which case, you do you, buddy.

If you’re after a more chill vibe, I’d suggest swinging by early in the evening. It’s perfect for those “I just want a quiet drink after work” kinda nights. You can grab a seat at the bar, chat with the mixologists (who, by the way, are friendlier than a golden retriever at a dog park), and watch them work their magic.

But if you’re in the mood for a bit more buzz, later in the evening is where it’s at. The place starts to fill up with a mix of locals and tourists, all drawn in by the promise of fancy drinks and good times. It’s like a United Nations of cocktail lovers, but with better outfits.

Now, if you’re visiting Amsterdam in the winter (and let’s face it, who doesn’t love freezing their tushy off while sightseeing? ), you’re in for a treat. Bar The Tailor goes all out with their ‘Winter Art of Cocktail Making’ experience. I don’t know exactly what that entails, but I imagine it involves a lot of warm, cozy drinks that’ll make you forget about the arctic tundra outside.

And here’s a hot tip for you – if you’re in Amsterdam for New Year’s Eve, Bar The Tailor is the place to be. They throw a shindig that’ll make Times Square look like a quiet night in. Last year, they had a selection of 15 different rhythms to tune into the new year. I’m not entirely sure what that means, but it sounds fancy and fun, doesn’t it?

Oh, and if you’re a cigar aficionado (or just someone who likes to pretend they know about cigars to impress people), their cigar and cocktail pairing experience is available year-round. Nothing says “I’m sophisticated” quite like puffing on a stogie while sipping a drink that costs more than your weekly grocery budget, am I right?

How to Get There

Alright, my cocktail-craving comrades, let’s talk about how to find this liquid paradise. ‘Cause let’s face it, all the fancy drinks in the world won’t do you any good if you can’t find the darn place, right?

Bar The Tailor is located in the center of Amsterdam. Now, I know what you’re thinking -” Great, that narrows it down to about half the city.” But fear not, I’ve got your back.

If you’re the type who likes to walk everywhere (you know, to balance out all those cocktail calories), you’re in luck. Bar The Tailor is within stumbling distance of many of Amsterdam’s main attractions. It’s like the universe wants you to reward yourself with a fancy drink after all that sightseeing.

For those of you who prefer to let someone else do the driving (smart move after a few cocktails), taxis and Ubers are readily available. Just tell your driver you’re heading to Bar The Tailor, and if they look confused, mention it’s near Dam Square. If they still look confused, maybe find a different driver.

Now, if you’re feeling really adventurous (or just want to blend in with the locals), you could always rent a bike. Amsterdam is basically the bicycling capital of the world. Just remember, bikes and cocktails don’t mix, so save the drinking for after you’ve safely parked your two-wheeled steed.

For the public transport enthusiasts among you, you’re in luck. Amsterdam has a great tram and metro system. The closest stop to Bar The Tailor is Dam Square, which is served by trams 2, 4, 12, 13, and 17. From there, it’s just a short walk. And by short, I mean short enough that you won’t work up a sweat and ruin your” I’m here to look fancy and drink expensive cocktails” outfit.

Oh, and here’s a fun fact for you – Bar The Tailor is right around the corner from the Dutch distillery Wynand Fockink. This place has been around since 1679, which is probably older than some countries. They’ve got a tasting room where you can try their gins and liqueurs. It’s like a pre-game for your Bar The Tailor experience. Just don’t go too hard, or you might end up thinking the bartender at The Tailor is your new best friend. Not that I’m speaking from experience or anything. ..

So there you have it, folks. Whether you’re walking, biking, tramming, or teleporting, getting to Bar The Tailor is easier than pronouncing” Gezelligheid” after a few drinks. (That’s Dutch for coziness, by the way. Don’t try to say it at the bar unless you want to risk spitting on the bartender. )

Remember, the journey to great cocktails is just as important as the destination. But let’s be real, once you’re sipping on one of Bar The Tailor’s creations, you probably won’t remember how you got there anyway. Cheers, or as they say in Dutch,” Proost!” (Please don’t ask me how to pronounce that either. )