Description
Let me tell you about Bar TwentySeven in Amsterdam – this place is a real gem. I found it on my last trip to the Dutch capital, and I’m glad I did.
Bar TwentySeven isn’t your average Amsterdam watering hole. It’s a cocktail lover’s paradise, a spot for anyone who appreciates the finer things. Step inside and you’re transported to a world of sophistication, almost like a James Bond movie – shaken, not stirred, anyone?
I’m not usually one for fancy places, but there’s something about Bar TwentySeven that draws you in. Maybe it’s the plush velvet seating and warm lighting, or the smell of exotic spices and fresh herbs drifting over from the bar. Whatever it is, it’s got a certain je ne sais quoi.
But what really sets Bar TwentySeven apart is its commitment to what they call “Fine Drinking”. This isn’t a place to knock back a few cold ones and call it a night. The bartenders are like mad scientists, mixing up drinks that’ll surprise your taste buds.
I remember ordering something called the “Amsterdam Mule” (don’t ask me why, I just liked the name). It was unlike anything I’d tasted before. The bartender talked me through each ingredient as he mixed it: ginger beer, lime juice, and some fancy vodka I can’t pronounce. A proper flavor explosion.
And it’s not just about the drinks. Bar TwentySeven has the sort of atmosphere where you can have a quiet conversation with your date or get chatting with the people at the bar. I ended up talking to a Dutch businessman who shared some great tips about the city – that’s the kind of local insight you can’t plan for.
Key Features
Alright, here’s the lowdown on what makes Bar TwentySeven stand out in Amsterdam’s bar scene.
First up, the cocktails. These aren’t your run-of-the-mill mojitos and martinis. The mixologists create drinks with unexpected flavor combinations, sometimes garnished with edible flowers, smoked right in front of you, or served in glasses that look like they belong in a modern art museum. It’s a whole experience, not just a drink.
The atmosphere’s another big part of the appeal. Picture yourself in a plush velvet chair, soft jazz in the background and the lights turned low. It feels a bit like stepping into a 1920s speakeasy, with a modern twist: Art Deco meets 21st century.
The staff know their cocktails inside out. Not sure what to order? Tell them which flavors you like and they’ll suggest something to suit you, all with a bit of Dutch charm that makes you feel right at home.
Bar TwentySeven serves food, too, and the menu goes well beyond peanuts and pretzels. I tried little bites of beef tartare that were delicious, and just right alongside a cocktail.
If you’re lucky enough to get a spot by the window, you’ll have a lovely view of Amsterdam’s city center. It’s a fine backdrop for sipping a well-made cocktail and pretending you’re in a swanky European film.
Bar TwentySeven keeps things intimate and cozy, so it doesn’t feel like you’re fighting for elbow room at the bar. You might want to book ahead during peak hours, but that small, exclusive feel is part of the appeal.
Best Time to Visit
If you’re planning to visit Bar TwentySeven in Amsterdam, it helps to know when to go. It’s a popular spot, and for good reason, but a little local timing can make for a more relaxed visit.
Amsterdam’s lovely year-round, but I’d pick the shoulder seasons: spring (April to mid-June) and fall (September to November). Here’s why.
In spring, tulips bloom all over the city, and the weather’s mild enough to enjoy a cocktail without sweating through your shirt. You can also catch the tail end of the famous Keukenhof tulip festival. Spend the day among the flowers, then settle in at Bar TwentySeven in the evening.
Fall has its own appeal. The crowds thin out, the weather’s still pleasant, and the city takes on a golden hue as the leaves change. You might also catch events like the Amsterdam Dance Event or the International Documentary Film Festival.
As for days and times, weekdays are your best bet for a more relaxed atmosphere. The after-work crowd starts arriving around 5 PM, so try getting there around 4 PM if you want to beat the rush. You’ll have more time to ask the bartender about the drinks.
If you’re a night owl like me, try around 9 PM on a Tuesday or Wednesday. The after-work crowd has usually cleared out by then, but there’s still a bit of a buzz. It’s a good time to enjoy the atmosphere and chat with locals or fellow travelers.
Weekends get busier, but don’t let that put you off. Friday and Saturday nights have a lively feel, with locals and tourists dressed up and sipping cocktails. Book a table, though, or you might end up waiting at the door like I once did.
If you’re visiting in summer (July-August), try stopping by during Amsterdam Pride. The whole city gets into the celebrations, and Bar TwentySeven serves special Pride-themed cocktails. It’s a lot of fun.
One more tip: don’t forget happy hour. Bar TwentySeven usually offers deals on selected cocktails and bar bites from 5 PM to 7 PM on weekdays. It’s a nice way to try a few things without spending quite so much.
How to Get There
Here’s how to find Bar TwentySeven. Amsterdam’s streets can be a little confusing at first, but getting to this spot is straightforward.
Bar TwentySeven is on Dam Square, right in the center of Amsterdam. You’ll find it in the grand Royal Industrial Club Building. It’s hard to miss.
If you’re flying into Amsterdam, you’ll probably land at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. From there, you’ve got a few ways to reach the bar.
The easiest option is to take the train from the airport to Amsterdam Centraal Station. Trains run every 10-15 minutes, and the journey takes about 15-20 minutes. It costs about €5. 50. From Centraal Station, Bar TwentySeven is a 10-minute walk: head south along Damrak, the main street from the station, until you reach Dam Square.
If you’d rather not walk (fair enough, those cobblestones can be tough on your feet), catch a tram from Centraal Station. Tram 2, 11, 12, or 17 will take you to Dam Square in a few minutes. Just buy a ticket before boarding; Dutch tram inspectors don’t mess around.
If you like getting around on two wheels, you can rent a bike from one of the shops near Centraal Station. It’s a good way to explore the city and build up a thirst for cocktails. Just take care on the bike lanes if you’re new to cycling here.
Already in Amsterdam and staying at a central hotel? Bar TwentySeven is within walking distance of most of them. Put it into your phone’s map app and follow the blue dot. Though really, getting a little lost in Amsterdam’s streets is half the fun.
If you’re in the mood to splash out, or just feeling a bit bougie, grab a taxi or an Uber. They’ll drop you at the door, though Amsterdam taxis aren’t cheap.
Here’s one more tip: if you’re visiting in the warmer months, consider taking a canal boat tour that stops near Dam Square. It’s a lovely way to see the city and end up right where you need to be
for a refreshing cocktail.
Once you’re on Dam Square, look for the grand building with “NH Collection Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky” written on it. Bar TwentySeven is inside. Just stroll in like you own the place (fake it ’til you make it, right?), take the elevator to the third floor, and you’ve made it to cocktail paradise.
