Drink n Sink – Cafe Bar Amsterdam

Description

Let’s talk about Drink n Sink – Cafe Bar Amsterdam. It’s a real gem on Oudezijds Voorburgwal, right in the Old Centre. Not your average watering hole, either. You might be wandering the old streets, slightly lost (we’ve all been there), when you come across this cosy little spot that seems to have a bit of everything.

I’ve been to my fair share of bars and cafes around Amsterdam, and Drink n Sink has something special going on. It brings together the best bits of a sports bar, a relaxed cafe and a party spot. You can watch major sports events on one of their 10 big screens (yes, ten), sip a cocktail or dance the night away if the mood takes you.

And it’s not just about the drinks and sports. Drink n Sink serves some decent food, too, including hearty breakfasts that’ll help after a long night out. You’ll find everything from a full English breakfast to veggie omelettes, plus toasties that do the job when you need something to eat with all that Dutch beer you’ve been sampling.

The vibe is just right: not too fancy, not too dive-y. You can turn up in comfortable travel clothes, grab a seat at the bar and feel at home. The staff are friendly (most of the time, anyway; we all have off days), and they’re good at making you feel like a regular, even on your first visit.

Key Features

Here’s what makes Drink n Sink stand out from the many bars around Amsterdam:

1. Sports Galore: If you’re a sports fan like me, you’ll feel right at home here. With 10 big screens, you’ve got a good chance of catching the game you came for. Football, rugby, cricket, or even that niche sport you’re into (curling, anyone? ), they may well be showing it.
2. Rooftop Parties: Drink n Sink isn’t just about indoor fun. Its rooftop bar is a lovely spot on a warm Amsterdam summer evening. There’s something about sipping a cocktail as the sun sets over the city. Just don’t try to recreate that scene from Titanic at the edge, alright? Safety first.
3. Breakfast of Champions: You don’t often find a bar that does a decent fry-up, but Drink n Sink has nailed it. The full English breakfast comes with bacon, sausage, eggs and the works. At €8. 50, it’s a steal, especially after a night out in Amsterdam.
4. Cocktail Heaven: Amsterdam’s known for its beer, but the cocktails at Drink n Sink are worth a look, too. They serve the classics alongside some quirkier mixes. My personal favourite? I’ll keep that one to myself; you’ll have to try them and pick your own.
5. Live Music and DJ Nights: In the mood to dance (do people still say “shake your groove thang”? ), Drink n Sink often has live music or DJs playing tunes that can get even reluctant dancers on their feet.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit depends on what you’re after. Here’s a quick guide to planning your visit, which is probably easier than ordering a Heineken in Amsterdam.

If breakfast is the plan, get there early. They serve their fry-ups in the morning, and there’s something oddly satisfying about tucking into a full English while the rest of Amsterdam is still waking up.

For sports fans, timing matters. Check the schedule to see when they’re showing the big games, whether it’s the World Cup, Champions League or Super Bowl. Get there early for a good spot; nobody wants a pillar blocking half the screen.

If you’re more of a night owl, evenings are when Drink n Sink gets going, especially at weekends. The music gets louder, the cocktails start flowing, and before you know it, you might be doing the Macarena with a bunch of strangers who now feel like old friends.

Here’s a local tip: try visiting in the shoulder season, around spring or early autumn. Amsterdam gets crowded in peak tourist season, and Drink n Sink isn’t exactly a secret. In the quieter months, you’ll have more room and might even get a seat at the bar without weaving through a crowd.

If you’re in Amsterdam for King’s Day on April 27, swing by Drink n Sink. The whole city turns orange, and celebrating the Dutch national holiday at a bar that knows how to party is quite an experience.

How to Get There

Drink n Sink is on Oudezijds Voorburgwal in the De Wallen / Old Centre area, an easy walk from Amsterdam Centraal via Damrak. That’s the straightforward part; the address gets a little confusing from here, so double-check it before setting off.

The directions list the address as Warmoesstraat 55, 1012 HW Amsterdam, in the Centrum district. Save it on your phone before you go. Trying to pronounce “Warmoesstraat” after a few Dutch beers can be a challenge.

Coming from Amsterdam Centraal Station? Exit the station and head south towards the city centre, keeping an eye out for Warmoesstraat. It’s about a 10-minute walk, give or take a few detours to admire the canals or avoid the cyclists (they mean business).

You can also take public transport. Dam Square is the nearest tram stop, served by lines 2, 11, 12 and 17. From there, it’s a short stroll; follow your nose or Google Maps, whichever works.

If you’d rather take a taxi or Uber, show the driver the address. Most drivers know the area well, though Amsterdam’s narrow streets can make even a short ride feel like an adventure.

Coming by bike? There are plenty of bike racks near Drink n Sink. Remember where you parked, though. Finding your bike after a night at the bar isn’t a game you want to play.

One last bit of local advice: don’t rely entirely on your phone’s GPS. Amsterdam’s tall buildings and narrow streets can play havoc with the signal, so it helps to have a rough idea of where you’re headed. Or just ask someone nearby. Most Amsterdammers are happy to point a lost visitor in the right direction, especially one looking for a bar.