Excalibur Café

Description

Nestled in the heart of Amsterdam, the Excalibur Café is a hidden gem that’s been serving up a slice of medieval magic. I’m not entirely sure when it opened, but let’s just say it’s been around long enough to become a bit of a local legend. Picture this: you’re strolling down one of Amsterdam’s charming streets, maybe a bit lost (because let’s face it, who hasn’t gotten turned around in those winding canal-side lanes? ), when suddenly you spot a sign that looks like it’s been plucked straight out of a fantasy novel. That’s Excalibur Café for ya!

Now, I must tell you, this ain’t your average coffee shop. Nuh-uh. This place is like stepping into a time machine that’s been set to “Ye Olde Knights and Dragons” mode. The moment you walk in, you’re hit with an atmosphere that’s thicker than a bowl of ye olde pea soup. We’re talking rustic wooden beams, stone walls that look like they could tell a thousand tales (if walls could talk, am I right? ), and enough medieval memorabilia to make a history buff weep with joy.

But here’s the kicker – Excalibur Café isn’t just about the looks. Oh no, they’ve got substance to back up that style. Their menu is a journey through time and taste, with dishes and drinks that‛ll make you feel like royalty. And let me tell you, their coffee? It’s the kind of brew that could wake up a sleeping dragon. Trust me, I’ve had my fair share of caffeine fixes in Amsterdam, and Excalibur’s java is right up there with the best of ’em.

Key Features

Alright, let’s dive into what makes Excalibur Café more than just your run-of-the-mill coffee joint. First up, we’ve got the décor. I mean, where else in Amsterdam can you sip your latte while sitting on a throne? That’s right, folks – actual thrones. And not those cheap plastic ones you’d find at a kid’s birthday party. We’re talking solid, intricately carved wooden seats that‛ll make you feel like you’re about to command your knights to embark on a quest.

Speaking of quests, the menu at Excalibur is an adventure in itself. They’ve got your usual café suspects – your cappuccinos, your espressos, your lattes – but they don’t stop there. Oh no, they’ve gone and given everything a medieval twist. Fancy a “Dragon’s Breath Mocha”? It‛s got a kick that‛ll make you breathe fire (not literally, thank goodness). Or how about the “Merlin’s Magical Matcha”? It‛s green, it‛s mean, and it might just give you magical powers (results may vary).

But it’s not all about the drinks, my friends. Excalibur Café has got some seriously good grub too. Their sandwiches are named after famous knights, and let me tell you, Sir Lancelot‛s Loaded Club is a sandwich worthy of the Round Table. And don’t even get me started on their pastries. The “Sword in the Scone” is a personal favorite – it‛s a scone, but with a tiny decorative sword stuck in it. Cute, right?

Now, here’s a little insider tip for ya. If you’re lucky enough to visit on a Friday night, you might just catch one of Excalibur’s famous medieval-themed trivia nights. Picture this: you’re sipping on a “Guinevere’s Garden Gimlet” (yes, they do cocktails too), racking your brain for the name of King Arthur‛s horse, while a guy in full chain mail armor reads out the questions. It‛s bizarre, it‛s brilliant, and it‛s so uniquely Excalibur.

Oh, and did I mention the staff? These folks are more committed to the bit than a method actor prepping for their big break. They‛re all decked out in period-appropriate attire, and they never break character. I once asked for the Wi-Fi password, and the barista looked at me like I‛d just spoken in tongues. “Wi-Fi? Is that some sort of sorcery? ” he said, before winking and sliding me a piece of parchment with the password written in calligraphy. Now that‛s dedication to the craft!

Best Time to Visit

Alright, so when’s the best time to don your invisible armor and march on over to Excalibur Café? Well, that depends on what kind of experience you’re after, my fellow time-traveling coffee enthusiast.

If you’re an early bird looking to start your day with a medieval kick, I’d recommend swinging by around 8 AM. That’s when the doors creak open and the smell of freshly brewed “Knight’s Wake-Up Call” (their signature black coffee blend) starts wafting through the air. It’s a peaceful time, with just a few locals trickling in for their morning fix. You might even spot a jogger or two in modern workout gear, creating a hilariously anachronistic scene against the café’s medieval backdrop.

Now, if you’re more of a lunchtime lounger, aim for around 1 PM. That’s when Excalibur’s kitchen really kicks into high gear. You’ll get to experience the full hustle and bustle of the place, with servers in period costumes dashing about, balancing trays of “Dragon Egg Salads” and “Crossbow Croissants”. It’s chaotic, it’s fun, and it’s prime people-watching time. You might even catch a glimpse of some bewildered tourists who‛ve stumbled in, looking like they‛ve accidentally stepped through a portal to another dimension.

But here’s the thing – if you want to experience Excalibur Café in all its glory, you‛ve must visit on a weekend evening. Friday and Saturday nights are when this place really comes alive. They often have live music (think lutes and harps, not EDM), and the atmosphere is electric. Or, well, as electric as a place can be when it’s lit mostly by candles and faux torches.

Oh, and if you’re visiting Amsterdam in July, you‛re in for a treat. Excalibur Café goes all out for their annual “Midsummer Knight’s Dream” festival. It‛s a week-long extravaganza of medieval merriment, complete with costume contests, jousting tournaments (okay, it’s actually just people on bicycles with pool noodles, but it‛s hilarious), and special menu items that only appear once a year. Last year they had a “Dragonfire Jalapeño Latte” that nearly burned my taste buds off. It was terrifying. I loved it.

One word of caution though – avoid Tuesday afternoons if you can. That’s when they do their weekly “Dragon Feeding” (restocking supplies), and the place can get a bit hectic. Unless, of course, you enjoy watching staff members in full medieval garb trying to maneuver modern delivery trolleys through narrow, “authentic” doorways. Actually, now that I think about it, that’s pretty entertaining too. Maybe Tuesday afternoons aren‛t so bad after all!

How to Get There

Alright, adventurers, let’s talk about how to embark on your quest to find the mystical Excalibur Café. Now, I’d love to tell you that you need to follow a trail of breadcrumbs through a dark forest, or solve a series of riddles to unlock a secret portal. But alas, this is modern-day Amsterdam we’re talking about, so the journey is a tad more. .. conventional.

First things first, you’re gonna want to make your way to the city center. Excalibur Café is nestled in the heart of Amsterdam, which means it’s pretty accessible no matter where you’re staying in the city. If you’re coming from Amsterdam Centraal Station (and let’s face it, most tourists do at some point), you’ve got a few options.

For the brave souls who want to truly experience Amsterdam like a local, rent a bike. The café is about a 10-minute ride from the station. Just follow the canal (any canal, they all seem to lead somewhere interesting in this city) and keep your eyes peeled for a sign with a sword on it. Word of caution though – Amsterdam’s bike lanes can be more terrifying than facing a dragon. Cars, trams, other cyclists, and wayward pedestrians all seem to have a death wish. But hey, if you survive, you’ll have earned that “Victorious Viking Vanilla Latte” waiting for you at Excalibur.

If you prefer to keep your feet on the ground, walking is always an option. It’ll take you about 20 minutes from the station, but it’s a pleasant stroll through some of Amsterdam’s most charming streets. Plus, you never know what other hidden gems you might discover along the way. I once found a tiny shop that sold nothing but wooden shoes and cheese. Only in Amsterdam, folks.

For those of you who prefer to let someone else do the navigating, hop on Tram 4 or 14 from Centraal Station. Get off at the Rembrandtplein stop, and you’re just a short walk away. Just follow the sound of lute music and the smell of freshly baked “Merlin’s Magical Muffins”.

Now, here’s a pro tip for ya. Excalibur Café doesn’t exactly scream “I’m here! ” from the street. The entrance is actually tucked away in a little alleyway, which adds to its whole hidden, magical vibe. So once you’re in the general area, don’t be afraid to ask a local for directions. Just say “Excalibur Café” with a questioning look on your face, and they’ll probably point you in the right direction with an amused smile. Amsterdammers are used to lost tourists, and most of them speak better English than I do.

Oh, and one more thing – don’t trust your GPS too much when you’re close. The narrow streets and tall buildings can make your phone go a bit haywire. I once spent 20 minutes walking in circles because my phone insisted Excalibur was in the middle of a canal. Unless they’ve recently relocated to Atlantis, I’m pretty sure that wasn’t accurate.