Key Takeaways
- Address: Korte Leidsedwarsstraat 93, near Leidseplein.
- Intimate, buzzer‑entry speakeasy with attentive service.
- Seasonal cocktails use locally sourced produce and rooftop herbs.
- Monthly classes and guest‑bar shifts keep the menu fresh.
- Small plates—like Bitterballen 2.0—complement the drinks without stealing the show.
Snapshot
NJOY is the candle‑lit cocktail bar that bridges Prohibition‑style secrecy with forward‑thinking mixology. Housed at Korte Leidsedwarsstraat 93—steps from Leidseplein—the speakeasy pairs rooftop‑grown herbs with premium spirits, serving drinks that look like modern art yet taste unmistakably Dutch. Here’s everything you need to know before ringing the brass bell.
Tram lines 2 and 12 stop at Leidseplein; from there it’s a 150‑metre walk. Look for an unmarked black door and press the buzzer—staff unlock the entrance once they have space.
First Impressions
A velvet curtain gives way to matte‑black walls, low pendant lamps, and a back‑lit wall of 400 bottles. Seating tops out at 45, preserving an intimate, relaxed energy even on Saturday nights.
Candles release subtle notes of sandalwood while orange zest perfumes the air from the bar station. Regulars praise the balance of elegance and warmth: refined enough for date night, laid‑back enough for a post‑gig debrief.
The Cocktail Menu
Seasonal produce and fresh fruit guide a ten‑page menu that evolves every quarter. Current highlights:
- Amsterdam Mule – genever in place of vodka, topped with spicy house‑made ginger beer and served in a Delft‑blue mug.
- Smoked Tulip – mezcal, rose‑hip shrub, and tableside smoke‑gun presentation.
- Iconic Classic Old Fashioned – bourbon rested on cherry wood, sweetened with barley‑malt syrup.
Expect creative glassware, from lab beakers to hand‑thrown ceramics, and garnishes clipped from NJOY’s rooftop herb garden.
Craft Behind the Bar
Head bartender Sophia van Rijn leads a team that treats the art of mixology like mini theatre: kefir cultures, spin‑clarified juices, and homemade syrups appear throughout the night. Friday demos let guests watch a cocktail assembled step‑by‑step—perfect if you enjoy knowing why some drinks warrant hand‑cut ice while others arrive beneath a bubble‑capped cloche. Ask about barrel‑aged Negroni infusions or Thursday spirit tastings for a deeper dive.
Small Plates
Though not a full restaurant, NJOY’s kitchen keeps pace with the drinks list:
- Dutch Bitterballen 2.0 — veal croquettes, truffle mayo
- Rum‑glazed pork‑belly skewers — sweet, smoky, and ideal with mezcal highballs
- Vegan kimchi gyoza — proof there’s something for everyone
Seasonal snacks rotate quarterly, echoing the flavours found in the glass.
Best Times to Visit
| Day & Time | Atmosphere | Typical Wait |
|---|---|---|
| Tue–Thu 16:00‑19:00 | Easy‑going, chatty | None |
| Fri–Sat 21:00‑00:00 | High‑energy, DJ sets | 20‑40 min |
| Sun 17:00‑22:00 | Local crowd, mellow | Minimal |
Online reservations open each Monday at noon for the week ahead; otherwise, ring the doorbell and leave your name. Weeknights offer the best chance to snag the window perch overlooking the canal.
Classes & Events
Monthly masterclasses (max ten guests) run two hours and cover techniques such as milk‑punch clarification and dry‑ice aromatics. Graduates depart with a branded jigger and a voucher for future classic‑cocktail flights.
Keep an eye on NJOY’s Instagram Stories for guest‑shift takeovers—visiting bartenders from cities like London or New York shake up one‑night‑only menus.
Sustainability
NJOY grows herbs on its roof, sources citrus from a carbon‑neutral Dutch supplier, and converts spent fruit pulp into oxymel cordials. Even coffee grounds find a second life flavouring the bar’s cocoa bitters.
Getting There
- Walk: 10 minutes from Dam Square via two canal crossings.
- Bike: Ample racks opposite the bar. Lock up securely—bike theft in Amsterdam is real.
- Tram: Lines 2 or 12 to Leidseplein, then 150 metres on foot.
- Taxi/Uber: Handy during storms but pricier on event nights.
Driving is discouraged; nearby garages cost almost as much as a signature drink.
What Guests Say
With a 4.8/5 average across more than 300 TripAdvisor and Google reviews, praise centres on great service, inventive cocktails, and an atmosphere that “turns strangers into friends in under an hour.” Influencer reels often feature champagne being poured into fog‑filled coupes—a snapshot of the bar’s theatrical flair.
Ready for an amazing night? Ring the bell, take a seat, and let NJOY redefine what a cocktail in Amsterdam can be.
