A Golden Age cocktail sanctuary on the Keizersgracht
The glamour of long-lost times enters the modern day at Pulitzer’s Bar. Housed within a 17th-century canal house at Keizersgracht 234, this timeless hotel bar tells a contemporary tale of cocktail history through inventive drinks and an effortlessly elegant atmosphere.
The interior captures the accessible elegance of old-school hotel bars: think leather armchairs positioned around a fireplace, ambient lighting, and an impressive Art Deco-style bar that draws both locals and visitors seeking refuge from the city’s bustle. Large windows frame postcard views of Amsterdam’s UNESCO-protected canal belt—a sight that feels particularly magical when boats glide past in the golden evening light.
History rooted in Amsterdam’s Golden Age
In 1635, a woman named Maria Fassijn purchased Keizersgracht 236—now part of the Pulitzer complex—and created a rose garden between her front and back house. That garden has long since disappeared, but the building’s legacy as a gathering place for Amsterdam’s influential residents continues.
The Keizersgracht itself was constructed in the early 17th century as part of Amsterdam’s ambitious urban expansion during the Dutch Golden Age. Named after Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I (“Keizer” means Emperor in Dutch), the canal attracted wealthy merchants, bankers, and city officials who built grand residences along its banks.
The Pulitzer hotel was founded in 1970 by Herbert Peter Pulitzer, grandson of Pulitzer Prize founder Joseph Pulitzer. Peter saw potential in a row of dilapidated canal houses along the Prinsengracht and Keizersgracht canals. He purchased twelve houses initially, guided by a simple motto: “The house of your neighbor is for sale only once.” Over thirty years, the hotel grew to encompass twenty-five restored 17th and 18th-century canal houses—each with its own architectural character.
A comprehensive renovation in 2015 and 2016, led by designer Jacu Strauss, transformed the property while preserving its heritage. Strauss researched each of the 25 canal houses, incorporating design details that celebrate their individual histories. The result blends traditional Dutch craftsmanship with contemporary comfort throughout the hotel, including the bar.
The alchemy of scents and spirits
Pulitzer’s Bar has built a reputation for conceptual cocktail menus that push creative boundaries while honoring classic techniques. The current collaboration with New York fragrance house D.S. & Durga reimagines mixology through the lens of scent—transforming smoky leathers, sunlit florals, resinous woods, and electric citrus into aromatic cocktails crafted with botanical distillates, rare spices, and aged essences.
This sensory approach isn’t new for the bar. Previous menus have explored themes like “Journey Into Dreamland” and a partnership with perfumer Le Labo, where bartenders developed cocktails inspired by the hotel’s signature Santal 33 fragrance. Head bartenders here don’t simply mix drinks—they create layered experiences designed to unfold sip by sip.
The cocktail menu typically features around 15-20 drinks priced between €17-20, ranging from inventive twists on classics to entirely original creations. The bar snacks menu includes elevated options like Dutch bitterballen—crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside—alongside more refined plates.
Practical information
Address: Keizersgracht 234, 1016 DZ Amsterdam
Opening hours:
- Monday–Thursday and Sunday: 3:00 PM – 1:00 AM
- Friday–Saturday: 3:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Getting there:
Pulitzer’s Bar has its own street entrance on the Keizersgracht, separate from the hotel’s main entrance on Prinsengracht. From Dam Square, walk west along Raadhuisstraat until you reach Keizersgracht, then turn right. The walk takes about 10 minutes.
By public transport, take tram 13 or 17 to “Westermarkt” stop—the bar is a 2-minute walk from there. From “Rokin” metro station, expect a scenic 10-minute walk along the canals.
Reservations:
Pulitzer’s Bar is a seated-service venue with limited seating, and parties larger than four guests cannot be accommodated. Weekend evenings get busy, particularly after 8:00 PM. Booking through the hotel’s reservation system (SevenRooms) is recommended, especially for Friday and Saturday visits or if you want to secure a spot by the fireplace.
When to go
Late afternoon arrivals from 3:00 PM offer the calmest atmosphere—ideal for conversation with bartenders and watching afternoon light play across the canal. The traditional Dutch “borrel” hour between 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM brings a mix of after-work locals and early evening visitors, creating a convivial energy without the weekend crowds.
During colder months, the bar’s fireplace and intimate lighting make it a particularly appealing escape. The canal views become especially atmospheric during Amsterdam’s Light Festival in winter, when the waterways fill with illuminated art installations.
Pulitzer’s Bar sits at the intersection of Amsterdam’s past and present—a place where Golden Age grandeur meets contemporary cocktail craft. Step through the door on the Keizersgracht, settle into a leather armchair, and let the canal view and a well-made drink transport you.
