Tales & Spirits

A multi-level cocktail sanctuary in a historic canal house

Tucked away in Lijnbaanssteeg—a narrow alley connecting the Singel canal to Spuistraat—Tales & Spirits occupies a 17th-century building just minutes from Dam Square. Since opening in 2012, this multi-storey cocktail bar and restaurant has earned a spot on the World’s 50 Best Bars list and the Gault&Millau Cocktail Bar of the Year title (2019), making it the Netherlands’ most internationally recognized cocktail destination.

The building itself tells a story before you even order a drink. High ceilings with exposed wooden beams, antique chandeliers, and bare brick walls create an atmosphere that feels both intimate and grand. Vintage cocktail paraphernalia—French posters, antique shakers, and curious barware—fills glass display cabinets throughout the space. The founders, Lydia Soedadi and Boudewijn Mesritz, have spent years collecting these pieces, transforming the bar into something between a neighborhood pub and a cocktail museum.

The “What if?” cocktail and the story behind it

Every drink at Tales & Spirits comes with a narrative, but none more significant than the house cocktail: “What if?” This twist on the classic Daiquiri—Bacardi Superior rum with fresh lime and pineapple-ginger shrub—earned co-founder Boudewijn Mesritz a podium finish at the 2012 Bacardi Legacy Cocktail Competition world finals in Puerto Rico.

A wooden barrel mounted above the bar displays a running counter of how many “What if?” cocktails have been sold since opening day. The tally has surpassed 30,000. Each drink arrives with a small card where you write down your own “what if” moment—the bar’s way of turning a cocktail into a conversation starter.

The menu extends well beyond this signature drink. Expect playful creations like “No Siesta, No Fiesta” (rum, banana-almond milk, saffron honey, and mole bitters served in a poncho-clad vessel) and the Jungle Book-inspired “Pear Necessities” with Irish whiskey and pear liqueur. For those who prefer classics, the bartenders—trained by Soedadi herself—execute Old Fashioneds and Negronis with equal precision.

What makes this bar worth your evening

The staff interaction: Tales & Spirits operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations. This policy encourages guests to sit at the bar, where conversation with the bartenders is part of the experience. The team takes coats at the door and brings complimentary snacks and water to your table—small touches that reflect the genuine hospitality Soedadi and Mesritz built their reputation on.

The food program: Unlike many cocktail-focused establishments, Tales & Spirits maintains a full dinner menu served until late. Dishes range from pork belly buns and duck liver brioche burgers to more substantial plates designed to complement the drinks rather than compete with them.

L’Atelier de T&S next door: In 2016, the adjacent space became available, allowing the owners to open a boutique and off-licence. Here you can purchase rare spirits, vintage cocktail tools, antique glassware, and recipe books. If you fall for a particular coupe glass or shaker used in the bar, chances are you can take one home.

The multi-level layout: The ground floor houses the main bar area, while upstairs offers additional seating with a quieter, more intimate atmosphere. On busy nights, the upstairs provides a refuge for longer conversations.

Practical information

• Address: Lijnbaanssteeg 5-7, 1012 TE Amsterdam (alley between Singel at No. 85 and Spuistraat at No. 60)
• Opening hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 17:30–01:00. Closed Sunday and Monday.
• Reservations: Not accepted. First come, first served.
• Getting there: A 5-minute walk from Dam Square or Nieuwmarkt metro station. The bar sits in the historic center near the edge of the Red Light District—look for the understated facade once you turn into the alley.
• Price range: Cocktails average €15–17.
• Good to know: Arrive early on weekends if you want a seat at the bar. Wednesday and Thursday evenings offer the best balance of atmosphere and availability.

Your next move

Tales & Spirits rewards curiosity. Ask the bartenders about the story behind a drink, request an off-menu “Splish Splash” to see what happens, or simply write down your own “what if” moment on that little card. The bar has built its reputation on treating every guest—whether a first-time visitor or a regular local—like part of the story it continues to tell.

Tales & Spirits, Lijnbaanssteeg 5-7, Amsterdam. Open Tuesday–Saturday from 17:30.