Amsterdam and Luzerne destinations late Sept. - early Oct.

Amsterdam:

I don't know if locals frequent it, but I narrowly missed d'Vijff Vlieghen (Five Flies) in a little alleyway. A local suggested I go there and I was seated no problem all on my own without a reservation. The people next to me were Frisian and then farther across the room some Americans. I enjoyed the experience a lot. It's upscale but very old and serves European cuisine. Probably in the guidebooks already, but I didn't get the sense it was overrun. Felt hidden and intimate.

A very good bar nearby, frequented by locals is Cafe De Pels. The owners are really nice and have spent time abroad on exchange. Surprisingly niche music taste. As I walked in, they'd just begun to play a 32 minute song from a 90's niche Japanese dub band. I was astounded and asked the staff who decided that. I ended up having a beer on the house with the owner. This was a spot also recommended by some locals. Glad I went. Very down to earth spot.

thanks Sal

Because of its elaborate interior, dVijff Vlieghen is featured in every guilde book about Amsterdam/The Netherlands. The fact that their website is in English reflects that. It’s not a place where Amsterdam locals go to. That doesn’t mean it’s not a great place to eat. The interior itself is worth it and the food is great too.

Unfortunately Amsterdam is so overrun with tourists that places frequented by locals and run by locals are very hard to find. One of my pet peeves when I visit Amsterdam nowadays is that I need to speak English in stores and restaurants, because otherwise the non-local non-Dutch speaking staff won’t understand me. It’s a shame because I really love hearing the thick accent that some Amsterdammers speak with, especially those born and raised in the Jordaan neighborhood.
There are still places that locals go to, but they’re located more towards the edges of the historical city center, not in it.