Any recommendations based on prior personal experience with Amsterdam coffeehouses.
I already have the list from Rick Steves' guide.
Particularly:
I may be asking for too much, but I thought that I would aim high (no pun intended) ! Thanks !!
I cannot resist. Check Trip Advisor, ;)
Amnesia on Herengracht is the one I would feel meets those qualifications, but read through some of the reviews online for those you are thinking you might be interested in. They each have a pretty distinct atmosphere and certain ones cater to different types of people - some are more geared towards the young, frat/party crowds (particularly those in the Red Light District), but others cater more towards locals or people in their 30s-40s-50s.
Try these links, gd...
https://www.smokersguide.com/home.html
This one looked good too, but the last review was from 2010, so it might be out of date. Good info and reference guide anyway...
http://www.coffeeshop.freeuk.com/Map.html
When are you going? I'm going to Amsterdam in December, so if you go before that, I'd appreciate a trip report on this :). Happy 420! hehehe
I sent a PM
My favorites were Sevilla, Bushdockter, and Smokey's all in the Rembrandtplein area. All shops were accommodating to foreigners with reasonable pricing. I don't know about the alcohol. These three had very nice outdoor seating. One had excellent milkshakes, but I can't remember which.
. The shops near the train station can be somewhat creepy, with an opium den vibe going. They're mostly full of foreign tourists who look like they haven't left the place in weeks.
The further you get from Central Station the better the coffee shops get. The Dolphin and the Happy Feelings are two that are friendly, bright and near the Leidseplein.
As far as quality of the product, it depends on your level of experience. The shops that sell alcohol are mostly around the red light district.
Thanks to everyone for the great information. The Amsterdam Coffeehouse directory site as well as the "menu" site are very helpful.
GDMPLC66
I just sent another PM. Please let me know if you received it; I'm starting to wonder if I am doing something wrong. Thanks.
a lot of people don't respond to private messages.
And - given the topic - he or she may have forgotten
Come on now, Nigel! Not all who partake fit the stereotypical "forgetful"/slacker image. One of the reasons I recommended Amnesia was because it's clientele (particularly during the day) was much more diverse than some of the dumps over near Centraal or in the Red Light District where it was all foreigners just interested in partying as hard and obnoxiously as they could. At Amnesia for every 1 person with a septum piercing and tattoos, you had about 4 others sitting around in nice suits scrolling through their iPhones and looking like bankers or lawyers - certainly not slacker stoners. What everyone had in common was no one acted like a-holes. They stopped by to have a smoke, enjoy a drink, relax a little and then went about their day. I stayed in the area and this was the same scene day after day.
And Denny, I responded to this question publicly, and the OP very kindly sent me a thank you via private message. So I am sure that they have seen your PM by now and have looked into any recommendations you offered.
Yes, Ceidleh, I have since received a gracious reply from the OP.
I went to Siberie Coffeehouse close to the train station, it's in the Rick book. It was like a Starbucks. Very friendly and helpful people. They do not sell beer. Atmosphere is good. They well good coffee and brownies. We tried the Grey Area but there was a long line and it didn't seem as inviting. Hope this helps.
