Basement bars and speakeasies in Amsterdam

Zum Barbarossa

Zum Barbarossa lives up to its tagline: ‘always time to disappear’, as you slip away into this underground bar right in the heart of the city. This intimate cocktail and oyster bar is located in a gorgeous art nouveau building just off the Spui. The interior’s sleek lines and ambient lighting offer a more contemporary take on the vintage speakeasy. Pair your cocktail with fresh oysters and bites provided by The Seafood Bar next door, one of Amsterdam’s best seafood restaurants.  

Zum Barbarossa | Voetboogstraat 1, Centrum

Door 74

Door 74 is a trailblazer in European cocktail culture. With 15 years of expertise, it's been on the ‘World's 50 Best Bars’ list twice. You’ll find this elegant bar hidden behind a discreet green door on the Reguliersdwarsstraat. Once inside, take in the glamour of a bygone era and sip on some of the best cocktails in the city. The menu at Door 74 is all about quality and attention to detail, and this month, they’ve launched a pop-up menu with Mount Gay rum, the oldest rum brand in the world.  

Door 74 | Reguliersdwarsstraat 74, Centrum

Belly of the Beast

Hidden in the belly of the historical Odeon Building, this bar is the latest venture by bartending star Tess Posthumous and Joeri Salet, co-owner of the legendary Supper Club. The menu offers cocktails inspired by deep sea creatures and mythical beasts like the ‘Siren’s Call’ or ‘The Naked Sphinx.’ Find a spot at the striking mosaic bar or try recreating these fantastical flavours at one of their cocktail-making workshops.  

Belly of the Beast | Singel 460, Centrum

SHU

Intimate, luxuriously decorated and hidden away, Shu is a high-energy cocktail club that’s meant for those post-dinner moments and the transitions between eating out and going out. Its decor draws from New York and Tokyo; furnished in warm dark wood, plenty of gold details and a custom music deck for guest DJs. And while the cocktails have the classics, it’s their custom twists by the resident award-winning bartender that are the best shouts; think the eponymous lemon vodka and passionfruit yuzu ‘SHU’ cocktail or the oolong and Johnnie Walker-inspired ‘Midnight Mirage’. As for practical matters, SHU is billed as more of an exclusive venue than your average walk-in, with cocktails between €15-20. It’s open Wednesdays through Sundays (until 03:00 on weekends) and to reservations – but only for a 25+ crowd.

SHU | Handboogstraat 15 H, Centrum

Bar Mokum

For Bar Mokum, a subterranean bar beneath one of De Pijp’s most popular streets, the name says everything: an ode to ‘Mokum’, the locals’ affectionate nickname for their city. Embracing Amsterdam’s spirit of tolerance and carefree vibes, this bar offers creatively named cocktails like the ‘Apekop’ (Monkey Head), which is infused with banana flavour. Celebrate the city and explore a menu divided into sweet, bitter, and sour categories, featuring surprises like the ‘Wortel schieten’, a scotch-based cocktail with carrot and walnut. 

Bar Mokum | Ferdinand Bolstraat 11, De Pijp

The Butcher

Behind this legendary burger joint on the famed Albert Cuypstraat, lies a speakeasy-style cocktail bar, where dim lighting and velvet lounges set the scene. The menu boasts creative takes on classics, such as the “Smokey Outdated" or the "Butcher's Martini”, made with premium spirits and house-made infusions. Match your drink to a gourmet burger for the perfect blend of cocktails and cuisine.  

The Butcher | Albert Cuypstraat 129, De Pijp 

Bar Oldenhof

Bar Oldenhof is the epitome of old-world charm and elegance. Walking into this dimly lit, atmospheric bar, you’re transported back to the golden age of cocktail culture. There’s no fixed menu here –just tell the bartenders what you're craving, and they'll make it for you. If you like sipping classic cocktails made to perfection, look no further. But if you want something new, Bar Oldenhof also has changing themes like Negroni Month or Thrillers Month, offering fresh flavours for the more daring among us.  

Bar Oldenhof | Elandsgracht 84-H, Centrum 

Paindemie

Paindemie takes the concept of the speakeasy to a new level. Tucked behind a casual toasties and sandwiches parlour, this art deco bar takes you far away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Discover a surprising menu with sophisticated twists on cocktails and food, like the Toastie d'Escargot. You’ll want to try every drink on the menu, with inventive concoctions like the Black Olive Negroni and their signature Sakura Martini, or sample their extensive sake menu.  

Paindemie | Kinkerstraat 122, Oud-West 

Bar Gui

The latest culinary venture by renowned chef Guillaume de Beer, the mind behind Paindemie, is Bar Gui. Step into its inviting dark wooden interior and enjoy the intimate atmosphere. Choose from the à la carte or set menu with flavours inspired by the coast of Brittany. If you’re in the mood for indulgence, try the "Carte Blanche" mystery menu, which includes the best that Bar Gui has to offer. The bar serves lunch and dinner all day from Friday to Sunday.  

Bar Gui | Prinsengracht 955, Centrum