Amsterdam Cafe

by Gerry K.

I love this place.  I played at an open mic on Friday night.  So friendly, so cool.  The owner Samis was so nice.  Yay!-------------Due to Alison B. (who sensed a conflict of interest in my reviewing a place that I hadn't eaten at, but had performed at, I will say that the Perrier was delicious.)

by Kevin K.

I usually leave the house to work (I write) whenever I can, because I feel much more productive when I'm not sitting 10 feet from a distraction like TV, a book, my bed, or even the fridge which needs to be cleaned out. So, I've been looking for a place to perch when I work, and I seem to have found it.I tried Starbucks and Coffee Bean for awhile, but their online access is expensive, and they attract a really loud crowd. Seriously, the last time I was at Starbucks, he had the loudest conversation on his cell phone ever. I think he was breaking up with someone, but damn ... did we all need to know?Enter the Amsterdam Cafe. It meets a lot of criteria: it's nearby, it offers free wifi, it has food and drinks, and it's not pretentious. Bingo! Plus you can buy a hookah it you care to smoke one with flavored tobacco. I don't imbide myself, but they have an entire lounge out back for smoking in, and they are extremely 4:20 friendly, ifyaknowwhatimean.The only thing I have to take a star off for is the hours. The hours painted on the front door apparently don't mean jack. I've come by at times that fall into their "open" hours, only to find the place dark and locked up. What gives? Gimme a clear definition of when you're open, and I'm fully sold.

by Russ C.

I like this place. It's not the usual Poser kind of place, it relaxed in a comfortable atmosphere. They have new ownership now, and have some very cool things happening for the arts community. I like the patio area which is nice on a good weather day. Good coffee, good food, and friendly neighborhood service. I think this is one of the up and comers of the NOHO arts district, and when the word gets out I think this place will be pretty kickin'.

by Mike G.

You may want to check their calendar at http://www.amsterdamca... for more details about their different shows if you want to avoid private parties and crowded days...... by the way they had a change of ownership about a year and half ago so lady from UK and the cell story.Those guys don't work there anymore! Also, the Wi-Fi is not really free,its for minimum $3 purchase of anything and you can be on line there forever which I think its a good deal

by Kelly H.

Had the best white chocolate mocha with soy there I have ever experienced in my life. One of the guys who works there made it, and I've never experienced anything as delicious as it before.This place is great to come and hang out with friends, and also it's cool to watch people perform for open mic night. There are some really unique people who go, and some hidden gems of comics and singers. It's certainly an experience to go and check out.The coffee is amazing as I've stated before, and the smoothies are fresh and great too. I've tried a few different panini's and they are amazing! A huge portion for me, I couldn't eat all of it and had to share with my friends. Their cold pasta salad along with the panini has become my favorite too.Would recommend this place to anyone looking for a good place to hang out whether it's inside in their main area, or in the outdoor back patio.

by Sharon J.Orsolya D.Shelley G.

Love the PatioI haven't tried the food, but I came here for a meeting and really liked the back patio. It's shaded and nicely decorated with lanterns and plants. It felt romantic. There are 2 futons and some comfy chairs. The inside has cool artwork decorating the walls. I think the wi-fi is free. You can do hookah here, which surprised me. They actually have a decent menu. There are all the coffee drinks and sandwiches. I had a caramel frapaccuino. The coffee was a bit strong for me, but I'm not a regular drinker. I will need to try the food next time. There isn't a parking lot, but street parking was very easy. I will be coming back again.Shame on me for frequenting this place and living within walking distance and not yet yelping about it.. Shame Shame.Amsterdam Cafe is a great concept combining an independent coffee shop with a hookah bar owned by three extremely kind Armenian brothers. Strong local supporters; the brothers decorate the walls with artwork from local artists that you can actually purchase. Speaking of esthetics, the cafe has recently been remodeled with an extended outdoor patio, new furniture indoors and out, and new lighting. It looks even more "hip" and inviting than before. With a menu offering coffee drinks, smoothies and fruit shakes ( try the organic strawberry shake with soy), breakfast foods, pastries, and paninni sandwhiches; Amsterdam Cafe can't be beat. Unlike Starbucks, you can drink a latte, eat a sandwhich, smoke a hookah, and use their free* wi-fi ( * You must purchase a $4 item to use wi-fi. They had too many patrons not make a purchase but simply come in for the internet so they had to impose this rule). Overall, great food, drinks, and lovely owners. Stop in and say hello to the brothers!This is a great place for writers- free wifi and quiet.  You can sit on your laptop for hours with no disruption or judgement. The coffee is pretty good, too. But admittedly, I've only tried the lattes. In the back, there's a very scenic garden patio complete with plants, a fountain and rustic tables.  Perfect for smoking hookah. It's best not to sit here in the summer though because in the 90+ degree Los Angeles heat, it can be a sauna back there.Overall I've had only easy, chilled out experiences here. Exactly what I'd expect for a small neighborhood cafe!

by Sharon J.Orsolya D.Shelley G.Michael K.Gerry K.

Love the PatioI haven't tried the food, but I came here for a meeting and really liked the back patio. It's shaded and nicely decorated with lanterns and plants. It felt romantic. There are 2 futons and some comfy chairs. The inside has cool artwork decorating the walls. I think the wi-fi is free. You can do hookah here, which surprised me. They actually have a decent menu. There are all the coffee drinks and sandwiches. I had a caramel frapaccuino. The coffee was a bit strong for me, but I'm not a regular drinker. I will need to try the food next time. There isn't a parking lot, but street parking was very easy. I will be coming back again.Shame on me for frequenting this place and living within walking distance and not yet yelping about it.. Shame Shame.Amsterdam Cafe is a great concept combining an independent coffee shop with a hookah bar owned by three extremely kind Armenian brothers. Strong local supporters; the brothers decorate the walls with artwork from local artists that you can actually purchase. Speaking of esthetics, the cafe has recently been remodeled with an extended outdoor patio, new furniture indoors and out, and new lighting. It looks even more "hip" and inviting than before. With a menu offering coffee drinks, smoothies and fruit shakes ( try the organic strawberry shake with soy), breakfast foods, pastries, and paninni sandwhiches; Amsterdam Cafe can't be beat. Unlike Starbucks, you can drink a latte, eat a sandwhich, smoke a hookah, and use their free* wi-fi ( * You must purchase a $4 item to use wi-fi. They had too many patrons not make a purchase but simply come in for the internet so they had to impose this rule). Overall, great food, drinks, and lovely owners. Stop in and say hello to the brothers!This is a great place for writers- free wifi and quiet.  You can sit on your laptop for hours with no disruption or judgement. The coffee is pretty good, too. But admittedly, I've only tried the lattes. In the back, there's a very scenic garden patio complete with plants, a fountain and rustic tables.  Perfect for smoking hookah. It's best not to sit here in the summer though because in the 90+ degree Los Angeles heat, it can be a sauna back there.Overall I've had only easy, chilled out experiences here. Exactly what I'd expect for a small neighborhood cafe!Amsterdam Cafe is a great place to chill and have a conversation with a friend.  The environment is very intimate and relaxing, but the food, drinks, and hookah are typical.I had the Rosemary Chicken Panini and the BLT Panini, both of which were good, but basic.  Mainly because of a lack of vegetables and seasoning, the paninis tasted bland.  To drink, I had an Ice Black Tea and a Strawberry Banana Shake.  Both of these drinks were, again, good, but not unique in any way.  And finally, I tried the hookah there, which, as expected, was nothing amazing.Though I say that nothing here was exceptional, this does not mean that this cafe is not worth going to.  Actually, in a way, this is a good thing.  If you live near this cafe, this is a great place to frequent because you know what you will be getting.One last note.  The service here is extremely slow, so don't expect to pop in, grab a sandwich, and pop out.  Again, this is not a bad thing.  You just have to come to expect these things.GET:  Rosemary Chicken PaniniI love this place.  I played at an open mic on Friday night.  So friendly, so cool.  The owner Samis was so nice.  Yay!-------------Due to Alison B. (who sensed a conflict of interest in my reviewing a place that I hadn't eaten at, but had performed at, I will say that the Perrier was delicious.)

by Lazar C.

Amsterdam Cafe is great...laid back with a nice, covered outside area. Good coffee and free wifi.A cup of coffee is $1.85.  Refills $1.25. not too bad.there are couches to sit on and the music is decent too.

by Sarah D.

As some of you may know... I am now unemployed.  The great thing about not having a job is I have more time to yelp!  Since I have tons of free time right now, I decided to go up the street to a cafe with free wireless access for a cup of iced black coffee... yummy my favorite!I had driven passed the Amsterdam Cafe plenty of times but today, sitting here right now, is my very first visit.  It is a small cafe with a patio in the back which is fantastic.  Currently, I am sitting inside enjoying some faint breeze from the open doors... nice air flow here!They are playing some punk rock on the stereo... I think it's the employees iPod.  I can definitely see myself here more often to use the Internet to search for work!!!As the name suggests, it is hookah friendly but only tobacco is allowed.  Sorry to all you stoners out there!By the way... when I walked in, ( I am wearing a wife beater and a pair of shorts) these two older men complimented me o my tattoos and then offered to buy my drink.  Anyone who knows me, knows that I love to get free drinks!  I fell in love with the place immediately.So, if any of you are in the area and want to find me, I'll be here or at the beach!

by Robb R.

Look... this whole thing about corporate coffee being evil.. is a bunch of nonsense.. but i know a certain starrish Buck likes to come in to an area where there is a local coffee place and do its thing..  i wouldnt call it evil.. its more like bad kharma...well the kharma has began to pay back big time my friends.. if you don't know what i am talking about... um IDK but .. trust me.. its pretty awesome..  kinda like when we  ruin the earth i am sure it will kill us all. and replenish itself.. ok its a stretch. but you gotta admit you sorta know what i mean huh...whats this got to do with amsterdam cafe? well if you know your bible references.. Amsterdam won't be here come armageddon. its not acorporate bad kharma place.. it will  be up in heaven saved from devastation.. mainly cause of its free wifi and the little area out back. i would go more often cause i live pretty close but i dont drink coffee super regularly.