Tales & Spirits

Tales & Spirits, tucked into the tiny Lijnbaanssteeg alley between Singel and Spui, brings unforgettable cocktails and small plates to a beautifully restored 16th-century canal-house setting. Its interior exudes charm: exposed brick walls, wooden beams, vintage chandeliers, and a bar that feels both elegant and cozy . Patrons typically sit at the polished wooden bar or small tables, while bartenders deliver top-tier hospitality—friendly, theatrical, and brimming with local personality. Cocktails are the main event: inventive in flavor and presentation, often playful or whimsical in concept—drinks like "What If…" a pineapple‑ginger daiquiri, “No Siesta No Fiesta,” or the Tiki‑leaning “Zombie” riff—each built around a story and crafted with precision. The bar is sometimes described as a "cocktail museum"—full of antique glassware, vintage bitters, and walls showcasing memorabilia tied to cocktail history. The food menu focuses on refined small plates and bar snacks—standouts include wild mushroom risotto, steak tartare, scallops with oyster emulsion, and even playful "Cup of Noodles" with dashi bacon broth and Sriracha. Diners can enjoy dinner Tuesday–Saturday evenings until 10 pm . Late-night energy kicks in on Fridays and Saturdays, when Tales stays open until 3 am—making it a nightly local favourite and booking essential spot in Amsterdam’s cocktail circuit. Despite its popularity, the vibe remains welcoming and unpretentious—part local haunt, part destination for cocktail lovers from around the world . Tales & Spirits frequently ranks among Amsterdam’s top cocktail venues and is acknowledged for its hospitality, creativity, and classic-meets-quirky flair on lists like World's 50 Best Bars.