Let's get this straight, Amsterdam's coffeeshop scene isn't for the faint of heart, or the easily offended. You got to navigate a haze of expectations, both your own and those projected by some locals. Coffeeshop Vondel fit that bill perfectly – equal parts intriguing ambience, inconsistent service, and top-notch product.
Stepping into Vondel was like entering a David Lynch film set in a head shop. Cool, curated chaos hung in the air, with plush cushions and low lighting creating a vibe both inviting and exclusive. Now, some might call it "snobbish," but to me, it felt more like a deliberate chill zone away from the tourist circus. Think less "Amsterdamned!" and more "Amsterdammed, but with good taste."
Service, however, was a crapshoot. One visit, a charming young woman guided us through the menu with the warmth of a local grandma. Other times, even with the shop practically empty, we were left feeling like unwelcome tourists, having to prove our "worthiness" as non-stereotypical outsiders. Look, I get it, Amsterdam gets its fair share of yahoos, but a little hospitality goes a long way, even in the hazy world of coffeeshops.
But hey, who am I kidding? You don't go to Vondel for the hand-holding. You go for the good stuff, and on that front, they delivered. The selection was expansive, catering to various preferences, and the quality? Damn good. Forget that brick weed you scored back in college – this was smooth, flavorful, and did exactly what it was supposed to do.
And let's not forget the coffee – a damn fine cuppa joe, perfect for cutting through the… ahem… ambiance. Rich, robust, and strong enough to hold its own against the chosen herbal accompaniment.
So, Coffeeshop Vondel: a mixed bag. The chill vibe and top-notch product are worth a visit, but be prepared for potentially aloof service and the lingering suspicion that you might be, well, a tourist. Just remember, a smile and a willingness to engage can go a long way, even in the Amsterdam haze. Just don't mention the illegal activities,...
Read moreLate in the evening we were tired and really wanted a coffee but all the cafes were closed. The only other option we had to get a coffee was obviously at a coffeeshop. So we go in and order 2 lattes only for the people behind the counter to act as if we were criminals for wanting a coffee but not a smoke. They looked at us in disbelief and told us no, that we couldn't come in for a coffee because they are a coffeeshop and we had to have a smoke. They gave us some stupid analogy about how you wouldn't take a big mac into a restaurant... even though we weren't bringing anything in, except our money, for a coffee, at a coffeeshop. First coffeeshop we had been to that had this ridiculous rule, some of the others even double as juicebars that you can go to just get a juice, and others are relaxed enough to let you bring in your own supplies as long as you get a drink. But we weren't even bringing our own supply, all we wanted was a coffee. Don't go to this coffeeshop if you...
Read moreby far the best coffeeshop i’ve visited in amsterdam, even if it was pretty far from where I was staying, I visited twice in a week. Not crowded since it is kinda far from the center but easily reachable by tram. The inside is SUPER clean, the toilets are the cleanest i’ve seen in a coffeeshop, the place is very cool and cozy and has quite a bit of room, the weed selection is great and the edibles are amazing, the two cats going around make the vibe even...
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