Dutch Courage | Cocktail Bar Amsterdam — Restaurant in Amsterdam

I am a big fan of genever (aka Dutch gin), so I was thrilled to see that a bar specializing in genever opened up near Amsterdam Centraal Station. Appropriately named Dutch Courage, it's a small bar with just 6 stools and a few tables indoors and out. I love the vintage style and even an automat to buy genever! I started off with a genever tasting, and it was a great way to start and also sample the various styles of the spirit. There are many different styles and l love the versatility of the spirit. Some are sippers, some are great in cocktails, and I had one of the best old fashioneds this year made with a genever that was north of 120 proof. Many genever are 5-10 EUR per shot, which are around an ounce, so that you can try quite a few for a reasonable amount. There is only one option for food - bitterballen (They do not have a kitchen, but they work with a restaurant next door for an extremely tasty version made even better with the owner's homemade mustard!). The staff here are great, and really appreciated the hospitality from Radic, who really knows his stuff and shows great hospitality. Dutch Courage is the perfect spot to try genever in its various forms and to experience a true taste of the...

My girlfriend and I sat at the bar, hoping to get some suggestions from the bartender (big mistake). When I asked our waiter about the most popular drink, the bartender began making mocking comments in the back area.

The bartender then proceeded to ask what we liked to drink, and when we shared a few options, he made faces, clearly implying that he thought our choices were poor. After a condescending speech about how the spirit we chose didn’t matter because we supposedly wouldn’t be able to tell the difference, we decided to go with a drink based on our preferred flavor. Although the drinks were delicious, we really didn't enjoy them as we felt very uncomfortable with how badly he treated us.

He was a bald Italian guy, and while there might be some cultural explanation for his manner of speaking, he should improve his custumer service as this bar is located in a tourist area that receives people from all over the world and some of us are not cocktail connoisseurs!

We would have had more drinks but ended up having only one each because he truly made us feel mocked, uncomfortable and...

The drinks were great, although quite expensive even for Amsterdam standards. Didn't try any food. One thing that bothered me a lot was the implementation of obligatory tipping choice when paying with card, with minimum 10% tip over an already very expensive menu. Why are Dutch bars and restaurants, especially in Amsterdam, trying to incorporate the worst aspect of American culture into Dutch culture? Please stop trying to make tipping culture happen in this country. US and NL are not the same and this behavior is gross in a country where dealing with massive inflation is seriously problematic already. People will tip without this pushy American system but the difference is that they will feel much better about...