Gent aan de Schinkel — Restaurant in Amsterdam

Imagine this (and if you refuse to, jump to the last paragraph): me, a dumb American tourist, traveling outside of the USA for the first time in his life. I'm still learning how to navigate everything in Amsterdam, as I'm new to all of it. It's the middle of April, so it's kind of cold and wet. I got mixed up on how Donkey Republic bike rentals work, so I unnecessarily ended my rental for the day while I was someplace I didn't recognize at all. My phone is on 2%, and I do the first thing I think of: using the last of my battery, I google the closest restaurant, memorize the path, and begin to walk there. My phone dies immediately afterward.

So now I'm in the biggest city I've ever been in, alone, with a dead phone (but thankfully a phone charger in my bag), it's beginning to rain, and the sun is setting. The restaurant I was walking to was some place called Gent aan de Schinkel.

After a ~10 minute walk, I think (correctly) that I've found the place. I walk in, and all of the tension begins to leave my body. This place was incredibly cozy and perfectly warm. As I nervously approach the bar, there's a bearded man about my age tending the bar, making friendly conversation with a coworker in Dutch. Mijn Nederlands is niet echt goed, so I don't really understand them. I ask the man if he can help me, and he responds warmly that, of course he can. I ask if I can charge my phone behind the bar. He takes my phone and charger, and plugs it in for me, simple as. He tells me I'm welcome to sit at the bar and make myself comfortable while it charges.

I make some small talk with him while he works, and everyone's moving so swiftly, yet purposefully, and they all seem in great spirits. I ordered some fries and a warm tea while I waited (my charger is terrible, so it took a long while), and honestly? Just sitting there, I had a really nice time. The staff made me very comfortable, they helped me a lot, and on top of it all, the fries were very good, and the tea was quite nice. I wish I could remember the bartender's name so I could give him a shout-out by name, but all I remember is that he had a beard. (also there was such a cute waiter there with long red hair, and I was so nervous to talk to him, but I told him he had really nice hair 💜 )

TL;DR this is a very nice, comfortable local place that helped a dumb tourist out in his time of need. I'm very appreciative of it. I also had some fries and tea while there, and they...

Lovely location with plenty of outdoor seating both around the corner cafe itself as well as along the Schinkelkade canal that allows for great boat and people watching. Service is attentive and quick and prices are decent. Perfect for a lazy sunday morning... for lunch or breakfast, which is served until 1pm. And I can imagine for a beer and a snack after a busy afternoon in the city.

We both had a Latte, which had the thickest foam I have ever seen. The spoon rested with ease on the foam and had a consistency of whipped cream. The Latte was creamy and had a good caffeine boost to start the day.

We had bacon and eggs with some slices of tomato served with toasted sourdough bread and an open-faced muhammara sandwich. Nothing to complain about as the food was presented nicely and was very tasty.

Prices were decent too as it was in total 21 euros. If you are less mobile, there are steps to enter the building and...

Love how local businesses have pivoted to well to accommodate the restrictions. Cheerful staff, great location and well packed food for on the go.

Location: (4/5) I really think this is a great location in terms of proximity to both Vondel and Rembrandt: easy to pick up coffee or food and head there quickly.

Food & Drink: (4/5) The options are plenty. Coffee, Coke, apple pie, beer and plenty more. I have not tried all the food in the current service, but I have had their other food here which is really good. The veg burger as well as the steak were both great.

Service: (5/5) Great staff. Very kind and helpful. Also nice enough that they helped with my beginner Dutch questions. :)

Summary: (4/5) All in all a great location and great option on this side on Vondel. So drop by and pick something up on your next trip to Vondel...