PAMELA — Restaurant in Amsterdam

Apparently if you don't fit their image of queer at the door they won't allow you in. Was meeting friends there and was denied by the person at the door saying it was a "queer safe space" and "reserved for queers." After I responded, asking them "are you are judging me by my appearance and assuming I am not queer?" They then tried to backtrack their words saying they didn't say that but they clearly did. I was completely offended by their assumption and let them know that it is not okay to judge someone based off appearance and that they wouldn't like that done to them had the tables been turned. They apologized but still did nothing to rectify the situation. The friends inside who were holding seats for us also decided to leave because they could not believe this was actually happening. What I am assuming was the manager then came out to corroborate the door person's story and finally invite us in but the damage was done; we don't feel safe here, why would we want to now go in now? They wouldn't even listen to our side of the story only asking us why we are getting mad and having an attitude. But yet, when one person in our party misgendered the door person, the manager then copped an attitude and started yelling at her for misgendering. So, you are allowed to get an attitude and yell at us for accidentally misgendering a person in a heated argument but we're not allowed to get angry for you judging and offending us at the door because we don't fit your image??? PLEASE MAKE THAT MAKE SENSE??!! Judging someone and assuming they are not queer based off appearance is absolutely not okay and why these "safe space" are created in the first place. Shame on you Pamela, you are not everyone or a safe haven for the community as you like to claim. Everyone else, steer clear, go to Bar Bario around the corner as they are more openly friendly to ALL queers in my experience, and the...

Great cocktails and very friendly personnel! I just have one tip — the venue is clearly into making political statements about social issues, but we noticed that while, on top of the queer element, there was an overwhelming amount of one-sided political stickers, window art, and posters on a particular issue, there was not a single thing to be seen to fight antisemitism, racial/religious bias/hate, etc. I can totally understand a queer establishment being covered in queer art, ads, etc., and I 100% believe in free speech and expression, but the blatant pointedness of the political elements honestly made me feel very uncomfortable as a (queer) Jew in a public space that is (I assume) meant to be open to all races, orientations, religions, and genders. This isn’t meant to be a sensoring comment: just a tip that if it is part of your brand to openly display opinions on political issues that are not directly related to the core of your establishment, be more inclusive and all-encompassing, and promote positivity and peace across all demographics without generalizing. (Also I would like to close by saying please do not assume my own political opinions based on this comment; this is simply a suggestion to consider the wider population of your clientele and make everyone feel welcome and comfortable, and promote a positive and peaceful...

Disappointing Experience – Lack of Inclusivity

I recently visited Pamela in Amsterdam, hoping for a fun, inclusive atmosphere, but unfortunately, my experience was far from that. Despite the venue being almost empty, the staff insisted that the place was "packed," which felt dishonest and unwelcoming.

What was even more disheartening was the overall lack of inclusivity. As a lesbian bar, you would expect a space that embraces diversity and openness, but I didn't feel that vibe at all. It was clear that they were not as welcoming as I had hoped, which was a major letdown.

In a city as open-minded as Amsterdam, I expected more from a venue that is supposed to represent and support the LGBTQ+ community. Sadly, I wouldn’t recommend this spot to anyone looking for an inclusive and genuinely welcoming environment.

Edit after Pamela’s answer:

So a queer female couple is a threat for the safety of your queer space? Are you completely ridiculous? Femmininities of all kind should be the first to be celebrated at a...