Kantoor 1643 — Restaurant in The Hague

Despite of the amazing design and nice menu positions (big kudos to cocktail variety and taste), there’s a big gap in service and concept of food serving at the cafe. More details:

Waiters (except one girl) were standing most of the time next to the bar area and more talking to each other rather than looking out at people at tables. Failing to take orders when visitors were looking around for waiters. The one serving our table had a ‘zero f’s’ face expression, quite bad at understanding menu positions, talking quick and undistinguished so we had to ask a few times over and over again. And it wasn’t an accent problem, just mumbling and quick speech. Empathy can be improved here. Menu: menu item with Brie claimed in description it is a 2-4 people serving. But it was served with ONE piece of squishy bread 😬 not the good one sourdough with a great texture, but a spongy cheap bread. While the menu claimed it’s a sourdough bread. When we asked for two more pieces of bread to finish the cheese, the cafe charged us 6 euros. There’s nothing bad in charging, but it’s a disgrace to charge it for such a cheap bread. I really liked the cheese itself and the other aubergine dish we ordered, but this bread thing left a bitter aftertaste. if you’re not planning to change the bread, at least add one more piece for each dish, it won’t cost you more than 50 cent, but at least you won’t seem cheap to your customers Last one: I know the place has just opened, and usually for a few weeks waiters collect feedback about food and service to fix little frictions in a newly opened business. But not this time. And even when we passed the feedback there were zero tries to compensate a negative experience - neither the waiter tried to compensate a negative experience, nor they even tried (eg to check with cafe administrator etc). I thought it’s a well know customers service concept that failing smth and then fixing it and letting go customer satisfied converts them into a returning customer. I guess I was expecting this.

This whole experience gave me a feeling that owners cared more about design and instagramic interior rather than atmosphere, food and service. Or there’s a big gap between owners and staff.

PS: I’m not a big cocktail connoisseur but the Beacon cocktail was served with a huge rock of ice occupying 70-80% of a total volume of the glass. Volume wise maybe it should qualify for a ‘shot’ rather than...

Den Haag needed this place and it's a breath of fresh air for the city for sure.

The interior combines the industrial with mid-century modern design. A combination of warmth and elegance is the first thing you feel when you go through the somewhat 'hidden' door that opens into a cosy anteroom. It is familiar yet quite chic and new all at the same time. Overall, it elicits a ''this must be the place'' in your mind.

Food menu is spectacular with a little bit of everything. You will find a twist even on your regular burger, but done very right, it does not overshadow the feeling of a good old smokey and buttery classic burger! (Personally I was thrilled to finally eat some good yuca fries around here).

Well, the lack of one star is mainly because of cocktails. The cocktail menu feels like, despite the abundance of choices and the brilliant naming, just a bunch of twists on classic cocktails. Those twists, unlike the twists on food, throws the cocktails out of balance and does not add anything new worth enjoying either. The mixes are not bold and don't feel novel. There is a certain shyness I felt and I believe they could do much better! I would stick to ordering classics next time given that the menu is still the same.

Also the staff is really sweet and attentive, but I would like to feel their eyes on me a little...less.

Edit on November 8, 2025: I just got a chance to visit this place after their re-opening and here I am giving them their well-deserved final star! I find Kantoor has the best cocktails in the city as you can feel their signatures come with a lengthy thinking (and brewing/fermenting) process behind them! As a person with an insatiable savory tooth that definitely extends to drinks; I fell in love with the Kyiv Mule. To call it borscht-for-alcoholics doesn't do it justice, but regardless it is heavenly especially if you've missed a clear cocktail with good body, balanced without compromising on complexity. The bartenders are attentive and if you are a bar person like me, do sit at their lovely 360-bar and enjoy the stories behind...

If you're ever looking for a bar that feels like a warm embrace after a long day, look no further than Kantoor 1643. Tucked away in a cozy corner, this place is the perfect blend of history, charm, and good vibes. The moment you walk in, you're hit with the feeling that you've just discovered one of the city's best-kept secrets.

The decor? Think vintage meets modern comfort, with just the right amount of character. It's like walking into a stylish history lesson — but the kind you actually want to stay for. The low lighting and details give the place an atmosphere that makes you want to grab a drink and never leave.

Speaking of drinks, the selection is fantastic. Whether you're a cocktail aficionado or someone who just enjoys a nice cold beer, they've got you covered. The bartenders are basically cocktail wizards — throw any random ingredient at them, and they'll mix you something delicious. Trust me, I tested this theory.

And the service? Service is really nice. The staff is not only friendly but genuinely seems to care if you're having a good time. You know that feeling when you walk into a place, and you can tell the team actually enjoys working there? That’s Kantoor 1643.

The crowd is laid-back but lively. You won't find the typical "too cool for school" vibe here, and thank goodness for that. It’s the perfect spot for meeting friends, going on a date, or just unwinding solo with a book and a drink (if that’s your thing).

In short, Kantoor 1643 is the kind of bar where you come for the drinks but stay for the atmosphere. And if you’re lucky, you might leave with a new favorite drink — or even a few...