These stand out and they are within an easy walk from each other in the Singel/Herengracht area.

1) Greenhouse Lounge (Haarlemmerstraat 64) (Former Blue Velvet)

http://www.coffeeshop.freeuk.com/BlueVelvet.html

Unique in so many ways, when you walk in and look at the floor you realize you are walking on the glass top of a huge aquarium. In addition to the usual benefits of the Greenhouse family this place has a truly outstanding kitchen, really great food, breakfast, salads, sandwiches, steaks… when I ordered an espresso it was delivered in a proper demitasse with a side glass of water, when I remarked to the cute waitress that I was impressed she said they receive barista training. The neighborhood is a great constellation of restaurants, shops, and great spots for people watching.

2) Siberie (Brouwersgracht 11)

http://www.coffeeshopsiberie.nl/eng/
http://www.coffeeshop.freeuk.com/Siberie.html

No food but definitely has a great tea collection. They also have poetry night, chess tournaments, and sometimes a dj. Very cool and laid back with a great friendly staff.

3) Amnesia (Herengracht 133)

http://www.coffeeshop.freeuk.com/Amnesia.html

The new remodel looks beautiful, more comfortable seating, enjoy the usual benefits of this great coffeeshop. Must try their fantastic mint lemonade!

One could start at the Greenhouse, go check out Siberie, walk around the Singel to see what's happening, then go to Amnesia… then backtrack to Greenhouse. Life is great!

And if you are hungry and gets to be dinner time De Belhamel restaurant is right there where the Herengracht and Brouwersgracht meet. If it is warm you can sit outside, or, try sitting by the windows overlooking the canals.

http://www.belhamel.nl/

Thanks for that, a9g7dom! All three places do have their own charm and appeal and you are correct, that end of Haarlemmerstraat has undergone a significant upgrade in the last few years. I am not keen on Arjan's empire getting bigger, but he does run a better shop than when it was Blue Velvet that is for sure. Now it is he and Derry (Barney's) in a race to see who can have the most 'upscale' coffeeshop in town...

HW

Amnesia was always a good stop after a romp on Bergstraat

That's one street that I really miss

There was always at least one gem there during the day



Best Regards

Smuler

Nice.

I Will have to try De Belhamel.
I kind of miss the funkiness of the independent shops of the good old days--Blue Velvet, Pink Floyd, De Grotte, Popeyes...One day Arjan is going to own the World!
I would walk the extra block to Grey Area from Amnesia, and would stop at Anyday, too.
I'm glad others get to this side of town. I always stay in the area. The vibe is so much more calm and relaxed than the Wallen.

Weasel

I would definitely agree with Amnesia - extremely friendly, comfortable...and great weed!