Monday night is film night in De Nieuwe Anita, a cozy little bar that used to be run by squatters. The movies are presented by an American dude named Jeffrey Babcock, who’s been a part of the sub-cultural scene of Amsterdam for quite some time.

Not only does he select those hidden, twisted gems that you would not find yourself, he also drags you into the world of the filmmaker. By mixing factual information with juicy details about the often quite eccentric lives of the directors, he creates the right context for the viewer to experience the film in, in all its richness.

The main feature is usually preceded by an equally interesting short film, after which you have some time to drink a beer and reset your mind. The intimate interior has the look and feel of a living room; it has the right atmosphere to contemplate on the movie you have seen, and to let your mind slowly wander back to reality.

If you need explaining, or want to know more about the filmmaker, you can strike up a conversation with the host, who’s probably hanging around having a beer as well.

The films at De Nieuwe Anita (aka DNA) are not for the faint-of-hearted, rather for those who like to be stunned, baffled or shocked. If you are open to it they can offer a momentary escape to a realm that can be perverted but beautiful, or terrifyingly philosophical.

Cinemanita takes place every Monday night at 20.30. Be there at least half an hour in advance, as the seats are usually quickly taken.

Details about this spot
Cinemanita | Cinemas | Ticket € 2.00
Frederik Hendrikstraat 111 | Oud-West (area map) | +31641503512
Mon 20:30

Show full posting and map »

Club 8 is a great venue for a fully filled, entertaining night! With more than 24 pool tables there’s always space to start your game! Feeling hungry?
The restaurant menu offers burgers, soups, pasta and typically Dutch snacks like ‘bitterballen’ en ‘kaassouffle’. Check out the menu for drinks (JPEG, 162kb) or the menu for food (JPEG, 162kb)!

The restaurant area might not be a picture perfect place for going out for dinner, but for a quick bite it’s just fine.

At night, Club 8’s nightclub plays funky sounds: electro, pop, indie, house….name it, they have it! Check out the program on the website, just to be sure you like what’s on that particular night!

The audience is very diverse: students, tourists, expats, and locals…everybody likes Club 8!

Details about this spot
Club 8 | Bars, Music, Restaurants (international) | One hour pool € 9.50
Admiraal de Ruyterweg 56B | Oud-West (area map) | +31206851703
Mon - Thu 14:00 - 03:00, Fri 14:00 - 04:00, Sat 12:00 - 04:00, Sun 12:00 - 03:00

Show full posting and map »

A downside of living in the district De Baarsjes is that good bars or restaurants are almost non-existent in this part of the city. Fortunately, in 2005 Louter was opened. It has been very popular ever since, because of its excellent location at the border of De Baarsjes.

It is quite a hip place, with mixed crowds. The interior is nice, although you could have your own opinion about the lamps above the bar. It is excellent for a morning cup of coffee (with homemade coco-cookies) or a drink. The food is nice and of good value. The sandwiches have some ordinary choices on it, but the taste is surprisingly. In the weekend they have a hearty breakfast, with croissant, egg and bacon, fresh orange juice and coffee from 10:00 to 12:00.

Details about this spot
Louter | Bars, Coffee & tea, Restaurants (international) | Mains from € 12.00
De Clerqstraat 82 | Oud-West (area map) | +31203892623
Sun - Thu 10:00 - 01:00, Fri - Sat 10:00 - 02:00

Show full posting and map »

Great shop with health and eco foodies, goodies and more stuff! Nice spot!

The “Overtoom”, the name of the street, is getting more attractive. It used to be a traffic - jammed road. Now you can go there for fun, food and shopping. And ………. they have a lot of take away goodies!

A real good new Marqt for Amsterdam.

Details about this spot
Marqt | Shopping, Snacks | Free
Overtoom 21 - 25 | Oud-West (area map) | +31204226311
Mon - Sat 08:00 - 21:00

Show full posting and map »

The old film academy halfway on the Overtoom is now one of the underground cultural hotspots of Amsterdam.

With hardly any investments made in the interior, graffiti art on the wall, and not too much lighting, the place gives an industrial feel. It has quite a lot of empty spaces that can be used for festivals, regular movie nights, live music or clubbing.

OT301 used to be run by squatters, but it turned at least somewhat professional a while ago. You can find information about irregular events, the Tuesday movie night: Cinema Derive, the Friday and Saturday club night and the Tuesday Ping Pong Bar.

The crowd on a club night is a mixture between the alternative and the hip, but they have a love for partying in common. People are easygoing, so there is a pleasant atmosphere. Check out the website to see if there is anything planned that tickles your fancy.

Details about this spot
OT301 | Art & culture, Music | Beer € 2.00
Overtoom 301 | Oud-West (area map)
Fri 22:00 - 04:00, Sar 23:00 - 05:00

Show full posting and map »