If you’ve ever strolled down Ceintuurbaan in Amsterdam, you might’ve unknowingly passed by a hidden gem: Vice Versa. This cozy bar may look unassuming during the day, but by night, it’s a lively spot filled with locals, craft beer lovers, and comedy fans. Curious to see what the buzz was all about, I decided to check it out—and quickly discovered why this bar has earned its place in the hearts of so many.
What I knew about Vice Versa before I went
If you serve craft beer by the pint, make banging cocktails, and throw in some free comedy nights for good measure, you can be absolutely sure you’ll find me perched at your bar. Vice Versa, you have been warned.
So it’s one of those bars that you probably walked past during the day, blinked and missed. But come evening, you look again realise it’s a chock-a-block of local beer enthusiasts, wine chuggers and funny people, all coming together to enjoy their wares and coo over Derek, the bar dog, a most distinguished gentleman dressed in the most adorable hoodie.
Just me? Okay, that’s fair. I admittedly am easily distracted. But I stand by what I say about Derek.
So this little slice of beery heaven sits firmly on the busy Ceintuurbaan and based on the fine people I met there yesterday, is very well loved by the locals. They pop in for a beer, some snacks, a reasonably priced whiskey selection and, which may come as a surprise if the scene isn’t familiar to you beforehand, two comedy nights a week. An extra special bonus to us expats is that they’re in English, so you get to be in on the jokes.
I love the décor as well – it really makes you feel like you’re sitting in your quirky friend’s living room having a chat and a top notch beverage. Random frames with no paintings? Check. Children’s classic books placed all over the place? Double check. Mismatched yet somehow cohesive furniture choices? Triple check. It’s cozy, warm, inviting and, in my expat opinion, the epitome of gezellig.
What’s the verdict
Another thing that is going to make this place one of my local haunts is that the people there are absolutely lovely. It speaks volumes about a place when it attracts a crowd that is welcoming, eager to chat to strangers and share a beer with newcomers. The folks behind the bar are also charming.
Oh, and the comedy nights? You don’t need a ticket, all you need is to turn up ready to chuckle.
You can visit Vice Versa at Ceintuurbaan 206.
Find Vice Versa online:
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