Tales & Spirits is a cocktail bar and dinner spot at Lijnbaanssteeg 5-7, 1012 TE Amsterdam, in the medieval city centre just off Dam Square. Its identity is built around story-led drinks: fresh ingredients, detailed techniques and theatrical presentation turn a cocktail order into the focus of an evening, while a full food menu makes it suitable for a late dinner as well as drinks.
What to Expect at Tales & Spirits
The experience is deliberately more considered than a quick beer stop. Cocktails are the principal draw, with each drink conceived as a tale rather than simply a list of spirits and mixers. Expect classic cocktail foundations interpreted through house technique, seasonal ingredients and an element of surprise in the serve. Tell the bartender whether you prefer spirit-forward, tart, smoky, herbal or sweeter drinks; that gives the team a useful starting point for a tailored recommendation.
The setting is an intimate old-centre address in Lijnbaanssteeg, a narrow lane connecting the Dam area with the streets behind the Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal. It operates as both restaurant and cocktail bar, so dinner can be paired with a sequence of cocktails rather than treated as an afterthought. The room’s close-set scale and evening-only hours make it especially suited to couples, small groups and travelers looking for a polished night out after Amsterdam’s museums and canal walks.
- Story-led cocktails: Drinks are designed around narrative, technique and fresh ingredients rather than standard highballs alone.
- Personal guidance: Describe your preferred base spirit or flavour profile for a more precise bartender recommendation.
- Dinner-and-drinks format: The venue combines a restaurant meal with a serious cocktail program in one reservation.
- Late-night opening: Tuesday through Saturday service runs from 5:30pm until 1am, useful for a post-dinner final stop.
- Dam-area location: Lijnbaanssteeg places it a short walk from Dam Square, the Royal Palace and the Nieuwe Kerk.
Tales & Spirits at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Lijnbaanssteeg 5-7, 1012 TE Amsterdam |
| Neighborhood / Area | Amsterdam-Centrum, Dam Square / medieval city centre |
| Operating Hours | Tuesday-Saturday, 5:30pm-1am; closed Monday and Sunday |
| Admission / Price Range | No admission; €€€ for cocktails and dinner |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1.5 to 2.5 hours for dinner and cocktails; about 60 minutes for drinks |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Dam tram stops and Rokin Metro Station are nearby; use central paid garages rather than expecting street parking. |
| Official Website & Phone | Tales & Spirits website; +31 6 55356467 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Book ahead for Thursday through Saturday, particularly for a dinner table or a prime later-evening slot. An early 5:30pm arrival is the easiest choice for unhurried conversation and a measured first round; later reservations suit travelers who want the room at its liveliest. There is no ticketed entry: spending is on food and drinks, with the €€€ price level reflecting a crafted-cocktail and dinner occasion rather than a casual pub visit.
From Amsterdam Centraal, walk south through the old centre in roughly 10 minutes, or use trams stopping at Dam and continue on foot. Rokin, served by Metro 52, is also within an easy walk. The lane is central but narrow, and the venue occupies a compact historic-centre premises; contact the bar before arrival to discuss step-free entry, wheelchair turning space and restroom needs. Dam Square, the Royal Palace Amsterdam and the Nieuwe Kerk are all within about five minutes on foot, while the bookshops, galleries and cafés around Spui are around 10 minutes away.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Tales & Spirits open, and what is the best time to go?
Tales & Spirits opens Tuesday through Saturday from 5:30pm to 1am and is closed on Sunday and Monday. Arrive at opening for a quieter dinner-and-cocktail experience, or reserve later in the evening for the full night-out atmosphere.
Do I need tickets or a reservation?
There is no admission charge or ticket requirement. Reservations are the sensible choice for dinner and busy weekend evenings; call +31 6 55356467 to ask about table availability, walk-ins and current booking arrangements.
How much time should I allow?
Allow about an hour for cocktails alone, especially if you want time to discuss preferences with the bartender. Plan 1.5 to 2.5 hours when combining drinks with dinner and a second round.
Is Tales & Spirits suitable for families or guests with mobility needs?
The bar’s late-evening, cocktail-centred format is best for adults and older teens dining with family, rather than a children’s activity. Its compact position on a narrow central lane means guests using wheelchairs, strollers or other mobility aids should call ahead to confirm the most practical arrival and seating arrangement.
When planning your Amsterdam travel guide or comparing verified restaurants and cocktail bar in Amsterdam, pair this stop with standout local spots including The Cottage, De Plantage, Dolzon, and Hotel The Craftsmen (nearby).
