Where are the cheapest places to drink in Amsterdam, preferably near Centraal Station?

Question

I am returning to Amsterdam, I was there this past summer for two days. I have 4 days their and I want to know the best places to eat, drink ect..

Answer 1

"Good" and "cheap" are often two quite different animals, especially in Amsterdam. Anyway, here are a number of places near Central Station that are cheap and don't immediatly have you crying with misery. ;-)

- Chips (British "chips", i.e. American "fries") at the Belgian chips stall (no more than a hole in the wall, actually) on Voetboogstraat; just join the immense line waiting to be served.
- Falafel at most places (almost as good as you can get in the Middle East), but especially at the ubiquitous "Maoz" chain.
- Drinks at almost any brown cafe. Try artisinal beers ("boutique" or "microbrewery" beers), or for a more local touch beers from Amsterdam's "'het IJ" brewery. A special pilgrimage to their brewery cafe under the Fuenen windmill should be obligatory for any tourist.
- Try Dutch-Indonesian food at Srikandi or Sama Sebo (both near Leidseplein); if you want to go a bit cheaper try Bojo (also near Leidseplein).
- For the best sandwiches in town go to "Van Harte" in Hartenstraat.

A bit further out (still less than 30 minutes by tram from CS): try the enormous number of ethnic restaurants in the "Pijp" area.

And yes, I used to live in Amsterdam... ;-)

Answer 2

Oh! A great place right off the strip (can't remember the name of the street - but it starts at the train station and goes to Dam Square). There is a place about midway down on the right side from the train station - called Bistro. Totally excellent steaks.

Answer 3

find a 'brown cafe' (that's a pub, not a coffeeshop) and hang with the locals. cheap beer and good service, usually. bars are generally not too expensive in the dam, except for nightclubs. of course, there are coffeeshops, but that's another story...