Hi there! I'm traveling to Europe for a 3 week backpacking trip in May and one of our stops is Amsterdam. I'm just wondering if anyone knows of any good coffee shops...I won't be partaking in any smoking while there, but I don't think it will hurt to try a "special" brownie Has anyone ever been and knows of a good safe place?

What part of town are you staying in? You'll find what you describe available in all the various neighborhoods. No need to go cross town for a space cake.

Be a bit carefull with the brownies. They are VERY powerful.

Out of curiosity, is there any really good smoke-free coffee shop that actually specializes in coffee?

we'll be staying at the flying pig downtown located by the central train station and semi close to the red light district.

<Out of curiosity, is there any really good smoke-free coffee shop that actually specializes in coffee?>

No - Koffieshops are usual coffeeshops like in other countries but rarely smoke free - until next year i think when all public places in Holland including coffeeshops go smoke-free

Coffeeshops that mainly sell cannabis from posted menus along with pop, coffee or in some beer, etc. will then have i guess certain areas blocked off that are smoking rooms but you have to buy the pot in the smokefree area and take it into the isolated smoking area.

Regular pubs, cafes i think will have to be all smoke free - hard to imagine in this bastion of tobacco smokers.

It almost makes me want to sign the Starbucks petition ...

Starbucks wants to sell cannabis?

wow!

I'm not sure I'd want to try it, these days:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7314812.stm

There's a place I like near the Red Light District called either 37 or 39, as marked by the pier address. The backside of it can be seen from the canal as you approach that main bridge to the RLD coming from Centraal Station. There is a big "39" on the backside so it should be easy to find or just ask. More of a laid back locals place rather than going to Grasshopper or Bulldog which will be packed with obnoxious tourists.

genabee,

Please don't just scarf up a power brownie and then go wandering around - the effects are delayed and quite strong when they do take effect. As for smokeables, ask the counterperson at the coffeehouse what the relative strength of the different types are. You will not be pushed to buy the strongest or the most expensive - if anything, they don't want to sell you products you can't handle. Choose a place in the Canal District rather than further downtown or the Red Light area - it's just a nicer experience and you will see how low-key and matter of fact the whole thing is. La Tertulia on the Prinsengracht is a lovely, clean and chill place and handy for a visit after the Anne Frank House. The Paradox in the Jordaan district is another winner - nice mix of locals and tourists, very welcoming. Siberie on the Brouwersgracht (also in the Jordaan) is a little louder and more "happening" but you might like it.

The coffee typically served in the Netherlands is very good. It is what my local baristas call a "long-pull". It's not as concentrated as espresso but not as dilute as American style brewed coffee. It almost always comes with a wrapped biscuit or cookie - love that civilized touch.

Smoke free (icluding coffeshops!) comes in on July 1st. However many bars, cafes and restaurants have already gone smoke free in anticiptaion of this rule.
Starbucks roasts the coffee served throughout Europe in the Netherlands, and has it's European HQ here too, yet (thankfully) has no plans to open any branches here. Dutch coffee is very good. Much better than Starbucks. (She says ducking)

I found the coffee in Switzerland terrible, Jerusalem tolerable, France acceptable, Italy good, and Belgium very good. Perhaps the Nethrlands will prove a pleasant surprise. If notm I understand that they have opened multiple Starbucks at Schiphol Amsterdam Airport. My wife and I will be most happy to take you out for coffee.

You will have to love STRONG strong coffee to like Dutch brew IME

but as the cups are thimble-sized it makes a difference

A nice chain that does *not* sell pot, but does sell coffee and other food, is Bagels N' Beans. They have several locations in Amsterdam and elsewhere in Holland.

You will also need to smoke a big fat bifta to rustle up the munchies to eat Dutch food.

Schmoke and a pancake anyone?

http://youtube.com/watch?v=aRtNfb6D3Mc

Bifta, huh? Seems I am lagging behind on stoner lingo these days.
Bagels and Beans is a nice place for lunch - I went to the one near the Leidseplein several times on my way to the museum area. The coffee was excellent.

Seems I am lagging behind on stoner lingo these days.>>>>

I am down wif da kidz.

bifta must be copper lingo in Greenwich bobby force

maybe Big Fat something

Sure, there are places for good coffee in Amsterdam... all kinds of restaurants, bars, cafes. But if it is COFFEE only you want, you don't want a "coffeeshop" per se.