We've been coming for many years now, on and off, and I wouldn't say that it's one of my favourite places, though I do like their space, and dining room. Lots of Dutch-style art, and the bar is light, airy, and has lots of plants. I don't drink alcohol, so I can't speak to their selection. It irritates me that they aren't open at dinnertime, and feel they are missing out, my husband says he remembers a time when you could get a beer and a brat at the bar during the evening, so I don't know quite when that stopped being a thing. Anyway, I admit I stayed away for a few years, following their re-opening after the pandemic, due to the repetitive instructions given when we were seated. (Leave your mask on, except when taking a bite of food, or a sip of a drink) I know that at that time, businesses had the right to turn away non-masked patrons, but as customers who were compliant with masking instructions, to repeatedly receive this instruction whenever we came in, by the same server, got old fast. It seemed like she did not remember us from our previous visits, and I was annoyed about it. It would be a stretch to say it's 5 star food. But it's good. I usually get the curry chicken sandwich with potatoes, which are sliced thin and fried, sort of like home fries, but in slices rather than cubes. The servers are good, and attentive (it's just that I had a bit of a resentment over the post pandemic mask instruction, even though I did comply with it, it made me weary, of the repeated mask instruction, mask on, except when taking a bite or a drink, continually, whilst trying to eat a meal) I also like the Thai chicken on croissant, and the Benedict is pretty good as well. In keeping with their name, the names of sandwiches and dishes are strongly Dutch-leaning, and this is why I wish the dining room were open for dinner, so I could get to try some other Dutch foods. I don't think the menu has changed at all in the 13 years I've lived here, except for the soup du jour. Do they have a Daily Special? I'm not sure, but one wasn't mentioned when we were in last week. Anyway, we'll go back. read more

Service is friendly and accommodating. I love the art work inside the cafe's dining area. Got the Avocado Melt with Potato soup. read more

Cafe Amsterdam - Avocado Melt with Potato soup. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Anchorage, Alaska

Cafe Amsterdam - So Much Potential, But Feels Stuck in Time Cafe Amsterdam has a solid breakfast and sandwich menu with a large beer selection, but the atmosphere leaves a lot to be desired. The space feels extremely dated, cluttered with old décor, uncomfortable chairs, and worn-out tablecloths. The atrium could be beautiful but is wasted with dead plants and local ads. The bar area has promise, but the overall look lacks care. Food-wise, it's overpriced for what you get--$10 for half an avocado? My croissant Benedict was good, but not great, and my husband's Reuben and soup were just okay. The potential is there, but without updates, I won't be rushing back. read more

Cafe Amsterdam - Eggs Benedict - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Anchorage, Alaska

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Wonderful family run cafe with consistent food and a laid back atmosphere. Awesome beer list and yummy comfort food. Their great daily soups keep things going interesting as do weekend specials. Gable and Shauna always treat us well as we have been going for almost 15 years. read more

We have had bad experiences in the past with the waitress being extremely rude. We thought we would give it another try and ended up walking out before even being sat. The older waitress looked unhappy to see us and told us to wait. When my husband peeked around the corner to see if there was an open table, the waitress promptly told him to go back into the entrance and behind the sign. She was off putting and we felt like she was annoyed with us being there. During covid there were signs all over the outside telling people to "put on their masks or leave" It said "we don't want your business". The warmth and kindness was lacking to say the least. I will never go there again. read more

Food was ok but the place inside was in need of a make over. No one wants to look at a vacuum cleaner sitting near the tables.

Benedict was disappointing, lacked flavor. For the price Snow City has a better offering.

Love it here. They have amazing food and excellent soup! I never really like the beer options, but I had a Prosecco and it was really good.

To all interested in the many reviews about COVID requirements, please see my note at the bottom. (And maybe read the four sentences above that remark as well). - - - - - I was not expecting such a phenomenal beer list. Simply incredible the variety and scope of their offerings. I love Belgian beers and there were several I've never had. I can't wait to get back here and try some of these. Service was on point. The person who sat me, took my drink order. Then another person took care of my order. He was very friendly and offered to answer all my questions. My americano was perfect. Even though I didn't ask for cream, they brought it and asked if I'd like some. I said sure, thinking I might drop a splash in. But the American was too good to mess with. My food was out in under 5 minutes from the time I ordered it. I chose it because it had Gouda on it. And I was not disappointed. The egg was gooey and ran perfectly across the toast, tomato, and ham. I thought about saving half of the meal, but it was just too good. Even though nearly every table is the place was full, I was consistently checked on and was offered an Americano to go. (Which I gladly took them up on!) I chatted briefly with the owner before I left and I can assure you, that rudeness is not a normal part of this person's demeanor. Friendly, kind, thankful is my summation. And a hint of exhaustion with being in the service industry. Be nice. Be gracious. The world is too crazy to be so put out by such little things. Just my two cents. COVID NOTE: I was a little worried when I read all the other recent reviews. I was particularly worried when I saw the owner comments. They were either the answers of a deeply frustrated person or a very rude person. After experiencing it for myself, I can say it was notes of frustration. If I am to use my own personal experience as a comparison, I would say many remarks were embellished. Is there a mask requirement here? Yes. Does the owner remind you of that at the door? Yes. Does it take ten minutes? Three? One? No, no, no Be prepared to wear a mask when you're not eating or drinking. The food and drink is worth it. read more

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One of my favorite brunch places in Anchorage. Decor is a bit outdated but homey feeling. Have tried many different items on the menu and never been disappointed. The benedicts and croissant Beatrix are very tasty but come with less hollandaise than I would prefer as I like to dip the cottage potatoes in it. Bavarian apple cake is also one of my favorites. It seems to be family run and I have never had a bad experience or recieved bad service. As someone else complained about, the sign to wait to be seated is very clear and it would appear common sense to not block or crowd a doorway when there is a large atrium to wait in. read more

We stopped in for breakfast on our way out of town. We were seated as soon as we walked in. My nephew was playing with the salt and pepper, the waitress walked over and took them out of his hands. I turned and politely said if it's an issue we will take them from him not you. She didn't want a mess to clean up and she didn't. She said we have toys he can play with. I stated that's fine but please don't ever take anything from him. Our orders were taken and we waited, but not to long. We got omelettes, the Dutch pancake and eggs Benedict's. The pancake was amazing, the apple on top was by far one of the best things I've tasted. The sauce on the was okay, tasted more like a mayo then a Hollandaise. The other food was good, but we all agreed it was nice but maybe we will try something else next time. read more

reply to owner: hi so you don't actually have to be a professional food critique to be able to recite a bad experience. this is not the first review i've seen that has stated the interior of this building does not feel welcoming and instead it feels dirty. i love a homey vibe as well, if it was done well i would have not been so thrown off, homey wasn't the issue. i was more thrown off by the fact you store your vacuum right next to a table, and the lighting in the building is completely stale, hence the "out of date" light bulbs. if evening services aren't profitable, im wondering how your morning services are. as for the microwave, i was literally sat right by the kitchen, you don't play any music, the people who were there left as soon as i was sat so i was the only one dining there,it was dead silent, i watched your employees stand around, i heard the hum of the microwave and the alarm when it was done, my croissant was tough due to the microwave. i find it rude that as an owner, when you have multiple reviews stating lots of similar issues, instead of wondering "how can i fix these problems so these customers might come back to give us another shot and improve our business" you discredit your customers experience. i still paid and tipped for quite honestly food that should have never left your kitchen. and i guarantee you, dinner isn't profitable because most of anchorage, doesn't know anything about your business, or doesn't like your service. i promise you, snarky replies to customers who had bad experiences makes you look unprofessional and a lot of people don't even bother with restaurants with an owner who replies to reviews like this read more

Only have gotten the salmon lox benedict for breakfast, but its a hit every time. The service is always great, very friendly and quick. The restaurant is never too busy and is nice and quiet for the most part, i would consider this family friendly we always bring my infant with. read more

First time visiting the establishment and I was pleasantly surprised. Good food fast and friendly service read more

I was very hesitant to try Cafe Amsterdam after the horrible experiences (mainly with regard to service) that my fellow Yelpers have had. And you should read those reviews and take it into account before coming here. Having said that, I had a pretty great experience. When you first walk in, it looks like a wonderful Belgian cafe. It seriously reminds me of the cafes that dot Brussels. Café tables, bar, beer taps, warm wood. I went to a side-room that houses the place where you eat food, it looks much more pedestrian. Their food is mainly breakfast (which is served all day) and lunch. I got a "Spanish" omelet. It was large and delicious. But the real stars of the show were the sides. Usually the toast and a breakfast potato of some sort you get with a breakfast meal are pretty much filler. These were well done, and didn't feel like standard SYSCO-issued sides. (see photos) It was a bit spendy at $15, though. Worth a shot if you're in the area looking for breakfast food. If you're into Belgian/European-style beer, you're probably already a regular here. I've only been once, but service appears to be much improved from previous reviews. (my coffee was continuously filled...which is sadly not very common in Anchorage) read more

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Breakfast was tasty. Day off so after late breakfast went in to Belgian Beer tasting, which is one of their specialties. Service was great!

Came here with the family and the place was empty, was a little worried about that. The waitress was rude and very slow, never got her name, but wow she needs some training with how to treat and talk to people. Food finally came after about an hour, I don't know why it took so long because we were the only people there. Update to the owners comment: I have the right business Cafe Amsterdam: who ever the waitress is is super rude, I am pretty sure you know who I am talking about read more

Cafe Amsterdam - Cafe Amsterdam - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Anchorage, Alaska

Food is delicious, service is always friendly, courteous and prompt! The atmosphere is quiet and warm!

Braved the mask n*zi to try an old favorite, hoping the food was as good as I remembered. Sadly, it was not. And the owner is absolute entitled-whackadoo, all the way around. Their "hollandaise" literally tastes like it's from a packet from the store; eggs were so underdone the whites were still translucent. Bread was burned and the whole meal was just wrong. Felt like we were being processed, not served. Will absolutely not be back. Ever. read more

I've been in fine dining and wine for 20 years. I manage wineries in Napa Valley CA and have been living with mask restrictions. They have them here. That's their right. We came in and tried to comply but we were treated terribly as soon as we walked in. Listen guys. No one needs a debriefing before breakfast. We were going to follow the rules but you guys were so rude we left. Your rules are an absolute joke scientifically but we were going to follow them and buy breakfast but your rude attitude is what stopped us. You're in the wrong business read more

WoW!! I didn't realize this Cafe had its own bouncer So over the top with the mask mandate, and so rude. I'm sad for her mental health...she obviously struggles with many things, people skills is at the top of the list Support other Friendly business in Anchorage. read more

I used to love this place. It has such amazing food. The owner has always been a bit snotty however, COVID has made her incredibly disrespectful and hostile. I could handle snotty but upon entering after COVID she became unruly. There is a nasty note on the door. Mind you, I am not opposed to masks or business owners requiring masks. It is your business. The minute you enter you are asked to sign in and are read riot act on what will be tolerated. She threatens to throw you out if you don't comply. It was the worst experience I have ever had. It wasn't just us she treated this way. Everyone coming in was talked to rudely. She was condescending and bullying. I will never eat there again. read more

I came down here for lunch during my break several days ago. Cafe Amsterdam is located in the Metro Mall that also houses Saverio's Pizzeria, Wild Scoops, Indigo Tea Lounge, and The Great Harvest Bread Co. I have never stopped in here before, mainly because Benson Blvd. is so congested that one can easily be distracted before noticing this place while passing through. The restaurant itself is spacious on one end with a bar by the entrance and a cozy dining area in the adjoining room where most of the lunch crowd was seated. The decor and furnishings are European-style with family crest displays and other regional memorabilia lining the walls. This could almost double as a sports bar for the soccer crowd watching the World Cup if it wasn't strictly a breakfast/lunch spot. The menu itself has a good variety of omelets, pancakes, sandwiches, salads, and burgers. I chose the soup and salad combo which consisted of a Green Salad with sliced grilled chicken and the Mexican Tortilla Soup with chili. My order didn't take long to arrive at my table. The salad was good with a generous helping of sliced grilled chicken on the top, almost as much as the veggies and delicious chunky blue cheese dressing on the side. The Mexican Tortilla Soup was also good, although the ground beef in the chili could've used a little more seasoning. All this along with some iced tea made for a satisfying, filling meal before heading back to work. There are several items on the menu to take note for next time: the Amsterdammer (strips of chicken breast stir fried with pea pods, bean sprouts, and red potatoes in soy sauce on a warm croissant), the Uitsmijter (open-face egg sandwich Dutch style with Gouda cheese, ham, and tomato or the American version with ham, cheddar, lettuce, and tomato), the Bavarian Apple Pancakes (giant pancakes filled and topped with sauteed apples and cinnamon in a brown sugar cream sauce), and the Chicken Avocado Melt with bread provided by Great Harvest next door. A pleasant lunch spot for anyone working nearby. read more

Cafe Amsterdam - Mexican Tortilla Soup and House Salad combo! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Anchorage, Alaska

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Didn't even get to eat here. I'm a group of four, one of us(me) didn't have a mask. So one of the group who was masked up walked in to ask if they had more and was immediately attacked by the owner and very rudely told that we weren't welcome if we all weren't masked. She asked for a mask for me and then we all went in to be rudely told the Covid rules and given glares. We left literally a minute after. I'm fully aware that old people are more affected by Covid. But that's not an excuse to be rude when we're trying to comply. Summary: staff is rude and overly Covid aggressive even when you comply. The reviews that say they were yelled at aren't implausible. read more

There a a multitude of great breakfast and brunch places in Anchorage and this quaint venue should be on your list. We dropped in for a quick bite before or flight out and we're very pleased with the experience. The eggs Benedict (one of my favorite dishes) was definitely in the top 3 that I've had. Another guest tried the Apple Cake which was amassing. Highly recommend. read more

In the Cafe Amsterdam, standing in the dining room, for several minutes waiting to be seated, which happens to be within 2 feet of the wait to be seated sign, which happens to be in a doorway, where there were no employees waiting to welcome guests, apparently, according to the business owner, (See, Business owner reply) warrants being treated rudely by an employee of the Resturant. Most people when confronted harshly due to a disability, would certainly respond in kind. AFTER I was refused seating, AFTER disparaging my impairment, I certainly did. The interaction certainly was not instigated by myself, I was there for breakfast. Some rude people deserve an answer in kind. In this situation, the degree of the response most certainly was commensurate with the level of the insult. Rudeness begets rudeness. In this establishment, before entering, you should make sure your hearing aid volume is set to its highest level and be aware of a mask wearing hostess with a harsh and condescending attitude approaching from behind. After reading the other comments regarding the demeanor of your staff. Apparently, I am not alone in my experience. Cafe Amsterdam seems to have more comments regarding your rude staff then you have regarding your food. One of your guests says you're in the wrong business. Maybe you just need to rein in your staff? It's one thing to stand behind your employees, quite another to condone their rude behavior. The Great Harvest Bread Company, as well as Saverio's are is across the parking lot and both are Friendly and Fantastic! Have disability = NO SERVICE! read more

I walked into Cafe Amsterdam not knowing what to expect. The entry gave huge expectations of a fancy cafe, but the actual seating was a simple, eclectic collection of tables, chairs, and table cloths, with what seemed like a church volunteer group cooking some really amazing European food. The food was really tasty, but the menu was not as expansive as what I really wanted it to be. There were the very basic omelette and eggs Benedict choices, a waffle, but nothing super unique. The food is really tasty, but I may not think of it as my first breakfast choice next time. It is worth trying if you really like a super good omelette. It is 4 stars because it beats the iHOP and other breakfast joints like that for sure. read more

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An under-appreciated gem! The Bavarian apple pancake is fantastic, as are all of the egg dishes; and the extensive niche alcoholic beverage menu is possibly Anchorage's best. Try this place! read more

it used to be better. I always told people that they have the 'best Rueben'. that is no longer true. no longer great food. Great service, good food. read more

For context: It's mid June 2021. Most of food places in Anchorage don't have ANY anti-COVID restrictions (social distancing, capacity limits, mask requirements) for their patrons anymore. At the same time, Cafe Amsterdam still have very strict COVID restrictions in place (much stricter than I have seen in Alaska and other states). My perspective: I am totally happy to still wear a mask upon entrance to a restaurant until I am seated. I have no issues with following reasonable rules even if they are much stricter than other establishments. However, the waitress at Cafe Amsterdam required me putting a mask on between every sip of my coffee and schooled me on the feasibility of this practice. That is just weird and I haven't seen it at any other food place throughout the pandemic. I overheard other people (table next to me) commenting on these strange practices at that place. I had my eggs Benedict (which were pretty decent) but left the restaurant without finishing my coffee. Overall, I felt rushed, not very welcomed, and constantly watched. Overall score: 4 stars for food but 1 star for making my meal an unpleasant experience. read more

I came across these old photos (wish I took more), but I remember this being a nice place to stop and have some interesting beers during my stay in Anchorage (Dutch, Belgian, and American craft beers, etc.). I do not think I tried any of the food (maybe because of the price). Lastly, the decor was very nice; unique; and inviting. read more

Cafe Amsterdam - the front of the restaurant - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Anchorage, Alaska

I have never been treated so poorly and felt so unwelcome. The owner (pretty sure her name is Karen) and the server were extremely rude. They need to look up the word hospitality. There is a book called "Setting the Table" they should both read to understand what they are doing wrong. read more

We went to Cafe Amsterdam Saturday, waited at least five minutes to get acknowledged that we were waiting for a table. They were not busy by no means. Slow service, sub par at best, had to ask for water and to actually get service at our table. Ordered food, 35 minutes later come to find out it was going to be even longer, did I mention they weren't busy. Never ate there and will not go back. read more

The food here is outstanding! I went here on a busy Saturday and was welcomed at the door by a weary waitress who has to let people know, just cuz you eatin' doesn't mean it's no mask city. I appreciated that! We were seated and the service was fast & friendly. The hot chocolate with REAL whipped cream and chocolate shavings on top was the bomb. I ordered the Croissant Beatrix and wow!!! I have 2 words: Homemade Hollandaise. Two poached eggs on a split, warmed croissant, topped with avocado, tomatoes, hollandaise and sour cream. At my server's suggestion, I added ham and was soooo happy! The potatoes were also yummy. Throw in a strong Bellini and good atmosphere, and you have a wonderful experience. Thank you for caring about your employees' health with proper restrictions and thank you for amazing food and service! read more

Cafe Amsterdam - Croissant Beatrix - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Anchorage, Alaska

Upon entering we were schooled on the COVID restrictions firmly. However the food and service was great! The Vanilla latte and Mocha with ghiradelli chocolate was very good. We ordered the eggs Benedict and Spanish omelette the taters that came seasoned were cooked to perfection. We will definitely be returning in the near future. read more

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I have frequented this restaurant for over 20 years but will not go back based on way I was treated by staff member today. We were waiting to be seated over 5 minutes with no staff member in sight. We were the only party in the waiting area. When we moved closer to dining room entry to get someone's attention we were quickly instructed by waiter and hostess to 'move back and not block door'. I mentioned we had been waiting to be seated for some time when waiter replied to me 'our dining room is very busy and we are taking orders right now. We could stop doing that and seat you or continue with what we are currently doing'. I was shocked to be spoken to this way. This was said to me in a scolding condescending manner and completely inappropriate to say to a paying customer. We thought about leaving right then but did eat but will never come back. I refuse to pay money to an established that feels it is ok to scold and belittle their customers. read more

The food is delicious. Unfortunately the staff is rude. And masks are required, which at this point is ridiculous. And it's quite expensive. read more

Great cook experienced staff- sometimes a wait but worth it. Nice Scandinavian decorations

It was just ok. Very busy which was a good sign but very warm inside which made it uncomfortable. Very interesting decor. I had the homemade root beer which was good, not as good as Moose's Tooth, but good. Soda is only limited to the homemade root beer, Pepsi and Diet Pepsi (in cans). They do a homemade lemonade too, but I didn't try it. Took awhile for our waitress, but the food came pretty quickly after our orders were taken. I had the high protein breakfast with sourdough toast. The eggs were scrambled, but not cooked all the way so they were a little "wet" still so I couldn't eat much of them. I usually order scrambled out as most places never cooked fried hard properly so scrambled is my "safe" choice. The toast was fine a little hurt on the crust, berry compote delicious. The bacon was just barely cooked so I didn't eat much of it though they are generous with the amount 4-6 strips. The people with me liked their cordon bleu sandwiches. The other wasn't that impressed with the Spanish omelette. I thought the pricing was a bit high. Nearly $16 a person for the meal. Most places for breakfast aren't nearly that much. I had a cheaper more delicious meal in Talkeetna yesterday for less. 3 out of 4 of ya wouldn't return for another meal. read more

Do not go here! The female owner is hostile, angry and unprofessional! Check out the many reviews on Google like mine. Unfortunately I didn't before I went there. Her behavior is way over the line. Her license needs to be in review. She justifies her behavior as "keeping people safe", don't fall for it! We have been to many restaurants without being met with such inappropriate anger and were kept safe. There is NO excuse for her behavior. Although I saw she justifies it as doing everyone a favor. Believe me lady, your behavior is no favor. read more