We three wise men - Peter S, Alex S, and myself - ventured to Amsterdam for a weekend and were graciously hosted by the 'Dam CM, Flip. She also organised some Yelp/Meet up drinks (not just for us, I think) at a cool new cocktail bar - Tales & Spirits. I've got to hand it to her, she picked an absolute winner. It's a cosy little bar with a handful of tables and a very old world feel from the sign to the décor. The bartenders are excellent with a massive store of knowledge and a great willingness to share it with you. They also have come up with some interesting takes on classic cocktails, in particular the Old Fashioned. Most places will make an old fashioned and some will vary the recipe by including a different type of whiskey, infusing it with something, or maybe trying a new combination of bitters. T&S does all that but then also offers a different approach that doesn't involve whiskey at all! Instead, they use a lapsang souchong infused genever (the predecessor of gin) as the core ingredient. The smoky lapsang tea provides the similar flavours to whiskey but the end result is a cleaner more floral taste that is incredibly refreshing. While a solid whiskey is perfect for warming you up, I could see this version being my drink of choice on a warm summer day as well. Top marks, T&S, I tip my hat to you. T&S also provides a small range of bar food and special emphasis must be put on the bitterballen. These are little balls of meat and starch (I think potato but maybe just flour) that are deep fried and served with mustard. I've had them a couple of times and always enjoyed them, but T&S puts out some of the best I've had. I easily demolished the better part of a serving and could have gone on to eat a couple more if we hadn't already been late for dinner. Overall, an excellent choice and one I'll recommend to anyone travelling to the 'Dam and in need of a drink! read more

Tales & Spirits = tasty cocktail bar with a fun pseudo-literary/pop culture spin. The cocktails I had catered to my eyes, nose, and taste buds, and I couldn't resist the cleverly written menu. The smell of the Mojo was HEAVENLY, and the presentation of the Smoke & Mirrors was really memorable. I would also recommend the Sugar & Spice and the Shut the F*** up, George-- these drinks just kept getting better as I continued drinking. I also enjoyed the law nerd moment I had when our bill (and some yummy post-drink candies) came in a hollowed out "book" with Grotius on the cover. read more

Went here in a Friday night with a friend after work to enjoy a few drinks. All of the drinks were delicious and exciting to see what they would look like. We also enjoyed some of the small bites and the fried chicken was amazing we ordered it twice. read more

Tales & Spirits - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Amsterdam, New Hampshire

After nine years of living in Amsterdam. This place has become my favorite. Nice atmosphere, nice interior design, preferred language is English, nice looking waiters that pay attention to you, knows good customer service, exceeds expectations, hangs your coat and take their time informing you about your menu choices. They even customize your drinks based on your wishes. A little hipster, but not to such a degree you really notice it. When the day comes... scatter my ashes at Tales & Spirits ;-) read more

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The cocktails at Tales & Spirits are incredible. And excellent value. I'm usually a cocktail-sceptic, but the cocktail I had here - a 8.50 euro 'Fallen Lady' - astounded me. Like all good things, the cocktails here are conceived in love. The bar-staff cajole, shake, patiently stir, sieve and pour the various ingredients on their way to attaining cocktail greatness. The result: a heavenly liquid that tingles your palate with the first drops. The cocktail list is impressive, and the inventiveness on display even more so. The 'Fallen Lady' I went for is one of their three house cocktails, all of which sell for 8.50 euros and include a small bottle of Spa mineral water - excellent value. Teetotallers are catered for too, with room given to a few 'virgin' cocktails. The interior is classy, with high tables and ceilings. Perfect for chilling out and drinking in those moments. If you like your drinks (alcoholic or not) classy, original and above all good value, Tales & Spirits should be a priority destination. read more

Oh my, what a wonderful selection of fun concoctions to choose from! Entering the small bar area is what it must be like walking into a shop on Diagon Alley - quirky decor and darker, almost spooky, ambience. We were there late on a Sunday for drinks. My husband chose the whoo drink, which came in an adorable cup, though I can't remember the name of the drink I had (surely a good sign). Mine came with pop rocks candy and was divine. We didn't order food. 4 stars since drinks are pricey, though for us the drinks were worth the splurge. Service was also great. read more

Just had an amazing 2.5 hour dinner experience here. We came at a busy hour with a party of 5 and the host (who was SO friendly) went far out of his way to make sure we were seated. The staff were all so friendly and personable; the restaurant had the best service out of anywhere on our whole trip. We all loved the risotto, cheese plate, and pork buns. For drinks, I got the Shut the F@!K Up George and the What About Bob? (I think that was the name). A friend got the Life Is Like a Box... and Drop Of Art and the presentation was amazing for both. This place is a must, definitely try and make a reservation and plan on staying for a few hours. The drinks are incredible, the staff is amazing, and the food is surprisingly delicious. I'll definitely recommend this to everyone I know going to Amsterdam! read more

Tales & Spirits - Shut The Fuck Up George - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Amsterdam, New Hampshire

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Love this place. Gorgeous bar right smack bang in the middle of the historic city. Delicious cocktails, great menu, super friendly service. Everything you could ask for in a cocktail bar. Highly recommend. read more

This place had the best drinks! Highly recommend the Little Miss Trouble, The Girl Next Door, and Smoke & Mirrors. Very cute inside and attentive wait staff totally willing to make recommendations or explain what's what. Would definitely come back again if I return to Amsterdam! read more

Tales & Spirits - Little Miss Trouble - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Amsterdam, New Hampshire

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This place is AMAZING! If you want a cozy-chic night sipping incredible artisan cocktails; dining on delicious food, come here!!! I think this place is a must! I am American but it appeared to be all local dutch people dining. The menus are in English, owner and staff are very friendly and accommodating. I had the "Moju" and "the girl next door" cocktails and they were fabulous! Also the Duck liver is maybe the best I've ever had. read more

Exceptionalism......wow I did not realize that was a word until yelp. Either way this is a great bar with talented mixologists who know their craft! Layered flavor with appeal in the story makes this a go to cocktail bar. Their kitchen is also a complement to the drinks and small plates are creatively built plus a range of good Dutch drinking finger food. Seriously check it out, don't be shy and you will be rewarded. read more

When I first read the House Rules, I expected a stuffy bar with no room to relax. I'm happy to say I was wrong. The rules are there for a reason: to create an environment where people can really unwind over good drinks, good food, and good company. Keep in mind the focus of Tales & Spirits is on drinks, and with good reason. Their expansive menu features various cocktails from fruity sweetness to potently bitter. I started with The Lucky Luchador. The captivating description caught my eye: "Legends say he eats nails like cornflakes but without milk, that he can swim through land and cut through a hot knife with butter. Lucky or not he is calm, smooth, spicy, high flying & utterly delicious." I mean, someone give the copywriter a raise! Besides the awesome description, the drink was fantastic! Nicely balanced between tangy and sweet - with a spicy kick at the end. I ended the evening with Quiz Fizz. This made me want to give the bartender a hug and a high five. Sweet, sour, and bitter flavors melded together for a refreshing mix. If I didn't have such a low tolerance, I probably would have ordered another. In addition to swanky cocktails, I had dinner. Unfortunately, the food takes a backseat to the drinks. My friend and I ordered the oven baked portobello, pan-fried frog legs, soft-shell crab tempura, and chocolate "eggstravaganza" with strawberry. The portobello was the winner, its velvety texture contrasting nicely with crispy carrots. Frog legs were rather forgettable, especially since the herbed cream sauce didn't add much flavor to the dish. Crab tempura was overpowered by bacon. Dessert was a nice surprise and it was fun to break through the egg to get to the chocolate mousse. Tales & Spirits is a great place to grab cocktails with friends, kick back, and relax. I'll definitely be visiting again. While I'm in no hurry to try dinner, I'll be ordering drinks with a few snacks from the bar menu. read more

This is exactly what every high-end cocktail bar should strive to have and be. Friendly staff: From the bartenders to the manager to the waitress. Everyone was super friendly - no pretentious bullshit around here, just smiles and warm welcomes and suggestions on flavours and styles if you want em. An actual experience, Or: theatricality! From the wood-carved menu covers and stories and descriptions inside, to the vintage wood and brass and velvet decor to the presentation of drinks - they just nailed it. Godamn great cocktails - I mean really. Unexpected combinations, quality ingredients, surprising garnishes - these drinks are painstakingly handcrafted by bartenders who go above and beyond. Your money's worth - OK, so awesome "artisan" drinks spots are on the rise from US to UK to EU ... and how nice for cocktail lovers, right? But really, most of the time you end up overpaying for some ego maniac's flight of fancy that just mashes together trendy ingredients like egg whites and mezcal and rosemary syrup. You order them at £12-15 a pop and hope to be amazed but usually are disappointed and sort of grossed out. At Tales and Spirits you get great service that includes bottled water and chips at no charge and replenished without having to ask. No detail is overlooked. You WILL have a great drink and a good time. read more

Their signature cocktails are where it's at! The food is good, but small and a bit pricey - which is totally fine, but makes Tales and Spirits a special date night place, or a once off place. You know, just to say you did. Don't get me wrong, it's worth the experience, but would I go back? Sure. For cocktails! The staff was incredibly warm and friendly, the atmosphere cozy, funny, and inviting, and the food was yummy. We ordered 4 plates and drinks, and munched away. Our favorite was the warm bread, olive oil, and dukka. It was a lovely evening filled with new, hip flavor combinations. I def recommend this place for a date, or intimate business meeting. read more

I was super excited to try this place, but a little disappointing. Service was decent, drinks were delicious but I got the chicken tenders and they were really undercooked. read more

Tales and Spirits in the perfect mix of swanky, accomodating, and laidback, We came here upon landing from London into Amsterdam, and following a recommendation. At 1AM the bar wasn't totally packed, but still had a good-sized crowd. We quickly made friends with the three bartenders and stayed til closing, enjoying expert-made drinks and learning a little more about the Amsterdam night scene. Central, but removed from the craze of the late-night red light district, this would be a perfect date night or high-end cocktail speakeasy to go with friends. We will definitely be back! read more

This review is based on our experience at the bar as we did not eat there. Both of the bartenders were very nice and cordial. I think one of them was Lewis. Very knowledgeable in spirits. They made some fantastic and unique drinks and we had many laughs. Highly recommend you stop in for a drink or 5 when in Amsterdam. read more

Just what a cocktail bar should be ! Innovative mixes presented in off-the-wall fashion, in a most interesting setting ! Mostly invaded by tourists, but should be explored by locals as well - well worth it! And the food is excellent - not the usual bar fare - one (small) comment : dinner portions are on the smallish side, getting too close to tasting portions ... But a great venue all in all read more

Tales & Spirits - The decor ... Cool !!!! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Amsterdam, New Hampshire

A cozy hidden gem! Makes you feel like your walking into someone's home. The staff here is warm and welcoming and the bartenders are a rare breed that have incredible skill/knowledge of their craft. I think the prices are definitely justified. If you are ever in the Amsterdam I would stop by here...you'll be pleasantly surprised at how good the drinks are as well as the intelligible conversations you will have;) read more

Great cocktails, small bites and entertaining bartenders! Before the end of our trip we went 3x, which is a rarity when I'm on vacation. We couldn't get enough. Thank you guys for being one of the main highlights of our trip to Amsterdam! read more

Tales & Spirits - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Amsterdam, New Hampshire

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Great food, small portions for the price. Nice atmosphere and although they have a great cocktail selection, some are gimmicky. Go for it, just don't be super hungry read more

With a group of 10, the waiter instructed us that he'd do his best to accommodate our very large, loud and thirsty group. He surprised us with several theatrical drinks, including something from a coffin, something from a bathtub, and several drinks a flame. Was a pretty cool vibe, and would back for a 'normal' cocktail in the future. read more

I went here with a friend just recently and had a good experience. Firstly you walk in and a very friendly staff member greets you and tells you where to put your coat. The interior is really cool, a bit like an old speakeasy with a bit of class. Now when it comes to the menu - take your time (it's big) maybe a little too big but maybe that's just me. I chose smoke on mirrors and little miss naughty. Each cocktail comes with a bottle of water which I liked and thought it adds to the class of the place. Both cocktails were delicious however I normally love a good old margarita on the rocks so may try this next time. I hope they can accommodate this as it's not in their menu. I have heard the food is fantastic although I haven't yet tried it. They have a seated area for diners and drinkers have bar stools and tables or sit at the bar. I really like this place and will be back although I have given it 4 stars because I felt the service although great was perhaps maybe a little bit too much. The waiters need to maybe leave guests alone sometimes. Lol I know it sounds stupid but I think you know what I mean. Make sure you don't turn up in trainers and scraggy clothes as this is a smart establishment with prices to match I will be back. read more

Ah the Tales of the spirits. To be honest I had been dodging this place for a while now. every time one of my friends suggested to visit T&S I would find an excuse. Why you ask?? Well, it just seemed like this place was all hyped. And I am one of those who doesn't necessarily likes to follow a trend. Or someone who doesn't like to be told what is fun, or awesome, or amazing. But this night I was outnumbered and I had my party/dancing heels on so there was no way I would separate from my friends for a couple more drinks before the actual dancing would start. Even though I had of course tried my usual, "ah guys I might just go home" on them. So here we get to small alley way I never ever thought to set foot in. To then enter this inviting cosy bar which has a hint of the 20's but is clearly updated. And as we entered we saw a group of people we knew and really would like to hang out with. however this wasn't allowed by our very strict host, "here we do not stand around, here you sit and enjoy your cocktail and conversation" I was stunned and appalled, what kind of hospitality is this? "well do you then have a table for us?" "yes you can sit outside" (just a note, it was raining outside) So ready to leave this place and never come back I was still secretly hoping to be seated because even though the host was bordering very rude!, the place had a nice calm feel to it, and hey I wanted another drink and have some fun. Then as if I had conjured the seats myself a group left and we could sit all together. And here begins the adventure: In comes our own Portuguese Clark Kent to take our order. Since I am not a big fan of very sweet cocktails and I was a T&S virgin I asked for a recommendation. Without saying anything he walked away and got me a cocktail with Whiskey in it and a car with the confederate flag which played the confederate national anthem-dixie land.....so wrong but so funny. A man to my heart this Clark Kent for understanding what a lady loves :) whiskey and humor! Through out the night the service was great, I have to say Clark Kent has a real flair for serving with a smile and making chitchat. Of course there were also the famous bartending types which would "try to steal a poor girls heart by getting them drunk on their cocktail" Which in all fairness this poor maiden has no issues with ;) After a lot of laughing, chatting, solidarity standing outside with a friend who smokes I started to get peckish and we ordered the pork-buns as a snack on the menu. Clark Kent had assured us that these were good, and my god our superman in disguise did not disappoint us. it was just the snack we needed to keep this lady a lady. All and all a very delightful place if it wasn't for the not so pleasant host at our arrival I might have just given it 5-stars. Guess I will just have to go back and try again one day. read more

This place was fantastic! We ate there last week. We made reservations and had dinner. Apparently the seats at the bar were harder to come by. The place was a nice mix of tourists and locals. The cocktails were fantastic. I had two very good rye Manhattans and my wife had two "Marriage of Figaro" cocktails, which were also very good. And came with a garter belt around the glass. For dinner, we had small plates--mushroom risotto, scallops, and the duck liver brioche burger, which was particularly delicious. This was our best meal in Amsterdam! read more

Tales & Spirits has an excellent reputation and after dinner we stopped in for a cocktail. We agree with that reputation! It's a small cocktail bar with some outside seating which is great on a warm summer night. Several indoor tables and a small bar area. Enough already, how are the cocktails. They are fabulous, cute names and stories around most of them. I had the "What if" cocktail which is a delicious version of a daiquiri. You are invited to write down your "What if" moment which becomes one of many there. My wife had the "Shut The F&&K Up George" cocktail which consisted of tequila, lime, agave and orange marmalade. She loved it. Bartenders and servers could not have been nicer, taking the time to explain some of the drinks and making suggestions. As we stopped here after dinner we didn't have any food but T&S also serves some good looking food. Tales & Spirits has been named one of the top 50 bars in the world, we don't disagree :). read more

Went here last night on spur of the moment based on other Yelp reviews. Got there about 9:30pm place was packed but got one of the only remaining tables. The 21+ policy is definitely enforced based on seeing the couple just before us turned away due to one of them being 20. Drinks were very well done and while not exactly value oriented in terms of price the ingredients were top shelf and well made. Portion sizes for food are slightly larger than tapas style but be prepared to order a couple each if you are making this a meal. Again- quality great - prices to match. Overall a very nice time and a very good dinner experience. Would definitely go again. read more

An extremely boring and pretentious joint. Upon arrival, you are handed a cocktail book. All cocktails come with flowery descriptions that did not impress me because a) they are not interesting and b) you have to read through the whole paragraph to find out what's actually in the drink. Also in the book is a set of house rules that pissed me off to no end. 'Be careful with our expensive glassware'? 'Clean after yourself if you make a mess in the bathroom'?! Who is that for- somebody who lived in a cave until they graced Tales and Spirits with a visit? As an adult, I don't need to be told such things. The drinks are nothing to write home about. I did not like mine and my companion did not like his, so we left. I am profoundly baffled by the good reviews - this is not the only cocktail bar in Amsterdam, and many are better. read more

Loved, loved, loved this bar. Went in for a drink, stayed for 4 because they were so good. Barsnacks were top notch as well. The bartender (Aiito) was great fun and even made us a fun shot that he set afire. If ever I was to return to Amsterdam, I would absolutely come back here for drinks. read more

Tales & Spirits - Shots on fire, courtesy of Aiito. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Amsterdam, New Hampshire

One of my friends recommended this bar and I'm so glad we went. It was a Saturday night so unfortunately we had to wait about 40 minutes, but it was worth it. The manager was great about keeping us updated on our status for getting in, and even though there was a line people kept walking in and he would send them right back out. We got seats at the bar which was great because we chatted with the two bartenders a lot about the different drinks. I definitely recommend one of those seats. The cocktails were really interesting and tasty. Some of them have gimmicks like fire and a toy car, but others are just classic cocktails. The list is extensive so sitting at the bar was perfect because we could ask for recommendations. We also shared the crunchy chicken which was the perfect snack. I really loved this place and it was different than anywhere else we went in Amsterdam. Check it out! read more

I loved T&S!!! Atmosphere is swanky but fun. Staff are awesome and super friendly! They were always very welcoming and never snobby. They were even unbelievably kind enough to recommend other cocktail bars to try in the area, regardless of competition. The cocktails are delicious and accompanied with your own bottled water. My favorite so far is the Men in Arms. We tested them with a simple Sazerac which was a bit different from tradition but still very good. Overall, great experience! It's the best place for entertaining conversation and exquisite cocktails in Amsterdam! Highly recommend! read more

Wonderful. Salmon and avocado salad. Awesome. Service is wonderful Great place. Cee accommodating. Just a wonderful unexpected lovely restaurant Most pleasurable experience read more

Tales & Spirits - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Amsterdam, New Hampshire

Great! Great staff! Amazing, one of a kind drinks. The bartenders/mixologists ask you great questions and know exactly what to make to fit what you like. Great atmosphere! read more

We were really lucky to get a table in this awesome place, because most of them were already reserved. The staff is really attentive and friendly; they gave us great recommendations for cocktails and were always smiling and in a good mood. It feels that they are not just doing "a job" but really love what they do. You see and feel the love dedicated to this bar in so many details: - the wonderful decorated interior - the creative decoration of cocktails; special glasses for each one - funny and interesting bathroom with small library and nice quotes painted on the wall - the lovely book, in which you get your receipt - the free water they serve with every cocktail to avoid customers getting dehydrated We really loved it and will definitely come back! read more

Really fun cocktail bar. The zombie is the drink in the cool tiki glass. Boozy and delicious! The jalapeño poppers are worth snacking on, too! read more

This is probably my favorite cocktail bar in Amsterdam- great vibe, fabulous staff and inventive concoctions of cocktails await one when venturing inside this cute little bar in the center of town. Everything I have ever had I have completely enjoyed. It's a must when in Amsterdam read more

Great ambiance, service, and drinks. Recommend bartenders ketchup drink. Went there early in the night and back again later in night. Great spot!!! read more

Tales & Spirits - Bartender's Ketchup - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Amsterdam, New Hampshire

Yasss! While I'm an avid beer drinker, it was so refreshing to find a top notch craft cocktail place in Amsterdam. It reminds me of some of my fave NYC cocktail bars. The service, decor, lighting was all divine. The staff were extremely friendly and engaging with the patrons. It's a romantic place. Each cocktail was made with great care and attention to detail. The price point is higher, but worth it. Also, they have a list of rules to keep a certain level of decorum, which separates it from just any other bar/restaurant in Amsterdam. I loved it here and would certainly return. read more

Tales & Spirits - It has sherbet and a butterfly on top! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Amsterdam, New Hampshire

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Ranked as one of the best bars in Europe, I had to try this place. I didn't order food just one of their unique cocktails .... And what a cocktail ! Once you step in the bar, the atmosphere and waiters make you feel confortable. Among all their special drinks, I didn't know what to pick. Our friendly and funny waiter helped us to choose. He gave us very good advices. The cocktails were delicious ! This is a bit pricy but their cocktail contained far more alcohol than softs ! read more

Great place with attention to detail. Bottle of water with each cocktail unlike most places in NL