Bar Carter – the brown bar you need.
By Andy Fenner
Valeriusstraat 85, 1071 MG Amsterdam, Netherlands
BOOK NOWSome brown bars are just…less brown. More colour. More vibe. More soul. Bar Carter is one of these, with an attention to detail and consideration coming through across various touch points. Some appear as menu items, some appear as physical manifestations (decor and art) but the message is clear: these guys care and they are trying pretty hard to please their guests.
Step through the doors and you’re welcomed with voluminous high ceilings, an upstairs dining area and plenty of seats at the bar. A well-curated cocktail menu results in the background soundtrack quite often being the bartender’s shaker, which is worth mentioning as the cocktails on offer range from the classics (Negroni, Old Fashioned etc.) to trendier ones like Amsterdam’s now ubiquitous espresso martini. All of these are well executed here and all of them are worth mentioning, as reasons to visit themselves.
If the decor draws inspiration from classic, old-school New York rooms, the food leans towards French bistro (petite tender steak, burrata with ratatouille etc.) but there are enough surprises – even the odd Asian influence – to keep things interesting. A beef tataki is light and fresh with hits of acidity, for example. An interesting part of the menu offers sharing dishes and ordering the rotisserie chicken while working your way through a bottle of wine is an almost-perfect way to spend a few hours. This dish deserves its legendary status.
Located near Vondelpark, sunny days see the terrace absolutely heaving with the fancy crowd. Expect designer sunglasses, small, fluffy dogs in fancy carry bags and glasses being raised in between air kisses.
Bar Carter
The Place: Brown bar. Bistro.
The Space: Upstairs, downstairs bar with a big terrace.
The Base: €50 – 60 p.p.
The Face: Couples. Families. Designer get-ups.
The Ace: An interesting part of the menu offers sharing dishes and ordering the rotisserie chicken while working your way through a bottle of wine is an almost-perfect way to spend a few hours. This dish deserves its legendary status.
The Veg: Loads of options. Mushroom pita, artichoke ravioli, Aubergine and couscous salad. You will have a lot of choice.
Opening Times: Mon 15:00-00:00, Tues-Thurs 15:00-01:00, Fri-Sat 12:00-03:00, Sun 12:00-00:00
Images from barcarter.nl, © Bar Carter
