The Bottom Line
Barney's, a veritable institution these days, one-ups its Haarlemmerstraat competitors with its superior selection of weed and hash; while it can feel harried when the customers start to arrive in droves, its overall laid-back atmosphere, better-than-usual coffee and espresso, and house vaporizers are all just bonuses.
Description
- Address: Haarlemmerstraat 102
Phone: +31 20 420 6655 - Hours: Daily, 7 a.m. - 1 a.m.
- Location: Amsterdam Center, 750 m/10 minutes by foot from Amsterdam Central Station.
- Directions: From Amsterdam Central Station, cross Stationsplein to Prins Hendrikskade, and head west until the Singel (canal); turn left at the Singel, then right onto Nieuwendijk, which turns into Haarlemmerstraat.
- Décor: Has a sports bar-like feel, thanks to the trophies that line its walls.
Guide Review - Barney's Coffeeshop - Amsterdam Coffeeshop Review
If any coffeeshop deserves the title of a real Amsterdam classic, it's Barney's Coffeeshop. Nestled between storefronts on the Haarlemmerstraat, Barney's narrow interior is lined with cafe tables on one side (some of which sport Volcano vaporizers), a sales bar on the other, and a coffee bar at the back. Patrons typically order their weed or hash of choice, take a seat, order a cup of joe, and smoke up -- a surefire formula for relaxation. (The fact that there's self-service for cannabis, but table service at the coffee bar confused me at first, but is ultimately quite convenient.)
The scene is a mix of exhilarated tourists, and in-the-know locals who frequent Barney's for its stellar quality weed and hash. (The coffee ain't bad, either.) The music, while a bit loud for some tastes, is an inoffensive mix of classic rock and pop. The staff is cheerful and professional, but sometimes have an air of exasperation towards clueless customers (i.e., tourists who are new to coffeeshops).
The strains of weed and hash on offer are just phenomenal -- anyone who follows the Cannabis Cup will know the name Barney's, as their seed company's collected quite a few awards over the years for their excellent products. Sourced from their own farm, their indica, sativa and hybrid strains are known far beyond Amsterdam. I'd love to talk horticulture with their breeders someday, who must be true experts.
Barney's, however, occasionally seems to suffer from its own popularity. Last time I visited, it was between workers' shifts, and the transition was a bit cumbersome; no one was served for at least 15-20 minutes, and as ever more customers accumulated around the bar, the smoke-filled store started to feel a bit claustrophobic. This midday crush, however, is the exception to the rule - that Barney's is typically a laidback place.
But let's be honest. Even if Barney's were the most abrasive coffeeshop in Amsterdam -- it isn't, by far -- I would still come by for take-out: with some of the hands-down best weed and hash in Amsterdam, its product is hard to pass up. If you do happen in at one of the coffeeshop's less stellar moments, remember, there are several other fine coffeeshops on Harlemmerstraat, and Barney's Uptown (the Barney's emporium's restaurant) is just across the street!
