Live bands no cover and other Amsterdam, Netherlands Nightlife Tips

Nightlife Spot: Last Watering Hole

We go to Amsterdam for a few days each year...the first time we went we stumbled (and of course I mean stumbled) upon this bar....once we got over the fact that we were the only "non-locals"in the place and the music started, it was time to kick back and chill. Seven nights a week they offer live music and there is never a cover, ever. Some really great jam sessions and an eclectic mix of people.....the beer is cold and frothy and smoking is acceptable of course. The last two yrs we have seen some of the same musicians perform...and they are excellent....each yr this is a must place to go...its very laid back of course, not crowded, and has sort of a home like feel. Sorta like Rookies Cafe (for those who have been there) but a bit bigger and less emphasis on the smoke. This ones in the red light district but off the beaten path of the red lights. Enjoy and Cheers!

I wanted to update this quickly.....the location in the red light district has actualy closed down or moved. The new location is a little further away from the train station or dam square....but not too far.....its actualy across the stret from a pretty well know dinner show called "Boom Chicago"...so look for ads for that....again, it is right nexr door...you cant miss it.
It is quite easy to walk to OR take the tram.....go up to Leidersplien (a square about a 15 minute walk from the dam square)...its right there....one of my fav places to hang out at night...or just simply swing by for a beer.

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Theme: Live Music
Dress Code: Anything Goes.....Dont over dress or you'll stick out for sure.....Jeans and a tshirt.
Directions: Just on the edge of the red light district....more towards the train station than anything....look it up, you'll find it.

Nightlife Spot: Boom Chicago

We had a good time at Boom Chicago....we wanted to try something different and this fit the bill....cost of the show midweek was $18.50 euro.. there are coupons all over for $3 euro off. We took that offer and quickly realized that this did not include the food....Dinner was and additional $22 euro...hmmm....we decided to eat off site and do Show only....we arrived at the end of the dinner and were sat close to the back..the place was almost full, if not sold out. Most were eating and seemed to be in large groups...stags perhaps, business parties too....
Anyway, great value for what we paid...drinks were served throughout the performance and we had a bill of $20 euro for drinks when all was said and done...the show lasted a couple hrs and was a good combination of music, video and some effects....of course, the performers were dressed up in costume...there were but 5 or 6 in the cast...the comedy - if youre wondering - is hilarious politacal satire...about europe and the dutch, british, US, ....canadians...not sure....kind of upset we didnt make the script........basically though they cut fun at everyone, all the way down to simply making jokes about men and women.....to us the show was very funny...light hearted....the price was great for the value.
Its an easy place to find and you can buy tickets right up to the day of the show at the box office. Now that I remember, the show was started by a group of Americans about 15 yrs ago.......cool.
Afterwards....The Last Water Hole is right across the street...open for sure....show ends around 10:30pm.

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Theme: Adult Spot
Dress Code: Casual...maybe a bit more dressy....a good pair of jeans and no sneakers...youll be fine....feel free to dress up a little more...
Address: Across the lane from the Last Water Hole bar.
Directions: Leidsplein