Hiding in Plain Sight (HPS), a jazz-age cool cocktail bar, is hidden on a quiet nondescript corner at the edge of the Red Light District.
Hiding in Plain Sight has no signage, so careful you don’t walk right past it. Equally veiled is its next-to-nil online presence.
Contents
The Vibe
The vibe is discreet yet stylish. There is no secret password to enter the street level bar but HPS manages a speakeasy cool. When you enter HPS grab one of the red topped stools at the small wooden bar or head upstairs to the 1920s style intimate living room complete with luxe wallpaper and cozy Chesterfield chairs.
Guillermo and Vera (pictured above), the owners, did a solid job of evoking a sultry vibe. When you know, you know!
The Menu
The letterpress-style menu printed on thick paper is a masterpiece. It is divided into five distinct and enticing sections. Their menu is somewhat seasonal but no matter what’s currently being offered, cocktail enthusiasts will appreciate the innovative use of obscure spirits.
For each cocktail they provide a quirky description and a list of the ingredients. The drinks are presented in retro Cristal glassware with festive garnishes.
Let’s begin with the Craftsmen section. The HPSTER Mai Thai combines the strength of rum with the sweetness of fruit.
The Faeries section features a Girly Old Fashion with Sipsmith London dry gin.
The menu continues with The Lovers, The Nobles, a couple of pages dedicated to classic cocktails, and a page devoted to shots.
If you’re a brave soul, order ‘The Walking Dead’ – limited to one per night per customer. It is a secret fiery concoction served in a giant glass skull. Danger never tasted so good!
Treat yourself to an exceptional cocktail, get your fill of the complimentary popcorn (sadly, there is no food), and sink into the comfy seats. The cocktails are quite strong!
The Service
The dapper staff wears uniforms of fitted waistcoats, vests, and waxed mustaches. They are attentive yet at the same time not intrusive.
The Prices
It’s not cheap, nor should it be. In the words of John Burroughs “For anything worth having one must pay the price”. With the mixology expertise and refined ingredients the quality is top shelf. Expect to pay between €16 and €20 for a cocktail.
The Clientele
HPS is popular with cool young professionals, hipsters, musicians, and anyone who favors substance over style.
When to Go
The space is snug. The bar fills up late in the evenings, so if you don’t want to wait for a table go before dinner or make a reservation. HPS is also a hangout for local musicians, so check the calendar to see if anyone is playing while you’re in town.
Nearby
- Oosterdokseiland docks
- NEMO Science Museum
- Hortus Bontanicus
- Artis Zoo
Operations
- Sunday to Thursday · 6 PM to 1 AM
- Friday and Saturday · 6 PM to 3 AM
- +31 6 25293620
- Rapenburg 18, 1011 TX
- google map
- website
Wrap Up
Although this hideaway bar isn’t really “hiding in plain sight” it is a well deserved retreat from the more obvious entertainment of Amsterdam. Put HPS on your radar.
What did you have to drink?
Until next time…
· izzy
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