Hidden on an unmarked corner at the edge of Amsterdam’s Red Light District, Hiding in Plain Sight feels like a secret crafted just for curious explorers. There’s no flashy sign and almost no online footprint — but once you step inside this jazz-age cocktail bar, the vintage vibes and expert mixology make the search worth every step.
Contents
The Vibe · Moody + Immersive
Inside, Hiding in Plain Sight feels like a step back in time. Low lighting, vintage details, and a softly buzzing jazz-age atmosphere set the tone, creating a space that feels intimate without being stiff. It’s the kind of bar where conversations linger, the music hums quietly in the background, and every cocktail feels intentional.
Guillermo and Vera, 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, textured paper, feels like a keepsake in its own right. Divided into five distinct sections, it leans into creativity and craftsmanship rather than trends. While the offerings shift slightly with the seasons, one thing stays consistent: an inventive approach that showcases obscure spirits and unexpected flavor pairings—catnip for serious cocktail lovers.
Each drink comes with a quirky description and a full ingredient list, adding to the experience before the first sip even lands. Cocktails arrive in retro Cristal glassware, finished with playful garnishes that feel both nostalgic and intentional.
The menu opens with The Craftsmen, where bold builds take center stage. Standouts include the HPSTER Mai Thai, a punchy blend that balances rum’s strength with bright fruit notes. The Faeries section follows with lighter, more whimsical creations like the Girly Old Fashion, made with Sipsmith London Dry Gin.
From there, the menu drifts through The Lovers and The Nobles, before landing on a couple of pages devoted to classic cocktails and a final section reserved entirely for shots.
For the truly daring, there’s The Walking Dead—a secret, fiery concoction limited to one per customer per night. Served in an oversized glass skull, it’s equal parts spectacle and warning. Danger, it turns out, tastes excellent.
Settle into the plush seating, snack on complimentary popcorn (there’s no food menu, unfortunately), and pace yourself—the cocktails here don’t hold back.
The Service
The staff at Hiding in Plain Sight look the part and play it well. Dressed in fitted waistcoats and vests, often paired with perfectly waxed mustaches, they embody the bar’s old-world charm. Service is attentive and knowledgeable without ever feeling intrusive—helpful when you want guidance, invisible when you don’t.
The Prices
This isn’t a budget cocktail bar, and it isn’t pretending to be. As John Burroughs put it, “For anything worth having one must pay the price,” and here, that price reflects serious mixology skill and thoughtfully sourced ingredients. Expect cocktails to land between €16 and €20, well within reason for the level of craftsmanship in each glass.
The Clientele
The crowd skews effortlessly cool. Think young professionals, creatives, musicians, and curious locals—people drawn less by flash and more by what’s actually in the glass. It’s a room full of guests who appreciate substance over spectacle.
When to Go
The space at Hiding in Plain Sight is intentionally snug, and it fills quickly as the evening wears on. If you’d rather skip the wait, aim for an early visit before dinner or secure a reservation in advance. The bar is also a favorite hangout for local musicians, so it’s worth checking the calendar—catching live music here adds an extra layer to the experience.
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
While Hiding in Plain Sight may not be impossible to find, it still feels like a secret retreat away from Amsterdam’s more obvious nightlife. Between the expertly crafted cocktails, vintage speakeasy vibes, and cozy atmosphere, it’s the kind of place that rewards curiosity. Add HPS to your radar, you’ll be glad you did.
Until next time…
· izzy
Explore Amsterdam: 9 Part Series
- Introduction
- Facts about Amsterdam
- Dutch for Travelers
- Bikes
- DENHAM
- Ducks
- Hiding in Plain Sight
- Box Sociāāl
- The Seafood Bar
- Balthazar’s Keuken