Bitterzoet

This is a really great venue in Amsterdam. Intimate but not intimidating, there is enough room to both bust a move and chill by the bar enjoying the music. The upstairs balcony gives you a great view of the dance floor and is perfect for people watching while taking a breather from the downstairs madness. Bar staff are friendly and attentive, and the crowd is dominated by alternative, young professionals all there to have a good time. Be sure to look closely at the stained glass windows dotted along the walls, and the art adorning the wall between the staircase and main floor bar. Also, the acoustics are really great for the size of the venue.

Bitterzoet emphasizes what Amsterdam is about. The bar/night club/movie theater begs is patronage to bring who/what you are to the table. The free-flow of urban art vines its way throughout the venue, including on to the ceiling, giving the laid-back feel of underground funk. Dj’s spin eclectic stacks of wax, drawing in diverse crowds. Some featured music types include alternative and classic rock, hip-hop, reggae and steamy Cuban fusion. In keeping with its theme of variety, Bitterzoet peppers in live concerts, album releases and house parties to add to its flavor. The club schedule keeps patrons in the know about the revolving entertainment. Movies in the Bitterzoet theater trend toward outside-the-box films, which round out the artist-inspired atmosphere. Customer reviews recommend the club to American patrons to get that “throwback” feel for a hip-hop home away from home, but they also highly endorse the live events that showcase a variety of up-and-coming alternative artists. Whatever the preferred style may be, the entresols (upper levels) are a great place to chillax with a cocktail and a smoke and see it all go down as the twenty-something crowd swirls like wine in a chalice on the dance floor below.

You don't really need a big review for Bitterzoet. I can describe it in one word: awesome. The sound is great, the atmosphere is great and wherever you are, you are very close to the stage. I'm into punk rock, so it isn't too often that bands I like play there, but if they do ... the concert is always amazing. Highly recommended. And: no extra 'membership fee', like the bigger venues (Paradiso, Melkweg) charge you.

If you love some oldschool hiphop or great remixes, Bitterzoet is the place to go. The last months the best urban parties are organised in this venue on thursdays and saturdays. This small and intimite venue has its charm as you dance closely to the beats, whereas you feel at someone's birthday party. Other than hiphop, Bitterzoet offers various concenrts with upcoming artists that are not so well known in Amsterdam (yet) But be on time with your tickets!

Amsterdam music venues are basically run by two "bosses": Paradiso and Melkweg. Both spots have multiple gigs going on at the same time each night. And it overlaps into clubs later. Each spot also runs live gigs in two smaller places: Melkweg has Sugar Factory, Paradiso has Bitterzoet. I say this because this determines what bands are playing where. Indie bands that are big in the states aren't necessarily so in Amsterdam. So if Paradiso can't fit someone like Portugal. The Man in their small room at the venue, they'll send them to Bitterzoet. Which holds about 250. And that's great for Americans, because they can travel back in time basically, and see a band for cheap, with a small crowd, and with a good vibe. So Bitterzoet is MUCH better with live music now. This year they held Action Bronson, Andrew W.K., Portugal. The Man, Alabama Shakes, and more. Impressive gigs, fun crowd, good price, and interactive. All positive signs of a good venue.