Amsterdam Cafe
Categories: Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt, Sandwiches [Edit]
Neighborhood: South End517 Columbus Ave
(between Claremont Park & Worcester St)
Boston, MA 02118 (617) 437-6400
- Nearest Transit:
Massachusetts Ave (Orange)
Prudential (Green)
Worcester Square (Silver)
- Price Range: $
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street
- Attire: Casual
- Good for Groups: No
- Good for Kids: Yes
- Takes Reservations: No
- Delivers: Yes
- Take-out: Yes
- Waiter Service: No
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
- Outdoor Seating: Yes
- Good for: Dessert
28 Reviews for Amsterdam Cafe
-meh stale coffee
-boring atmosphere
-food was okay
Overall nothing offensive, but I wasn't compelled to go here again over the five other coffee places near by.
my hairdresser at liquid is always recommending this place for me as a veg-friendly place, and it definitely is. not only do they have tofu for blend-ins (!!) they have a vegetarian soup of the day and a bunch of different veg sandwiches and roll-ups. i had the gardenburger pita roll-up and it was tasty as hell. i am pretty sure the gardenburger inside was homemade. my boyfriend had the "van gogh" and it didn't look that impressive (it was basically just meat and cheese) -- go for the roll-ups here. they're as big as your forearm and cost like $6!
The froyo is killer here (it's the kind that's like, a default flavor that they add stuff to -- so good). The outdoor seating is cute (2 tables, but I appreciate the effort) and the sandwiches are great (reasonably priced too). I'm a big fan. Definitely a delicious treat for a reasonable price. I'm not sure what all the bad reviews are about -- I've honestly never had a problem with this place. It's a neighborhood style place. I think people forget that kind of thing some times... We're not changing the world here people, we're simply providing sandwiches and delicious froyo.
Amsterdam Cafe seems like an overall great place serving a wide variety of food. It is bright and colorful yet small. I had a raspberry fro yo (only $3.75) which gave me the best feeling brain freeze ever. It was sweet but not too sweet and even though it wasnt mixed all the way through it was still delish. Matt had a black iced coffee and we both split this huge cookie.
Overall its a nice place to stop for a cup of joe, a bite on the run, or one of their many frozen yogurts. It isn't big and it gets busy really easily but a nice place on the go.
Now, there isn't a whole lot to go on here, but whatever...
Pros: LOVE the Fro Yo (Frozen Yogurt)...tons of flavors... $3.75.... perfect for a summer evening. I. Love. it.
Cons: Haven't tried food yet...no prices on the menu makes me feel like if I don't look nice or smile pretty, that they will charge me more for my food...hence my avoidance of them.
I do like the location for people-watching AND they have 2 little tables w/ umbrellas outside which is always nice!
Great Fro Yo so I suggest at least checking it out for that whilst you go for your summer evening jaunt around the South End!!!
I'll admit I was lured in by the name, but my craving for munchies was hardly satisfied by this crap establishment. The egg samiches are gross and always microwaved, the tuna salad is pretty much low-grade kibble, and the lettuce in the salads is the slightly brown variety of iceberg. If you're in the area and want something similar but not gross, head down a few more blocks to the corner of mass ave and tremont and eat at Corner Cafe. The decor isn't as cute, but the people are much nicer and the food is actually good.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
I just don't understand places that get upset with you when you come in close to closing time. I wasn't planning on hanging out, I just wanted my frozen yogurt to go. If you want to leave earlier then close earlier. I know its annoying when its close to when you can leave and you have a line of customers. Don't forget that the customers are the reason that you have a job. Also don't yell at the customer to close the door when their leaving!
So the story about this place is that its the cheapest place to grab a sandwich in the South End, but there is a reason for that. It as far as I can tell has nothing to do with Amsterdam, it just uses the name--maybe they think its cool? I dunno. The only reason to come here is for the frozen yogurt (I have a sad addiction so I deal). The service is sour and you feel like you're an inconvenience. Two stars, one for the frozen yogurt and the other is for the low cost.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
An extensive menu ranging from sandwiches to bagels, baked goods to frozen yogurt. There's seating inside and out - which is a plus for any establishment.
I ordered the Tulip Sandwich which is smoked turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, cole slaw, and russian dressing.
So let's get this review going...
I get home, sit down at the coffee table and pull out my sandwich. THIS THING IS GOLIATH. I'm talking the biggest sandwich on sliced bread I've ever seen. Like a cartoon sandwich where every single fixin' imaginable is piled high on sliced bread, topped with a cherry tomato on a toothpick, and INHALED by some character with an ever expanding almost pornographic mouth. That kind of sandwich.
Eating the sandwich was delicious and sloppy. Sloppy like two drunk people making out on a sidewalk after closing time. Saliva, lips, tongues, sin, messiness, ugliness, shame, and intensity right in the oral cavity. It got so bad, i just threw the sandwich down and devoured it with my hands (this would be the point when drunk #1 throws drunk #2 into a cab and gets a room). Yes, you're reading correctly. First I made out with my sandwich, but eventually I had sex with it. Food sex.
This thing is so sloppy, I think I'll always get take out. I couldn't imagine eating it in public. I'll treat it like one of those drunk folks on the sidewalk, keep their number in your phone to text secretly at 1:30AM and sneak them into your apartment under the cover of darkness. You'd never be seen in public with that kind of trash, but behind closed doors at home is a different story.
People thought this was:
Useful (6)
Funny (15)
Cool (7)
Although the name says Amsterdam, I'm convinced it's owned by the French. The owners and/or counter help seem to be almost annoyed that they have to serve you. This place could easily be a solid 3.5 stars but there's way too much attitude in this place. The location is great since it's right down the block but my advice would be to save your money and walk a block west to Uptown Espresso or walk down to Tremont and Clarendon and check out Francesca's.
This place sucks!! I went in here looking for a really quick sandwich to go. I ordered it, and decided i'd get a frozen yog as well. the hot sandwich I ordered mysteriously appeared less than a minute after i ordered it, but the guy that took my order just stood there next to the yogurt mixer machine until my sandwich was ready, and when he noticed i was just waiting on him, he took out this long plastic wrapped tube of frozen yogurt, looked at it for a minute, and decided against making me one. he put it back into the cooler, and brought out a cup of yogurt that had already been mixed with-- some type of chocolate candy bar bits-- checked inside the carton and gave it to me. I left, got on the bus, opened up the lid to this totally melty, somehow SOUR frozen yogurt... such a bad experience. the sandwich i got was also bad. PLEASE go around the block to Corner Cafe and get something that is actually delicious, quick, and give your money to someone who is pleasant and happy to be in business. just my opinion.
Terrible service. You stand there for a few minutes while one person does something behind the counter and other people are there just watching TV or talking to them. The frozen yogurt is good, but honestly, Corner Cafe on Mass Ave and Tremont has the same stuff. Give your money to CC instead. The Rembrandt is really the only good thing here, and if you call it in, it might be ready when you get there. You'll still have to wait forever to pay though.
I have been to the Amsterdam Cafe a few times, usually while muckraking at the Lucy Parsons Center and feeling a bit peckish. The food is definitely decent, though the prices a bit steep for what you get: something you could easily make at home if you weren't totally lazy and/or thought ahead.
Amsterdam's only saving grace is their excellent dairy-free frozen yogurt, which I've purchased on multiple occasions. I would have given this place four stars simply for that, alas...the guy who owns the place (or maybe he's just the manager) is one snide mofo. So much so that, after today's event, I will not return.
Here's what happened. The sun was shining. It was 60 degrees, no humidity. A perfect day, you may be thinking, as was I, to ride your bike downtown and enjoy a delicious tofu frozen delight from Amsterdam Cafe. In theory, a good plan, but in reality, a grievous mistake...
Like a fellow Yelper, I was overcharged at the register; having been here before and knowing the price of what I was purchasing, I told the guy who rang me up. He seemed nice enough, and called the manager over, who was visibly pissed off, but did correct the price (with some prodding). When he handed me my frozen yogurt, I couldn't help but laugh: the container was filled less than three-quarters of the way! Normally, I wouldn't be so paranoid as to suggest this was done out of spite, but it was painfully obvious, given the quantity all of the other patrons were receiving. I mean, my portion was literally half of everyone else's. It was crazy.
It's cool if you want to dole out punishments by chinsin' on people's ice cream and giving them attitude, Amsterdam Cafe. But, in the great words of President George W. Bush, "if you fool me once, you can't get fooled again."
2 stars for having vegan soft serve ice cream, made out of tofu. Will cost you 5 bucks though. Not much else to offer me, and didn't appreciated the whole "Amsterdam" theme, trying to be European (common in the South End).
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
I live close enough to this place that if I wanted to, I could frequent it as a great easy spot to regularly grab some coffee, curl up in the corner with a book and snuggle up in. Well, it's alright, but it's just not what I'd hoped. Previous expectations aside, let me explain.
The decor is cute: yellow, orange, and other warm colours on the walls, it feels sunny and welcoming. There really isn't a lot of seating available, and within that seating there's only one couch, but the place isn't huge so I guess that makes sense - it just doesn't feel very cozy to me that's all. And the TV playing sports games just felt strangely out of place in the atmosphere. The 'Lavazza' sign in the window called out to me, since I generally associate that with pretty good coffee spots. My caramel flavoured coffee was pretty decent actually and I liked it, but my friend's chai etc. wasn't amazing, and I was a little surprised that there was no milk, creamer, half-n-half, etc. available on the 'add-ins' table nor was it offered when we got our stuff.
I got sucked into the baked goods window, but nothing screamed 'eat me!' as that moment, so frozen yoghurt it was. I really liked it, since I loved the way they actually ground up little things (like peppermint patties and heath bars!) and mixed that into your fro-yo. The blueberry was good, but I think I liked the mint chocolate better. Portion sizes were huge though, and there's a huge selection of flavours that accommodates many dietary restrictions too, which is really excellent. The staff wasn't particularly friendly; in fact, one guy (I think the owner/manager but I'm not sure?) was in a pretty sour and grouchy mood which was off-putting (I know everyone has bad days, but geez, it's not my fault whatever it is!) which was kind of strange amidst the sunny colours of the place. As for the name... well yeah, I don't know what's particularly Amsterdamish (yes I made that up!) about the place, but oh well.
I haven't yet had a chance to try the sandwiches etc. so I may get around to that sometime soon, but I don't see myself becoming a regular. But I could definitely see myself grabbing a froyo from here sometime on a sunny day, when I don't have energy to trek out to Berryline in Harvard (my fave for frozen yoghurt!).
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Cool (2)
Fantastic place for roll-ups (a huge pita style sandwich). The spicy buffalo chicken roll-up is great. They have really good frozen yogurt as well with lots of options to blend in. Great place!
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
i like the soft serve and all the topping choices you can get. a big serving for price. altho service is rather on the slow side.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Change of heart... I originally whined about this not being a destination to get a cup of coffee. I will stand by my original thoughts of their subpar coffee, but recently had my eyes opened to their mastery of the Sandwich Arts. Delicious reasonably priced with fresh ingredients they should drop the "Cafe" and rebrand as Amsterdam Sandwich Shoppe and Yogurtery. Then I'd have nothing to complain about.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
I had HIGH hopes ordering the Boom Boom Brownie at Cafe Amsterdam... but sadly this cafe is not like the cafes in Amsterdam and their brownie are not like the 'brownies' they serve in those Dutch Cafes either, even if they give them suggesting names. Two hours have passed and I've still felt no effect - so I have to conclude that these weren't the type of brownies I was secretly hoping for.
Casual drug-use aside, Cafe Amsterdam wasn't very good. In fact it was crap. The coffee wasn't great and the staff didn't really want to serve me despite me being the only customer. They were too busy watching Hot Shots Part Deux (kudos to them for the film choice - plus one star).
And what's with the name Amsterdam? Is it to try and lure deviants like me or is it, as I expect, a shit attempt to appear 'all European' like so many of the places and people of South End? Well, frankly it's embarrassing, they should give it up.
My favourite touch... a framed sketch of a windmill. That's right.. Amsterdam - Holland - windmills... brand association. Sadly the sketch was labelled 'Eastham Windmill' - and that's in Cape Cod. Oh dear!
People thought this was:
Useful (6)
Funny (9)
Cool (5)
This place is very good. I always order "The Rembrandt Special" is like the typical Ruben Sandwich (pastrami andcorned beef ) and it 's so good!!! The yogourts are huge and for only 3 dollars. this place is really inexpensive comparing to similar places in the South End.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (1)
Cool (2)
I have an addiction...To frozen yogurt of all things. Amsterdam Cafe has the best frozen yogurt, and it almost tastes like ice cream. Its not as good as my favorite food, The DQ Blizzard, but darn close.
I live a block from this place, and I have no self control....Also good sandwiches, they don't skimp thats for sure
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
First of all, this place is not in fucking Roxbury! It's a few blocks in from Mass. Ave. on the south end section. The sandwiches are excellent! I've never eaten inside because it's small and I live nearby. The frozen yogurt is as good as the other Yelpers have explained. Try the Windmill: A double decker chicken salad with tomato, bacon and romaine sandwich that I never could finish in one try (and I can eat). It's that good.
Awesome, big-as-your-head frozen yogurt cups with just about any mix-in you could imagine. I had regular fro-yo with twix blended in, and the hubby had sugar free with reese's blended in. I liked his better than mine!
Next time I think I will bring in pretzels and see if they'll mix those in with peanut m&m's. yum.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (1)
In a nice atmosphere. The place is small and cozy and has some outdoor seating. The wraps are quite decent, and often can be loaded with cheeses of choice or avocado. My favorite is the avocado-brie wrap. On and they are HUGE.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (1)
The whole Amsterdam theme is pretty random - it has been interpreted here as pictures of windmills and tulips, and naming a sandwich "The Red Light District". I was grabbing a late lunch with my boyfriend, and I ordered a BBQ chicken wrap, due to my love of all things BBQ sauce. I thought BBQ sauce was a pretty universally standard condiment.
I was wrong.
My wrap was filled with a bright orange goop that, while sort of good, bore no resemblance to the sauce I so dearly love. The guy working there was kinda rude, and insisted on taking a really complicated phone order while I waited at the counter. I absolutely had to try their "Orgasm Brownie," and while it did not induce the sensation for which it was named, it was fuckin good. I think I blushed when I ordered it.
Overall, a mixed bag. For a more uniformly enjoyable experience, you're probably better off going somewhere else.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
The Amsterdam Cafe has great paninis, sandwiches and cookies. The frozen yogurt blends taste like the Dairy Queen of my youth. My only complaint, and this keeps me from going there more often than I would, is the owner of the place. He's a mean-spirited little man, and from what I've observed, treats the employees poorly. Its a shame, because I live a block from this place, but I don't feel comfortable going there simply due to him.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
My girlfriend and I just got back from Cafe Amsterdam, she wanted some pumpkin frozen yogurt. We ordered 1 pumpkin frozen yogurt, and were told that it is seasonal and they don't have any, even though it was still on the menu on the wall. My girlfriend decided to get carrot cake frozen yogurt instead (listed as $2.85 + $.48 for special flavor). The woman behind the counter made the yogurt and rang it up as $3.86. I assumed the extra $0.53 was for tax and whatever. We gave her $10 but she only gave us back $6 back. When we asked for our change she said it was "four even" even when we pointed out that the register said TOTAL: $3.86. She said the extra money was for tax. We then told her it says it will cost $3.33 on the menu, she said, the carrot cake is extra. I told her it was misleading to customers, she replied with "okay" and just stood there. So we left, never to return. It might be okay if this was a one-time thing, but I've heard too many bad stories about Cafe Amsterdam, and I'm beginning to think they're all true.
I will never go there again, not when there are so many other places to choose from.
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Funny (1)
Cool (3)
Cafe Amsterdam has the best frozen yogurt in the South End. Its just like ankara's or cafe podima... you pick the flavors and they blend it all together... but in addition Cafe Amsterdam has tofu and sugar-free frozen yogurt for your lactose intolerant or low-carb-diet friends. Now EVERYONE can go get frozen yogurt together! What more could you ever ask for in life? The place also has good wraps and paninis. Amsterdam has outdoor seating as welll - so its a nice place to go, sit outside, people watch, and enjoy your frozen yogurt. Ah.... summer in boston is fabulous!
Good for lunch and that is about it. Their portion size is great and their prices are even better. It is almost like eating at home. A little bit of an older crowd here, but it is still a good deal.
People Who Viewed This Also Viewed...
Related Lists
-
My Neighborhood
My local laundromat, watering hole, deli, cafe,… -
My Neighborhood
My local dry cleaner, watering hole, deli, cafe,…
Hot and New
- Ten Tables
104 reviews
Neighborhood: Jamaica Plain
- Trident Booksellers & Cafe
211 reviews
Neighborhood: Back Bay
- The Dish
39 reviews
Neighborhood: South End
- Anchovies
65 reviews
Neighborhood: South End
- Brown Sugar Cafe
183 reviews
Neighborhood: Allston/Brighton
