About.com Rating
The Bottom Line
"Fair trade" and "sustainable" are more than just buzzwords at CoffeeCompany, whose commitment to coffee and the social responsibility that comes with it makes for excellent java that can be traced all the way back to the estate.
Pros
Cons
Description
Leidsestraat Location
Address: Leidsestraat 60
Phone: +31 (0)20 421 82 75
Open Mon. - Wed. 7:30 a.m. - 8 p.m., Thurs. & Fri. 7:30 a.m. - 10 p.m., Sat. & Sun. 9 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Dam Square Location
Address: Dam 10 (next to the Nieuwe Kerk)
Phone: +31 (0)20 778 78 86
Open Mon. - Fri. 7:30 a.m. - 10 p.m., Sat. & Sun. 8 a.m. - 10 p.m.
19 other locations in Amsterdam and more nationwide; see the CoffeeCompany web site for all locations.
Guide Review - CoffeeCompany - Amsterdam Restaurant Review
Coffee connoisseurs have no lack of options in Amsterdam - two favorite cafes of mine, for example - Latei and Hofje van Wijs - are located just a few doors down from each other on the Zeedijk in Amsterdam Chinatown. But some cafe patrons demand more than "just" an excellent cup of joe - cafe patrons like CoffeeCompany's founder, who wanted to import the "metropolitan ritual" he discovered in cities like New York and London to the Dutch capital. Clearly, he wasn't the only one who wanted to see these cities' cafe culture take root in Amsterdam; the formula of the first CoffeeCompany (CC), at Leidsestraat 60, proved so successful that it's spawned franchises both in Amsterdam and nationwide.
The menu is simple: rather than a Starbucks-esque proliferation of various flavors and assorted add-ons, the CoffeeCompany has a limited (and extremely visually attractive) menu of classic coffee drinks - espresso, americano, cappuccino, latte and the so-called panna montata (a latte with a dollop of whipped cream; panna montata just means "whipped cream" in Italian). Each drink does come with a trio of options, however, so there is some room for customization. Besides the "adult" drinks, there are also special, non-caffeinated children's drinks; coffee abstainers can choose from their chai latte, hot cocoa, fresh smoothies, and a selection of bottled drinks. A modest selection of sandwiches and small bites (muffins, cookies and brownies, cakes and pies) is also on offer, all of which are typically quite tasty (the white chocolate chip-studded cookies in particular).
A definite factor in CoffeeCompany's success has been its dedication to excellent - and fair - coffee. Since 1996, the cafe has imported and mixed its own coffee beans; it even lists the individual coffee estates that contribute to its seasonal blends, so that coffee drinkers can see exactly where their beans were sourced from. This translates to the taste of each cup of coffee, which surpasses many other cafes (and certainly all other chains) in the city.
Beside the excellent coffee, the cafe atmosphere is another asset. While the specifics vary between locations, visitors can expect a combination of intimate tables suited for conversation, spacious common tables ideal for work, or cushioned chairs to settle into with a book. Each location also offers free WiFi. Since the decor does follow a standard theme, it can feel a little institutionalized now that there are 24 locations, but so far that seems to be the only drawback to CoffeeCompany's success.
The Bottom Line
"Fair trade" and "sustainable" are more than just buzzwords at CoffeeCompany, whose commitment to coffee and the social responsibility that comes with it makes for excellent java that can be traced all the way back to the estate.
Pros
- Delicious coffee, espresso and espresso-based drinks
- 21 convenient locations all over Amsterdam
- Free WiFi for customers
Cons
- Pricier than other cafe franchises
Description
Leidsestraat Location
Address: Leidsestraat 60
Phone: +31 (0)20 421 82 75
Open Mon. - Wed. 7:30 a.m. - 8 p.m., Thurs. & Fri. 7:30 a.m. - 10 p.m., Sat. & Sun. 9 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Dam Square Location
Address: Dam 10 (next to the Nieuwe Kerk)
Phone: +31 (0)20 778 78 86
Open Mon. - Fri. 7:30 a.m. - 10 p.m., Sat. & Sun. 8 a.m. - 10 p.m.
19 other locations in Amsterdam and more nationwide; see the CoffeeCompany web site for all locations.
Guide Review - CoffeeCompany - Amsterdam Restaurant Review
Coffee connoisseurs have no lack of options in Amsterdam - two favorite cafes of mine, for example - Latei and Hofje van Wijs - are located just a few doors down from each other on the Zeedijk in Amsterdam Chinatown. But some cafe patrons demand more than "just" an excellent cup of joe - cafe patrons like CoffeeCompany's founder, who wanted to import the "metropolitan ritual" he discovered in cities like New York and London to the Dutch capital. Clearly, he wasn't the only one who wanted to see these cities' cafe culture take root in Amsterdam; the formula of the first CoffeeCompany (CC), at Leidsestraat 60, proved so successful that it's spawned franchises both in Amsterdam and nationwide.
The menu is simple: rather than a Starbucks-esque proliferation of various flavors and assorted add-ons, the CoffeeCompany has a limited (and extremely visually attractive) menu of classic coffee drinks - espresso, americano, cappuccino, latte and the so-called panna montata (a latte with a dollop of whipped cream; panna montata just means "whipped cream" in Italian). Each drink does come with a trio of options, however, so there is some room for customization. Besides the "adult" drinks, there are also special, non-caffeinated children's drinks; coffee abstainers can choose from their chai latte, hot cocoa, fresh smoothies, and a selection of bottled drinks. A modest selection of sandwiches and small bites (muffins, cookies and brownies, cakes and pies) is also on offer, all of which are typically quite tasty (the white chocolate chip-studded cookies in particular).
A definite factor in CoffeeCompany's success has been its dedication to excellent - and fair - coffee. Since 1996, the cafe has imported and mixed its own coffee beans; it even lists the individual coffee estates that contribute to its seasonal blends, so that coffee drinkers can see exactly where their beans were sourced from. This translates to the taste of each cup of coffee, which surpasses many other cafes (and certainly all other chains) in the city.
Beside the excellent coffee, the cafe atmosphere is another asset. While the specifics vary between locations, visitors can expect a combination of intimate tables suited for conversation, spacious common tables ideal for work, or cushioned chairs to settle into with a book. Each location also offers free WiFi. Since the decor does follow a standard theme, it can feel a little institutionalized now that there are 24 locations, but so far that seems to be the only drawback to CoffeeCompany's success.
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