When I recently reviewed Toki for this website, founder Jeff Flink told me he was glad that his café was not on the main drag (Haarlemmerdijk) but a bit hidden from the crowds. “This way you truly become part of the neighbourhood instead of feeling like ‘just another shop’ on the high street.” A very valid point it seems.
That is also what Inge Bulthuis and Noortje Vlutters thought when they went to open Back to Black, a wonderfully homely café at a stone’s throw from the iconic Rijksmuseum. Instead of being located on the busy Weteringschans, they are slightly set back on the corner of a lovely residential, block facing a quiet canal.
The initial idea behind Back to Black was to showcase locally made products such as fine coffees from different roasters in town as well as hand-made accessories, art and more. Inge and Noortje wanted to create a cozy neighbourhood café in a part of town that is more famous for its tourist bars than quality outlets, although things have changed in the last few months.
A few months ago Inge started rolling out het plans of roasting in house and the turquoise Giesen roaster is already installed in the basement but she is yet to dig her nails into it.
Since the original review was published in 2014, Back to Black changed its layout around to create a more welcoming living room feel in the front with the bar at the back. This is where the Back to Black team creates delicious coffee beverages accompanied by a vast array of cafes and things like ‘powerballs’.
Whether you’re a local looking for a nice place to unwind with a newspaper and a great cuppa Joe or you’re visiting Amsterdam and you need a place to refuel then Back to Black is your perfect spot.
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