Amsterdam | Why Upstairs Pancakes Are Totally Worth The Climb

Upstairs Pancakes | Check To See If the Booked Sign Is Hanging On The Door Before Climbing The Stairs

Tucked away above a steep, quintessentially Dutch staircase in the heart of Amsterdam is one of the city’s most charming hidden gems: Upstairs Pancakes. Anyone who knows me knows my mild obsession with pancakes, so of course, this restaurant would make the travel itinerary.

Known as the smallest restaurant in Europe, this cozy spot serves up some of the best traditional Dutch pancakes in a space so quaint that it feels like you are dining in a whimsical attic. With vintage teapots hanging from the ceiling, just four intimate tables, and pancakes that are as photogenic as they are delicious, Upstairs Pancakes offers a truly unique experience that’s equal parts nostalgic and delicious. Here are a few things you should know before adding this tiny treasure to the top of your Amsterdam travel itinerary.

Upstiars Pancakes| A Table With A View

A few things you should know before your visit

It’s Tiny- REALLY TINY

With only four tables, seating is incredibly limited. Reservations are required, but don’t look for them on OpenTable or Resy. This place is old school, and reservations are accepted only by phone one week in advance.


Upstairs Pancakes

Grimburgwal 2, 1012 GA Amsterdam, Netherlands

Website and Instagram


The Staircase is VERY Steep

To say that this restaurant lives up to its name is an understatement. You’ll need to climb a classic, narrow Dutch staircase, which is practically a ladder. It’s not for the faint of heart, so make sure you wear appropriate shoes and be cautious, especially with large bags and tiny humans (aka, kids).

Hit Up The ATM

Keeping with the old-school vibes, this establishment is cash-only. They do not accept cards, so be sure to have a few Euros on you.

Upstairs Pancakes | Kai (Top) King (Bottom)

Pancakes are big and filling (see above)

This was my first foray into Dutch pancakes. If you’ve never enjoyed one, they are large and thin—caught between a crepe and an American pancake. One is usually enough unless you’re extraordinarily hungry. I’d recommend ordering one sweet and one savory and sharing. But honestly, you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.

Upstairs Pancakes| Menu

It’s worth the climb

Besides the pancakes? The experience. From the squeaky floorboards to the antique decor to the friendly service that feels like you’ve been adopted by a Dutch auntie, this place is unforgettable. Whether you’re in town for a weekend or just on a mission to eat your way through Amsterdam (respect), this is the pancake pilgrimage your trip needs.

Upstairs Pancakes | Can You Believe The Size Of This Kitchen?

Craving pancakes yet? Save this post, share it with your travel buddy, and put the Upstairs Pancake House at the top of your Amsterdam itinerary.

Get ready to climb- your perfect pancake awaits!

Until next time!

Catherine Courtney

Welcome to Blonde Voyage Nashville!

I am so excited to finally see this dream become a reality.  Between the destination restaurants, the copious amount of food photos and insanely crazy travel stories, I have decided to share my journey. 

My name is Catherine Courtney and I am a Nashville native with a penchant for culinary creativity and epic travel adventures. I'll admit... I also have a slight obsession with handbags.

Two years ago, my life changed completely.  Everything that I knew to be was completely turned upside down.  I quickly realized that time is our greatest commodity and it's not to be taken for granted. I couldn't wait for the perfect time, who knew when that would be.  I needed to take the leap and explore the world on my own.  There were so many places I wanted to go, but where would I start. 

France was always one of those places that I had romanticized.  Wandering the streets of Paris and seeing the Eiffel tower were at the top of my list. Without hesitation, I booked a two week trip to the French Rivera and Paris.  It was a journey of a lifetime.  Not only were amazing friendships cultivated, but it was on that trip that i discovered that food and travel are the embers that that keep my soul on fire. 

It wasn't until I arrived back in Nashville with my passport that I realized I had been bit. Wanderlust had completely taken over.  I already started thinking about where I wanted to go next.  It was then that I decided that it was more important to have camera full of photos and a tattered journal full of stories than anything else. My heart was overflowing.

One of my favorite quotes that resonates is from Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland:

"Actually, the best gift you could have given her was a lifetime of adventures...."

Join me as I explore near and far away places, filling my passport full of stamps and satiating my appetite with some of the most amazing cuisine the world has to offer. 

Thanks for reading! 

       

 

 

http://blondevoyagenashville.com
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