De Ysbreeker-**

I had recently heard that the historical cafe De Ysbrekker had had a bit of a makeover so on a Saturday bike ride down the Amstel we decided to stop by for brunch (it was the night after Graves' small portions) so we were quite hungry.

I can't really review the food as we all went for the Croque Madame, which I have to say was good. The service was a little sloppy as in not very sharp which you would expect for the look of the restaurant. But hey,  I was here to check out the interior which has been designed by the same architects as the Stadsschowburg. The original facade and arch windows remain the same, but inside the walls have been knocked through to create various areas such as the patio type area with the various skylights to the lounge with pool table, fire place and comfy sofas, to the refectory type reading tables, perfect for reading the Sunday papers.They even have their own paper!

Using a mix of modern design, industrial lighting and  art deco glass designs depicting the work of the ice breakers on the Amstel river everything seemed to really feel like a place I could waste all day in. I was impressed, the interior is very contemporary but I feel that it won't date quickly. There is also free Wifi which is always a bonus.

http://www.deysbreeker.nl/en/

Further to above I went to eat with a group of girlfriends on a Tuesday night. It was a warm July evening and we had to wait in line to sit outside with no real attention from the waiters. Just a tip to them, maybe take our names so that you can let us know when their is a table free and we can take a seat at the bar. The food was ok, I went for a burger and it was just fine ( I am on a mission to find the best burger in town- to date it's at Lust http://www.lustamsterdam.nl/)

Although very Amsterdam service, sitting on the terrace on a warm evening, looking over the Amstel, with great company and wine makes up for everything. It's one of the best terraces in Amsterdam.