This weekend, I spent a few hours at De Herengracht with a group of friends. The bar/restaurant, located just off the Koningsplein, is decked out with great art and a fantastic atmosphere. We hung out in the lower-level bar. It was busy but not terribly so, the music blended into the background and the drinks were served promptly. My only complaint - which holds for any A'dam drinking establishment - is the massive amount of cigarette smoke that follows you home and through the remainder of your weekend. Someday, they'll change the laws...