Twas a rainy Wednesday afternoon around lunch time and I found myself playing tour guide for an old friend from out of town. We're hungry and in need of drying off, walking down a street I haven't walked in many years. Up ahead, a simple yet attractive sign - "Two for Joy" - the name pulled me in, had to see what it was all about.

It turns out Two for Joy is a rockin' joint that specializes in Coffee Roasting, lounging, and an excellent daytime menu. This narrow café tucked away behind the trees of Frederiks Square has a great vibe, an excellent sky lit interior, and very welcoming staff. On the particular day I was there it became clear that its proximity to the University of Amsterdam makes it a location of choice for meeting up with friends for lunch and writing that overdue thesis. Unfortunately for me this meant the homemade vegetarian chilli was finished, I had to make due with a tasty but simple veggie wrap. Their own signature coffee roast as well as their creative homemade ice teas made up for the short supply of food.

If you're on the way to the Pijp or wandering along the Amstel river, you're surely in walking distance of Two for Joy and would be wise to stop in, soak up the atmosphere, and have a drink.