09/10/18
Before journeying to Amsterdam, I asked a friend who had recently been there for food recommendations and his immediate suggestion was Cafe de Klos. This spot cooks up a limited menu of various smoked and grilled meats. No doubt that this place is Bigtime. My wife and I got the onion soup (that she said was better than the version we had in Paris), then we went with these spare ribs for our meal, along with a side of a baked potato. The ribs were somewhat familiar to what we might be used to in the Carolinas or in Texas, but were more simply prepared and the kiss of the grill gave them a distinct char that I really liked. There is a light salad/cole slaw, fresh onions, and a couple sauces that are all solid, but the meat is definitely the star of the show. The baked potato comes with a generous helping of garlic butter that is pretty darn good itself - definitely worth getting. Our server/bartender, Kim, was one of the best restaurant workers we’ve come across. Funny, engaging, and attentive, he made the dining experience a true joy, along with the great food. We happened to be seated next to a couple Americans, including one who grew up a stone’s throw away from me in suburban Tampa, so there was great conversation all around. Still, despite a large presence of Americans, this spot didn’t feel like a tourist trap. Cafe de Klos is the perfect spot for a relaxing meal, a couple of beers, and an awesome dining experience.