The Rookies

The The Rookies Coffee Shop It has been around since 1992 and remains a spot that’s a bit less well-known to tourists than the coffeeshops surrounding it. Located 200 meters from Leidseplein, you can get there by passing Burger King on your left and turning onto Korte Leidsedwarstraat. After passing the 12,000 Italian restaurants on the street, you’ll quickly spot the shop’s sign—a cherub in a cloud of smoke. Many locals frequent Rookies, a clear sign of its low-key nature and high quality.

The staff is very friendly, and the music is quite eclectic, ranging from reggae to rock. When you walk into the coffee shop, you’ll first pass by the bar, where you’ll be offered a curated selection of weed and hash. You can also order hot or cold drinks.

The seating area will be on your right and can comfortably accommodate up to 80 people, featuring a mix of traditional tables and high tables, pub-style, as a nod to its past. The space was actually a bar before it was converted into a coffee shop. A small patio offers a few tables for outdoor seating when the weather permits.

Bongs are available at the bar, as well as board games for those who want to spend some time inside the coffee shop.

Menu at The Rookies Coffeeshop

The selection of weed is quite diverse: from Jamaican weed at €5.50 per gram (worth trying just to see what it’s like, but not particularly impressive) to SoMango at €15 per gram, along with a few nice Haze strains. The menu lists the potency of each product, which can help customers decide based on their preferences. The Amnesia and Super Silver Haze pack a punch, while the Champagne Haze was a real surprise. The THC/CBD ratios aren’t listed, but we wouldn’t be surprised to see a balanced ratio. The high is potent but very comfortable.

As for hash, try Ice-O-Lator, Super Pollen, or Manali—they’ve got spicy flavors and a nice little head high.

If you're not sure what to choose, ask for advice from budtender, ...they give good advice.

Rookies offers Wi-Fi and power outlets if you need to charge your phone or plug in your laptop to work.

In short, it’s a place we really like and where we feel at home. And that’s usually where we start our trips to Amsterdam.