Inside there is a long bar area with fixed padded bar stools. Traditional tables with Dutch "curtains" table cloths ring the window area. A perfect place to watch the world go by or even watch how long each customer spends in the doors and windows illuminated by the red lights.

It was in 1977 that I first visited Cafe Corso. I had stayed into The Zeedijk, an area that was, at that time, ill advised to visit.. Thankfully it has been cleaned up since due mainly to the protests of traders in that area and is now perfectly safe.

A fight broke out in the bar I was in and needless to say I made a swift exit. Walking down the street I turned to a better lit area and saw Corso. Thought this looks OK for a beer and went in. Behind the bar stood a big man with a huge Dutch style moustache.His hands were like shovells. There were alot of people in the bar and the juke box was fairly loud.
Immediately I felt safe and at home.
The big barman was of course, James Van Amstel, a legend in this area of Amsterdam. He is now the manager of the bar. The other barman was Hans Schulz, who is now retired but still helps out when there is staff shortage.

I later got to know the local regulars and was suprised to find many of them travelled long distances to drink in this bar.
The prices are very reasonable, a small beer is 1.60 euro and Whisky 3.20 euro. As well as dutch larger, they serve draught Guinness, which I am told is imported direct from Dublin,draught Strongbow Cider and a largish range of bottled beers and alcopops.!! Plus plenty of Sprits, including of couse, Dutch Gin. Expesso coffee is available, as the Dutch say, "by day".

There is now a Rugby theme to the bar and live matches are shown most weekends. Sometimes free refreshments are provided,in the form of bread rolls , cheese and cold cuts..
The present bar staff are Bob, Eric and Mario. All speak perfect English and are very, very good at their job. To my mind they are the most impotant part of a good bar.