Café Cook – Secret square hideout

Café Cook is one of those places that you really wouldn’t bump into by accident. It’s housed on a square in Oud West that’s hidden behind all the big streets aligning it, which makes you feel like you’re in a village rather than the middle of a bustling city. The owners obviously recognized the advantages of such a wonderful, sunny spot, and have put down a wonderfully big terrace where you can easily lay down your hat and forget what you were supposed to be racing to.

What makes Café Cook so nice is hard to put your finger on. It doesn’t try to be either hip or overly traditional. It’s small and intimate enough to make you feel at home, and big enough to bring a book and disappear for a few hours. It’s a fine solo spot as well as a good place to drink beer with your friends. The people that work there are really friendly, and the quality of their food is high – something that can’t be said of most places like it. 

I remember the day I got hooked on Cook very well – I had gone to a vintage market and bought a stack of old records, and the bar tender, upon seeing them, pointed towards the record player that’s placed inconspicuously in one of the corners and offered to play them. It’s these personal touches that made me want to stay, and come back.

UPDATE: Cook’s just had a major make over and looks even better now!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Café Cook | Bars, Coffee & tea, Snacks, Restaurants | Main meal € 16
James Cookstraat 2 | +31621966916
Sun – Thu 11:30 – 01:00, Fri – Sat 11:30 – 02:00