Soft Temple

Quite small looking when you first walk in. The bar is at the back of the downstairs area where there are a few bar stools and a couple of tables and chairs. Next to the bar is a winding staircase up to a large area with loads of comfy seating. This is where I sat, next to a large open window that looks down on to the busy street below. Purchased a gram of NYC Diesel for 11euros, quite pricey and although it tasted nice I found it a bit chokey. It is called Diesel though so maybe it's supposed to have a bit of a chokey kick? There were quite a few tourists in there who all seemed happy but I wouldn't bother going back as I found it pretty average, there are too many better shops in the area.

I love this place. I love it because it's central but quiet and off the beaten path. Although it's just behind Dam Square it's easy to miss. My last visit was November 2005. But I was there also in November 2004 and smoked too much. I was dizzy and could hardly stand up. I was upstairs and managed to get downstairs to the counter to buy a bottle of water. The staff saw that I was sweating and gave me some sugar water. They let me sit in front of the door and left it open for me so I would get some fresh air. After an hour I was able to walk back to my hotel. The most important thing is that they were compassionate and didn't throw me out onto the street. I thanked them as I left and went back a few days later before I flew back to San Francisco to thank them for helping me. They remembered me and said no problem. No preaching. Very cool people!

My partner and I got to about eight coffee shops on our three-day stay in Amsterdam, this was our favourite. It's a totally mellow hide away in one of the tiny corridor streets and has a sit back and relax feel. If you need a thought provoking smoke, then 'BrainStorm' is the one for you. And just when you feel as though you can stand up and walk and face the world, the spiral staircase confronts you, urging you to stay for one more coffee and a smoke. Oh Yeahhh.

This place was the first place me and some mates went to when we arrived in Amsterdam for the first time, bought some Bio-Crystal which was very very good. Prices overall were reasonably cheap compared to some of the other places I visited. Helpful staff, great atmosphere, as other people have said its really calm, you wouldn't know you're in a big city, great little safety bubble if you're a bit daunted by the hustle and bustle of Amsterdam when you first arrive as we were. Visited it a couple of times during our stay, highly recommended to all.

Another great coffeeshop. Very relaxed in there. Nice menu and nice staff. In general, great place to chill and get away from the business of the city.