Mem’s Amsterdam

Or Mems? It’s pretty confusing.

Anyway – new lockdown, new opportunities to review lunch and brunch spots, since early dinners are still a bit too Dutch for me.

A couple of weekends ago I was in search of a brunch spot that wasn’t sold out for the next 4 weeks (looking at you, Staring at Jacob) where I could grab a yummy bite with my girlfriends. I secretly knew we’ll shut the place down, no matter where we went, but I still insist on calling it “brunch”. And I stumbled upon a Mem’s, a spot I haven’t heard of before, but with good reviews and first impressions. Righteous! Let’s check it out.

Mem’s doesn’t have an online booking system, so I had to call them. Please fix this, we’re millennials and terrible at…words…over the phone…with another real, living person.

Anyway! Saturday arrived and there we were. Started, as usual, with what I was hoping will be delicious Bloody Marys. It was my lucky day, because I’m ready to say – that along with G’s and Cut Throat – Mem’s may just have some of the best Bloodys in town!

When it comes to mains, if you’re at Mem’s, you’re here for a sandwich type of deal. Not your usual sandwich, don’t get me wrong – but it seems to be the main show. I went with the New York Pastrami with pickles & mustard dressing. This could easily go wrong, since it’s a whole lot of meat in a bun, with sauce – meaning that if it isn’t perfect, it could be dry, too fat, boring, or many other things. I’m happy to report that this was delicious from bite one to the last. If you’re into Pastrami kind of meats, do try this out – really.

My friend went for the Beyond Burger and was really happy with it. She’s picky as hell, too. She once said “this is the worst burger I’ve ever had” to a burger that I thought was…good enough? So anyway – this worked out for her. Only comment was that they maybe went overboard with the caramelised onions.

My 3rd friend arrive, late, because…she’s Spanish. She tried the Shakshuka and raved about it too. Veggies were nicely spiced and it all looked pretty. The only comment comes from me, but she agreed: I’d expect more than one egg in a Shakshuka.

We all happily finished our meals and drank the rest of the day – until 5PM that is – away. We’ve had a great time at Mem’s and would happily return. In fact, I’m excited to bring some of my American friends here. I have a feeling they’d love it.

P.S.: even though we hung out for 4 hours with food, multiple cocktails and beers…apparently tap water is a lot to ask. Our waitress did bring us one glass, but eventually we had to order a 5 EUR bottle if we all wanted some. Not cool, guys.

Value for money: 9

Food Quality: 9

Location: 8 (Gerard Doustraat 35)

Service: 8 (for the water part – they were actually really nice otherwise)

Website: http://www.memsamsterdam.com/