History

an abstract photo of a curved building with a blue sky in the background

The Story of

Café Oporto

1889

1890

1888

De Verminking

“It was a dark, black closet, with three kerosene lamps in the evening. The walls were grey like those of a church, the floor was brown and sprinkled with sand…In all that dim darkness, the little stage with the three artists on three chairs shone brightly at the back.”

A café was first opened at Zoutsteeg 1 in February 1881. Known as "De Verminking" (the Mutilation), the café-chantant promised customers a never-before-seen musical soirée.

The nightclub featured the café's owner - Snoekje - as comedic singer and MC, performing nightly in the dimly-lit, densely-packed establishment. His 16-year old son accompanied on the piano, and two glamorous women clad in pale satin played the saxophone and crooned to a rapt audience of young couples, many of them experiencing such scenes of depravity for the first time.

1896

Société Anonyme Oporto

"There now stockbroker and shopkeeper and student and artist and journalist tastes the colourful liquid from crystal carafes or the cool dark beer from the oak barrel, enjoying the beautiful and artistic surroundings, the friendly service, and the good quality of the drinks."

In 1896, Sociéte Anonyme Oporto opened its doors - fully renovated and ready to welcome the new century. The facade and interior were designed by iconic architect Gerrit van Arkel, and the back bar was painted with a zodiac motif by Dutch painter Johann Georg Van Caspel in his first commissioned work as a professional artist. An inscription over the luxurious fireplace read: “He who drinks sweet nectar in moderation, will never regret it.”

In the early 1900s Oporto was a lively and modern establishment. The patrons enjoyed word games and contemporary art; participated in riddle contests and guerilla marketing campaigns; and once displayed the contents of a young gentleman’s pockets in the bar’s front window. Oporto was also home to modern amenities, such as a telephone (first connected in 1901) and one of the city’s first food automaats.

1922

Café De Roemer

Little is known of Oporto between 1910 and the end of the first World War, but in 1922 it was reopened as a Heineken-licensed piano bar under the name Café De Roemer. The location has held a Heineken license ever since.

The name was changed back to Oporto Bar in 1932, and in 1940 the city of Amsterdam fell under Nazi occupation. Although Oporto Bar operated continuously throughout the war, the zodiac paintings on the back bar were not so fortunate. The artwork was labeled as occult, and painted over completely in black by the occupying forces. Due to their historical value as early Van Caspel artworks, however, the paintings were meticulously restored by a Rijks historian after the war.

1960s-70s

OPORTO

"Oporto was the darkest café in Amsterdam, where trends were set in the music scene. Black sweaters and black jeans were the fashion, following the example of Paris. Not much of the interior was visible at the time, but it was classic; everyone knew that."

In the 1960s and 70s Oporto was known as one of Amsterdam’s hippest establishments. It played host to musicians and intellectuals and gangsters, and high-rollers hosted lavish parties for Amsterdam’s most beautiful citizens. The bar was kept dark - so dark that the rear wall wasn’t visible from the entrance. Its bar staff were multi-lingual and catered to diverse and international crowds into the wee hours of the morning.

Alas, Oporto succumbed to its own darkness, and in the 1980s it was forced to shutter its windows. A Bose sound system, copper hanging pots, and bar furniture were offered in a foreclosure sale in 1984. We know, however, that they never sold - as they still hang in the bar today.

1986

Café Oporto

"The new clientele has outgrown the disco and prefers to settle in a familiar classic interior where the large conical Heineken glasses are still held in high esteem. Among the regulars are many English speakers permanently residing in Amsterdam who took the café to their hearts soon after its glorious reopening. It is not uncommon for ladies to have the upper hand."

In 1986, Café Oporto was reopened - polished bright and clean and showing off the surviving artistic and architectural features from Société Anonyme Oporto, 80 years earlier. A bench was added outside the front window, allowing patrons to sit and contemplate the ever-changing Zoutsteeg.

Café Oporto has remained largely unchanged over the past 40 years. Now owned by Janice, from Liverpool, and Brian, from Belfast, Oporto hosts the official Everton Supporters Club of the Netherlands and invites regulars and visitors alike inside with its warm vibes.

Open daily from 11am - 1am, Cafe Oporto stands ready to welcome a new generation of Amsterdammers into its storied history.