When you talk about legacy, it’s not just about who was first—it’s about who’s still standing and still setting the bar. In the heart of Amsterdam’s notorious Leidseplein, one legendary landmark has done just that. Welcome to The Bulldog Palace, where cannabis culture, counterculture history, and modern hospitality collide inside what used to be a literal police station. Yeah, you read that right.

From Busts to Beers: The Bulldog’s Rebellion Rebuilt in Brick and Mortar

Back in the day, this building stood as a badge-and-gun fortress—Amsterdam’s busiest police station. That all changed on April 1, 1985, when Henk de Vries flipped the script and transformed the space into a cannabis-friendly café and nightlife hotspot. An April Fools’ prank turned cultural milestone, The Bulldog Palace is more than a restaurant or a bar. It’s a monument to the cannabis movement—and an absolute must-stop on the global ganja trail.

If you know the Beard Bros, you know we’ve got deep roots in legacy and legal markets alike. And The Bulldog? They’re legacy with a capital “L”, homie. These pioneers didn’t just open doors—they tore them off the hinges and welcomed the world in.

Vibes That Slap: Inside the Bulldog Palace Experience

Step into The Bulldog Palace and you’re stepping into a space that’s lived many lives. Think exposed brick, stained glass windows, leather seats, a bar with a bulldog’s snarl, and lighting that hits that perfect post-sesh glow. Whether you’re rolling in solo or deep with the crew, the space is made to hold energy—and there’s always energy.

This isn’t your run-of-the-mill “we slapped a weed leaf on the menu” type of bar. This is an immersive environment where cannabis culture is celebrated—not sanitized. While Dutch law means you’ll have to head to one of their official Bulldog coffeeshops nearby for your smoke sesh, The Bulldog Palace is where you post up after. It’s where you grab a cold one, order that stacked burger, and vibe out with travelers, artists, and Amsterdam OGs alike.

Karaoke, Cocktails & Cannabis Culture

Each night of the week brings something new to the Bulldog Palace—no stale playlists or cookie-cutter experiences here.

• Tuesdays go off with karaoke. Whether you’re a shower-singer or stage-hog, the mic is open and the energy is live.
  
  
• Wednesdays bring smooth, soulful live jazz, setting the tone for those deeper conversations or chill hangs.
  
  
• Fridays and Saturdays turn the dial to DJ-driven nightlife, with beats that make even the most jet-lagged traveler move.

And let’s talk drinks. Whether you’re into tropical cocktails, classic cold beers, or just need a top-tier non-alcoholic option to stay lit and lucid, the bartenders here don’t miss. Pair your pour with menu highlights like their all-day English breakfast, burgers stacked like monuments, or fresh local salads for those seeking a little plant-based balance to the buzz.

A Safe Haven for the Global Ganja Family

In the world of weed, safe spaces matter. The Bulldog Palace is exactly that—a secure, inclusive, and welcoming haven for cannabis consumers and cannabis curious alike. While the bar itself doesn’t allow consumption on site (again, thanks to regulations), it exists within a larger Bulldog ecosystem where the cannabis lifestyle is alive and well.

Whether you’re a cannabis industry insider or just riding the wave of normalization worldwide, stepping into The Bulldog is like plugging into a frequency you didn’t know you missed. It’s a connection point—a place where freedom, rebellion, and respect for the plant meet cold drinks and hot food.

Why Beard Bros F*cks With The Bulldog Palace

At Beard Bros Media, we’re all about spotlighting spots that walk the walk—not just talk the talk. The Bulldog Palace is living proof that you can take something oppressive—a former police station—and flip it into a flagship for freedom, fun, and cannabis history. That’s real transformation. That’s power. And that’s what makes it a must-feature in our Restaurant Spotlight series.

More than a bar, more than a historical landmark, The Bulldog Palace is part of the cultural fabric that helps de-stigmatize and celebrate cannabis around the world.

Location: Leidseplein 15, 1017 PS Amsterdam, Netherlands

Hours:

Sunday–Thursday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM

Friday & Saturday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 AM

The Final Hit

Whether you’re flying in for cannabis week in Amsterdam or just making your way through Europe’s iconic scenes, don’t skip The Bulldog Palace. It’s proof that cannabis culture isn’t just surviving—it’s thriving, evolving, and throwing karaoke nights in a former cop shop. That’s the kind of poetic justice Beard Bros can get behind.

Want more spots like this? Keep it locked to Beard Bros Media for authentic cannabis culture—served straight, no chaser.