The Heights-area bar inspired by Amsterdam’s fiery Red Light District is transitioning from coffee to cocktails. Amsterdam Cocktail Co. is bringing a new, elevated bar program to the growing Heights community.

This trendy concept is led by two familiar faces — Mike Migl, who opened Amsterdam Co. Coffeehouse in the same space almost three years ago, and Ian Ramirez of Rabbit’s Got the Gun. While Migl says he enjoyed operating as a coffee shop with a significant selection of CBD products, the revenue numbers suggested the time had come to make some changes. Working together, he and Ramirez replaced the coffee shop's counter with a full bar and switched up the lighting to reflect nighttime operation.

“We always knew if the coffee thing wasn’t gonna work, we were going to have to do something else,” Migl tells CultureMap. That’s why he brought on Ramirez and his brother, Nate, who thought turning the space into a bar was a “no brainer”.

Using Ramirez’s vast knowledge of spirits and the coffeehouse’s syrup-making expertise, the trio plans to roll out a small rotating menu featuring seasonal ingredients, freshly squeezed juices, and flavors like lavender and hibiscus. While they're waiting on a full liquor license, the swanky spot is focusing on wine-based and frozen cocktails made with ingredients such as sake, soju, and vermouth along with beer-based drinks like the Michelada.

Settled inside a quaint white house in the Heights/Shady Acres area (807 W 19th St.), the indoor ambiance is lit up by glowing red bulbs — a nod to Amsterdam's Red Light District. But the showstopper of the space is its sprawling outdoor area that will host events such as comedy shows and trivia and also serve as a venue for local DJs and other performers. They expect a big crowd on White Linen Night (Saturday, August 5).

While the surrounding area is jam-packed with bigger bars and nightclubs, Migl and Ramirez believe this concept stands out from its high-volume neighbors on bustling 20th Street.

“I think of this place now as local and community driven,” Migl says, just like their former coffeehouse was.

"You've got a gorgeous patio," Ramirez adds. "We're hoping to stand out with an elevated cocktail menu."

When they roll out liquor-based beverages — hopefully by mid-August — they'll launch a new cocktail menu that will feature coffee-based drinks such as a carajillo and an espresso martini. Looking ahead, the fall menu will feature fan-favorite flavors such as maple, brown sugar, and more.

  

Photo by Abby Cowan

Amsterdam Co. has a new look inside.