Worth the Drive
Amsterdam Café: A new type of college hangout By Lori Quiller
I
f dining in a college town brings to The walls of the quirky eatery are mind burgers, fries and hot wings, adorned with paintings in the style of then think again. Nestled among the Dutch post-Impressionist master Vinfast food joints and greasy spoons are cent van Gogh – variations of “Self the hidden gems of quaint cafés serving Portrait” and “Starry Night” – with disculinary delights. All you have to do is tinctive twists. “I love these!” restaurant manager know where to look. In Auburn, the place to look is The Nick Ciza says, laughing. “Our current Amsterdam Café on South Gay Street, owners traveled a lot in Europe, and just a stone’s throw from the Auburn they have a love of art. They commisUniversity campus. It opened in the early sioned art students from the university The lobster egg rolls are served with Sriracha and 1990s when the college scene consisted orange-horseradish sauce. and local artists to make these pieces of bars featuring great music, some table special, and we get a lot of great comWhen the Cleveland family bought the games and some light bar food. Back ments on them. The van Gogh ‘Self then, the Amsterdam Café featured hand- café in 1998, it was time to shake things Portrait’ as an Auburn football player made Shulbok game tables and was a cool up. But a few items from the previous is a favorite, but mine is ‘Starry Night’ owners simply had to stay. place to hang out for the college crowd. with Samford Hall. If you aren’t paying
The cozy interior of the restaurant features paintings in the style of Vincent van Gogh, commissioned from art students at Auburn. PHOTOS BY MICHAEL CORNELISON
34 FEBRUARY 2016
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