Posted on: August 1, 2025

Coffeeshop Bulldog 90 – The First

The Origins of The Bulldog

The Bulldog is not just another coffee shop in Amsterdam. It holds the honor of being the very first coffee shop in the city, opening its doors in 1975. Founded by Henk de Vries, it quickly became the blueprint for the coffee shop culture Amsterdam is famous for today.

The name “The Bulldog” was inspired by Henk’s pet bulldog, a loyal companion that became the symbol of the brand. Over the years, that simple idea grew into an international icon.

Why it matters:

• The Bulldog set the standard for cannabis cafes around the world.

• It created a safe space for people to enjoy cannabis openly.

• Its opening marked a turning point in Amsterdam’s history of tolerance.

Today, visitors step inside not only for the products but also for the history woven into its walls. Walking into The Bulldog means walking into the roots of Dutch coffee shop culture.

The most famous coffeeshop in Amsterdam, partly because it’s one of the oldest in the city. This is the first coffeeshop of The Bulldog chain and the third coffeeshop in Amsterdam. It’s where the story began.

Coffeeshop Bulldog The First on the Oudezijds Voorburgwal.

In 1974, this used to be a sex shop, which the owner – Henk de Vries – inherited from his father. One day, a guy walked in and asked Henk if there was also pornography with animals for sale. This was the point that Henk de Vries realized that he no longer wanted to own a sex shop. After removing the customer from his store, he threw porn products into the canal. Then he told his friends that the store would be converted into a living room for the neighborhood where smoking is allowed.

Soon after it turned into something bigger as tourists began finding the place too. In December 1975, coffeeshop Bulldog the first was founded by Henk de Vries.

History

In the early days of Coffeeshop Bulldog The First, the shop also became as could be described as some sort of training ground for the Amsterdam police department. Police often raided the new coffeeshop multiple times on a single day. Inside this Bulldog shop you can learn and see more about this exciting history. These days the shop is more than just a cellar, it’s a full fledged coffeeshop made up out of 3 levels. Inside there’s also a souvenir shop and a nice canal side terrace for those sunny days.

Henk de Vries: Weed brings me peace in hectic moments … When I come home, I love to smoke a joint and analyse the day again in a very relaxed way. (source)

Coffeeshop Bulldog The First In Amsterdam

Coffeeshop Bulldog the first wasn’t the first coffeeshop in Amsterdam despite what may be claimed by some. Or Holland for that matter. The first Bulldog coffeeshop was actually the third coffeeshop to open in Amsterdam after coffeeshop Mellow Yellow and coffeeshop Rusland respectively.

The first coffeeshop in Holland wasn’t even located in Amsterdam but in Utrecht. That first coffeeshop in Holland was called Sarrasani – named after a famous German circus – and was located in a wharf cellar on the Oudegracht in Utrecht. It opened in 1968.

The Atmosphere & Interior

The Bulldog The First has a very unique vibe. The building used to be a police station, and you can still see hints of that in the design. Old cells were turned into chill areas, giving it an edgy yet welcoming look.

Inside, you’ll notice warm lights, rustic wood, and plenty of bulldog-themed décor. The interior feels cozy, making it easy to relax and enjoy your visit.

Visitors love:

• Cozy corners to chat with friends.

• Art and history pieces on the walls.

• A buzzing mix of locals and tourists.

Whether you go for the atmosphere, the people-watching, or just to take in the history, The Bulldog is more than just a stop—it’s an experience.

Coffeeshop The Bulldog Menu & Offerings

The Bulldog’s menu is broad and friendly to both new and experienced visitors. While cannabis is the highlight, there’s also a full range of drinks and snacks.

Cannabis menu often includes:

• Pre-rolled joints

• Hash varieties

• Different strains of weed

• Edibles (check availability)

If you’re not into cannabis, there’s still plenty to enjoy:

• Fresh coffee and tea

• Soft drinks and juices

• Pastries and light snacks

The staff are known to be helpful and approachable, guiding newcomers on what to try. Prices are fair compared to other central Amsterdam coffee shops, and everything is clearly listed so you know what you’re getting.

👉 Tip: Always bring cash, as some coffee shops in Amsterdam may not accept cards.

Tolerated Cannabis Policy

Cannabis policy in the Netherlands is tolerated. This means that the possession and sale of small amounts of cannabis for personal use by coffee shops is allowed, although it is officially prohibited. There is a pragmatic approach, with the government recognizing that the sale and consumption of cannabis cannot be completely eradicated, and therefore allows the sale and consumption to a limited extent. This approach is aimed at reducing the delayed impact on society and the health of users. However, the production and distribution of cannabis remains prohibited and is being combated by the police.

Cannabis Supply

Coffeeshops in the Netherlands, including The Bulldog in Amsterdam, are required to obtain their supply of cannabis illegally as production and distribution is still prohibited. There is no legal market for the supply of cannabis to coffee shops. In the Netherlands, a pragmatic approach is used in which the government allows sales and consumption by coffee shops, but combats production and distribution. This means that the coffee shops must obtain their stock in a “don’t ask, don’t tell” manner. This is a policy of “ignoring” where the government allows the sale and consumption of small amounts of cannabis by coffee shops, but does not actively seek the source of the supply.

Did you know that it’s not legal in the Netherlands to produce cannabis for commercial purposes?

Two men smoking cannabis on the terrace of The Bulldog.

Coffeeshop Bulldog The First Is Popular

In 2016 the owner of the world famous Bulldog first appeared on what can be considered the Dutch Forbes 500 list (Quote 500). He entered the list on spot 254 of Holland’s wealthiest individuals. His net worth was estimated at around € 95,-million euros. Not too bad for someone who started out from a basement in a sex shop in Amsterdam’s Red Light District.

Henk de Vries: I have never met a councillor or mayor who took the time to talk to me about the issues in Amsterdam Red Light District. (source)

Future Of The Bulldog

The Dutch politicians do not want to listen to Henk de Vries. But there is interest in America. There, cannabis is becoming legal in more and more places.

Henk de Vries: “My dream comes to life there. Cannabis has become a billion-dollar business. Weed earns more than cigarettes.”

And so there are great opportunities for The Bulldog. The franchisees are eager. Those are not the least.

Snoop Dogg & Mike Tyson

“I’m talking to Mike Tyson and Snoopy Dogg. They both want to open a Bulldog business. ‘You’re name is priceless’, they say. It will happen, but I prefer to open 20 businesses right away. I’ve never had business-partners, but if an investor wants to pump 200 million into The Bulldog now, we’ll have a meeting for sure. We are a healthy business, I have no debt and now is the time to move forward. The Bulldog will be much bigger than the Hard Rock cafes. Believe me!’ (source)

Where was The Bulldog 90 First in Amsterdam?

This coffeeshops is located on the Oudezijds Voorburgwal 90 in the Red Light District of Amsterdam. Just next to The Old Church.

Visitor Tips

Planning a visit to The Bulldog The First? Here are some useful tips to make the most out of your experience:

• Bring ID: You must be 18+ (21 in some cases).

• No hard drugs: Only cannabis is allowed.

• Respect the rules: Don’t smoke tobacco indoors unless it’s in the designated areas.

• Avoid peak hours: Early afternoons or mornings are less crowded.

• Stay safe: If it’s your first time, start small.

Nearby attractions worth checking out:

• Red Light District (just steps away)

• Dam Square – 5 min walk

• Oude Kerk (Old Church) – right around the corner

Visiting The Bulldog is about more than cannabis—it’s about enjoying a piece of Amsterdam’s living history.

ALSO READ:

10 Best Coffeeshops in Amsterdam 

10 Tips For Using Drugs in Amsterdam

9 Laws For Amsterdam Coffeeshops