![\"staring-jacob-restaurant-amsterdam_2\"](\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamnow.com\/app\/uploads\/staring-jacob-restaurant-amsterdam_2.jpeg\" "\\"staring-jacob-restaurant-amsterdam_2\\"")
<\/p>\nStaring at Jacob is not the place where you walk in quickly and leave quickly. On Saturday and Sunday mornings, there is simply a line. That line is no reason to stay away, but it is a reason not to arrive hungry. Come early or accept waiting a while. Most people who have been there say it is worth it.<\/p>\n
The showpiece is the Rasco. Fried chicken on a buttermilk waffle, with soft scrambled eggs, a handful of salad and maple syrup on top. Sweet, salty, crunchy and soft all at once on one plate. The combination may sound American but it tastes just right.<\/p>\n
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Other regular orderers are hash browns, salmon benedict and buttermilk pancakes. The hash browns are crisp enough to exist on their own, the salmon benedict is a neat rendition of a classic. For those who prefer not to start too heavy: the French toast is a good middle ground between breakfast and dessert.<\/p>\n
Among the drinks, the Bloody Mary goes out the most. That one is good enough to keep people coming back specifically for it. Those doing brunch with a cocktail to go with it go for the All Around: that combines a dish of your choice with a drink, which is the most logical choice on a lazy morning. Besides the Bloody Mary, there are Mimosas and Bellinis for those who prefer something fresher to start.<\/p>\n
Staring at Jacob has been doing soul food brunch and hip-hop sounds since 2013. Those two things are equally important. The music is always on and has a direct impact on how the morning feels.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
The atmosphere and space<\/h2>\n
The interior is industrial, brick walls, an atmosphere somewhere between Brooklyn and Old West. The space is compact. Tables are close together, service moves quickly through them, and the sounds of the kitchen and music mix with the conversations. It sounds busy, and it is, but in a way that fits the concept.<\/p>\n
The quayside terrace works well when the weather cooperates. The Jacob van Lennepkade is a quiet street, the water is across the street and on a sunny morning this is one of the better outdoor seating areas in Old West. The Vondelpark is a few minutes' walk away. On a Saturday, that's a nice combination: breakfast first, then into the park.<\/p>\n
Why it works<\/h2>\n
Staring at Jacob has no grand ambitions. It does one thing, does it every day and does it well. Soulfood brunch is no longer a niche in Amsterdam, but few places do it with the same consistency and the same musical approach. That the business has been running since 2013 says something. In a city where brunch businesses come and go, 12 years at the same address is an accomplishment.<\/p>\n
Reservations can be made, but are not required. Walk-in works fine on weekdays. On weekends, patience is helpful.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"