Damn, that starts well: flamingos on the wall. But above all: vintage cocktails on the menu! And those tasty Tiki classics like the Zombie and Mai Tai – respectively from 1934, developed by cocktail giant Don the Beachcomber, and 1944, created at the famous bar Trader Vic's – just shy of antique recipes that are still available fresh taste like when they saw the light. Because yes, you are either a classic or not.

Anyway, the tone has been set: at Eighth Street they know the ins and outs of strong stuff, rum and tequila. Which is not surprising considering owners Thomas and Oscar, cocktail enthusiasts who both refined their shaking skills at, among others, The Fabulous Shakerboys, cult cocktail bar Vesper Bar in Amsterdam's Jordaan and the now closed hipster club Chapter 21. Well, then you know. We at Bart really taste the love in the Frozen Margaritas – also available per liter! – and Cuban Dos Gardenias, a lot of love which nevertheless cannot alleviate a mini hangover the next day. It shouldn't spoil the fun: the drink here is so tasty, you would almost take an alcohol addiction.

That does not mean that the food at Calle Ocho is of secondary importance, certainly not: the menu is one melting pot of Cuban, Mexican, Caribbean and Tex-Mex influences, with exciting oysters that are not to be despised (not just salty, no, oysters with a little lemon, seaweed and a black substance that stains your clothes without - and that is important - to rape the oyster. Okay, a little, but it's so good that it's just this once, man. spicy Jamaican jerk chicken and fresh salads on the side, everything sparklingly explosively flavored. This is great, actually a little to share, while secretly you want to keep everything to yourself. Relaxed atmosphere, swinging Miami-esque colorful interior with flamingos and hula girls, small, nice: what more could a Bart want? Well, why don't you have another cocktail like that, Mr. Ocho... Calle Ocho, Albert Cuypstraat 226, www.calle-ocho.nl