Amsterdam is one of those gay bars where you need to be in the mood to go there. My experiences at Amsterdam have been a hit or miss and go as far back as my first time in 2006 during the midst of light rail construction to now in the post light rail glory. The one thing I have to give Amsterdam props is the determination and innovation to make itself a gay bar destination. I have seen it expands its area from the bar area itself, to the creation of a larger outside patio, and the expansion of the area next door so there are two rooms, one for techno/dance music and the main bar area for hip-hop/top-40.
Unlike other gay bars, the owners of this establishment have ensured that it is the "classiest" of gay bars in the area, it has a scottsdale vibe, with its martinis and scottsdale drink prices. Yes, you do meet a pretentious, and cliquey crowd but that's typical of the Phoenix scene. I do like the wide selection of martinis of which Amsterdam has developed a niche in. First Fridays brings a mixed crowd, Saturdays is a more gay crowd. and Thursdays they have a drag show.
I think it's becoming a common trend since they also play music videos alongside their mixes. good music and they usually have a dj playing outside on the patio as well as inside. No covers most weekends so that's a plus. It's a good fit to the Phoenix gay scene... I sometimes liken it to Phoenix's own Abbey but like a quarter size of it minus the brunch/lunch and dinner scene which would be so awesome if we had such a place but still a place to visit as long as you're in the mood to have fun and dance.