After the successful crowdfunding project, this Haarlem hotspot has caused a stir. Those of you who are in the neighbourhood of De Kamp parking garage may have been privy to the development of this place. Last week, the DAKKAS saw the opening of its doors and immediately, the terrace was packed full with clients, enjoying the sun and the view.
The view
Mugjes visited this place to see if it was a suitable place for little children. To be sure, not every place needs to be child friendly. It is possible that owners of cafés and restaurants don’t mind little children visiting, but do not want to design the interior especially for them. However, here there are some basic aspects that do serve little children’s needs; for one, a fantastic terrace that offers a spectacular view of St Bavo church, amongst other wonderful architecture Haarlem has to offer. The view is even better than that offered at La place in Hudsons Bay.
Child friendly
There is easy access with a pram. Via the entrance to De Kamp parking garage, you take the lift to the 6th floor, then follow the unobstructed pathway. Only if you wish to go right up close to the edge, there are steps to negotiate, however, these steps are fabulous for the littles on which to play. The barrier at the edge of the terrace is high enough to be safe. We did not see a changing table/mat but who knows, in time, they might see a need for one. Friendly servers happily oblige when a baby chair is needed or a bottle needs warming.
Menu
In bad weather, you can sit inside on comfortable couches. There is a basket with puzzles and colouring books for the littles. Dakkas is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks. The children’s menu offers a sour dough bread sandwich with a choice of beetroot spread or jam, for 5 euros, or a grilled cheese sandwich for 4 euros. Apple juice to drink. There is also carrot cake, red velvet tart and a delicious chocolate truffle cake. Dakkas is on the organic side, offering fresh vegetables, very little meat, and Moyee coffee. As mothers that pleases us as it gives us hope that our children will continue to enjoy a green city, filled with clean air and trees. Although, we wouldn’t mind if they offered some less expensive alternatives eg. a small bowl of fruit salad, and a simple chocolate spread sandwich.
Conclusion
Yes, Dakkas is child friendly. We recommend that you take your children there, at least once, to enjoy the view. However, if you are looking for a place that is fun for children, then you would be better off at Meneer Paprika and you could save this place to go with your partner to enjoy the sunset and a romantic dinner for two.
Address: parkeergarage De Kamp, De Witstraat 1A, Haarlem
Opening times: Tues, Wed, Sun 09:00-23:00, Thurs to Sat 09:00-0:00, Mon closed
Website: www.dedakkas.nl
Text and photos: Nicoline van Slingelandt
Translation: Ingrid Sirkin
Keep an eye on our Facebook and Instagram for even more child friendly tips or buy the book MUGJES (in Dutch), with over 100 locations, tips by locals and fun activities in Haarlem (and surroundings) for kids aged 0 to 7.
