First, it is impossible to write a short article that can even begin to do justice to the wealth of great bars and excellent beers on offer in the Belgium capital of Brussels. Almost every street and alleyway in the centre has a drinking establishment that will serve beers to die for, and there is a case that beer lovers who do die, go to Brussels – the Asgaard of the hop fans.
That said, the casual visitor needs somewhere to start, though just walking into any bar at random is likely to provide an uplifting experience for all but the very unlucky. All this article can possible do is list a handful of very good bars, and the list is what is below.
Go to Brussels. By all means visit any of the bars here, or other bars, and feel free to share your experiences in the comments box at the bottom.
Brasseurs de la Grand-Place, 24 Rue de la Colline
This brewpub on the corner of Grand-Place has the brewing kettles clearly visible on the left as you walk into the narrow bar with ample barstools along its length before the pub opens up into a restaurant area at the back. There are four home brewed beers – blond, amber, triple and dark – plus a selection of beers from other breweries. Live music sometimes provides entertainment in the evenings.
A La Bécasse, 11 Rue de Tabora
This is not the easiest of bars to find, being at the end of a narrow covered corridor off the street, but it is certainly worthwhile if only for their own blend of Lambic Doux, a sweet lambic that comes in at five per cent abv and is served in a porcelain jug from which the drinkers pour into glasses. Also on offer is Lambicus Blanche, claimed to be the only white beer based on lambic, and Kriek Lambic, a more traditional lambic and cherry combination. Inside, rows of tables and chairs resemble a miniature beer hall. Food is also available.
A La Mort Subite, 7 Rue Montagne aux Herbes Potageres
The address of this famous bar is almost, but not quite, as long as the bar itself. Though beers from the brewery are available elsewhere in Brussels, there is no excuse for not trying the Mort Subite beers at the pub that gave the brewery its name. The brave might want to try to sour Faro, the craven the sweet cherry kriek. Other, more normal beers are also available, though it is rumoured the death penalty awaits anyone who actually orders the Carlsberg. The shy should note that the loo is unisex, in that those of either sex in need of a cubicle have to walk past the men using the urinal to get to them.
Manneken Pis, 32 Rue des Grands Carmes
Opposite, and named after the famous Manneken Pis statue, this small pub has barstools round its semicircular bar from which Maredsous, La Chouffe, Liefmans and Bel beers are on draught. There is also a large range of bottled beers. The rest of the bar area has wooden tables and chairs plus there is extra seating upstairs, where stuffed animals form decorations. The downstairs bar has mannequins hanging from the ceiling. Food is not available.
Poechenellekelder, 5 Rue du Chêne
Mannequins are also the theme at this very impressive bar, again almost opposite the Manneken Pis statue, which is not surprising given the name of the bar translates to “mannequin cellar.” The mannequins range from the very small to full-sized human dummies. The range of beers is also impressive; they claim to have 200 different beers on offer. Small meals and snacks are available.
Delirium Village, Impasse de la Fidelite
This is a Delirium themed alleyway reachable from the junction at the centre of the Galleries Royales St Hubert shopping centre. The main venue in the alleyway is the Delirium Café with more than 2000 (yes, two thousand) beers available, including a wide selection of international beers. The beer menu comes in the form of a thick annual catalogue that has to be seen to be believed. Of course, the Delirium beers are available on tap and in the Tap House, also part of the complex in the alleyway, which happens to be the home of the female version of the Mannekin Pis statue (called Jeanneke Pis).
Where Else to Drink in Brussels
As said at the start, almost anywhere. Belgium has some of the best beers in the world – it also has one of the worst in Stella Artois, so avoid drinking that. And if you find a bar to shout about, then don’t keep it to yourself but share its delights with the rest of us in the comments box below.
See also guide to Ostend pubs and bars.
Steve Rogerson - Steve Rogerson is a UK-based writer specialising in television, technology, sports and beer.
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