The Best Cafs In Matong Brussels

There’s a piece of Africa in the middle of Ixelles that is truly muliticultural, and this neighborhood is named Matongé, after the lively neighborhood in Kinshasa. The diversity of Ixelles is illustrated in the night life and the cafés, from artsy student haunts to trendy bars and cozy tea rooms, there are plenty of places to grab a drink and relax.

Le Bar Parallèle

Bar, Restaurant, Belgian

This excellent local bar offers great hours and free wifi. Besides being very welcoming, Bar Paralelle is home to a wide variety of wines, so make yourself comfortable and try not to spill food on your laptop. This bar also has a very affordable plat du jour every day, which is ideal for customers who just can’t decide.

L'Athénée

Bar, Cafe, Contemporary, Pub Grub

The area in front of the Saint Boniface church is known for its many bars and cafes, yet L’Athénée, which is hidden behind the church, often goes unnoticed. This little bar is beloved by the nearby cinema school’s students, and is a go-to place for artists. Still largely undiscovered by tourists, the colorful terrace and cozy cafe at this little spot are great places to hang out.

Comptoir Florian - la Maison du Thé

Tea Room, Coffee Shop, Coffee, Belgian

Brussels has a number of interesting places to enjoy a hot drink (because not every drinking establishment has to offer beer). Comptoir Florian is a lovely tea room that invites you to take it easy for a while and enjoy some excellent tea or coffee with a good book, preferably in one of their comfy chairs. If you try a tea that you really love, you can buy it loose in store along with a beautiful new teapot.

Titulus

Bar, Wine Bar, Wine

Titulus is an unpretentious wine bar at the Chaussée de Wavre where you can explore what the world of wine, strong liquors, and Japanese sake have to offer; a great place to go drinking. This cave a vins, or ‘wine cellar’, is the perfect place to try something new. Tasting can take a while, of course, so don’t forget to order some little cheese snacks on the side.

The Crazy Circle

Bar, Belgian

Soul and jazz combine perfectly at this little bar in Brussels. The Crazy Circle describes itself as an ‘bubbly event bar’, referring to its amazing selection of sparkling wine, champagne and cava. The bar also specializes in rum and regularly hosts live music and art events, like painting exhibitions and poetry nights. This is the perfect place to see or hear something new while eating snacks and drinking some bubbly.

De Haus

Bar, Cafe, Belgian

This bar presents itself as a wonderful place where ‘peanut shells are thrown on the floor’ that also has ‘probably the best toilets in Brussels’. With a sense of humor like that, how can you not love this lively cafe? While their ‘gin of the week’, comfy salon, and delicious potato snacks are all exciting on their own, it’s the trendy atmosphere, sweet cocktails, and large selection of beers that make De Haus incredibly inviting.

Sounds Jazz Club

Bar, Nightclub, Italian

Since 1986, this bar has brought authentic jazz to Brussels. Stepping through the door transports you to a swinging jazz culture straight out of Chicago or New Orleans. At Sounds Jazz Club you can watch live music performances while enjoying some Italian cuisine and a glass of wine.

London Calling

Pub, Bar, Belgian, Pub Grub

‘On a street (the name of which translates to ‘Dublin Street’) near Place de Londres, you can find a pub that enables you to visit London without leaving the Belgian capital. This place offers a wide selection of whiskeys, serves a variety of dishes (including homemade pizza), and has live funk and soul concerts every week. The interior, with cozy armchairs and graffiti, has a unique and comfortable atmosphere.

L'Ultime Atome

Bar, Brasserie, Belgian

L’Ultime Atome‘s quirky interior makes this bar a fun place to visit, and this big brasserie is a great place to grab a bite and enjoy a beer before exploring Brussels’ nightlife. There’s also a brunch menu in the morning, in case you’ve been out all night! The beer menu features over 80 different varieties, and their hamburgers are highly rated. L’Ultime Atome is popular with locals, so expect it to be a bit crowded.

Spirito

Nightclub, Belgian

What used to be a quiet Anglican church is now the beating heart of Matonge’s nightlife. This spirited nightclub has three different bars and an interesting interior that features chandeliers, mural paintings, and hints of crystal and gold. Spirito‘s extravagant atmosphere attract big groups of people every night, as does the atmosphere, so head here to get the party started.

About the author

Ayla Sileghem

Ayla is a 20-something Belgian with roots in other places. She teaches Japanese, writes pieces in English and is always open for a change. Raised in Kenya, she picked up English at a young age and still prefers writing in English instead of Dutch. She studied Japanese at the Catholic University of Leuven and did a Master’s degree in Journalism at the Catholic University of Brussels. Ayla also spent some time in Japan, at Fukuoka Women’s University. She loves reading about history, and only remembers the funny facts. Her family includes a boyfriend who does the cooking and a rabbit that loves watching the Wizard of Oz.