The 10 Best Places To Drink Like A Local In Brussels

When the day is over, it’s just beginning in Le Belgica. Renowned as a popular bar for its gay nightlife, Belgica is only open four nights of the week and with its many events can get crowded. The establishment also serves interesting cocktails, including its signature Belgica: a semi-frozen drink with a secret recipe. Belgica is a lively and welcoming place and an ideal meeting point before a party or for a drink after dinner.

Chez Moeder Lambic declares that beer is the answer, and that is evident through the capable staff willing to answer any and all questions about their drinks. Guests can choose from an array of Belgian or foreign beers, or let the knowledgeable staff suggest a brew that suits your tastes. Besides being a great place to get a genuine beer experience, it is one of the oldest bars in Brussels and is often less crowded, making it a relaxing atmosphere to enjoy a drink or two.

Located in the Sablon area, Skievelat is the best low budget option for enjoying a beer accompanied by substantially portioned local dishes. This combination makes Skievelat the perfect place for newcomers looking to get a taste of Belgium. What can be more tempting than beer and frites. On top of that, the wooden paneling and furniture creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. The Sablon is a busy area, so do not forget to make a reservation.

The atmosphere of this pub’s green lighting reveals that there is something more than just beer on the menu. Step into a quirky bar serving concoctions of absinthe, gins and tonics. The Green Lab is quite new and is already sought after by many gin lovers. They apparently have a recipe for a successful cocktail bar: a combination of a great selection of drinks, and a knowledgeable bartender willing to give suggestions.

The place is owned by the fourth generation of the Vossen family. At A La Mort Subite, they serve a lambic beer with the same name as the place itself, Mort Subite, which means ‘sudden death.’ The name itself has an interesting origin, as it is based on a card game bank workers used to play when Vossen’s grandfather opened the first establishment of A La Mort Subite, (not the same address).

In 1877, Henri Steppé bought a pub called Estaminet for 15,000 franks. Though the name has changed to La Bécasse, the establishment (which is still owned by the Steppé family) has continued to serve quality beer for the past 130 years. Try the local specialty, sweetened draft lambic beer which is brewed specially for the bar and served in ceramic jugs. Although the place is not far from the city center, it is not too crowded and its easy to enjoy a book as well as drinking a beer.

Do not be fooled into thinking that this place is just a shop; deeper inside there is a small bar available for those who would like to enjoy a beer. For a beer maniac, this place is heaven: shelves stocked with hundreds of bottles of beer and a generous owner who is ready to recommend the right one. Do not forget to taste Mea Culpa, the establishment’s own brew served in a fancy glass. Beer Mania also organizes beer tasting sessions and jazz/blues events.

Just next to the cemetery in Ixelles, there is Le Tavernier, a great place for those who like to listen to live music while drinking a mojito. On the one hand, exposed bricks and fancy furniture make this bar a cozy and relaxing place, on the other hand, the pub organizes live music evenings tempting everyone to the dance floor. Since the place is quite big, it is possible to come with a large group of energetic people.

Yep, not all Belgians drink just beer. 13 degrees hosts a big selection of wines transported from Italy, South Africa, Australia, USA or Portugal. The name of the bar, located on Place Jourdan, is also a nice ode to wine culture, as 13 degrees happens to be an ideal temperature for serving wine.

‘Good old times’ is probably the best pub name for a place which has been operating for more than 300 years. In this case, its name reflects the character of the place perfectly: it feels like old times locked behind the pub’s door. Aux Bon Vieuw Temps is relatively close to Grand Place, but may not be easy to find. Look for a splendid gate between two buildings leading to a narrow corridor. Try the typical Belgian cocktail; it is called Picon vin blanc and it’s a combination of white wine and an aromatic aperitif.