The Most Charming Beer Cellars In Bruges

A stone’s throw from the Grote Markt lies the youngest pub on this list, in the most Old World venue imaginable. An eight-century-old cellar on the Kuipersstraat has been home to Le Trappiste for three years now. With its abundance of small tables covered in candle wax and its exposed brick arches bringing the charm, the place could immediately count on a loyal customer base. A knowledgeable staff under the guidance of owner Martin Matthews is happy to introduce you to Belgium’s world-renowned Trappist beers – hence the name – and then some. If you want to go local, Brugse Zot is created by brewery De Halve Maan, a mere 15-minute walk away. There are ten beers on tap, over a hundred specialties present at any given time, and Martin makes sure to have a decent batch of international brewskis available as well.

Tricky to not saunter past even with a plaque and an arrow indicating its underground location, ‘t Poatersgat (or The Monk’s Hole) turns the notion that Bruges is a city for well-off oldies on its head. Climb through the notoriously hard-to-spot shutters in the sidewalk underneath an ancient church and go down some stone steps to enter a spacious cellar bathing in candlelight. The crowd is usually a mix of jovial students and fresh-faced graduates who are drawn to the good music, the democratic prices, and the informal atmosphere. Over 120 beers will keep you and the new friends you’re bound to make in this boisterous setting sampling for hours.

A bit farther up the road, we find Comptoir Des Arts (literally ‘Bar of Arts’), making the Vlamingstraat a double threat. Run by Bram, an alumnus of aboveground Bruges fixture ‘t Brugs Beertje, and his wife Désirée, this is where you go when in need of some soul-soothing jazz or blues. Multiple concerts a month and stand-up comedy on Mondays usually make Comptoir des Arts the right spot to kick the evening off on a good and/or hilarious note. Event evenings are usually packed, so make sure to book your tickets in advance.

An Irish pub run by a Brit in a basement underneath a Chinese restaurant with an additional entrance for leprechauns – The Druid’s Cellar is an unusual establishment, to say the least. Englishman Drew Charlton has decorated his cozy space with numerous books, lots of frames, and countless Irish flags. The cellar’s living room atmosphere is perfectly suited for enjoying a Jameson whiskey by the fireplace, drinking a Guinness while playing pool with mates or sampling local beers at one of the Thursday night gigs.

De Bierbistro is not exactly a pub but more of an eatery that places Belgian beer on its rightful pedestal. When in the mood for a comforting stew cooked with a dark abbey-style beer and another brewski on the side, this is your go-to. You’re also more than welcome to simply enjoy your drink without ordering anything off the typically Flemish menu: its location inside a 15th-century vaulted cellar of exposed brick and white-plastered walls is more than enough reason to pay this place a visit.