A Guide to the Best Board Game Pubs in Brussels

Stepping into the Café Kafka means entering another world. In fact, this cultural café changes its atmosphere several times a day. From a quiet spot where to read a book or playing board games with friends, to a lively place with numerous events, this place is in a constant metamorphosis, finding its inspiration in Kafka’s masterpiece.

Just around the corner from the lively Sainte Catherine’s square, is a 19th-century industrial building, formerly part of the Brussels harbor, which has been recently been transformed into a bar. Au Bassin Brussels is the perfect place to explore new worlds – thanks to its vast selection of travel books – or an opportunity to challenge your friends with one of the many board games piled high on its shelves. Get lost in a great read or play some games indoors under the café’s charming terrace with a stained glass rooftop. Au Bassin is definitely an address to keep in mind where you are looking for a place to handle the rainy day blues.

Launched in 1882, Café Des Halles was initially a market. Nowadays, its airy and lean architectural lines make this place very versatile. Hosting several cultural events related to the city of Brussels, its vast selection of beers make this place an established hang out for locals and expats. But few know that this is also a great place to play the most classic of board games: chess. As it is the only board game allowed, it is not rare to spot couples challenging their horses and queens from morning till night.

Place Jeu de Balle, the true heart of Marolles, is very well known for its 365-day flea market, which gathers both locals and expats from all over Brussels. After some intense bargain-hunting in the square, why not play a board game at CHAFF? In this nearby bar/brasserie, attended by an artsy clientele, you can also enjoy a live concert and sip a drink.

Tucked away in the cobblestoned alleys of the historic center of Brussels, Théâtre Royal de Toone, a vintage puppet theatre, is a typical Brusseleir space which stands out from the crowd. The bar inside displays an enchanting environment made up of wooden walls, handmade puppets and posters for sale which all serve as the backdrop for the perfect board game night.

An informal neighborhood bar just around the corner from Flagey square, Le Pantin is a well-kept secret for board game lovers. Its bohemian atmosphere and extensive selection of beers gather a lively crowd of students, young professionals and artists who may also choose from one of its 20 board games.

The Belladone is a plant with a fascinating history dating back to ancient times. But in Brussels, when you mention Belladone, you are referring to an enchanting Eastern European cultural café in haute Saint-Gilles, with warm wooden walls and a shiny round counter. Here, between a sip of beer or of the aromatic vodka named nastoïki, you may lose yourself in a game (or two) of chess.

Besides its outstanding choice of beers and the assistance offered by helpful waiters in choosing your perfect brew, Moeder Lambic Original also offers a great selection of board games, Moreover, customers are warmly welcomed to bring their own games.