Top 10 Bars And Cafes In Schaerbeek Brussels

Schaerbeek is a vibrant, colorful neighborhood historically known as ‘The City of Donkeys.’ Although not typically a destination for those in search of a wild night out, Schaerbeek nevertheless has plenty of hidden gems to offer and is too often neglected in favor of more popular areas such as Ixelles or Saint-Gilles. Quirkiness and a strong community spirit make these 10 Schaerbeek favorites well worth a visit.

View All Trips

Bar du Gaspi

Bar, Tapas

This bar first appeared on the scene in 1980 as ‘Le Gaspi’, and quickly became one of the hippest places to be in Schaerbeek, as artists, journalists, and intellectuals frequented the premises. Twenty-five years later, the renamed Bar du Gaspi continues its legacy, with the inclusion of tapas – or ‘Gaspas’ – on the menu.

S-Bar

One of the best cocktail bars in Brussels, this initiative from Chef Benjamin Laborie exudes class and luxury. Although prices are not easy on the wallet, the quality of the drinks and the tastefully decorated interior at S-Bar are definitely worth splurging on.

650 Chaussée de Louvain, 1030 Schaerbeek, Brussels +32 2 325 12 94

L'Âne Fou

Bar, Pub Grub

Quirkily decorated with donkeys of all sizes and appearances – the symbol of Schaerbeek – l’Âne Fou is an authentic and cozy meeting place for a public that ranges from students to seasoned locals to tourists. The beer menu is excellent and sufficiently varied, and food is available until late, which make this bar a local staple.

Café Poussette

Café Poussette was founded with the purpose of giving adults a chance to relax in a cafe environment while feeling secure in the knowledge that their children were both welcomed and catered to. Who says being a parent stops you from having a social life?

22 Avenue Louis Bertrand, 1030 Schaerbeek, Brussels +32 2 241 41 45

Le Barboteur

This self-styled ‘Bièrothèque‘ offers a selection of more than 250 artisanal beers, which are available for sale in the shop or available to drink at the bar. The owners are absolutely passionate about beer and happy to give information, making this bar a must-see for any beer fanatic.

23 Avenue Louis Bertrand, 1030 Schaerbeek, Brussels +32 470 83 21 72

L’Estaminet

Attached to the Maison des Arts, the location of this cafe is absolutely beautiful, with antique furnishings and a fresh, light selection of homemade food. Ideal for lunch, or simply to while away the long summer evenings on the terrace, l’Estaminet is a firm Schaerbeek favorite.

147 Chaussée de Haecht, 1030 Schaerbeek, Brussels +32 498 59 72 27

Chez Felix

Schaerbeek’s very own wine bar, the elegant and refined Chez Felix has a fantastic selection of Belgian wines and two very knowledgeable owners who are more than happy to suggest the perfect vintage. There is no need to be a wine expert to enjoy this gem.

142 Avenue Felix Marchal, 1030 Schaerbeek, Brussels +32 2 736 82 04

Buvette Sint-Sebastiaan

Cafe, Bar, Belgian

This is not really so much a cafe as a meeting place for archers, joggers, foodies, or anyone who wants to enjoy the sun in Parc Josaphat with a cold beer. As well as drinks, Sint Sebastiaan serves food (the crêpes and Friday Fish Parties are particularly noteworthy) and is an ideal vantage point from which to enjoy the view of the park.

Aux Trois Rois

Bar, Cafe, Belgian

Aux Trois Rois has the distinction of being the oldest bar in Schaerbeek. Situated in an old coaching inn, this bar has a distinctly folkloric vibe, as the owners have decorated the cafe with images of Pogge, a giant and hero in Schaerbeek folktales. Aux Trois Rois has also played a part in the creation of the society ‘Les Amis des Amis de Pogge’, which aims to revitalize local folklore.

La Carotte

A so-called ‘Café Associatif,’ La Carotte was born of the desire to create a communal space for people from the neighborhood to exercise their creative skills, while being able to relax over a beer or a glass of wine. From music jamming sessions to editing the local newspaper, La Cité des Anes/Ezelstad, La Carotte is a cozy, communal hotbed of creativity. It is important to note that membership is required, but as the fee is one euro per year, it shouldn’t be a huge deterrent.

3 Rue Josse Impens, 1030 Schaerbeek, Brussels +32 484 07 94 25

Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip

meet our Local Insider

Hanna

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?

2 years.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.

WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?

I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!

Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.

map of volcanic iceland trip destination points

See Our Culture Trips

landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.