Heading to Brussels soon and looking for great beer bars to enjoy? If so, you are in the right place.
Brussels is a real paradise for beer lovers. The city brims with so many cozy pubs and trendy bars that it can be challenging to choose one that suits your taste preferences.
Coming from Belgium myself, I’m well-equipped to suggest some great spots to savor Belgium’s renowned brews.
In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best beer bars in Brussels, from traditional brown cafés to modern craft beer establishments.
Whether you’re a seasoned beer connoisseur or just beginning to explore the world of Belgian beers, you’ll find something to suit your palate!
Table of Contents
1) Delirium Café
Delirium Café is a beer lover’s paradise in the heart of Brussels. This iconic bar holds the Guinness World Record for the most beers offered, with a staggering 2,004 different brews to choose from.
You’ll find Delirium Café tucked away in a cozy alley near the Grand Place. The bar’s pink elephant logo is hard to miss, and it’s become a symbol of Brussels’ vibrant beer culture.
Inside, the atmosphere is lively and welcoming. The walls are covered with vintage beer signs and memorabilia, creating a unique and fun vibe. You can chat with fellow beer enthusiasts from around the world while sipping on rare and exotic brews.
Don’t worry if you’re overwhelmed by the massive beer selection. The knowledgeable staff can help you find the perfect drink based on your tastes. Whether you prefer light lagers or strong Belgian ales, Delirium Café has something for everyone.
Rating: 4.5 (23000 reviews)
Location: Imp. de la Fidélité 4, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
Contact: +32 2 514 44 34
2) Poechenellekelder
The Poechenellekelder is a charming tavern nestled near the famous Manneken Pis statue. This cozy spot has been a Brussels favorite since 1991, drawing in both locals and tourists alike.
As you enter, you’ll be struck by the warm, subdued atmosphere. The walls are adorned with old photos and engravings, giving the place a unique character that’s hard to resist.
Beer lovers, rejoice! Poechenellekelder boasts an impressive selection of brews that will satisfy even the most discerning palate. You can sip on your chosen beverage while soaking in the authentic Brussels vibe.
Don’t miss the chance to enjoy your drink in their outdoor seating area when the weather’s nice. It’s the perfect spot to watch the world go by and soak up the lively Brussels atmosphere.
Rating: 4.6 (3400 reviews)
Location: Rue du Chêne 5, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
Contact: +32 2 511 92 62
3) Moeder Lambic Fontainas
Moeder Lambic Fontainas is also a great beer spot in Brussels. Since 2009, this bar has been serving up an amazing selection of brews to happy customers. You’ll find it right in the heart of the city on Place Fontainas.
The bar offers delicious beers to tourists and locals.” With such a wide variety of options, you’re sure to find something that suits your taste.
It doesn’t matter if you’re not a beer expert, there are always knowledgeable bartenders who will help you choose. They can explain the different styles and flavors, so you can discover new favorites.
Moeder Lambic Fontainas is more than just a place to drink. It’s a social hub where beer enthusiasts gather to chat and share their passion. You might even make some new friends while you’re there!
Rating: 4.5 (4500 reviews)
Location: Pl. Fontainas 8, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
Contact: +32 2 503 60 68
4) La Porte Noire
La Porte Noire is a hidden gem in Brussels’ beer scene, nestled within a 16th-century cellar. This cozy underground bar offers a unique atmosphere that’s perfect for beer lovers and history buffs alike.
You’ll find an impressive selection of Belgian beers on tap and in bottles. From classic Trappist ales to innovative craft brews, there’s something for every taste. Don’t miss their house favorites like Troubadour Magma and Zinnebir. Delicious!
La Porte Noire isn’t just about beer. They also boast an extensive collection of whiskies and rums. It’s a great spot to expand your palate and try something new.
The bar’s late hours make it ideal for night owls. You can enjoy your drinks until 1 AM on weekdays and 3 AM on weekends. It’s a popular spot, so arriving early is a good idea if you want to snag a cozy corner table.
Rating: 4.5 (1600 reviews)
Location: Cellebroersstraat 67, 1000 Brussel, Belgium
Contact: +32 2 428 95 06
5) BBP Dansaert
BBP Dansaert is a beer bar located in the heart of Brussels. This taproom brings the Brussels Beer Project to life, offering a wide range of unique and flavorful brews. You’ll find yourself surrounded by fellow beer enthusiasts in a lively, modern setting.
This fabulous bar always has new beers to try. You can sample experimental beers alongside their popular staples. It’s a great spot to learn about different beers and taste new ones.
BBP Dansaert goes beyond just serving beer. They offer fun beer experiences and team-building events. You can even buy a “Beer For Life” certificate if you’re feeling adventurous! For a special touch, pick up a personalized gift pack to remember your visit.
Don’t forget to check out their unique souvenirs while you’re there. From socks to water bottles, you can take a piece of the Brussels Beer Project home with you. It’s the perfect place to soak in Brussels’ beer culture and make some tasty memories.
Rating: 4.6 (1300 reviews)
Location: Rue Antoine Dansaert 188, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
6) À La Mort Subite
À La Mort Subite is one of Brussels’ oldest and most beloved cafés. This historic spot in the heart of the city has been a favorite hangout for artists, writers, and beer lovers for generations.
You’ll find yourself surrounded by old-world charm as you sip on a wide selection of Belgian beers. The café offers classic brews alongside an impressive array of Gueuzes, giving you a true taste of Belgium’s beer culture.
Feeling hungry? Pair your drink with local cheeses, charcuterie, or a tasty sandwich. The cozy atmosphere makes it perfect for relaxing after a day of sightseeing or meeting up with friends.
Located just steps from the Grand Place and the beautiful St. Hubert galleries, À La Mort Subite is an ideal spot to experience authentic Brussels charm. You might even feel like you’re following in the footsteps of the famous Belgian singer and actor Jacques Brel, who was known to frequent this historic café.
Rating: 4.3 (5000 reviews)
Location: Rue Montagne aux Herbes Potagères 7, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
Contact: +32 2 513 13 18
7) Beer Capital Brussels
Beer Capital Brussels is a popular bar that boasts an incredible selection of over 2000 beers. You’ll find everything from local Belgian brews to rare international offerings.
The bar’s atmosphere is extremely pleasant. It’s a great spot to hang out with friends or meet fellow beer enthusiasts. You can enjoy your drinks inside the cozy interior or in the outdoor smoking area.
Beer Capital Brussels stays open late every night of the week. You can pop in for a quick pint or spend hours exploring their extensive menu. The service is great and helpful.
If you get hungry, the bar offers food to complement your drinks. You can also catch live sports events while sipping on your favorite brew. With its central location and vast beer selection, Beer Capital Brussels is a must-visit spot for any beer fan in the city.
Rating: 4.8 (1000 reviews)
Location: Bd Anspach 89, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
Contact: 023063931
8) BrewDog Brussels
BrewDog Brussels brings the iconic Scottish craft beer experience to the heart of Belgium. You’ll find an impressive selection of BrewDog’s own brews alongside guest beers from around the world.
The bar’s modern industrial decor creates a cool, laid-back atmosphere. It’s beautiful!
Don’t miss their food menu, which pairs perfectly with the beers on offer. You can enjoy classic pub fare with a gourmet twist. The bar also hosts regular events like beer tastings and quiz nights.
BrewDog Brussels is conveniently located near Central Station, making it easy to stop by for a quick drink or spend an entire evening exploring their beer selection.
Rating: 4.1 (4500 reviews)
Location: Putterie 20, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
Contact: +32 2 513 63 55
9) À la Bécasse
À la Bécasse is a rustic bar and restaurant that’s a must-visit for beer lovers in Brussels. This charming spot offers a cozy, village-like atmosphere right in the heart of the city. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time when you enter this wood-paneled gem.
The beer selection at À la Bécasse is top-notch. You can sample a wide range of Belgian brews, from classic Trappist ales to lesser-known local specialties.
Hungry? À la Bécasse has you covered with a menu of hearty Belgian dishes. Try their savory stews or crispy frites for a true taste of local cuisine. The kitchen stays open late, making it a great spot for a late-night snack after exploring the city.
Want to make an evening of it? À la Bécasse hosts fun theme nights and even card game events. It’s a lively place where you can mingle with locals and tourists alike, all while enjoying excellent beer and food in a warm, welcoming setting.
Rating: 4.3 (1900 reviews)
Location: Rue de Tabora 11, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
Contact: +32 2 511 00 06
10) Little Delirium
Little Delirium is a must-visit spot for anyone who wants to taste delicious beers in Brussels. This cozy bar is part of the famous Delirium Village, a collection of eight unique bars near Grand Place.
You’ll find a wide selection of beers here, including many from the original Delirium Cafe. The bar offers a taste of the larger Delirium experience in a more compact setting.
Little Delirium’s atmosphere is warm and welcoming. It’s a great place to end your night after exploring the city or to kick off a fun evening with friends.
Don’t miss the chance to try some of Belgium’s best brews here. Great service and nice ambiance!
Rating: 4.4 (941 reviews)
Location: Rue du Marché aux Fromages 9, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
Contact: +32 2 511 95 50
History Of Belgian Beer
Belgian beer has a rich and fascinating past. It’s shaped by centuries of brewing traditions and unique cultural influences. Below is a brief history of Belgian beers.
Evolution Of Beer Culture
Beer has been part of Belgian life for over 1,000 years. In the Middle Ages, people drank beer more often than water because of the latter’s unsanitary conditions. Brewers started experimenting with different ingredients and methods. This led to the wide variety of Belgian beers we know today.
By the 1800s, Belgium had over 3,000 breweries. Each region developed its own style. Lambic beers from Brussels used wild yeast. Flanders created sour red and brown ales. Wallonia became known for its saisons.
New technologies in the 20th century changed brewing. However, many Belgian brewers kept using traditional methods. This mix of old and new helped Belgian beer gain worldwide fame.
Influence Of Trappist Monasteries
Trappist monks played a big role in Belgian beer history. They started brewing in the Middle Ages to support their communities. Six Belgian monasteries still make authentic Trappist beer today.
These monks created unique recipes and brewing techniques. They often used local ingredients and wild yeast. This gave their beers special flavors.
Trappist beers became known for their high quality. They inspired other Belgian brewers to make similar styles. Abbey beers and strong ales grew popular because of this influence.
The monks’ dedication to craftsmanship set a high standard. It helped shape Belgium’s reputation for excellent beer. You can still taste this heritage in many Belgian beers today.
What Makes A Great Beer Bar?
A great beer bar offers more than just a wide selection of brews; it also provides a real Belgian atmosphere!
Variety And Quality Of Beers
Top-notch beer bars in Brussels have a wide range of beers to choose from. You’ll find both local Belgian brews and interesting options from around the world. There are places with lots of taps – some have 40 or more!! This means you can try new flavors each time you visit.
Quality matters too. Top bars carefully store and serve their beers to keep them fresh. They also use clean glasses and pour drinks properly, using a technique that makes the beer delicious. The staff should know about the beers they serve, so they can help you pick something you’ll enjoy based on your tastes.
Many bars also offer rare or limited edition beers. This gives you a chance to taste something special that you can’t find elsewhere.
Atmosphere And Ambiance
The feel of a beer bar is just as important as what’s in your glass. The best spots have a cozy, welcoming vibe that makes you want to stay and chat. Some have a classic pub feel, while others are more modern.
You want to look for comfortable seating and good lighting. Music adds to the mood, too, but it shouldn’t be too loud for conversation. Some bars play vinyl records, which creates a cool vibe.
Friendly staff makes a big difference. They should be happy to talk about beer and make you feel at home, which Belgian locals are good at. The top bars in Brussels have professional bartenders who know their jobs well and love sharing their passion for beer.
The decor also adds character. You might see old beer signs, interesting art, or unique features that make the place stand out, as you can see in the pictures above. In other words
Insider Tips For Beer Enthusiasts
- Try beers from small local breweries. The Brussels Beer Project makes interesting new brews. Cantillon is famous for its traditional lambic beers.
- Try to visit during off-peak hours to avoid crowds. Many bars get busy after work and on weekends. Going earlier lets you chat with bartenders and learn about different beers.
- Don’t stick to just one place. Brussels has lots of unique bars. Try a mix of old and new spots to get the full experience.
- Join a beer tour if you’re short on time. These can help you discover hidden gems and learn about Brussels’s beer history.
- Some smaller, older bars may not accept cards, so bring some euros with you just in case.
Final Words!
So there you have it – the best beer bars Brussels has to offer right now. The great thing is that most of these spots are smack in the heart of the city, so you can easily hop between them using public transport.
And let’s be honest, after a few Belgian brews, you’re bound to get a bit peckish.
Although many beer bars offer frites “fries”, there are some great places nearby where you can eat delicious Belgian fries. Trust me, nothing beats munching on some crispy frites after a beer or three. Enjoy!
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