Brussels is synonymous with beer, as closely linked as peanut butter and jelly or Asterix and Obelix. Pubs, brasseries and bars line the streets of the city, often spilling out onto sun-soaked terraces or rooftops. However, this means that searching for the best bars in Brussels to enjoy a Belgian beer can sometimes feel impossible – when there’s a bar on every corner, how do you decide where to go?
Luckily, I’ve put together this guide to all the best Brussels bars across the city. And since not everyone loves beer (although trust me, with everything on offer in Brussels, you might just change your mind), you’ll also find a selection of the best cocktail bars in Brussels and more.
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The Best Bars in Brussels for Belgian Beer
One thing that’s important to know about Brussels is that it’s hard to find a bad beer! That shouldn’t be too surprising though, considering Belgium’s affiliation with beer. This selection of the best places to enjoy Belgian beer in Brussels is curated, with true classics, my personal favourites, and bars that have some unique offerings. But remember that when it comes to finding a beer in Brussels, there are endless spots around the city to stop by.
Poechenellekelder
Poechenellekelder is the perfect cosy pub in the centre of Brussels. Lying just across the street from the famous landmark Manneken Pis, the building is almost as iconic as its neighbour, as the brick facade is adorned with colourful bicycles, jutting out from the walls.
You’ll find a large selection of Belgian beers to try at Poechenellekelder. In the winter months, grab a seat inside and admire the quirky and cosy interiors. Or, if you’re visiting in the summer, enjoy an alfresco beer in the street with a great atmosphere.
Brussels Beer Project
We all know Belgium for its traditional beers, but did you know that new breweries are popping up in Brussels, and innovating the beer scene? Brussels Beer Project, or BBP, is my favourite craft brewery in the city and I highly recommend a visit. They started in 2013 and now with two locations in Brussels and a pop-up beer garden at their Port Sud location during the summer, Brussels Beer Project is certainly making its mark. They’ve even expanded to a few locations in Paris!
Head to BBP Bailli for a laidback drink accompanied by a homemade pizza. This spot is super popular in the summer as they have a nice beer garden outside. If you’re a craft beer aficionado, head to the brewery at Dansaert (just north of Brussels centre) where you can enjoy a wider selection of beers and even take a tour of the brewery.
The original and most popular beer at BBP is Delta IPA, but my personal favourite is Jungle Joy. If you’re stuck on what to try, get the taster selection of four smaller beers.
Location (Bailli) | Location (Dansaert) | Website
Moeder Lambic
Moeder Lambic is a bar committed to showcasing some of the more independent breweries around Brussels and Belgium and has gained cult popularity as a result. This is the perfect spot if you’re looking to branch out from classic Belgian beers and discover something new. Look out for names like La Source, La Senne and Cantillon, or ask the bartenders for a recommendation!
Their Fontainas location is close to the city centre and has a cosy brick interior, plus a sunny outdoor area looking onto Place Fontainas. They have a second location in Saint-Gilles, which is a nice laidback spot if you happen to be in the neighbourhood.
Location (Fontainas) | Location (Saint-Gilles) | Website
Delirium
Nobody can deny that Delirium is a tourist hotspot and a touch overpriced, but this Belgian institution is easily one of the most iconic bars in Brussels and an absolute must-visit. With more than 2,000 beers on offer, Delirium proudly holds a Guinness World Record. Choose one of Delirium’s own beers, or ask the bartenders to recommend something special to try!
You’ll find Delirium in the centre of Brussels, just a couple of minutes from Grand Place. As well as the classic bar, you’ll find more Delirium outlets nearby, including Floris Bar where you’ll find a wide selection of Absinthe on offer, and Floris Tequila, a Mexican-themed bar with a wide range of cocktails.
À la Mort Subite
Having been around since the early 1900s, À la Mort Subite is definitely a Brussels institution. The bar oozes history, from the old-fashioned interiors that still hold their charm, to the interesting story of how the iconic name, À la Mort Subite, came to be.
As with most pubs in Brussels, you can try a wide selection of beers at À la Mort Subite. However, the bar also has a similarly named brand of beer, Mort Subite, producing lambic-style beers, and I recommend taking the chance to try some when visiting! Lambic is unique to Belgium, and the usually fruit-flavoured beers have a sour or acidic taste, falling somewhere between a beer and a cider. Probably the most well-known is Kriek – a cherry lambic.
Au Bassin
Au Bassin is a versatile spot in the Sainte Catherine neighbourhood of Brussels, where depending on when you visit, you can enjoy a laidback drink, play a board game, be entertained by some stand-up comedy, watch the football or even party the night away!
The constant among these different vibes is that you can always enjoy a refreshing Belgian beer at Au Bassin. They have a fantastic selection of beers, both bottled and on tap.
Read next: The Best Places to Eat in Brussels
The Best Cocktail Bars in Brussels
Now, although I have just sung the praises of Belgian beer, there’s more to Brussels than just what’s on draught. In amongst all the pubs and brasseries, you’ll find an amazing choice of cocktail bars in Brussels to enjoy. Here are a few of my top picks, from laidback summer spots to unique cocktail creations.
La Pharmacie Anglaise
Housed inside a stunning façade which is one of my favourite photo spots in Brussels, La Pharmacie Anglaise is a fancy cocktail bar that you’ll want to visit as a special treat on your trip to Brussels. The interiors are just as beautiful as the brickwork outside, as they have kept the style of the pharmacy that once occupied this space back in the 1900s.
With such an elaborate and immersive interior, you can expect that the drinks at La Pharmacie Anglaise play into this experience. You’ll find a small menu of specials, but simply ask the bartenders for a cocktail of your choice and they’ll happily make it. If you don’t have something in mind, you can let them create something special for you!
Mappa Mundo
Place Saint-Géry is a lively square near the centre of Brussels, where you can soak up the lively nightlife of the city! One of my favourite spots here is Mappa Mundo. With a few classic beers and spirits, the main attraction is the cocktail menu, which boasts some of the most unique creations I’ve seen in the city!
Split over two storeys, you can grab a cosy spot upstairs and watch the nightlife from the window seats, or enjoy the bustling atmosphere outside on the street terrace.
Vertigo
Tucked away behind a shop on a street in Sablon is Vertigo, one of the cutest hidden bars in Brussels. Head through the hidden curtain and you’ll find an open courtyard, with an indoor area lying behind.
Perfect for a relaxed and cosy drink, you’ll find a good list of cocktails here, with a mix of classics and signature creations. You can also enjoy a bite to eat at Vertigo, with a sharing menu of Italian charcuterie and Asian-inspired small plates.
Check out the top things to do in Brussels!
Café Tulipant
Café Tulipant is a chic little bar in the Ixelles neighbourhood of Brussels that always seems to be bustling with life in the evenings and weekends. This is particularly true in the summer months when the doors of the refreshingly bright interiors open up into the sunny street terrace.
Enjoy a fun cocktail from their impressive list or a summery spritz. If you’re in Brussels on a weekend, pop by for their popular brunch menu!
Bar Magritte
For a truly special experience, visit the stunning Bar Magritte inside Hotel Amigo next to Grand Place. The cocktail bar is dedicated to René Magritte, one of the most famous Belgian artists in history. The space is exquisitely decorated, with colourful walls, Art Deco touches and comfortable seating.
At Bar Magritte, you’ll find a curated cocktail menu inspired by Magritte’s life and work. The presentation is as extravagant as you’d expect in a bar inspired by a surrealist artist – enjoy drinking from his famous pipe or bowler hat, for example!
Discover Magritte and more with the best museums in Brussels
The Best Terraces and Rooftop Bars in Brussels
Something you’ll notice about Belgians is that they’ll brave an outdoor bar at any time of year! The terraces of Brussels often spill out into the streets and are so common in the city that I’ve already mentioned several Brussels bars with terraces in this guide! They really come alive in the summer months, though, and the terraces and rooftop bars in Brussels contribute to the vibrant atmosphere of the city.
Café Belga
Soak up the afternoon sun at Café Belga, with beautiful views of the Ixelles Ponds. Flagey, and particularly Café Belga, is a popular after-work spot to enjoy a drink with some friends, and there’s always a good atmosphere here. It’s a great spot to head to if you want to soak up local life in Brussels.
The unassuming menu still offers a wide range of beers, as well as cocktails and other drinks. Just grab a drink, enjoy the music (there’s sometimes live music here!) and watch the world go by with the rest of Brussels!
58 Rooftop
Brussels doesn’t have many good rooftop bars, but 58 Rooftop makes up for that and more! With both a panoramic inside bar and an outdoor terrace, you can enjoy this spot all year round. What’s more, it’s found right in the heart of Brussels so you can look out over all the main attractions in Brussels.
Enjoy on a sunny day, or try an evening drink to catch a beautiful sunset over the city. You’ll find cocktails and other drinks in a wonderfully chic setting.
The Bank
Bailli is one of the most fun areas in Brussels, and great for foodies and drink lovers alike. The Bank has a small but cute outdoor terrace and the drinks here are great. Like most classic bars in Brussels, enjoy a cocktail or beer, or browse the menu for more choices.
It doesn’t come as a huge surprise to know that this location used to be home to a bank! Make sure you pop inside to see some original features, like the safe deposit boxes that line the walls, or the vault doors in the toilets.
Woodpecker (Parc de Bruxelles)
In the summertime, you’ll find lots of little outdoor bars pop up in parks in Brussels, and Woodpecker is a fantastic example. In Parc de Bruxelles, also known as Parc Royale, benches appear in an open space with a little wooden kiosk offering drinks and some food. The whole area is adorned with fairy lights, so the atmosphere is cute day or night.
There are various cocktails and drinks on the menu, but my favourite thing to enjoy at Woodpecker is a nice cold beer. They often have beers from Brasserie de la Senne here, a local brewery in the north of the city, near Laeken. And if you’re feeling peckish, grab a delicious cheese toastie.
Belgian Beer World
Housed inside the stunning Brussels Stock Exchange building (Bourse) is Belgian Beer World, a museum dedicated to all things beer! Although not a bar in itself, this place takes a well-deserved spot on this list thanks to the rooftop bar that you can visit at the end of the museum tour.
During your museum visit, you can take a quiz to discover which Belgian beers you will enjoy. You can get these printed on a beer mat to take them up to the Beerlab, where you might just discover a new favourite. Then, drink your beer while you take in the amazing views over Brussels!
With all these Brussels bars saved, you’ll be ready to try all the best beer, cocktails and other drinks around the city! There are so many great bars in Brussels, and countless beers to discover, so I hope that this guide helps you pick out some great places to stop by on your trip.
If you’re looking for more Brussels travel guides, check out the best cafés in Brussels and the best day trips from Brussels!
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