5 classic Brussels bars in the center

Belgium and beer go hand in hand. Some of the best beers in the entire world can be found in this small country… and what better place to drink them than an authentic Brussels bar. You know the type I’m talking about—rustic wooden furniture, walls covered in beer folklore of times past, and of course a local or two in their familiar seat. From Trappist heavyweights, to local microbrews with diehard followings, you’re sure to find a wide variety in any of these five classic Brussels bars in the center.

Walk Details
Distance: 1km
Walking time: 17min

1

Le Coq

Rue Auguste Orts 14, 1000 Bruxelles

Le Coq can be found just off La Bourse right in the center of Brussels 1000. With a beautiful wooden bar and wooden paneling, for me, this feels like the most locals-welcome bar on this list. Popping in and finding a seat at one of their tables will make you feel like a local as well. Along with the usual Belgian fare for beer, you can also often find the likes of Brussels local favorites like Brasserie de l'Ermitage or Brasserie La Senne on tap as well. A great spot to grab a Zinnebir.

2

Falstaff

Rue Henri Maus 19, 1000 Bruxelles

Open since 1903, Falstaff has been one of Brussels most beautiful bars for over a hundred years. The bar went through a major renovation in 2019, and it looks as beautiful as ever today. It also doubles as a brasserie cooking up Belgian specialties like vol-au-vent, carbonade flamande, and that tomato filled with little gray shrimps. While sadly most of their beers are mass produced household names, I would suggest going for a Kwak, a strong Belgian amber beer served in a glass like you’ve never seen before!

3

Aux Bon Vieux Temps

Sint-Nikolaasgang 8/4, 1000 Brussel

Okay, so the alley, or impasses I’ve lead you to with this bar isn’t the most romantic, what you’ll find if you venture on through the small archway on the busy Rue du Marché aux Herbes, is maybe one of the most fitting places to sip a nice Trappist beer. There’s actually two impasses in this area, to Aux Bon Vieux Temps, the other to A l’Imaige Nostre-Dame, another bar in a very similar vein. If you’re looking for that old Brussels feel, then you’ll be sure to remember the ambience here. They even sometimes have the allusive Trappist Westvleteren on the menu sometimes… but try not to jump at the sight of the price!

4

Poechenellekelder

Rue du Chêne 5, 1000 Bruxelles

Despite being located across from one of Brussels most visited tourist sighs—the one and only Manneken Pis—Poechenellekelder, (good luck with the pronunciation) is regarded by many of one of the best bars in Brussels when it comes to selection. Arguably the most touristy spot on this list, it’s still worth a stop if you’re interested in Belgian beer. You certainly won’t have a shortage of things to look at, as their walls are lined with all sorts of puppets, wooden dolls, and Manneken Pis history. Their extensive list of beer hosts everything from lambics and gueuze, to Trappists and blonds.

5

La Fleur en Papier Doré

Rue des Alexiens 55, 1000 Bruxelles

Our last stop is another of Brussel's’ most authentic and classic establishments. Walking in to La Fleur en Papier Doré, you’ll feel like you stepped decades into the past. Cover in over 400 different objects, their walls are just as enticing as their selection of beers. This used to be a place where artists and creatives used to hang out, including the most famous surrealist himself, Magritte. For me, there’s just something about this place that makes me gravitate toward ordering a cold gueuze or kriek. Oh, and of course some dried sausage and cheese.