Belgium equals beer. And you want to discover this intriguing cultural facet of ours. I understand. But one good piece of advice: do not go to a tourist-trap beer shop in the city center. They'll sell you 'exclusive' 'Belgian' beers, brewed by a big multinational corporation, for thrice the price we pay at the supermarket down the street, and which we only ever buy when we're really uninspired.
Try Malting Pot instead. The owner, Sam, studied archaeology. He wrote his thesis on the social function of beer in Mesopotamia 5000 years ago. After theory came practice: he opened his own quality beer shop in 2012.
Malting Pot's varying selection consists of up to 200 different craft beers brewed by small, traditional breweries. Most of the beers come from Brussels, Flanders and Wallonia, but Denmark, Italy, the UK, Germany, New Zealand and the US are represented as well. The owner knows his trade and will be happy to help you choose the beer you didn't know you needed.
Start your day with a Breakfast, celebrate Jesus' resurrection with a Paasbier, swallow down a Bitter sweet symphony, be naughty and drink a Stouterik, surprise your mother with a Big mama, lock yourself up with a Dark penance, try not to drop the Molotov Cocktail or scrutinize the skies while having a Nostradamus.
Oh, and there's a refrigerator with cooled beers in case you can't wait to taste one...
Malting Pot is too far away? Try the very similar Malt Attacks in Sint-Gillis instead.
Find your way with 294 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
The coffee is good, yes, and so are the pies! You could just stay there all afternoon having a tasty brunch, teleworking, playing games, and reading...
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At Tartes Françoises the pies look and taste homemade - they are to die for. My personal favourites are the banana bread and the mini gourmand.
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The warm atmosphere and easy-to-share dishes mean this is a great place for groups. Do check their website beforehand as the menu changes every month.
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People come to Caberdouche for the atmosphere, homemade food, the terrace, and for the beer menu, which includes carefully selected, original beers.
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This cosy bar serves carefully selected wines, and specialty cocktails made with a local Belgian liqueur (Eau de Villée), as well as beers and other common drinks.
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Boasting buckwheat pancakes (filled with ham, cheese, egg, or mushroom), dry sausage, country-style pâté, and terrine, the menu even includes gluten-free options.
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In my opinion, there is no better place in the city center to enjoy a good glass of wine with a fine dinner at a fair price than at Le Cercle des Voyageurs.
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Le Wappers is one of those timeless neighborhood pubs where the tables and chairs have been polished by generations of locals and the TV is always on (unless there's a concert).
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The vibe is retro and boho, reminiscent of a canteen: parquet floor, recovered school tables and chairs, old fashioned posters.
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The name is a play on the word 'filou' (crook) but I assure you that this place is worth its weight in gold.
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The display is adorable; the teal wall beautifully compliments the sofa overflowing with cushions, and the little alcove gives you all the privacy you need to indulge (i.e. stuff your face)
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Extra large coffee and delicious pastries will keep you warm and comfortable while the many plants and pots on display (also for sale!) calm your soul and tickle your brain.
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294 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
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