This might be the best example of what they call a Belgisch bruin café (Belgian brown bar). It is one of the oldest bars in town, yet it’s very popular. The name has not changed since the 18th century and refers to the fact that is was a popular place to play chess (Damberd=Le Damier=Draughtboard).

The interior dates back to 1936 when two customers made a drunken bet. They would redecorate the interior in one single day. The result can still be seen in the nine panels offering historical views of the city. Today the owners describe the atmosphere as hip, anarchistic-libertarian, artistic, international, rebellious, Burgundy joie de vivre, marginal and musical and this might all be correct.

Here you find the perfect place to discover a typical Belgian bar. You can try out one of the many options or just go for a coffee. I really like the no-nonsense, open, tolerant atmosphere and of course the jazz music.

This is a place to meet people or to watch people, but it’s also a place to read a book or, why not, to play chess. Female friends told me that this is the perfect spot for lonely girls. Just install yourself at a table or at the bar and it will not take long until a man starts talking to you. Yours to discover where the talking might lead to…