Café Mercedes Brussels
Spanish class
What comes to mind when you hear 'Mercedes'? High quality. Reliable. Indestructible. Timeless design. A-Class. Exactly everything Café Mercedes in Sint-Gillis is.
As a historian, I like my bars with some history to them (check the Café Régua article). Mercedes and Manolo migrated from Madrid, Spain, to Brussels in 1964. Sint-Gillis was a different neighborhood then than it is today. An outskirt area outside of tourists' gaze, with once glorious Belle Epoque facades falling into decay. The perfect destination for migrant workers from Southern Europe coming to Belgium after World War II, mainly from Italy, Spain, Greece and Portugal.
Mercedes and Manolo bought a house and started a café. They left a chamber of their heart in Spain. Posters of the Spanish national football team and Real Madrid decorate the walls of the warm wooden interior in Café Mercedes. Yet, the beautiful yellow and blue letters on the front window - colors of the local club Union Saint-Gilles - prove that their heart grew in Sint-Gillis too.
Almost ninety years old, this couple is. Café Mercedes is their hobby. They and their children are the living memory of the block, full of stories about Brussels' postwar past, its couleur locale or many small cinemas bygone. While chihuahua Chulo is warming my lap, my beer is taken away to make its collar reappear with a gentle touch of the tap. Here, things gone are brought to life again.
Spanish class. Sit down in Café Mercedes and you'll never want to change seats.
About this spot
Savoiestraat 45
- Mon - Sat 09:00 - 19:00, Sun 9:00 - 13:30
Beer w/ collar:
€
2
Find your way with 292 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Brussels
Tatar
Tartars in all forms and cocktails
Tatar was born with the intent to bring together a fine cuisine that mixes Mediterranean and Japanese tastes and mixology. Cocktails wise, I chose Osaka!
by
Emilia
D'Ettorres
Le Petit Train de Forest
Miniature train ride
"Le Petit Train de Forest" in Brussels is a miniature railway run by passionate volunteers, complete w/ real 1:8 models of locomotives! It makes me happy.
by
Davy
Verbeke
Iyagi
Authentic Korean takeaway
From side dishes like dumplings to main dishes like Bibimbap and Bulgogi, all are served with freshly cooked vegetables, steamed rice & homemade sauces.
by
Emilia
D'Ettorres
Tokidoki
Japan in Belgium
Do you just want everyday dishes that you would eat at home in Japan? Then "Tokidoki" in Brussels is what you are looking for. No sushi or noodles here!
by
William
Mertens
Tero
Small plates to share
"Tero" in Brussels is so much more than a restaurant - it's a philosophy. It offers tasty, natural cuisine that follows the seasons!
by
William
Mertens
Certo
Hungry and thirsty
"Certo" in Brussels is a tiny Italian restaurant on a corner just behind Place Saint Boniface and one of my favorites. Federico Mazzoni is the perfect host!
by
William
Mertens
Les Petits Bouchons
Zwanze kitchen
"Les Petits Bouchons" is a typical Brussels bistro with a lot of wood, some mirrors and old-skool lighting. Zwanzers love it!
by
William
Mertens
Rambo
LA-style smashed burgers
"Rambo" in Brussels will make you feel like you're in LA. Loud music, an open kitchen and three amazing types of burgers!
by
William
Mertens
Belga & Co
Coffee roasters
"Belga & Co" in Brussels is one of the city's great coffee places. Everything made in-house, friendly service, big window, no frills - just good coffee.
by
William
Mertens
Glacier Zizi
Best ice cream in Brussels
Even though it's a little out of the route for most, Glacier Zizi is definitely worth the detour! Ice cream, waffles, crêpes, smoothies... Your pick!
by
Anna
van Wuijckhuijse
BATCH
Brunch and small plates to share
A simple but still refined style characterizes this café, which at night becomes a warm wine bar with small plates to share.
by
Emilia
D'Ettorres
Heading to Brussels?
292 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 292 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Bars
Our team loves Brussels
Get to know our other Spotters from Brussels
As featured on:
