Brussels' Beer Guide: Best Brews To Try

Brussels, Belgium's capital, is a beer lover's paradise. The city is known for producing some of the world's best beers, and with good reason. From historic beer halls to modern craft beer bars, Brussels has something for everyone. So, where should you go to get a taste of the local brew? Here are some of the best places to drink beer in Brussels.

Moeder Lambic: Two locations, one in Saint Gilles, the other in Place Fontainas, with over 400 beers between them

If you're looking for a place to call your beer home in Brussels, Moeder Lambic is the spot for you. With two locations, one in Saint Gilles and the other in Place Fontainas, you can experience the best of both worlds: the original, purist experience in Saint Gilles, and a more modern take on the Belgian beer bar in Place Fontainas.

The first Moeder Lambic, located in Ixelles, has been delighting beer purists for over ten years with the finest Belgian products and international guest specialties, offering over 400 beers in total. The bar is known for its knowledgeable staff, cosy atmosphere, and laid-back crowd. The tap list features a range of deep cuts, classics, and new releases, making it a great spot to find experimental beers alongside traditional favourites. The original Moeder Lambic is hidden behind the Maison Communale in Saint Gilles, making it feel like a hidden gem.

After three successful years, the Moeder Lambic family expanded with the birth of Moeder Lambic Fontainas, a more spacious venue in the centre of Brussels. The second location maintains the cosy atmosphere and knowledgeable staff while offering a different selection of beers. With 40 beers on tap and six cask beer engines, the Lambic team is sure to have a quality beer to suit anyone's taste. The Place Fontainas location boasts a tranquil atmosphere, looking out over the square, just a couple of minutes from the Manneken Pis statue. The bar staff are especially helpful in explaining the subtle differences between Belgium's Gueuze and Lambic beers.

Whether you're a beer enthusiast or just looking for a cosy spot to enjoy a drink, Moeder Lambic's two locations in Brussels are sure to impress. With their extensive selection of beers, friendly staff, and cosy atmospheres, these bars are a must-visit during your time in Brussels.

Delirium Café: A three-floored bar with over 2,500 beers, including Belgian creations and international options

Delirium Café is a must-visit for anyone looking to sample an extensive variety of beers in Brussels. This unique bar, located down a cobblestone alley in the city centre, is easily recognisable by the pink elephant on its sign—a symbol of the Belgian Delirium Tremens beer.

With over 2,500 beers available, including strong Belgian creations and international options, Delirium offers something for everyone. The three-floored café holds the record for the most beers available commercially worldwide, and its bestsellers are strong Belgian beers that you can order by the litre. The bar's tap list features an incredible selection of the freshest beers from the region and beyond.

The atmosphere at Delirium is convivial and welcoming, attracting a mix of locals, beer lovers, and tourists. It's the perfect place to socialise and make new friends while enjoying a wide range of beers. The bar is decorated with pink elephants, which you might just see after a few too many drinks!

Delirium Café is an excellent starting point for your Brussels beer journey. It offers a comprehensive introduction to the city's vibrant beer culture, allowing you to get your bearings and meet new people before diving into the deep end of the local beer scene.

A La Mort Subite: A family-owned bar established in 1800s, serving local specialties and a range of beers

If you're looking for a beer-tasting experience in Brussels, A La Mort Subite is a must-visit. Managed by Bernard and Olivier, the great-grandsons of founder Théophile Vossen, A La Mort Subite is a family-owned bar that has been a Brussels staple since 1928. Located in the heart of the city centre, just a stone's throw from the Grand Place, this bar exudes old-world charm and nostalgia.

Stepping into A La Mort Subite is like taking a step back in time. Its walls are adorned with vintage photographs, and its wooden booths creak with stories of decades past. The large windows and menus boast local specialties that have been beloved by locals and visitors alike for generations. The bar is known for its selection of gueuzes and lambics, with the Mort Subite Gueuze being a must-try.

The drinks menu also includes classics and a range of beers from Belgium and beyond. Whether you're a casual drinker or a beer connoisseur, you'll find something to suit your taste. And if you're feeling peckish, they offer local cheeses, charcuterie, sandwiches, and more to pair with your beverage of choice.

The atmosphere at A La Mort Subite is cosy and inviting. It has been a favourite haunt of artists, writers, actors, and locals who appreciate a cosy café. The service is friendly and efficient, ensuring that tables turn over quickly even during busy times. The prices are reasonable, and the portion sizes are just right for a light bite or a hearty snack.

A La Mort Subite is a Brussels institution that embodies the city's rich beer culture and history. It is a place where tradition meets indulgence, and it is sure to leave a lasting impression on all who visit. Whether you're a local or a traveller, add this legendary bar to your itinerary for a truly authentic Brussels experience.

Poechenellekelder: A tavern located across from the Manneken Pis statue, with 150 beers on offer

Folklore knows no bounds at Poechenellekelder, a tavern located across from the Manneken Pis statue in Brussels. Its prime location makes for somewhat elevated prices, but with 150 beers on offer, it's well worth a visit. Owner Michel De Triest is a beer connoisseur, and his selection includes artisanal specialties from local craft breweries. The tavern's walls and ceilings are covered with marionettes and Manneken Pis memorabilia, giving the place a spooky, roadside attraction feel.

Poechenellekelder is a must-stop for beer lovers. Sample Belgian heavy-hitters in a classic Belgian beer bar setting. The old wooden walls are filled with marionettes and country-life-related kitsch. The beer list is intense and reps Belgium hard, with 150 possibilities. Post up outside, order an Orval or Tilquin, and watch the stream of glossy-eyed tourists taking photos next to the famous peeing boy statue. It's a hoot.

Poechenellekelder is located in the street-smart St. Gilles neighbourhood. It's a corner pub that serves as a great example of la cuisine à la bière, or cooking with beer. It's also a glorious Art Nouveau building.

Bier Circus: A bar dedicated to serving every beer in its accompanying glass, with vintage beers and Belgian Trappists on the menu

Bier Circus is a bar and restaurant in Brussels, Belgium, that serves a wide variety of beers and Belgian dishes. The bar is known for serving every beer in its accompanying glass, with its selection ranging from vintage beers to Belgian Trappists and other obscure specialties. The bar's interior is decorated with beer-themed decor, including bottle caps and clown dolls. The food served is traditional Belgian cuisine, such as stoemp, meatballs, meatloaf, and various dishes cooked with beer. The bar has received mixed reviews, with some praising the beer selection and food, while others have criticised the atmosphere and service. Overall, Bier Circus is a popular destination for beer enthusiasts visiting Brussels.

Bier Circus has an extensive beer menu, with a wide range of Belgian beers organised by region. They offer a variety of beers, including lambics, gueuzes, saisons, ales, and lagers. The bar is known for serving each beer in its specific glass, showcasing the importance of the right glassware for a brew's characteristics. Their selection includes vintage beers that have matured over the years, as well as Belgian Trappists and other unique offerings. The bar also has a bottle shop, allowing customers to purchase some of the rare beers they offer.

In addition to their impressive beer selection, Bier Circus offers a menu of traditional Belgian dishes. The food is classic and hearty, with options like waterzooi de poisson, vol-au-vent de poulet et champignons, and meatloaf served with stoemp and Big Nose beer. They also have a cheese plate with affinated cheeses, as well as desserts such as tarte tatin and Dame Blanche, a Belgian ice cream-based dessert. The portions are generous, and the prices are average for the area.

The atmosphere at Bier Circus is casual and relaxing, with a modern and open interior. The dining room is spacious, with plenty of space between tables. The bar area is smaller and can get crowded, but the overall layout is pleasant. The service has received mixed reviews, with some praising the staff's knowledge and friendliness, while others have found it to be slow or indifferent. It is worth noting that the bar can be difficult to find, as it is located in a somewhat dull, bureaucratic office neighbourhood. However, it is within walking distance of major tourist sites like the Musee des Beaux Arts and the Royal Palace.

Bier Circus is a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike. It has been featured in various guides and reviews, with some considering it a must-visit spot for beer aficionados. The bar has a mix of clientele, from casual beer seekers to hardcore enthusiasts. The overall experience is generally positive, with many praising the beer selection and food. However, there have been some criticisms, particularly regarding the atmosphere and service. Nonetheless, Bier Circus stands as a beloved institution in Brussels, offering a unique and extensive beer selection alongside delicious Belgian cuisine.

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