Do you travel to try different types of food? How about to sample local wine, beer or scotch? I travel for many different reasons, but tasting local brews is one of the first things I do when visiting a new destination.
I love a good San Diego IPA or Northern California Microbrew, but over the past few years I’ve developed a fondness for Belgian beers. Chimay is popular in San Diego, but it’s not cheap; so when I found myself with unlimited options of Belgian beer in Brussels — including inexpensive Chimay — I could have sworn I was in beer heaven.
I spent the majority of my time in Brussels eating Belgian Waffles and enjoying a wide variety of beer at these must-visit beer pubs in Brussels.
Poechenellekelder
Poechenellekelder has indoor and outdoor seating and the interior is decorated with puppets which were used in the puppet theater downstairs before it closed. A local suggested I visit this place because of its large selection of Belgian beers and I wasn’t disappointed — besides the fact that I couldn’t try them all. You’ll find their menu of beers online. I highly recommend the Westmalle Tripel.
If you plan on visiting the famous Manneken Pis statue, it’s conveniently located right across from Poechenellekelder, so you could easily kill two birds with one stone.
Delirium Cafe
Delirium Cafe is in the Guinness Book of World Records for the largest variety of beer, with currently more than 3,000 beers on the menu. This cafe is at the end of a small alley, off of one of the busiest restaurant streets in Brussels. The bartender was happy to offer his suggestions and poured me a glass of Houblon Chouffe Dobbelen Tripel IPA.
I would avoid this place at night if you don’t like crowds. I went on sunny Saturday afternoon and it was nice and quiet.
Manneken Pis’ sister statue is squatting in the alley, right across from Delirium Cafe. Now all you need to do is find the pissing dog and you’ve seen all three!
Moeder Lambic
Moeder Lambic was recommended by the same local who suggested I visit Poechenellekelder and it is heavily mentioned in the forums I researched about the best beer pubs in Brussels. My time in Brussels was cut short due to my anxiety about the possibility of a severely delayed train on my way back to Dusseldorf, so I never made it to this pub — but I think it still deserves a place on this list.
They have an extensive selection (about 300) of traditional Lambic beers, as well as other Belgian brews and imports. I’m told they offer a tasty Charcuterie and Cheese Plate and it’s a popular spot for locals.
When You Go:
The first two pubs I mentioned are located in the historical center of Brussels, near the Grand Palace, and both were within walking distance from where I stayed on Saint-Gery Street. Moeder Lambic would require a ten-minute taxi ride or you can take the tram.