Jazz-pianist Stan Brenners first opened this gorgeous bar in the 1940s and in the 1980s, a group of trendy young folks renovated and reopened the place, turning it into the quintessential Brussels nightspot. Hang out at L'Archiduc or take your place behind the piano if you dare. There is usually live jazz on Sundays at 5p and on Saturdays there's Le Jazz après shopping (Jazz after shopping), which you can enjoy for free. The owners offer excellent wines and fabulous cocktails.
À la Mort Subite, which translates to 'Sudden Death', is a strange name for a delightful 19th Century café. But Mort Subite is a famous Brussels beer (now owned by Scottish & Newcastle Breweries) and also the name of a 19th-century dice game played by local employees during their lunch break, adding some context to the establishment's name. The interior has remained unchanged and, so it seems, have the staff. Long wooden benches, high ceilings and an array of mirrors are part of the café's charm. The clientele is mixed, basic snacks are served, and the prices are reasonable.
This elegant establishment is housed in a 17th-century building overlooking the Grand Place. At one point La Maison du Cygne was a popular cafe where in 1881 the Belgian Socialist Party was founded. Now it consists of one of the finest restaurants and bars in Brussels, where elegance, class and style are standard. There are five different rooms—the most coveted seats overlooking Grand Place. The cuisine is classic French, and the wine cellar has a permanent stock of no less than 70,000 bottles.
This is, with little contest, the premier techno club of Belgium, hosting many of the leading DJs from around the globe. After some experiments with drum and bass, this big place near Gare du Midi has now dedicated its first (dance) floor to house techno music exclusively. Every weekend, the party is at Fuse.
The Wild Geese is a great place to unwind and relax, or meet people who stroll in from all over the world. This is the Eurocrat's favorite after-work drinking spot and it will be your favorite too after a long day of sightseeing or business meetings. Filled with wooden tables and benches, the pub offers plenty of room to saddle up at the lively bar or indulge in some privacy in the corner. This joyous establishment is packed with enthusiastic revelers and game-watching patrons throughout the week.
Dwelling in one of Brussels' many defunct fabric factories, Bazaar offers ethnic grooves to Brussels' hip and ever-restless clubbers. Try the Crocodile and then let yourself be pulled onto the dance-floor by the hypnotizing music or sit back and drink in the unique atmosphere consisting of indoor hot air balloons, monochrome portraits of men in turbans and ambient golden lighting. A fusion of many ethnic cultures, Bazaar offers a nice change of pace from your run of the mill nightclubs.
This jazz club near Ixelles City Hall (and therefore only a stone's throw from Brussels City Hall) has been in operation since 1986. There are concerts six days a week, featuring artists such as Aka Moon, Bobo Stenson, as well as up and coming jazz musicians like Octurn. This is a great place for them to jump start their careers. The accent lies on contemporary jazz, without dwelling on hermetic and hermeneutic spheres. Here contemporary music always sounds pleasant.The food is rather good, the atmosphere young and convivial and there is live jazz in the evenings.
A modern restaurant associated with the Hotel Léopold Brussels, Brasserie Léopold serves a traditional array of meats along with a long beer list, and some vegetarian and pasta options. The outdoor terrace and indoor patio seat a total of 200 people, but reservations are strongly recommended. The full bar is also a popular destination.
Fat Boys Sports Bar and Grill commands attention due to the characteristic air of casualness that allows diners to just relax and be themselves when they come here after a hard day of work. The pleasant food and the chilled drink create an atmosphere of amity and one can find people catching up over long conversations. The hamburgers served here are perfect for a quick bite, though their impeccable taste would ensure that the diner takes his time in relishing the flavors. Catch the latest game or visit here for a night of karaoke with friends.
De Haus is the brainchild of Nassim and Pierre. This watering hole with its wooden accents, vintage elements, cozy sofas and industrial light fixtures has a welcoming ambiance to it. If you take fancy to any of their furniture, you can check if there is a sticker on it for sale. Which many of their equipments do, so that you can buy them as well. Though gin and tonic is their specialty, they also have a good range of natural wine, local beers and cocktails. Nosh on tasty finger food and small plates.
The Ars Vinorum is an epicurean delight, geared towards true-blue gourmets. Their selection of Italian wines, cheese, conserves, flavored olive oil and specialty foods are great for a special occasion or authentic Italian dinner. Discover a range of hard-to-find items like white truffles, olive oil from Naples and more. The restaurant features a charmingly rustic, cozy ambiance, ideal for a quiet meal with a date. The menu changes weekly, depending on what's in season. You'll find dishes like swordfish carpaccio with zuchini and capers; ravioli with braised meat sauce; swordfish steak with beans and fennel drizzled in olive oil. Their wine list features a fine selection from Italy, from fruity whites to robust reds.
Standby is a popular place for sandwiches or a quick bite. Its vibrant ambiance is highlighted by graffiti, photos and paintings. Their innovative cuisine is inspired by various cooking styles which is reflected in their small plates, sandwiches and salads. Complement your meal with a cocktail or two.