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.
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.
Located on the edge of the city center, this bar draws a local crowd and maintains a relaxed atmosphere for enjoying a beer. Beer enthusiasts gather here because of the quality and quantity of Moeder Lambic's selection. While the bar usually has a laid-back atmosphere, it does become more lively on weekend nights. If you're looking for a mellow bar with a wide selection of rare beers on tap for a fair price, then Moeder Lambic is your stop.
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.
Loft Resto & Bar is helmed by Pierre Masse and Asad Khan. Its swank industrial look, eccentric decorative elements is refreshing to the eye. Savor their succulent steaks that are perfectly seasoned along with delicious sides. Enjoy their happy hours with a drink or two.
Join the hottest clubbing crowd at Bloody Louis, on Avenue Louise, is a gem of central Brussels. This is where some of the hippest parties in the city are hosted. Featuring a fantastic music line up, that's crowded by the most popular local and international DJs , stellar acoustics and lighting, Bloody Louis entertains a young and glamorous crowd. Open on the weekends, from 11p onward, a party at Bloody Louis lasts till wee hours of morn, long after the sun's up and bright! Check the website for event schedule.
Set inside the Steigenberger Grandhotel, Louis Bar has a refined look with its dark wooden accents, leather couches and artworks. It is a nice spot to unwind over a delicious cocktail or coffee. Listen to live jazz music during the weekends. Nosh on tasty bar bites for your hunger pangs.