The second Irish pub to open in Brussels (in early 1990), is just a few hundred meters from James Joyce, the very first one. Kitty O'Shea's is very popular with Eurocrats and journalists. It is also a bit quieter than some of the other pubs in the same area. Live music on Wednesday evenings makes for a lively atmosphere. At the back of the cozy restaurant, the owners serve traditional Irish fare. The kitchen is closed on Saturdays but open Sunday lunchtimes.
Located in the Royal Windsor Hotel Grand Palace, Chutney's Bar has been labeled as one of Brussels' finest restaurants. With its colonial decor and the name it goes by, the cafe would possibly make one think it serves Indian food, but that is not the case. Instead, Chutney's serves lip smacking European cuisine, where tea-time is about heavenly sandwiches, homemade scones and desserts with tea, coffee or cordials. If you want to add a fine finishing touch to your delectable meal, you have the choice of choosing from French wines and Belgian beers while listening to some live music being played.
Airy and well lit, Waterloo Bar located in the Royal Windsor Hotel boasts of a clientèle mostly comprising of high fliers, businessmen, as well as tourists. For high tea at three walk into Waterloo and enjoy the Royal English high tea with finger sandwiches, scones and pastries. In the late evenings, however, Waterloo presents live piano concerts, which are a great accompaniment to the delicacies on which you'd have the pleasure of setting your taste buds! The perfect blend of a great atmosphere, cocktails and music makes it the rendezvous hotspot in Brussels. The barman here has won the coveted Belgian National Barman award, so order your drink without any hesitation.
Le Bier Circus stays true to its name by offering a multitude of beers to try in a fun, circus-themed atmosphere. Its menu offers everything ranging from Lambics to Trappists. The servers are highly knowledgeable about beer and are very helpful in sharing their expertise. If you're hungry, Le Bier Circus also sells food with dishes ranging from pastas to Belgian cheese plates.
Run by film producer Daniel van Avermaet, Au Stekerlapatte is popular thanks to its young clientele, unpretentious cuisine and reasonable prices. Just off Boulevard de Waterloo and close to the Palace of Justice, it caters to business people and tourists. The steak and spare ribs come highly recommended. The beer list is impressive, and you can order wine by the centimeter. Whenever there is a film festival in Brussels, this is the place to see stars. The menu is in French and Dutch and includes the city's traditional dishes.
La Porte Noire exudes a charm reminiscent of ancient European pubs. Serving the best of Belgian beer, whiskey and rum, this place is a hot live music venue in the city. Thronged by sophisticated clientele and relished by international music performers, La Porte Noire has gone from strength to strength over the years. Lovers of blues music can head here and be pleased. Along with great music and wonderful ambiance, the pub offers delicious refreshments as well. For a quiet musical evening and an amazing cocktails selection, La Porte Noire is the place to go!