"People change their religion more easily than their café. The world, in fact, is divided into two classes: those who go to the café and those who do not." - Georges Courteline.

Here's a fitting quote for this article that celebrates the legendary spots of Brussels—our cherished old cafés, estaminets, and taverns—which have long been woven into the city's social, political, and cultural fabric.
Estaminet, cabaret, dive bar, bistro, watering hole, local joint, counter, pub, bodega, bar, brasserie, or even 'cavitje,' 'bac à schnick,' 'caberdouche' in the old Brussels dialect—each of these terms evokes a gathering place where, for generations, the people of Brussels have met.
Unlike London or Paris, where the old cafés are disappearing one by one, here in the Belgian capital, these estaminets, taverns, and historic cafés have proven to be resilient, standing the test of time with grace.




They continue to welcome all of Brussels, preserving that rare, village-like atmosphere known to locals and millions of tourists alike who visit every year.
You cannot grasp the cultural history of Europe's great cities without mentioning their legendary cafés. Paris has its Café de Flore, Les Deux Magots, and Procope; London prides itself on historic pubs like The Prospect of Whitby and The George Inn. And Brussels...
Originally, Brussels' estaminets were mostly frequented for beer, a drink preferred over water, which was often suspected of being unsafe. These gathering spots became places of sharing and connection, deeply woven into the fabric of the city's history.
From politicians and eminent scientists to lawyers and everyday citizens, many reshaped their world over a pint of beer at these wooden tables. It's only fitting, then, to spotlight some of these timeless Brussels cafés—iconic places still standing, where we are lucky enough to savor the past without restraint!

- A La Mort Subite.  WEB  //  GO GPS

- Au Vieux Spijtigen Duivel.  WEB  // GO GPS 

- The Vertigo.  WEB  //  GO GPS

- La Taverne du Passage.  WEB  //  GO GPS

- The Cirio 1886.  WEB  //  GO GPS

- A la Bécasse.  WEB  //  GO GPS

- In't Spinnekopke.  WEB  //  GO GPS

- L'Imaige Nostre-Dame.  WEB  //  GO GPS