Belle Epoque cafe-bar
Le Cirio in Brussels has been pouring the half en half (white wine and sparkling) since Francesco Cirio opened in 1886. Belle Epoque interior beside the Bourse, marble tables, no music.
Signature drink: Half en half
Food: Snacks, salads
Lambic cafe
A La Mort Subite in Brussels has been pouring gueuze since 1928 behind the Galeries Saint-Hubert. Long marble tables, mirrored walls, white-shirt waiters, the city's canonical lambic stop.
Signature drink: Mort Subite Gueuze
Food: Snacks, croque-monsieur
Beer bar
Moeder Lambic on Place Fontainas runs 46 taps of Belgian and European craft, plus a 200-bottle cellar leaning hard on lambic. Tablet menu, knowledgeable staff, the editorial Belgian beer bar.
Signature drink: Cantillon Gueuze
Food: Cheese, charcuterie
Beer bar
Delirium Cafe in Brussels has the Guinness record for the most beers on offer at 3,162 varieties. Located on a side alley off Rue des Bouchers; subterranean rooms run late seven nights.
Signature drink: Delirium Tremens
Food: Snacks
Neighbourhood cafe
Café Walvis in Brussels' Dansaert has run for over two decades at the corner of Rue Antoine Dansaert. Neighbourhood cafe with a craft tap selection, kitchen leaning on local ingredients; late hours Thursday through Saturday.
Signature drink: Belgian craft tap
Food: Bistro plates
Art Deco cafe
Le Verschueren in Brussels' Saint-Gilles has the Art Deco facade and the simple interior. A century-old neighbourhood cafe with terrace on the Parvis, late hours and a local crowd.
Signature drink: Belgian craft beer
Food: Snacks