Chez Maman ★ 4.0
€€saint-geryThu-Sun 22:00 to 04:00
Chez Maman in Brussels' Saint-Gery is the long-running drag-and-cabaret bar on Rue des Grands Carmes. Drag shows Friday and Saturday nights, packed mixed crowd, no-fuss bar service.
Tip: Drag shows from 23:00; cover charge applies on show nights. Reservations not taken.
L'Archiduc Listening Sessions ★ 4.2
€€dansaertMon-Wed 16:00 to 01:00, no live music
L'Archiduc weeknight sessions in Brussels' Dansaert run jazz vinyl listening sets from the bar. No live music Mon-Wed, the bar staff curate the records from the 1937 collection.
Tip: Quiet weekday cocktail bar; the records are the entertainment, with no service interruption.
Le Walvis ★ 4.3
€€dansaertDaily 17:00 to 02:00
Le Walvis in Brussels' Dansaert is the corner bar on Rue Antoine Dansaert that pulls vinyl from a wall of records. Jazz and electronic listening sets, Belgian craft beer on tap, mixed crowd.
Tip: Locals' bar with vinyl spinning all night. The early evening jazz sets give way to electronic after 22:00.
Kafka Bar ★ 4.1
€€sainte-catherineDaily 18:00 to 02:00
Kafka in Brussels' Sainte-Catherine is the literary bar with vinyl sessions on Rue de la Vierge Noire. Belgian craft beer, vodka selection, low-lit booths and an indie playlist.
Tip: Quiet weeknights for conversation; the vinyl programming runs Wednesday and Thursday.
Café Walvis ★ 4.1
€dansaertMon-Thu 09:00 to 00:00, Fri 09:00 to 01:00, Sat 10:00 to 01:00, Sun 10:00 to 22:00
Café Walvis in Brussels' Dansaert has run at the corner of Rue Antoine Dansaert for over two decades. Neighbourhood cafe and meeting room for artists and locals; craft tap, late hours Thursday through Saturday, kitchen leaning on local ingredients.
Tip: Card accepted. Belgian craft on tap and a wide bottle list; Friday and Saturday closing at 01:00.
Delirium Cafe ★ 3.8
€saint-gerySun-Thu 10:00 to 02:00, Fri-Sat to 04:00
Delirium Cafe in Brussels holds the Guinness record for the most beers on offer with over 3,000 varieties. Located in a side alley off Rue des Bouchers; subterranean rooms run seven nights.
Tip: Avoid the Friday and Saturday peak crush around midnight. The Hop Loft upstairs is calmer.