€€graslei-korenlei
Vinogradoff specialises in natural and biodynamic wines from Eastern Europe, with by-the-glass pours from its bar-shop on the Ajuinlei near the Korenlei.
Order: Georgian amber wine flight: three pours from different qvevri producers that show how dramatically the style.
Tip: An evening that starts at Vinogradoff and continues to Korenlei dinner follows the best natural wine and food arc in Ghent.
€€binnenstad
By day a specialty coffee bar, Cafe Labath transitions to wine and Belgian beer by early evening at its corner near Sint-Michielsbrug in the centre.
Order: Belgian natural wine by the glass at the window seat: the light through the giant corner windows is the best.
Tip: The bar atmosphere is most relaxed Tuesday evenings; weekends fill from 19:00.
€€vrijdagmarkt
Hey Frankie operates as a natural wine bar three evenings a week near Vrijdagmarkt, with sensibly-priced natural pours and a loyally following local crowd.
Order: The cheapest glass on the natural wine list: Hey Frankie's entry-level pours are genuinely good.
Tip: Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday only; the Friday 18:00 slot is the sweet spot before the evening rush.
€dok-noord
De Hopduvel is one of Belgium's most respected beer bottle shops, now relocated to Dok Noord with around 900 Belgian beers in stock. The shop-bar allows you.
Order: Aged Westvleteren 12: when it is in stock, buy one and drink it at the bar in the correct glass.
Tip: Open Tuesday to Saturday; the bottle selection changes when distributors deliver. Ask the staff what arrived that week.
€sint-jacobs
Trefpunt is a music and theatre cafe run by the non-profit that launched the modern Ghent Festivities in 1970, hosting concerts almost every evening from 21:00.
Order: Belgian draft beer with a free Monday concert: the indie, reggae, slam and folk programming runs five nights a week.
Tip: Monday concerts are free; doors typically from 17:00 weekdays, 15:00 Friday and Saturday. Check the Trefpunt programme before walking up.
€city-centre
Het Spijker is a local pub set in a former granary, with a lounge on the second floor and two terraces: one facing the city centre, the other on the Leie waterside.
Order: Ghent draft beer on the back terrace overlooking the Leie at dusk: the canal view is the reason locals keep coming back.
Tip: Opens from 10:00 and closes when the last visitor leaves, often well past 02:00. The back terrace is best on warm afternoons.