Au Bon Vieux Temps, Brussels

Serving customers since 1695, Au Bon Vieux Temps (“The Good Old Times”), located just minutes from the Grand Place, is among the four legendary alleyway taverns in Brussels (along with À la Bécasse, L’Imaige Nostre-Dame, and Toone). Duck beneath the statue of the bishop and enter a bygone age: dark wood tables and chairs, a beautiful fireplace, stained glass windows, as well as great decor and furnishings – including a great-looking little serving bar, and beer-advertising enamels adorning the walls.

Despite the relatively cramped interior, there are lots of seating options throughout, and one can enjoy a nice selection of all the classic premium beers – including the rare Westvleteren (10.2% ABV, yellow cap), brewed by Trappist monks and frequently cited as the best that Belgium has to offer. For such a distinctive location, prices are quite reasonable (at €15/bottle, the Westvleteren here is actually lower than most places), so definitely check this place out if you are into historic bars and great beer, while keeping your service expectations on par with other Belgian establishments.

Tip:
No cards accepted, so make sure to have plenty of bills on hand. Secondly, if you want to use the toilet, note that the bartender needs to unlock the door (by pressing a button under the counter). Thirdly, as a beer alternative, consider ordering the Picon Vin Blanc, a unique local cocktail normally drunk as an aperitief.