Brussels has long been known as the capital of beer, but in recent years a new wave of craft breweries and bars has transformed the city's drinking culture. Alongside centuries-old lambic producers and traditional Belgian ales, you'll now find innovative microbreweries experimenting with IPAs, stouts, and sour beers. Whether you're a seasoned beer geek or a curious newcomer, this guide will help you navigate Brussels' best breweries and bars, with practical tips on prices, locations, and what to order.

The city's beer scene is remarkably diverse. In the centre, historic taverns serve gueuze and kriek from wooden barrels, while in up-and-coming neighbourhoods like Saint-Gilles and Schaerbeek, new brewpubs push the boundaries of flavour. Public transport makes it easy to hop between venues: the STIB metro, tram, and bus network connects all the key areas (see our STIB guide). For those who prefer two wheels, cycling is a great way to explore (cycling in Brussels).

Historic Lambic Breweries and Gueuze Producers

Brussels is the heartland of lambic, a spontaneously fermented beer style that dates back centuries. The most famous producers are located in the southern suburbs, but a few operate within the city limits.

Cantillon Brewery (Anderlecht)

Located at Rue Gheude 56, 1070 Anderlecht, Cantillon is a must-visit for any beer lover. Founded in 1900, this family-run brewery still uses traditional methods, open fermentation, and oak barrels. Tours cost €12 (including two tastings) and run every Saturday and on weekdays by appointment. You can also buy bottles of their classic gueuze, kriek, and lambic at the brewery shop. Expect to pay around €6–8 for a 75cl bottle. The brewery is a 15-minute walk from Clemenceau metro station (line 2).

Brasserie de la Senne (Molenbeek)

Although not a lambic producer, Brasserie de la Senne is a pioneer of the modern craft movement in Brussels. Founded in 2003, its brewery is at Rue de la Senne 2, 1080 Molenbeek. They are known for hoppy, sessionable beers like Taras Boulba (4.5% ABV) and Zinnebir (6% ABV). The taproom is open Friday and Saturday afternoons, with pints around €3.50. Take tram 82 to Sainctelette or bus 86 to Gare de l'Ouest.

Microbreweries and Taprooms

In the last decade, a wave of small breweries has opened across Brussels, many with their own taprooms. These are perfect for tasting fresh, unfiltered beers straight from the source.

Brussels Beer Project (Multiple Locations)

Brussels Beer Project (BBP) is a cooperative brewery with two taprooms: one at Rue Antoine Dansaert 188, 1000 Brussels (near Sainte-Catherine) and a larger brewery at Rue de la Senne 17, 1000 Brussels. They produce a rotating lineup of creative beers, such as the Grosse Bertha (8% stout) and Delta (6.5% IPA). A pint costs around €4.50. The Dansaert taproom is open daily from 4pm; the brewery taproom has weekend hours. BBP also offers tours (€10, includes a beer).

En Stoemelings (Tour & Taxis)

En Stoemelings, meaning “in secret” in Brussels dialect, is a microbrewery located at Rue des Palais 112, 1030 Schaerbeek, near the Tour & Taxis site. Their taproom is a lively spot with a large outdoor terrace. Beers include the Curieus (5% blonde) and the Stoute (7% stout). A 33cl glass costs €3.50. They also offer brewery tours on Saturdays (€12, includes three beers). Tram 9 or bus 57 to Rubens stop.

L'Ermitage (Anderlecht)

L'Ermitage is a small organic brewery at Rue de l'Ermitage 12, 1070 Anderlecht. They focus on traditional styles with a modern twist, like their Saison de l'Ermitage (5.5% ABV). The taproom is open Friday evenings and Saturday afternoons. Pints are around €4. It's a short walk from Aumale metro (line 1).

Best Craft Beer Bars in Brussels

Beyond breweries, Brussels is packed with bars that curate exceptional beer lists. Here are the top spots, organised by neighbourhood.

Centre (Îlot Sacré & Sainte-Catherine)

  • Moeder Lambic (Rue de Savoie 68, 1060 Saint-Gilles) – The original location in Saint-Gilles is a temple to Belgian beer with 40 taps and over 200 bottles. The knowledgeable staff can guide you through their ever-changing selection. Prices range from €3.50 to €8 per glass. Open daily from 4pm. It's a 5-minute walk from Porte de Hal metro.
  • À la Mort Subite (Rue Montagne aux Herbes Potagères 7, 1000 Brussels) – A historic bar dating from 1928, famous for its gueuze and kriek. The interior is beautifully preserved. A 25cl glass costs around €4.50. Located near the Grand Place, it's touristy but authentic.
  • Poechenellekelder (Rue du Chêne 5, 1000 Brussels) – Opposite the Manneken Pis statue, this quirky bar is filled with puppets and memorabilia. They serve a wide range of Belgian beers, including many Trappist ales. Prices from €4 to €10 for strong beers.

Saint-Gilles

Saint-Gilles has become a hub for craft beer, with several excellent bars (read about Saint-Gilles vibe).

  • Brasserie Verschueren (Rue Théodore Verhaegen 1, 1060 Saint-Gilles) – A lively brasserie with a focus on local beers and food pairings. They have 10 taps and a solid bottle list. A pint of local IPA is about €5. Open daily from 11am.
  • Bar du Matin (Rue de la Source 81, 1060 Saint-Gilles) – A small, cozy bar with a rotating selection of craft beers from Belgian microbreweries. They also serve natural wine. Beers from €4. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 5pm.

Schaerbeek

Schaerbeek is home to several hidden gems (Schaerbeek hidden gems).

  • Brasserie de la Mule (Rue de la Consolation 72, 1030 Schaerbeek) – A neighbourhood bar with a focus on Belgian and French craft beers. They have 8 taps and knowledgeable staff. A 33cl glass is about €4.50. Closed Mondays.
  • Le Coq (Rue François Bossaerts 15, 1030 Schaerbeek) – A modern bar with a great terrace, serving beers from En Stoemelings and other local brewers. Pints around €5. Open daily from 4pm.

Ixelles & Flagey

The Flagey area is a lively spot for beer lovers (living in Ixelles/Flagey).

  • Brasserie de la Bourse (Place de la Bourse 1, 1050 Ixelles) – Not to be confused with the central Bourse, this is a large brasserie on the Flagey square. They have 20 taps, many from local breweries. A pint costs around €5.50. Open daily from 10am.
  • Le Pigeon Noir (Rue de la Paix 12, 1050 Ixelles) – A classic brown café with an excellent beer list including many Trappist and abbey beers. Prices from €4 to €8. Open until late.

Beer Tasting Experiences and Tours

For a deeper dive, consider joining a guided beer tour or a tasting session. Several companies offer walking tours that visit multiple bars and breweries, with commentary on history and brewing techniques.

  • Brussels Beer Tours – Offers private and group tours (from €45 per person) that include visits to three to four venues with tastings. Tours last about 3 hours. Book online.
  • Beer Passion – A shop and tasting room at Rue de la Vierge Noire 1, 1000 Brussels, where you can book guided tastings (from €25 per person) featuring a selection of Belgian beers.
  • Visit Brussels Beer Experience – The city's official tourism office runs a self-guided beer trail map (free at tourist info points) and occasional group tours. Check their website for schedules.

If you prefer to explore on your own, consider a walking route that connects several bars (walking routes in Brussels). A good circuit in the centre could start at Moeder Lambic Saint-Gilles, walk to Cantillon, then take tram to BBP Dansaert, and finish at À la Mort Subite.

Practical Tips for the Craft Beer Enthusiast

  • Prices: Expect to pay €3.50–€6 for a 33cl glass of craft beer in a bar. Bottles in shops range from €2 to €12 for rare lambics.
  • Opening hours: Many taprooms are only open on weekends (Friday afternoon to Sunday evening). Bars are generally open from 4pm to midnight or later.
  • Language: Most bar staff speak English and French/Dutch. Menus are often multilingual.
  • Food pairing: Many bars serve cheese, charcuterie, or full meals. Look for “beer and food” events at places like Brasserie Verschueren or Moeder Lambic.
  • Transport: The STIB network is efficient (STIB guide). Consider buying a 10-ride ticket (€16) or a day pass (€7.50).

For those new to the city, the craft beer scene is a fantastic way to explore neighbourhoods and meet people. If you're a resident, integrating beer outings into your routine is easy (guide to living in Brussels). And if you need a break from beer, the city also offers excellent brunch spots (best brunch in Brussels).

Related Articles

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  • Saint-Gilles Vibe: A Neighbourhood Guide
  • Schaerbeek Hidden Gems
  • STIB Metro, Tram, and Bus Guide
  • Walking Routes in Brussels