Brussels's cocktail scene exists in the shadow of its world-leading beer culture, but it's serious. Hortense has appeared on Europe's 50 Best lists. The 10 below show how Belgian spirits (jenever, gin, Belgian whiskies) translate into modern cocktailing. Most are within walking distance of Grand Place.
Part of our 50 Best Cocktail Bars in the World listThis article is one chapter in our larger global guide. See the full pillar with every featured city.
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The 10 best cocktail bars in Brussels
01 · Brussels
Sablon
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Speakeasy · Reservations
Reservation-only Sablon speakeasy. Brussels's most respected serious cocktail bar.
Order: Bartender's choice
02 · Brussels
Centre
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Eccentric · Multi-room
Eclectic multi-room bar in the centre. Antique furniture, fruit-flavoured wines, late hours.
Order: A glass of their fruit wine
03 · Brussels
Centre
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Belle Époque · 1909
Operating since 1909. Original Art Nouveau interior. Famous for the Half-en-Half cocktail.
Order: A Half-en-Half
04 · Brussels
Centre
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Speakeasy · Hidden
Hidden Brussels speakeasy. Reservations recommended. Belgian-spirit-led cocktail program.
Order: A drink built around jenever
05 · Brussels
Saint-Gilles
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Modern · Botanical
Modern Saint-Gilles cocktail bar with a botanical theme. House-grown herbs and infusions in every drink.
Order: A drink built around their house-made botanicals
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06 · Brussels
Centre
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1697 · Hidden alley
Tucked down an alley near Grand Place. Operating since 1697.
Order: A jenever-based stirred cocktail
07 · Brussels
Saint-Gilles
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Modern · Concrete
Modern concrete-walled cocktail bar. Casual atmosphere, technical drinks.
Order: A signature with Belgian gin
08 · Brussels
Centre
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Speakeasy · Modern
Modern Brussels speakeasy. Reservation-only. Classics-led with Belgian-spirit features.
Order: A Manhattan with Belgian whisky
09 · Brussels
Saint-Gilles
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Café-bar · All-day
Saint-Gilles café-bar. All-day room, casual food, neighbourhood feel. The Brussels equivalent of a Paris café.
Order: A Belgian craft beer + a stirred cocktail
10 · Brussels
Centre
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Hidden · Late-night
Hidden Brussels late-night cocktail bar. Open until 3 AM. Casual atmosphere, classics-led menu.
Order: A whisky highball at 1 AM
More Brussels cocktail barsThe full Brussels cocktail-bar index by neighbourhood.
See the full list
Why Brussels deserves cocktail attention
Brussels takes hospitality seriously — even the cocktail bars feel like extensions of the country's beer-cafe service tradition. Hortense is the technical reference. The hotel bars (Le Cirio, Au Bon Vieux Temps) deliver the historical experience. The 10 above are essential. Most peak between 9 and 11 PM.
