These are the best cocktail bars in Brussels
1. Life is beautiful
Life is Beautiful (LIB) looks like an ordinary living room, but their cocktails are of exceptional world class. In the cozy cocktail bar in Brussels you order different cocktails within a theme every week: during the ‘Japanese week’ LIB serves you cocktails based on matcha or sake, for example, during the following week you serve various cocktails based on tea. Of course, there is also a set menu of unique cocktails and mocktails to savor. Extra bonus point: IB regularly donates a portion of each cocktail to socially engaged organisations. A cocktail bar that makes life a little more beautiful.
Address: Rue Antoine Dansaert 161 1000 Brussels. Open on Thursday (18:00 – 00:00) and Friday and Saturday (18:00 – 01:00).
2. The Modern Alchemist
Three best friends set up a cocktail bar: that is the ‘origin story’ of The Modern Alchemist in Saint-Gilles, near the beautiful town hall. The three bartenders have a lot of experience behind them and you can taste it. The bar specializes in rum cocktails, but you will not easily find a Mojito here. Instead, you’ll find similar surprising cocktails on the menu, where sour, sweet and smoky notes blend perfectly. With its brick walls, the setting of the modern alchemist looks industrial and trendy. Last year, the terrace won prizes: it was able to win the ‘Brussels Terrace Award’, the award for the most beautiful terrace in a former parking space.
Address: Avenue Adolphe Demeur 55, 1060 Saint-Gilles. Open from Wednesday to Thursday (17:00 – 00:00) and Friday to Saturday (17:00 – 01:00).
3. Dizziness
If you walk through the charming Rollebeekstraat, you would hardly notice Vertigo. Only a tiny door and a small sign with an owl show that a cocktail bar is hiding. But taking the door is definitely worth it: the courtyard is officially in the oldest hostel in Brussels, where other smugglers and figures hid centuries ago. A fascinating setting where you can even taste fascinating. The flavor combinations are slightly more accessible than those of LIB and The Modern Alchemist, but are a testament to craftsmanship. the tapas are a plus, moreover if you indulge yourself completely.
Rue Rollebeek 7 1000 Brussels. Open on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday (17:00 – 01:00) and Saturday to Sunday (12:00 – 01:00).
4. Green Lab
For those who love gin, Green Lab is the place to be. With more than 200 varieties, this bar offers a creative menu where gin is served neat or as a cocktail. Gin is without a doubt in this laboratory-style bar, but that’s not all on the menu: recently you can also find a delicious selection of beer.
Avenue Louise 520, 1000 Brussels. Open on Wednesday and Thursday (17:00 – 00:00), Friday (17:00 – 01:00) and Saturday (18:00 – 01:00).
5. CiPiaCe
Aperitifs at CiPiaCe, that’s traveling to Italy. In fact, this restaurant is known for its cocktails as well as for its cuisine. Here, sublime cocktails are served with delicious Italian pastas and bruschettonas in an atmospheric setting. Drinking on an empty stomach is never a good idea. If you can’t find what you’re looking for on the menu, the bartender is always ready to come. The big plus? The terrace overlooking the forecourt to fully enjoy the summer sun!
Place Saint-Gilles 49A, 1060 Saint-Gilles. Open from Tuesday to Thursday (17:00 – 00:00) and Friday to Saturday (17:00 – 01:00).