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Where to go for drinks in Antwerp: Local bars & Belgian beer
Antwerp runs on beer — and it shows. Every neighbourhood has its cozy cafés where locals linger over a pint, and the city has its own brews to match. Look out for the Handje (also known as ‘een Koninkske’ or ‘een bolleke’), the Seefbier, and the Antwerpian Tripel — three local classics worth working your way through. On this page we share our favorite spots to grab a drink in Antwerp.
Paters Vaetje (BEER CAFE)
Litteraly ‘The beer barrel of the priest’
Tiny place with a tiny kitchen and a big cellar of over 200 beers. Hot place to start your visit of the old city center.
(photo by Mr. Pedro Restrepo)
De Muze (LIVE MUSIC)
De Muze is an awesome and cosy bar. Right in the center of all great bars, you’ll enjoy your time in this bar a lot. In the weekends, the bar often hosts live bands to fill the evening with great jazz music.
Dogma (COCKTAILS)
Dogma offers innovative cocktails in a stripped-back environment. All drinks on the list are classified as a combination of adventurous, comforting, exotic, fruity, refreshing, savoury, smoky, spicy or spirituous. If it is crowded, the waiters might even open a secret door in the basement…
Barok Antwerp (COCKTAILS)
Barok is a beautiful bar with an awesome lit up wall behind the bar. displaying all the spirits. The athmosphere is very cosy.
Quinten Matsijs (OLD BAR)
Quinten Matsijs is the oldest bar in Antwerp! The bar is over 450 years old and has not been renovated in over 200 years. Take your time to get a beer here and enjoy the medieval atmosphere.
(photo by Mr. Pedro Restrepo)
Highlander Café (SCOTTISH BAR)
Antwerp’s only Scottish bar. The bar has existed over 30 years and is filled to the brim with references to the Scottish Highlands. An awesome patron will welcome you with open arms.
Quetzal (CHOCOLATE BAR)
A bar with all kinds of (hot) chocolate and great sweets. Do we need to say more?
Try their brownies, they are freshly baked and delicious.
The Playground (BOARDGAME BAR)
A bar that is dedicated to boardgames. In this bar you can try out boardgames or buy new boardgames while enjoying a few drinks. A great place to wind down with friends.
The Geeky Cauldron (GEEK BAR)
A Sci-Fi & Fantasy themed pub in the heart of Antwerp. The bar is filled with references to all kinds of nerdy themes, movies, books and so on. Even the menu is filled with puns. In this bar you will be enjoying a drink in the world of Star Wars or Harry Potter.
Disclaimer: The establishments listed on this website, including bars, restaurants, and other businesses, are featured solely based on our personal recommendations. No financial compensation, sponsorship, or partnership exists between us and the mentioned companies. The inclusion of any business does not imply affiliation, endorsement, or commercial relationship. All listings are provided for informational purposes only and should be regarded as unpaid, independent recommendations.