Awesome cult- & jazzbar in original 20s-30s atmosphere, nearby the historical center of Ghent. I…read moreheard in the early days it used to be a club with exclusive memberships, only accessible for artists, architects, writers, etc., philosophing, smoking and drinking until morning hours around the pooltable. Started by Johan and Guido Claus, brothers of famous Hugo. You like Edith or miss Fitzgerald? Or rather a burlesque show with live music and swinging people, within a decor of a temporary art exhibition and dark pictures of Al Capone and Mata Hari? Check the event schedule on facebook, join barladies Marie and Lara at the authentic long copper bar, and ask for a 'real' scoth or one of the dozens of fine Belgian beers! And call me if you drop by, i'll probably join (for the 1000th time) ;)

Atmosphere is the key to this place. Bartender plays jazz records. Decent but limited selection of…read moreBelgian beers. I had a Duvel Tripel Hop. Great for having a conversation. Sit and talk with a friend, admire the photos and the artwork. They even have a pool table. Well worth seeking out for a drink or two. Enjoy!

Nice hidden gem, with an easy going vibe. The woman running our lodging recommended it, so we…read morestopped in the afternoon, sitting on the courtyard and enjoying the beer. We came back after dinner for the free jazz, which started at 9 that night. We got there around 8:30 so that we could get a seat inside. The tables are very close together, as they must like to pack them in for the performances. They have more chairs stacked in the corner, though there was no more space to put people in those chairs. You have to go to the bar for service when there is a performance, which becomes problematic as it gets more crowded. There is a sign that requests silence during performances, though there were several who were chatting quietly throughout. There's a nice little courtyard for the smokers, which is covered in the evenings. They have a few snacks, but it's all about the beer and drinks.

A random surprise lines down a line way... When we visited during the day it seemed to attract a…read moreyounger student type of crowd however let that not distract, it's a really cool bar with a easy going vibe to it and the blend of music was understated though added some good vibes to this place. Enjoyed this little secret bar and wish I'd had the chance to pop back when they had live music playing which they appear to promote pretty well. They could do with advertising more or having a better presence on the Main Street to attract those travelling through

Terrific place two blocks from Vrijdadmarkt that you'd likely never find. Outdoor and indoor…read moreseating always packed even on weekdays past 11pm. Jazz music playing in the background , a trombone and saxophone on the wall, requisite photos of Louie and Etta on the walls, etc. Its all locals, but they are all friendly and will talk to you if you talk to them. It's not a tourist trap, and it's not 400 years old, but it has a vibe that keeps me coming back. If you are staying at the Ghent River Hotel it's two blocks past it, and you must stop in for a lemon Genever.

Of course the 1898 would have a wonderful bar! I received drink tickets through my hotel booking,…read morebut ended up staying for another round and snacks, as the vibe was really cute! I wish I was in to craft cocktails a bit more, because they all looked amazing and thoughtfully put together.

So-so service but amazing drinks. I guess I wasn't bougie enough? Perfect stop for a rainy…read moreafternoon.

Absolutely stop in for a beer or three at this cozy authentic pub. Order the triple and a little…read morecheese comes with it. It's a strong beer so some nibbles are recommended. You place your order at the tiny bar and they will come to your table with it. Friendly locals drink here.

Absolutely loved this old alley pub in Bruges! Nothing but a sign that says Cookies on the wall…read moreoutside the alley entrance but it was very busy with locals and regulars that had been coming here for years. Had the house beer, the De Garre, and it was fantastic. Met some locals and some non locals that had been coming here for years. Only food is a few sandwiches and they are fairly small, but enough for a snack while drinking. Highly recommend!

What a wonderful cocktail bar!…read more The space is intimate with seats ensured for every guest so no one is standing. The staff are experts and the cocktails were wonderful. I would recommend adding this to your travel plans when visiting Ghent.

One of the best bars I've ever been to--wish I could go back!…read more What makes their drinks great is all the ingredients is fresh and drinks made with lots of care. The menu is unique and you have a lot to choose from--don't feel afraid to ask the staff for recommendations. They are very sweet, passionate and knowledgeable. Please try the Hylde-- it's my favorite. Made with elderflower and Jenever (a local equivalent to gin). If you're up for something fun and strange -- they have a fantastic drink made from asparagus juice and horseradish. If you're in the area and I mean anywhere in Belgium -- highly recommend making your way to this place. It's a gem!

We were given recommendations to go to the oldest bar in Brugge. Awesome experience. Great…read morestaff. Yummy

On our road trip, we were to drive from Paris to Brussels but decided to stop in Giverny and…read moreBruges. Dusk was approaching as we approached Bruges so we decided to have dinner. Through faithful Yelp, we found this establishment which claimed to be the oldest in the world. It's in a beautiful location down a cobblestoned street near the canals. Plenty of parking. Serve staff were extremely attentive and friendly. We heard their French Onion Soup was amazing so we ordered a bowl each, a beer (welcome to Belgium), and shared a quiche. I couldn't stop eating the bread they brought to the table. Everything was absolutely delicious in a cozy, magical environment. We dreaded leaving and would have come back here if we were staying in Bruges.

Being Mexican, I was reluctant to try Mexican cuisine in Bruges. This place was great! One of the…read moreowners is from Pachuca and the service was amazing. I was impressed by the food and the salsa was actually spicy. If you're Mexican or even from California this spot will scratch that itch. Would definitely recommend to anyone who wants to enjoy good Mexican food. The decore was really nice too.

Belgium is known for their excellent beers, but what if you're not really a beer drinker and in…read moreBruges? Don't worry - this is your spot wine lovers! While 2 stories, it can't seat but perhaps 35 when packed. We arrived as they had just opened so could just walk in but reservations are definitely recommended otherwise. It's very intimate, warm and welcoming. The day we were there was cold and rainy so the fireplace was a definite plus. The owner speaks English very well, knows her wines, and makes you feel very welcome (the place is celebrating its 20th anniversary so they're clearly doing something right). They do live music on Sunday nights and play a great selection of jazz at a nice low level otherwise. They do a happy hour and in addition to what's on the menu, they have a rotating selection of good wines by the glass from around the world (had a fantastic Malbec). They have great tapas, soups and large shareable plates. We loved this wine bar gem in Bruges!