Title says it all.
Except for the inevitable question: where’s good in Bruges (Brugge if you prefer)? No, I mean, where’s really good? And – just as importantly – where’s actually not that good?
I shall be travelling with two non-enthusiasts and one non-drinker, so being non-beer-fanatic-friendly (and e.g. serving food) will be a definite plus.
So, who’s been to Bruges, and where would they like to be back right now? I know, Martyn‘s done this one already, and it’s not hard to find bar reviews online. But I thought I’d ask anyway.
Oh Good Ale 
3 Comments
Good Morning Phil
Quite a few suggestions but if you want to combine beer and food I would say the Brugs Beertje (5 Kemelstraat) will be fine if you are happy with bowls of spag bol. If you want something more substantial then I think the Cambrinus (19 Philip Stockstraat)) will cover all bases well but I think it will be advisable to book ahead (050 33 23 28) as it can get very busy, especially in the evening.
A new place I’ve not tried is the Bier Bistro (14 Oude Burg) which appears in the latest issue of Around Bruges in 80 Beers and sounds very promising, with a combination of a good beer list and food. Again perhaps best to call ahead (050 61 46 39).
For beer alone then try De Garre (which everyone raves about) at 1 De Garre (which is an alleyway of Breidelstraat), the Poatersgate (82 Vlamingstraat) and Comptoir des Arts across the road at no. 43. For beer selection these are all beaten by Café Rose Red (16 Cordoeanierssrtaat), a relative newcomer but with a great atmosphere and beer list.
Lastly on this quick canter drop into the new Le Trappiste Brugge (33 Kuipersstraat) and say hello to Martin Matthews, formerly of Le Trappiste (Altrincham). I was there last Friday and was rather impressed. Currently opens at 5pm by the way.
We were there in July and De Garre was closed :( Still, found plenty of excellent places, three of which we went back to repeatedly – Le Trappiste and Cafe Rose Red, as John mentions, and the new ‘t Brugs Bieratelier on Wijngaardstraat. The latter serves 12 draught beers and 0 bottles, and is a very nice place to pass the time (it was also the closest bar to the flat we stayed in, which also helped!
De Garre was also shut in February (didn’t check it out last week). It’s up for sale apparently but I’m not sure if it’s shut, too.