Search form

menu menu
  • Daily & Weekly newsletters
  • Buy & download The Bulletin
  • Comment on our articles

Six of the coolest cafes in Brussels

23:00 10/12/2017
Looking for a spot to shelter from the rain with a brew, catch up with friends over a latte or just curl up with a book for a few hours? Here's our pick of cafes around the city.

AM Sweet
An oasis in the city centre, this tea room is a charming treasure trove of Belgian delicacies - cuberdons, chocolates and pastries - with an extensive list of teas by Mariage Frères to enjoy in the cluttered downstairs or the cosy mezzanine with its battered sofa and bookshelves. Keep an eye out for the owners' friendly dog, Cézanne. 4 Rue des Chartreux, Brussels

OR Espresso Bar
OR serves up espressos as strong and bold as its interior design. A regular espresso here is a double or triple anywhere else, which perhaps explains why Italians, artists and writers seem to make up the regular crowd. Still, clients don’t just come for the coffee; this espresso bar is a great place to work (with long wooden tables and benches) and meet friends. As well as its two Brussels branches, OR has two sites in Ghent. 13A Place Jourdan, Etterbeek & 9 Rue A Orts, Brussels

Parlor Coffee 
The cafe invites you in with its modern logo and graphics, high ceilings and soft lighting, while its Scandinavian-inspired interior – green, spacious and comfy chairs – makes you want to stay. The baristas serve up everything from a strong espresso and café au speculoos to iced teas and fresh-pressed fruit/veggie juices. They also have a counter full of tempting pastries and cakes, plus filling brunch options. Finally, for those intense work sessions, sneak away to the cafe’s upstairs nook. 203 Chaussée de Charleroi, Saint-Gilles

Kitchenette
A small but fun-loving cafe, which can be seen immediately not only by its 1950s-style logo and decor, but also its friendly, laid-back staff. You feel quite at home with baristas serving an array of coffees, sweets and conversation. So sit back, have a coffee and listen to the regulars chat. 266 Chaussée de Waterloo, Saint-Gilles & 95 Rue Lesbroussart, Ixelles

1030 Café
This recent addition to Schaerbeek's cafe scene, set up by two local guys who love their neighbourhood, calls itself an urban refuge. With its high ceilings, bare brick walls and corner terrace, it's a great spot for coffee, a casual lunch, cocktails, beer and live music. 100 Avenue Jan Stobbaerts, Schaerbeek

Forcado
A Portuguese deli-cum-coffee shop, this is the place to come for dreamy authentic custard tarts - also available in gluten- and dairy-free varieties - and a sit down after visiting the Horta Museum around the corner. 196 Chaussée de Charleroi, Saint-Gilles

Written by Kelly Hendricks and Sally Tipper

Comments

flobyvillaralvo...

Very helpful really now that it is winter.

Dec 13, 2017 22:56