Café Belga

Cafe Belga looks impressive because it’s big, crowded, and located right on Flagey. That’s where the appeal ends. Take away the location and you’re left with an overrated bar running purely on hype. The place is chaotic, and the service is trash. The bartender I encountered was a perfect mix of racist, arrogance, and outright hostility. The way he treated people was not just bad service : it was selective. Some customers were treated warmly, others with cold contempt. Draw your own conclusions. What’s truly laughable is the ego. This guy behaves like he’s performing brain surgery, not pouring beers behind a counter. zero professionalism, and an attitude that suggests he believes he’s doing the most important job in Brussels. You’re not. You work in hospitality, and hospitality is exactly what’s missing here. If you enjoy being looked down on while overpaying for mediocre service, this is your place. Otherwise, there are plenty of bars in Brussels even in Flagey where staff understand that hospitality is literally their job. Flagey deserves better than this.

Busy with revising students during the day, the café Belga has a good vibe. Food options are limited and can be pricey. Worth a go for the ambiance.

Café Belga is ideally situated if you're planning to see a movie or a show next door in the Flagey theater. They offer a wide range of (local) beers and other drinks. Be aware you need to order at the counter.

Nice drinks and staff is quite friendly. I like it a lot more in winter because then it is less crowded. In Summer is quite an ordeal to find a place to sit

I had the opportunity to enjoy some excellent coffee at Cafe Belga and, for the first time in my life, tried a rice cake, which was truly delicious. The service was also very friendly and efficient, the music was great, and despite the large number of customers, there were no problems finding a table. I highly recommend it!

Café Belga, located in the heart of Ixelles at Place Eugène Flagey, is the quintessential hub of local life and a must-visit spot for anyone in the area. This establishment is more than just a café or restaurant; it’s a vibrant local bar that captures the essence of the community. The terrace at Café Belga is a standout feature, always bustling with energy and life. It’s the perfect spot to sit back, relax, and enjoy the beautiful views of Ixelles. The variety of beers on offer is impressive, with hundreds of different types to choose from, catering to every palate. The atmosphere at Café Belga is lively and infectious, especially in the evenings when the place comes alive with live music and dance. The crowd is an eclectic mix of locals and tourists, creating a diverse and welcoming environment that is both exciting and comforting. A special mention must go to the bartenders at Café Belga. They are not only friendly and knowledgeable but also skilled in crafting some of the best cocktails I’ve ever tasted. Their expertise adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the already fantastic ambiance. Café Belga’s combination of a fantastic atmosphere, delicious drinks, and top-notch service makes it a standout destination. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a quiet beer on the terrace or dance the night away, this place has something for everyone. It’s a vibrant representation of Ixelles’ spirit and a definite must-visit spot.

The interiors and the atmosphere make you feel like you're back in the 80s and I loved it. Its chill and quiet (around 12am) and there's a lot of people just working on their laptops or having quiet meetings. There's bar service which results in a bit of a chaos with orders and it's hard to orientate oneself in the queue. The coffee was good and there's a separate bar with fresh sandwiches, salads and snacks. Great variety of drinks. Maybe a little bit on the expensive side. Thankfully, no tourists yet :)

Ahh Cafe Belga, the biggest bar in Flagey, so full of life, with a cult status in the area. Unfortunately recently, this place went from a nice cafe where you could have a drink with friends and chat to a noisy wannabe club with meh music, and the typical rotation of good but overplayed reggaeton songs they blast seemingly every night. The drinks are unbelievably expensive, there are cheaper, better bars for socializing less than a block away. Most of the clientele is from the almost 30% of Parisians who live in this commune, and are about as friendly as Parisians are known to be. Very few locals, it’s all bobo parisians and eurocrats, spending away their untaxed income while contributing nothing to this city. This is a bar in the center of Brussels, the capital of Belgium, that barely has any Belgian beers to offer, just the Carapils-level Belpils (for about 10x the price of carapils), and a crappy selection of overpriced cocktails that take the overwhelmed staff too long to make. If you’re 22 and an expat living off of EU taxes, this place is great. If you’re a local or anyone else not in that demographic, you’re better off spending your hard earned euros at another bar. This is not even to mention the rude staff and appalling bathroom conditions, as they tend to be flooded with piss and are hardly cleaned. You’re better off peeing into the ponds and risking the fine than waiting for a toilet.

I'm a big fan of this place. It's a cafe by day and a bar by night. Not that you can't get alcoholic beverages in the daytime. Actually, now that I'm writing this, I don't think I've ever seen anybody with coffee at their table or in hand in the daytime or nighttime... Huh. There's plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, and many will sit indoors and go outside for a smoke every now and then. At night, most of the tables and chairs are stacked together to make room for the bar area and some open space for dancing, if you so please. It gets surprisingly crowded for what is normally a cafe (by day, anyway), so it's pretty cool to watch the transition. While the cleanup could get better, the bartenders are always friendly and on top of their game. Patrons are also pretty cool--many of them are tourists like myself, which makes it an all the more interesting place to observe social interactions (because I'm awkward like that). Also, I don't know who controls the music, but I sure hope he/she keeps it up! Oh, and the bartender with the short blond hair makes a mean Pimm's Cup!

Avoid this bar that has lost all its charm from its beginnings. There is NO RESPECT for the client here. POOR POOR SERVICE! The neighborhood is full of other cool bars that are ready to welcome you with a smile! EVITER ce bar qui a perdu tout son charme de ses débuts. Il n'y a aucun respect du client ici, le staff se prend beaucoup trop de haut.... Le quartier est plein d'autre bars sympas qui sont prêts à vous accueillir avec un sourire! Passez votre chemin !!!!

This place for me is the quintessential café. Everything is well prepared, from an esspresso to a latte, draft beers, sandwiches, even something simple like a croque monsieur takes another dimension at Café Belga. Another great thing about this café is that both the terrace and inside are great, but ALWAYS packed so you might need to display a bit of patience. I very warmly recommend it!

I came here couple times, it always pack and busy. It seems most young professional meeting place after work, or maybe other reason. I don't see something special from this place, decor just normal nothing special. Drinks list should be just same with other bars, but it always pack and crowded. However, I am visitor in Brussels and don't speak French unfortunately so It would be a bit hard for me to order drinks sometimes, but I never have problem in other places. Yesterday, I ordered drinks at the bar and I got a very RUDE and MEAN bartender. I was shock, how could this person work at the bar if he had so much problem with his attitude or dealing with person who doesn't speak French. He should keep his own agenda at home and never treat the customer bad just because she doesn't speak French, or doesn't know how to order something in Belgium customs. I said to him "One Kriek, and One beer", then he gave me the look like he didn't understand me. I was put on spot, shock to order around all the French speaking people. Then I repeat again "One Kriek and One beer". Which maybe he got offended because I didn't say please (s'il vous plait). Well, in my defend I didn't mean to be rude, just simple forget to say because I was on the spot with all those French speaking around me. He took it very personal, I guess. Then he was speaking very loud and mean to me, half screaming at me "Un Kriek, Un Beer, s'il vous plait". All I can say... "WOWW... " Keep your personal agenda at home! You work at the bar! I used to work in the restaurant also, so I know how customers to be treated and please has open mind about things around you. Man! I am gonna think twice to visit this bar just because of his bad attitude.

Great cafe & bar in Flagey and the perfect place to find a light lunch and relax. One thing they have on lock is speed. Before I had even finished placing my order for a drink it seemed like I already had the drink in my hand. The staff at the bar feels a little dry, but the food is great and the drinks are good. I went mostly during the afternoon and morning. If you're not there early enough a lot of the food options start to dwindle. Ordering for food and drink is separate and paid for separately. It's also seat yourself and gets pretty packed so we always tried to find a place to sit first before ordering. I usually got their house iced tea (maison thé glacé) which came with mint and some citron. It wasn't very sweet which was nice and had a lovely flavor. The food bar is toward the back of the cafe. I had tried ordering a tartine but they were sold out so went with a lentil salad. Really liked that they serve all their salads and pastas in sealed glass jars, but loved that the lentil salad was one of the best I've ever had. I'm not a big fan of lentils, but it didn't need a dressing of any sort and had chunks of roasted veg--- marinated beets, carrots, peppers and the like. Came with a bit of bread and oddly a small side salad which didn't come with any sort of dressing and was mostly fresh romaine. I could have asked for a dressing, but at the time I was super flustered from accidentally dropping my coins and didn't think to ask. I didn't get to try it, but a few times my mother got a cappuccino and as did her friend. They both remarked it wasn't very warm and weren't very impressed. Not sure what was up with that. Cafe Belga is also close to the Farmer's Market that opens up on the weekends so it was nice to be able to hang out there, people watch, and enjoy the atmosphere despite the cold weather.

Belga is the place to be when living around flagey area. Coffee good music and nice people. Sometimes loud, but when the sun is shining, totally worth it to go and drink outside on the terrace Some Saturday's dancing time

Cafe Belga is packed most nights, and I can see why. It's a decent spot for drinks with friends. However, they can't make a martini. Like, at all. I asked for a dirty vodka martini and got a rocks glass with ice, vodka, vermouth, and no trace of any olives. Seems like a bar basic, no? Anyway, the wine and beer options are good, and they have one of my favourite krieks on tap (oud, yum), and the service was friendly. Can't complain too much.

I'd love to give a 3.5 because though the service is so-so, the location is great. It's got a nice terrace for catching some sun and people watching. The menu is good but I go here less for the food (it's bar food) and more for the space, it's a really beautiful cafe.

Turns out that even though I've only been to Brussels a couple of times - this is the place that I've been to at least six times... Everyone wants to meet here. In that sense, it's sort of pretty cool being able to go somewhere that you can literally run into everyone that you know. I've never had food here (next time!). Their green tea with (a lot of) fresh mint is great. In addition to all of the alcoholic options.

I can't even begin to describe how many good evenings I spent at Belga during my permanent year in Brussels. Always a good time there with various events. Located in the historic Radio House, now hosting the Brussels Philharmonics, the building gives it all a special atmosphere. The vast area of outdoor chairs makes it a great spot to look and be seen :)

Popular spot for a drink in Brussels. It overlooks the beautiful lake at Flagey. This place is always busy but the environment is very friendly. Highly recommended.

The perfect place to meet your friends for a drink in the evening. Super casual and layed back. You always get to know other people easily. So grab one of your friends and meet new friends while having a drink :)

Nice place, esp. terrace. Very poor service. Some of the bar staff think they are too cool to serve customers.

Definitely THE bar for the Flagey area, everyone seems to swarm there. I understand why too as Cafe Belga is a pretty great bar with a good amount of selection. They also have some good looking food available too. Prices are very reasonable for drinks and food. Environment is laid back during the day and packed for the party at night. During the day, you can easily get some work done with your laptop (free wifi!), meet with friends, etc. and at night it can sometimes be difficult to get a table... Worth checking out for a drink if you're in the area!

Either you are looking for brunch or a place to have a drink, Cafe Belga is the symbol of Place Flagey. Get ready to fight for a chair in the terrace on a sunday day and to wait a lot for service at the bar. Jazz gigs on Sunday evenings

Inexplicably popular Brussels institution where everyone goes rain or shine, but especially shine. Provides one of the best examples of how NOT to staff a bar...

Café Belga - one of my favourite places in Brussels! Always very relaxed atmosphere and laid-back audience. Live music every now and then - be prepared that the café is jam-packed on such occasions. Best bev: mint tea (with fresh mint leaves!). During summer, you have lots of space for sitting outside. Great side effect - fabulous frietkot nearby!

I'm not sure what the big fuss with Belga is all about. OK, the position is great and the feeling in the summer is lovely. Still, it's just a bar. Dunno...

When I was living in Ixelles, Café Belga was always packed. It's a great place to relax both in the morning and the evening, and the outdoor seating facing the lake makes for a great place to enjoy a drink on a summer evening. If you're in the area for the farmers market on Saturday morning in Place Flagey, stop by Café Belga. You can grab an outdoor table and enjoy coffee and speculoos or their fresh squeezed orange juice, which is delicious. In the evening, it is a nice low-key place to enjoy some beers with friends. The bar area remains crowded all day, whether you're waiting for café au lait or a cold beer, so get ready to wait!

My study abroad team loves cafe belga. It is a great place for coffee and a croissant in the morning, studying with hot chocolate in the afternoon, or going to get beers with friends in the evenings. It is packed full every evening with game nights on Tuesdays and other activities on the other nights. The Chouffe Houblon is a great Belgian beer that I would recommend! Apparently, they also have great sandwiches but I haven't tried them yet. I highly recommend it.

It's a cafeteria for beer. The decor is not very accomodating and the tables outside are made to churn turnover. It's probably one of those places to be seen. But no real substance and the beer selection was less than average. Won't go back unless someone drags me.

Nice place to meet students and young professionals people after work especially on summer. Do not go inside for quiet conversation or to chill out, too noisy!

One of the most classic cafes of Brussels. Excellent view and terrace for a sunny day. Live music on Thursdays, brunches on Sunday's. They have a great pistachio yogurt in their brunch. Food is rather limited, but OK quality. I wouldn't stop for dinner, but certainly for a beer, tea or cafe. Great meeting point to hang out with friends. Public of all kinds are there, Belgians, expats, students, families, single, couples, etc. it is a great melting pot of Brussels!

Waiters are always super busy and it takes forever to get food or drinks.

Very very rude Italian waiter. Spoiled the whole experience. Will make I get served my someone else next time it might make the experience a little bit better.

I like it! It's fast because you get drinks/food at the bar. Coffee is delicious, quinoa salad and fresh carrot soup too. In the evening we had some beers, as this is Belgium and a good selection for anyone.

Just the right place to chill with friends. Drinks are affordable, the service at the bar is fast and the crowd is a perfect mix.

Ok, le Belga a un emplacement de ouf, une immense terrasse et une vue sur les Etangs Mellaerts... Ainsi qu'un cadre rétro sympa. A part ça, What else ? Bah rien... C'est ça le problème. Le café est immonde, la "bouffe" c'est de l'empillage vite fait de 2-3 trucs que tu peux faire chez toi en 30 secondes, et ils arrivent même à foirer le coca. Comment foire-t-on un coca me direz-vous ? Bah en le servant chaud par exemple... La palme revient au service : fouillis et désagréable la plupart du temps. Une serveuse qui ne capte pas que c'est à ton tour alors que t'es devant elle depuis 5 minutes, qui daigne à peine te regarder, avant de demander à une autre cliente, qui vient d'arriver depuis 30 secondes dans la non-file, ce qu'elle veut. Là tu manifestes ton léger étonnement quand à la complicité manifeste du grillage de priorité par la cliente bobo-égoïste-moi-d'abord (un critère récurrent chez la clientèle des Belga, Maison du Peuple et autres Bar du Matin), ce qui te vaudra en plus de te faire enguirlander par la serveuse en question : "Bah faut vous manifester !!!" "Heuuu, tu veux quoi ? Que je te hurle dessus peut-être ? Etant donné que je suis devant toi depuis 5 minutes et que t'as fait semblant de m'ignorer avant d'aller demander à une quiche égocentrique qui vient de débarquer à l'autre bout du bar ce qu'elle veut ?" Cette histoire est basée sur des évènements réels et toute ressemblance avec des barmen-barmaids existants est totalement non-fortuite. Exception faite d'un serveur tatoué dont le côté quasi-souriant et sympa tranche radicalement avec le reste du staff. Ajoutons à cela la terrasse où tous les pigeons conformistes vont s'entasser par centaines comme des poules de batterie sur les mini-chaises en métal qui te bousillent le postérieur dès qu'y a un demi rayon de soleil, et le tableau est complet. A moins que le bruxellois soit légèrement masochiste ou zombie ascendant mouton de panurge, il y a quelque chose d'objectivement incompréhensible à continuer à fréquenter ce lieu de flagellation collective... Alors à un moment, tout excuser parce que c'est soi-disant une "institution bruxelloise", perso je dis stop...

love this place! it was super cheap and the people that work there are amazingly friendly... and cute. the food is easy, they give you the ingredients and you make it yourself. the brunch was great, but we ordered way too much food! ending up eating it all anyway.. haha

Ok. Just that. Some people have created this huge buzz around the whole 'Belga' idea, but in the end, the waiters are almost never friendly, the beer selection is the usual (not more, not less) and the crowd is on the noisy side. It's nicer at day-time.

Belga has a good location and decoration, however the service/staff is terrible. Many customers are treated in a rude way and it sorts of kill the vibe of the bar. Also, some waiters seem more focused in doing shots than serving customers. A pity, but treating customers with politeness is a must. A really disappointing place, would not recommend it to anyone.

I have been going to Belga for many years, because of its great location. Used to the arrogant bartenders I always choose to ignore their terrible and frankly rude customer service until last Friday that is. I have never been treated this badly in any other establishment. My mother was getting our lunch (which is sold at a separate little counter) I went to the bar to get our drinks, nothing complicated water and ice tea. I should also add that there were four bartenders and very few customers. Being ignored by all not even a smile or eye contact, they were too busy chatting and very slow coffee for some other customers. after 15 minutes trying to get their attention asked a bit louder for my drinks one appeared to have acknowledged it but continued to ignore me and made coffee again. When a fifth bartender appeared that seemed to be doing nothing I asked if he could just pleas give me my order and he just shook his head. I decided to abandon and went to go eat my food that was getting cold. After a little while a bar tender came all the way to our table without the drinks and said they are waiting for me at the bar. Having had it with their attitude I simply told him that now its too late. He started a huge scene shouting at me and saying he especially mad me those drinks. Then he angrily left and and came back with the drinks slamming them on the table spilling everywhere. I went to talk to the manager who turned out to be one of the earlier arrogant bartenders and he didn't seem to care at all about how my mother and I were treated. All that was left for us to do was leave.

Je me demande ce qu'ils ne comprennent pas sur les étiquettes de soft où il est indiqué "Servir très frais"???! Parce que franchement servir des softs tièdes et mettre deux glaçons pour "dire de" je trouve que c'est se moquer des clients! Pourquoi ne pas mettre les softs dans des frigos???!

I just don't understand the attraction of this place and yet people seem quite overjoyed to flock there night after night. Maybe it's the central position in Ixelles where there's nothing else going on anyway. (Try doing something that doesn't involve drinking beer on a night out) They don't host live bands, they don't play any particular sort of music on the Hi Fi and there's no dance floor. If your tourist guide says it's a local "hot spot" I would suggest you probably shouldn't believe what is written. Unless of course your definition of a great night out involves standing around drinking beer. As far as I know in the daytime it's a more than average café where people do the usual thing like sit around, and at nightfall it fills up with the party crowd. In my own experience it took me ages to get my drink from unconcerned/oblivious bar staff while getting nudged left and right by other thirsty people and once I had it there was nothing left to do than head outdoors and drink it.