Best Beer Cafes In Bruges: Where To Drink Authentic Belgian Beer

Why Bruges Is One of Belgium’s Best Cities for Beer

Belgium’s beer culture is world-famous, but Bruges adds something extra: a perfectly preserved medieval city centre that turns every drink into an atmosphere. Many bars operate in historic buildings, some in cellars with vaulted brick ceilings, others in traditional taverns that feel unchanged for generations. Bruges also has its own city beers and an active brewing presence, meaning you can combine classic Belgian styles with local favourites.

In Bruges, the best beer cafe is usually not defined by hype. It is defined by a strong Belgian beer selection, proper glassware, knowledgeable staff, and a setting that makes you want to stay longer than planned.

Best Beer Cafes in Bruges

1) t Brugs Beertje

If there is one place that belongs on every Bruges beer list, it is the Brugs Beertje. This iconic beer cafe is known for its warm, intimate interior and a legendary menu that can feel like a Belgian beer encyclopedia.

Beer Highlights

• A very large Belgian selection that spans Trappist ales, abbey beers, lambics, strong blondes, dubbels, tripels, and more
• Staff who genuinely help you choose based on what you like
• Occasional rare or vintage bottles

Good for

• Beer lovers who want variety and expert guidance
• Travellers who want a classic Bruges beer pub experience

2) De Garre

De Garre is a Bruges classic hidden down a narrow alley near the main sightseeing streets. It is famous for one reason above all: its strong house tripel served with cheese, and an atmosphere that feels like a secret found by lucky travellers.

Beer Highlights

• A well-chosen Belgian list with many classics
• The signature house tripel that is only served here

Good for

• Travellers who love hidden gems
• Anyone who wants to try an iconic house beer

3) Cafe Vlissinghe

For travellers who love history as much as beer, Cafe Vlissinghe offers something rare: a beer stop that feels like living heritage. Often described as Bruges’ oldest cafe, this is a peaceful choice in the quieter Sint-Anna area.

Beer Highlights

• A solid Belgian classics selection
• An experience built around atmosphere rather than extremes

Good for

• Quiet afternoons
• Travellers who want a traditional setting away from crowds

4) Bierbrasserie Cambrinus

Cambrinus is the place to go if you want a huge beer list and the option to eat a proper Belgian meal alongside it. It combines the spirit of a beer cafe with the convenience of a brasserie.

Beer Highlights

• One of the largest beer menus in Bruges
• A wide range of Belgian styles, including strong classics and approachable options

Food Highlights

• Belgian and Flemish dishes that work well with beer
• A good choice if your group wants both beer and food in one place

Good for

• Lunch or dinner with beer
• Groups with mixed preferences

5) Le Trappiste Brugge

Le Trappiste is a cellar bar that combines a dramatic setting with a strong range of taps. It is an excellent pick if you want a beer-focused night in a medieval-feeling space.

Beer Highlights

• A strong tap selection and a broad bottle range
• Good variety beyond a single style

Good for

• Evening beer sessions
• Travellers who love cellar bars and a social vibe

6) 2be - The Beer Wall

If you want one of the most scenic beer stops in Bruges, 2be is hard to beat. The famous Beer Wall makes it a fun photo stop, but the real charm is the canal-side terrace.

Beer Highlights

• A curated selection that covers Belgian favourites
• A simple way to try a Belgian beer with a view

Good for

• Afternoon drinks
• Travellers who care about scenery and atmosphere

7) Bourgogne des Flandres Brewery and Cafe

For travellers who want a brewery setting without leaving the historic centre, Bourgogne des Flandres is a great option. It blends a small brewery experience with a comfortable tasting house.

Beer Highlights

• The signature Bourgogne des Flandres beer and related options
• Tasting flights that help you sample more than one style

Good for

• Daytime brewery visits
• Travellers who enjoy tastings and a calmer atmosphere

8) Brouwerij De Halve Maan

De Halve Maan is Bruges’ most famous brewery and the home of Brugse Zot. Even if you do not join a tour, the brewery brasserie is a rewarding stop for fresh local beer.

Beer Highlights

• Fresh Brugse Zot and other brewery beers
• A top choice if you want to drink the city’s local favourites at their source

Food Highlights

• A full brasserie menu, ideal for a sit-down meal

Good for

• Travellers who want the main Bruges brewery experience
• Lunch or afternoon drinks with a brewery backdrop

9) Cafe Rose Red

Cafe Rose Red is one of the best choices in Bruges if you want a Trappist-focused experience in a cosy, slightly hidden setting. It is comfortable, atmospheric, and designed for people who enjoy slow sipping.

Beer Highlights

• Strong emphasis on Trappist and abbey beers
• A well-chosen Belgian list with depth beyond the basics

Food Highlights

• More food options than many beer bars, which makes it convenient

Good for

• Trappist fans
• A calmer evening venue

10) t Poatersgat

If you like underground bars with character, t Poatersgat is a must. This cellar bar is known for its energetic atmosphere and a strong Belgian beer selection.

Beer Highlights

• A broad Belgian list with interesting choices

Food Highlights

• One of the practical benefits: it can also be a late-night food stop compared to many beer-only venues

Good for

• Late-night drinks
• Groups looking for a social atmosphere

Suggested Beer Crawl Routes in Bruges

Route A: Classic Bruges Beer Icons

• De Halve Maan (start with a local Brugse Zot)
• De Garre (house tripel experience)
• t Brugs Beertje (finish with the biggest selection)

Route B: Cellar Bars and Atmosphere

• Le Trappiste (vaulted cellar setting)
• t Poatersgat (underground late-night vibe)
• Cafe Rose Red (calm finish with Trappist choices)

Route C: Scenic Afternoon Beer Breaks

• Bourgogne des Flandres (brewery taproom and terrace)
• 2be Beer Wall (canal view stop)
• Cafe Vlissinghe (quiet historic cafe)

Practical Tips for Drinking Beer in Bruges

• Belgian beer is often stronger than expected. Many tripels and quads are well above standard strength.
• Most venues serve each beer in its correct glass. This is part of the tradition.
• If you are sampling multiple beers, alternate with water.
• The most popular places can fill up in the evening. Going slightly earlier improves comfort.
• If you want a full meal, choose a brasserie or brewery restaurant rather than a pure beer bar.

Quick Comparison for Travellers

Category	Best Beer Cafes in Bruges
Best for Biggest Beer Menu	t Brugs Beertje Cambrinus
Best for a Signature House Beer	De Garre
Best for History and Quiet Daytime Atmosphere	Cafe Vlissinghe
Best for a Brewery Setting in the City	De Halve Maan Bourgogne des Flandres
Best for Cellar-Bar Atmosphere	Le Trappiste t Poatersgat
Best for Scenic Drinking	2be Beer Wall
Best for Trappist Focus	Cafe Rose Red