BELGIUM - Best of Europe 2014 - page 233

Bars Offering Light Meals, Beer, and Ambience
(See “Bruges Restaurants” map, here . )
Mybestbudget-eatingtipforBruges:Stopintooneofthecity'sbarsforasimplemealanda
couple of world-class beers with great Bruges ambience. The last three pubs listed are in the
wonderfully gezellig (cozy) quarter, northeast of the Markt. Just walking out here is a treat
as it gets you away from the tourists.
The 't Brugs Beertje is young and convivial. Although any pub or restaurant carries
the basic beers, you'll find a selection here of more than 300 types, including seasonal
brews.Theyservelightmeals,includingpâté,spaghetti,toastedsandwiches,andatradition-
al cheese plate. You're welcome to sit at the bar and talk with the staff (€12 for splittable
platewith5cheeses,bread,andsalad;Thu-Tue16:00-24:00,closedWed,Kemelstraat5,tel.
050-339-616, run by fun-loving manager Daisy). Daisy's on a mission to sell the world on
the wonders of beer and cheese rather than wine and cheese.
De Garre (deh-HHHHAHR-rah) is another good place to gain an appreciation of the
Belgian beer culture. Rather than a noisy pub scene, it has a dressy, sit-down-and-focus-on-
your-friend-and-the-fine-beer vibe. It's mature and cozy with tables, light meals (cold cuts,
pâtés, and toasted sandwiches), and a huge selection of beers, with heavy beers being the
forte (Tue-Sun 12:00-24:00, closed Mon, additional seating up tiny staircase, off Breidel-
straat between Burg and the Markt, on tiny Garre alley, tel. [phone]).
Café Terrastje is a cozy pub serving light meals. Enjoy the subdued ambience inside,
or relax on the front terrace overlooking the canal and heart of the gezellig district (€6-8
sandwiches, €10-18 dishes; food served Fri-Mon 12:00-21:00, open until 23:30; Tue
12:00-18:00; closed Wed-Thu; corner of Genthof and Langerei, tel. [phone], Ian and
Patricia).
HerbergVlissinghe istheoldestpubintown(1515).Brunokeepsthingsbasicandlaid-
back, serving simple plates (lasagna, grilled cheese sandwiches, and famous €8 angel-hair
spaghetti) and great beer in the best old-time tavern atmosphere in town. This must have
been the Dutch Masters' rec room. The garden outside comes with a boules court—free
for guests to watch or play (Wed-Sat 11:00-24:00, Sun 11:00-19:00, closed Mon-Tue,
Blekersstraat 2, tel. [phone]).
Pub 't Gezelleke lacks the mystique of the Vlissinghe, but it's a true neighborhood pub
offering spaghetti and a few basic plates and a good chance to drink with locals (if you sit at
the bar). Its name is an appropriate play on the word for cozy and the name of a great local
poet (daily 11:00-24:00, but closed Sun and Wed, Carmersstraat 15, tel. [phone], Jean
de Bruges). Don't come here to eat outdoors.