After years of lying in the shadow of Antwerp and Bruges, Ghent, with its quaint cobbled streets and winding canals, is finally starting to get the recognition that it deserves. The locals, while intensely proud of their city, are very modest and would never brag about its merits. One reason, perhaps, why it has taken so long for the rest of the world to discover this little gem. Its 900-plus listed buildings are testament to the fact that not only did it survive the World Wars pretty much intact, but also that it was a very wealthy city in medieval times, having been Europe's largest cloth producer and the Continent's largest city outside Paris. Until fairly recently this was understandable because Ghent’s history as an industrial centre resulted in the city suffering from industrial pollution that covered its antique buildings in layers of grime. In the 1980’s there began a big clean-up and restoration of these buildings. The scruffier parts of the city tidied up and the canals cleaned. Today that massive undertaking has been completed and the city has been given a fresh lease of life. The PATERSHOI was one of these run down districts that was an eyesore, but the refurbishment of these 17th Century houses has made it one of the trendiest parts of town.
The city centre is very accessible and walk-able and has some excellent beer cafes. So let’s start with 25-ishbreweries (August 2022) then a few of the better beer cafe's in that area before venturing further afield;
Huyghe Brewery, Geraardsbergsesteenweg 14b, Melle
This family-owned brewery has a compact, fully modernised production facility. Have a tour on a weekday to see it in operation, as they shut down on the weekend. After your tour there's a cosy tasting room where you can try the different beers. This Brewery if famous for Delirium Tremens. {Delirium Tremens: Is a rapid onset of confusion usually caused by withdrawal from alcohol.} This brewery tour is beyond anything you can have expect and the output of this brewery is downright impressive. A state-of-the-art plant. The end of the tour is by far the best part! You got to try the beers that are only available there at the brewery! Really worth checking out if you are in this region of Europe. They are the staple known around the world.
De Wilde Brouwers, Hundelgemsesteenweg 310, Merelbeke
A beautiful brewery in a historic building. A tastefully decorated café, were you are surrounded by murals by artist Matthieu Ronsse and with a view of the brewing kettles, also with a retro terrace and enthusiastic owner and of course delicious beers. Organically brewed from rainwater. Lots of specialty beers. More than worth a visit especially with very tasty beers and beautiful stories about the building and the wild brewers. NOTE: Only open Friday evening, so why not combine your visit to the cafe with a tour.
Stroom, Forelstraat 27
A quality small local brewery. Were you can have a drink or pick up some fresh beer. Recommended. A really nice set up inside. Great beer and great service!
Farrell (the brewer) was previously a brewer at Humboldt & Gauss. Now his dream is coming true and he has his own brewpub. They are a Belgian-American outfit with a progressive mentality towards brewing. Brewery tours can be booked for groups of 8 or more. A tour consists of a 45 minute explanation of the brewery and philosophy, followed by tasters of 4 of their beers for €15 per person.
DOK Brewing Company, Dok-Noord 7, Hall 16
Located in an abandoned harbour-industrial complex, about 25-30 mins walk from the cathedral. Inside there's a great old vintage industrial look, with art and big crystal lamps, plus great northern lights. A nice outdoor terrace with plenty of space. The whole site has been turned into a retail park, so you can do your non-beery stuff as well. As you enter this brewpub you're confronted with 30 taps of awesome craft beer. DOK Brewing Co is a shining star in the fledgling if currently exploding Belgian "craft beer" scene. Here's a prime destination for those exploring the newly developing area of Gent Noord, until recently utterly derelict. For food there are lots of restaurants, patisserie, and a bakery so lots of alternative foodie treats, with ample seating space, all open to drinkers and eaters alike. Really helpful staff with great experience and really helpfully and interested in what they are doing. A must do visit for any beer enthusiast. 😜
Brouwerij BlommeCaes, Ghent, Vlaanderen
A nano brewery; The brewing installation is completely self-built by means of various parts that were purchased separately. Their brewery is electrically controlled, quite unique for a brewery of that size. The brewery can be viewed on request, send an email to brewery@tripeljohanna.be
Microbrouwerij 't Atelier, Ghent, Vlaanderen
A hobby brewery ‘t Atelier was born because of a fascination and passion for brewing beer with owner Mathias Vanoverschelde.
Brouwbar, Oudburg 70a-72a
A small cosy brewpub with a modern 'hipster' atmosphere. The interior is very plain with full length doors/windows that open and onto the pavement patio in front. It's brightly lit, white wall, utterly sober, lots of space at the two-sided bar with some tables at the sides. The owners, Benjamin & Jolien, are enthusiastic, friendly and knowledgeable. All the beers sold are brewed on site and you can see the stainless steel brew kit at the rear. Definitely recommended for beer geeks and tickers, because these people are forgetting about the traditional Belgian styles and venturing into 'modern' craft beer.😃
Gruut (Gentse Stadsbrouwerij), Rembert Dodoensdreef 1
Situated in quite an odd place, that look's like and old fashioned warehouse. A small brew house in which they brew traditional styled non-hopped and gruut-based beers. It is a peculiar hall stuffed with extraordinary, if a bit funky and unusual pieces of furniture and memorabilia. The brewing kit is well visible and all the smells tell you that the place is real and in use. So the beers are not to everyone´s taste but well worth a try. They beer flight (5 styles x 0.15 glass) with some bread, cheese and pickles for a great price. Cool and friendly staff. Otto says a very good beer place, the beer is very special here as they use a spice called gruut instead of hops.🙃
Brouwerij Haeseveld, Alfons Braeckmanlaan 430
The location is just so beautiful. Horses, pony's, a small country museum with a Hobbit looking house. Wonderful outdoor patio with "games" for the kids. Inside this old factory its a huge place like a beer hall with the shiny copper brew kit at one end with the stainless steel tanks at the back. Exceptionally friendly staff. I recommend the strong dark, for those who appreciate a dark beer with character. A great place to visit and have a few beers and a meal.
Kasuta Craft Beers, Zwaantjesstraat 17, 9090 Melle
Kasuta is an artisanal microbrewery. Were they strive to create beers that challenge the taste buds yet are beautifully balanced. They like to experiment with herbs, exotic hops and ingredients that you wouldn't immediately associate with beer. Kasuta is the Babylonian name for hops.
Slaapmutske bvba, Oefenpleinstraat 15, Melle
Slaapmutske literally translates as “sleeping hat” but in this case, it means “the last beer that is drunk before going to sleep”. A great brewery run by a young couple who started off home brewing. Possible to call and see if you can visit the plant?
Tourette Brewing, Gentbrugge, Vlaanderen
Tourette Brewing are a collective of brewers, zythologists and beer lovers. Based in Ghent, Belgium. Their story is one of encounters, passion for beer and a shared sense of humor. Somewhat off, not always politically correct. That’s also how they chose their name! and that’s how they brew, for the fun of it. They work together with brouwerij Maenhout, where they brew their recipes together. They daydream about their very own brewpub in Ghent. Hopefully when they're all grown up! Who knows?
De Laatste Drinker, Blankenbergestraat
The Last Drinker sets the standard for gypsy brewing that the entire process is carried out by them. So they brew themselves! This enables him to monitor and guarantee the quality of the beer for 100%. The name of the brewery is based on a short story by W.F. Hermans entitled 'The Last Smoker'.
The Ministry of Belgian Beer Vof, Antwerpsesteenweg 1058
A team of three brewers who love pilsner. They have brewed a beer called 13 is a 100% craft pilsner, unfiltered and unpasteurised, made from Belgian hops, Belgian barley, water and some yeast. They worked on our brew for two years to achieve that perfect taste. With the 13th brew, we really hit the bullseye.
BeerSelect, Poortakkerstraat 37D
A brewery set up by a group of beer enthusiasts. Here you can brew you own recipes on a modern state of the art brew kit, using all the best ingredients. What a great idea. You can do a tour and taste the different beers that have recently been brewed. Great work and this place deserves to go from strength to strength. Cheers to beers 🍻.
NAFT - Brandstof VOF, Bromeliastraat 81
A really cool set up. The beer actually gets poured out of an antiquie fuel pump! How Cool is that? They are a gyps brew and brew mostly at Beerselect brewery in Ghent. You walk to the NAFT pump and are met by tough gas station attendants who seemingly come straight from a 1970s garage to serve you fresh NAFT straight from the pump. A unique NAFT glass is filled up and placed in your hand.
Brouwerij 't Bestuur, Oscar Colbrandtstraat 43b
A gypsy brewer, based out of Beerselect in Ghent. Started on September 8, 2021
Crabbelaer Bieren Gent, & Brouwerij De 6 Helmen, Vijfwindgatenstraat 21E
Crabbelaer was the name of the most popular beer in Ghent in the 16th century. Today the beers are still thoroughly Gents. They proudly wear the Ghent colors black and white, in honor of the rebellious and stubborn inhabitants of our city.
Wildebrasse, Heernisplein
Wildebrasse Brewery (gypsy brewery) was founded by some friends with the same passion for 'better beers'. And not only at the counter, but also at the brew kettle. They currently have two beers: “Het Zwarte Gat”, a dark triple and “Blonde Wildebrasse”, a refreshing and subtle blonde.
De Proefbrouwerij, Doornzelestraat 20, Lochristi-Hijfte
A nice little brewery with friendly staff. Tours available check out the web-site. De Proefbrouwerij was founded in 1996
and is specifically equipped for the development and production of
beers for third parties like Mikkeller, To Ol, Beers52 etc...
Kantien, Kanodreef
This is essentially the cantina of the Ghent rowing-club, which owns the building, situated right next to the Watersportbaan, an artificial lake where all kinds of water sports are practiced. Perhaps not the most likely place to find specialty beers, but a beautiful environment with a large terrace offering an interesting view on the lake and its water sport fans. Now apparently managed by The Ministry of Belgian Beer, which is the obvious explanation for the beer selection here, which is quite extensive: local craft beers of course, emphasis on the new Ghent beer scene. The food is mainly tapas which were very good. A really nice place to visit as a beer lover in Ghent. 🤪
Bierwinkel De Hopduvel, Coupure Links 625
Open; Tue - Sat: 10:00 - 18:00
In the 1980’s it was owned and run by the eccentric Toon DENOOZE, who also commissioned beers to be made to his recipes. Belgians have a love of puns, Flemish for a noose is Stropken, so Tony used the pun on his surname and called his beer Sropken. The Hopduvel is a Tardis of a pub. The entrance looks like the front door of a suburban terraced house and you walk into a huge establishment of many rooms with a list of almost 125 beers kept and presented in immaculate condition.
Note: The above review is of the old address. Hopefully I will be able to visit the new site soon and provide more upto date information. Until then please check their web page.
Bar Beenhouwer, Annonciadenstraat 4
Located not much more than two yards from a tram stop (quite literally), it is easy to reach both from Sint-Pieters-Station and from the city centre. A great new addition to the Ghent beer scene, a small hole in the wall, but with a whooping 15 tap lines, featuring a nice mix of Belgian classics, and Belgian and international modern craft beers. Also a nice bottle/can list going on, which features new beers almost weekly. It's quite small inside, with a dog-leg shape and bar on the right at the rear. There are two tables outside, though these benefit from being sheltered from any inclement weather. It's quite narrow inside, the wall decoration depicts various aspects of the butchery craft and the fine meats on offer, there are also glass skylights to let in natural light. The beer board is behind the bar on the left hand wall. Prices for the beer are very good, but be aware this place is card only.
DE DULLE GREIT, 50, Vrijdagmart
Open; Sunday: 12.00 - 19.00, Monday from 16.30 -
01.00, Other days: 12.00 - 01.00
Named after the huge 16 ton canon which looks over the river Leie, it translates as Mad Margaret. Loud and busy at weekends, other times it is possible to have a quiet drink and contemplate their list of around 200 beers. Although known for its occasionally surly service, the bar is still well worth a visit and is famous in all the guidebooks for taking hostage of footwear as deposit for Kwak glasses. Also watch out for the deadly staircase to the toilets. Food is limited to ham and cheese sandwiches.
Het Waterhuis aan de Bierkant ; Groentenmarkt 9
Open; Daily: 11.00 - 02.00
Another pun, “The Waterhouse at the Beerside!” Friendly, helpful staff with an excellent choice on a well set out list of around 150 beers, 14 on draught with a special beer of the month featured, and if you want a snack, try the spicy sausages, mmmmm. It is situated on one of the finest terraces in Ghent with panoramic views of the river; the lovely spacious terrace facing the river can get busy in good weather and is shared with Eethuisje – the café next door. Upstairs overspill bar if necessary.
De Geus van Gent, Kantienberg 9
Located in the university area, a bit far from the historic centre but easy and interesting to get there, since its terrace overlooks the Sint-Pietersabdij stop of the Watertram, so you already have a good excuse to navigate the canals and have a beer. The place is very large, it is like an old factory or warehouse, different rooms and different environments, leather sofas, armchairs, benches, tables, chairs, stools, the truth is that this place is very cool, each room painted in a different way, including the ceilings, paintings, each lamp is a story, not to mention the coat racks! It does not have that classic Belgian profile and that bohemian / vintage air gives it an extra point of added value. As for beer, they have 20 tap and about 100 bottles, obviously the traditional Belgian cut predominates, but there are many Belgian and Dutch microbreweries virguerias wanting to give a further twist. A must do visit.😜
Uncle Babe’s Burger Bar, Sluizekenstraat 2
A modern looking burger restaurant and also a bit cocktail bar at night. The interior is quite modern or fancy, rather simple though, some dark wood, lots of bottles for the cocktails behind the bar, dimmed light and the bathrooms are decorated with newspapers. American owned, the formula is great, fresh burgers and craft beer (some good Belgians and American imports). The staff was super friendly and helpful, chatty, knowledgeable and qualified. The burgers taste amazing. The American import beer menu is fun, with really excellent and kind of hard to acquire breweries. Prices are high for Belgium, but hey were else can you find this quality of USA craft beers. Definitely worth a visit!
Café De Gentenaar, Vlaanderenstraat 68
Not a huge beer list, just a comfortable old pub, the oldest in Ghent and the last of its kind left in the centre.
“The Little Gallows House”, where the condemned prisoners went for their last drink. It has a list of about 60 beers. One of the claimants to being Ghent’s oldest bar it dates back to the 17th Century and it probably could also win the competition to be the smallest. A bonus there is a superb restaurant in the basement set in the 13th century cellars.
De Stokerij, Tichelrei 2a
A beautiful restaurant located in the Patershol quarter of Ghent. Set in an old distillery building with smokestack makes this a very trendy, and cosy place. Small yet very tasty beer menu. A cool atmosphere.
Café Den Turk, Botermarkt 3
Established in 1228, this is Ghent's oldest bar! Quite small, but a very nice brown café (traditional bar) with lots of great beers! Check out the wooden boxes at the far right end of the bar, where customers used to put their savings into a box for a nice weekend treat at the bar! Faint music playing in the background and the people around you determine your atmosphere. Young and old, rich and poor, locals and tourists all come here. Its a place to connect, and to try some special beer. The menu selection is moderately extensive, and their choice of beers is a good selection. Also available are all kinds of snacks to accompany the beer or whiskey. Worth a visit if you`re in the area...make it a worthwile memory and enjoy it with a decent beer.
Backdoor Café, Sint-Amandstraat 26
Sint-Jorishof, Botermarkt 2
Open all days: 16.00 - 03.00
A split-level bar with a beer list of around 140 beers with a nice spread of Lambics. Seven draught beers including two house beers. The full list of Trappists beers. Classical music adds to the ambience.
‘t Dreupelkot, Groentenmarkt 12,
One of only 5 or 6 Genever bars in Belgium. Owned by Pol, who is to be found behind the bar. Although no beers are sold, the list of over 150 Genevers is excellent. They are listed under the various distillers (20+) with strength and flavour shown ranging from 20 degrees fruit based genevers (grapefruit, lemon, cherry…) up to a 50 degree Thor. A classic must visit bar. Be careful though, Genever is not for the weak! Only a 3-min walk from the Gravensteen.
Folklore, Lange Steenstraat 69
This bar is definitely a must if you're visiting the city, local vibes and the people that run the bar are very kind and fun. Cafe Folklore is potentially the last independent Volkscafe in Gent. You can get Jupiler and Stella from the tap. The owners are a lovely couple that have been in the trade for ages. The interior is unique and real. When you are lucky they are just serving kroakemandels as a snack with your beer, a true and rare specialty from Gent. Sadly, these kind of places hardly exist anymore and will be gone in a few of years. So enjoy it while it lasts and definitely pay Cafe Folklore a visit.
Eetkaffee Multatuli, Huidevetterskaai 40
This place is really cool, a nice cosy old school restaurant with an emphasis on beer. It really is a lovely building inside, brick floors, wonderful heavy wooden staircases really beautiful. The inside court yard is quite big or there is a patio at the front on the street, so if the weather permits, go sit outside! The staff are very friendly and professional. The food is simple but delicious. A must visit beer restaurant in Ghent.
Aba Jour, Oudburg 20
Open; Sat - Sun: 15.00 till ? Other days: 11.00 till ?
An Art-Deco bar with cane chairs and a nice atmosphere. There is a small overspill bar down steps near the water’s edge from where you can watch the barges and boats go by. Westmalle Dubbel, La Chouffe and one from Dupont on draught plus about 60 other beers including a good spread of Lambics and Trappists. Italian-based cuisine is served.
Barrazza, Hoefslagstraatje 6
Located right in the center, the strong point of this brewery is its picturesque terrace on the banks of the River Lys, on the shore it conecteded to Kraanlei street. Inside it seems like a fairly large house. As for beer, there are 4 tap and more than 250+ bottles. In short this place is very cool and the magical terrace will attract you to stop for a beer. 😎
't Gouden Mandeken, Pensmarkt 9
Open; Saturday and Sunday from 15.00 till ? Other days 11.00 till ?
This 13th Century grain cellar at the end of the meat market has about 35 beers and a nice feel to the place.
't Vosken, Sint Baafsplein 19
Foederbier from tap ! Well worth a visit to see what beers they have usually from the extended Palm portfolio. Next door you will find ‘The Bridge’ which serves good traditional Flemish food until 22.30 each day and has enough good beers to keep you happy.
Herberg 't Velootje; Kalversteeg 2-4
Open; According the bartender's mood !
Number of beers: 55. A strange yet atmospheric bar with a perfusion of bicycles hung from the ceiling. This bar is seen as a great laugh for its idiosyncrasy and individuality by some and a sad rip-off tourist trap by others. Make your own mind up?
Het Oeverloze Eiland, Oudburg 19
Open from 14.00.
Open from 17.00.
The exposed brickwork and stairs to a second floor set the scene. Beer menu runs around 50 but has some absolute gems. Good proper Tapas not just the usual ‘Flemish Tapas’ of Cheese and salami. It is a beautiful place to visit.
Belga Queen; Graslei 10
Open all days from 10.30 till ? Number of beers: 35
This imposing 13th century Grain warehouse has undergone a major transition in recent years to become one of Ghent's most fashionable restaurants. The Belgian cuisine is given a very national touch through the addition of beer to numerous dishes. High-quality products are chosen with care from local suppliers. The wines come from Belgian producers and the Ponti coffee is from a selection of 'pure Arabica' coffee beans from various continents and roasted locally. All these characteristics make the brasserie Belga Queen the ambassador of "Made in Belgium". A brasserie for a business dinner or for a meal with friends and family.
Bierhuis Castel; Koningin Maria Hendrikaplein 9
Open from Thursday till Tuesdays from 11.00 till 23.00, Closed on Wednesdays and Holidays. Number of beers: 160
Brasserie
Deus; Vlaanderenstraat 128
Open; Sundays: 18.00 till 24.00, Other days: 11.30 till 01.00; Number of beers: 160
Het
Trappistenhuis; Brabantdam 164
Open; Saturday from 17.00 - 02.00, Other days: 11.00 - 02.00, Closed on Sunday.
An old school traditional Belgian bar, with couches and plenty of space inside, as well as a few outdoor tables. Nice ambiance for sure. Easy to find, not far from center. The focus is on Trappist beers. You will certainly not go thirsty here, but you aren’t likely to find anything crazy either.
De Brouwzaele; Ter Platen 17-19
Open; Daily: 11.00 - 03.00. Number of beers: 105
Kaffee A
Capella; Godshuizenlaan 33
Open; Closed on Mondays, Tuesday till Thursday : 11.30 - 01.00, Friday and Saturday: 11.30 - 03.00, Sunday : 11.30 - 01.00, Yearly vacation: The two first weeks of September. Number of beers: 61
Open in summer all days from 1pm; Winter time: Mon, Tue, Thu and Fri from 3.30 pm, Wed, Sat and Sun from 2 pm. Number of beers: 115
L'Enfant Terrible; Bij Sint-Jacobs 13
Open; Closed on Tuesdays, Other days from 8.30 till ? Number of beers: 40
Wolf & Fox Brewery, Ghent
Three rugby coaches with a mission to make Cider in a country dominated by beer brewers. The brewery presses the juice itself and does not work with juice concentrates. This creates more flavor in their products and we do not need to use flavor additives, added sugars and any yeast inhibitors. Their product is made as natural as possible, they only brew small batches. The founders of Wolf & Fox Brewery are based in Ghent.
I hope you found my guide to the brewpubs and bars in Ghent useful?
Now you just need to get yourself out there and start the beer adventure for yourself!
Go grab a locally brewed pint (or 2) and support your local brewers!
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