Kortrijk

Kortrijk, also known in English as Courtrai or Courtray, is a Belgian city and municipality in the Flemish province of West Flanders. It is the capital and largest city of the judicial and administrative arrondissement of Kortrijk. With its mix of unique and historic architecture and bustling vibe, Kortrijk has a lot to offer. Take a scenic stroll along the beautiful River Leie that flows through the city and past the Broel Towers; it’s the perfect way to see Kortrijk’s picturesque sights. Then there’s also the Texture Museum, it's tell the story of the flax and linen industry and the Kortrijk 1302 multimedia museum. It was the first city in Flanders with an entirely pedestrian shopping street, and it continues to be one of the best places to shop. The city is surrounded by a diverse range of Belgian breweries. Within just 8 miles of the centre of Kortrijk, you can find the big family kingpins of the region, Omer Vander Ghinste and De Brabandere, the small and recently rebranded Eutropius, the ambitious Gulden Spoor, the artisanal recipes of ‘t Gaverhopke, the rock-star youth of Verzet and the understated class of Verhaege. (Updated July 2022)

Form More Information:-

Begijnhofpark (Parking Houtmarkt), 8500 Kortrijk T: +32 (0)56 27 78 40 Website

Gainsbar, Vlasmarkt 1

Open: Tues - Sun 14.00 - 01.00

Kortrijk's foremost has a kind of brown pub-like vibe to it, with a lot of attention for the live music scene as well. Inside there is a small room, with a bar at the back, after a couple of wide steps. They have 10 taps, with good Belgian classics and craft ones mixed with some really nice imports. The bottle list is extensive, around 100+ There is a nice terrace outside, attentive service and a good vibe. Even though it has New owners (2019) and it is not what it once was "beer" wise it's still, clearly among the better options for decent artisanal beer in the town of Kortrijk, very reasonably priced as well.

Vandyck Yvette Café (Café 'In De Wolken'), Begijhofstraat 17

Open: Thurs - Sun 11.30 - 19.30

Located at about 2 o’clock if you used the Grote Markt as being central and it is close by two large churches on Begijnhofstraat. Inside as it has a very modern appearance, it is a long rectangular bar with most of the tables and seating at the front, the bar starts about half way along with a few stools and regulars propping it up. One wall near the front has a great display of old records sleeves illustrating the owners passion for Blues, Jazz and Folk music from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. As you might expect the music in here is well chosen. The beer choice is very good, with 80-100 bottles, with a nice range of styles. This place is all about sitting back relaxing and a listening to some nice music.

Het Duivels Paterke, Harelbeeksestraat 29

Open: Tues - Sun 17.00 - 01.00

Located about a 7-8 minute brisk walk from the centre heading east and can be found on the corner of Vaartstraat and Harelbeeksestraat. It is a small Hotel/B&B, with very comfortable well appointed rooms, the rooms are all named after Trappist Breweries. The beer range is good with a huge selection of Trappist ales they have 8 taps and approx 30 bottles. The food is outstanding The Beef stew cooked in Chimay is the best and all cooked by the landlady. Inside the tables are made up for diners and so it is difficult to really get a feel for the place as a bar. As you enter from the corner the bar/serving area is off to the left.

deDingen, 12 Budastraat

Open: Thurs 18.00 - 00.00 Fri - Sat 10.00 - 01.00 Sun 10.00 - 18.00

A small quirky and cosy cafe/bar. The inside is a nice blend with old and new and there is a nice patio at the front. The beer menu is small but well-chosen with good stuff from the likes of Senne & Dupont. During the day they also serve food here. I love there multiple options for breakfast. As with most Kortrijk cafes, opening times are a seldom realised aspiration.

‘T Fonteintje, Handboogstraat 12

Open Mon - Sat 16.30 - 02.00

A truly a ‘locals’ cosy café / restaurant with excellent comfort food, and one of the oldest in Kortrijk, this café will provide you with an authentic drinking experience. A super atmosphere with very friendly service. Inside is dark and wood, with stools around the wood panelled bar that are more often than not full with locals. The back section offers intimate seating to catch up with friends. The beer list is small but very decent and you can enjoy some classic beers.

Souffleur, Schouwburgplein 16

Open: Daily 10.00 - 22.00

Located quite central, its in a square, about 5 minutes walk from the station and even less to Gainsbar. It has a lovely looking exterior as it is housed in a lovely stone building. The beer list is pretty good. Iinside is quite spacious and also fairly modern looking with a large bar area in the centre. The service is very good, swift and friendly. The beer choice whilst it didn't have much unusual stuff does provide a pretty wide range.

Jazz (Hoochie Coochie), Jan Persijnstraat 12

Open: Daily 16.00 - 02.00

This place will transport you from modern day West Flanders to the speakeasys of Chicago in the early 1900s!

Eirekedeirie Cafe Pub, Sint-Jansstraat 31

Open: Daily 15.00 - 11.00

An authentic local, brown pub. Cozy and pleasant atmosphere. A large 50+ beer menu at reasonable prices. A great place to sit and unwind.

Café des Arts, Hazelaarstraat 8

Open: Daily 18.00 - 04.00

A Student bar, with a tree covered patio at the front. Worth a look in?

The Lab - Social Club, Budastraat 8500

Open: Tues - Sun 18.00 - 00.00

If you wanna hang out in a relaxing atmosphere with plenty of wonderful drinks and food? This is the place for you!

Den Bras, Schouwburgplein 1

A lively bar by the train station and the scene of my first Westmalle Tripel.

Den Trap, Burgemeester Reynaertstraat 19

Open: Tues - Sun 16.00 - 05.00

If you're looking for the archetypal simple brown café: Den Trap is pure Perfection

‘t Mouterijtje, Kapucijnenstraat 25

Formerly a maltings, this is a more up-market restaurant and beer café.

Villa Pand.A, Conservatoriumplein 1

Open: Tues - Fri 11.00 - 01.00 Sat 14.00 - 01.00

A nice place for a drink. The open jam night once a month in winter, is pretty cool!
Busy at weekend, cool chill vibes, awesome beers, nice staff.

'T Paleitje Bockor, Koning Leopold I-straat 28

Open: Mon 12.00 - 23.00 Tues - Fri 10.00 - 23.00 Sat 17.00 - 00.00

A friendly and quiet bar,sitting in the center of Kortrijk. Definitely recommended, both indoors and outdoors!

Café De 3 Moren, Graanmarkt 9

Open: Thurs - Sat 20.00 - 00.00 Sun - Mon 17.00 - 00.00

A cosy café that becomes a Dance Club