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Built in 1914 the Greenwich café is the well-known meeting point of Brussels chess players where at any time of day or night multiple groups of players abound inside. The original decor completed in 1916 gives the pub its pleasant and authentic feel, where probably little changed from the time Magritte apparently frequented the place. A great place to relax in a calm environment while playing or simply watching a good game of chess.

Location of the Greenwich café:

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Photos of Greenwich café

Approching the pub with its outside terrace

The tables in the middle are reserved for the chess players

Closer look at the chess players

Corner view from my seat

The back near the toilets

The Greenwich seen from all the way in the back

Tags: bar, cafe, chess, Greenwich

A rather large English style pub spread over three floor the Drug Opera bar and restaurant takes its name from an old pharmacy that used to occupy previously the same location. Place is rarely ever packed so it makes it a good spot for a drink or some quick food in a calm decor away from the hustle and bustle.

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Photos of the Drug Opera from outside during the day

The main entrance of the Drug Opera

Close up of the drug opera sign

The imposing bar: First thing you see as you enter

swirling around the bar

View all the way to the end of the downstairs portion

At the end looking back catching a glimpse of the 2nd floor

Stair going upstairs

2nd floor of Drug Opera pub

lots of Empty seats

Looking down this time at the 1st floor

3rd and last floor not quite opened yet

Drug Opera seen at night this time again from the exterior

Tags: bar, brussels, bruxelles, cafe, drug opera, Restaurant

In the trendy Halles St.Géry area the Mappa Mundo café is a popular hang with a cosmopolitan crowd set inside a cozy and warm extravagant decor. The terrace is always packed with people in the summertime. Though it features a good selection of beers the Cocktails menu is quite limited but the excellent Caipirinhas, Strawberry Margaritas and Mojitos which are sold by the glass or liter make up for it.

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The Mappa Mundo café from the outside

The entrance door seen from inside

On one side of the café you can find a more laid back and cosy section

From the back

The main bar section made of marble

Sitting at the other end of the café with its exterior totally opened

Another view from the stairs leading to the 1st floor

Upstairs section of the Mappa Mundo bar

Even more intimate section in the back

Looking at place Saint Géry from outside the window

Back downstairs

Last glimpse from outside of Mappa Mundo bar leaving

Tags: bars, brussels, bruxelles, cafe, Mappa Mundo, Saint Géry, St Gery

Strategically located right in the trendy place Saint Géry Le Roi des Belges is a popular laid back atmosphere café with a nice terrace and some good background music. Calm during the daytime it gets quite busy and packed at night sometimes featuring a DJ. The menu offers a mix of good but simple foods for a snack, a decent choice of beers, coffee and cold drinks. At the first floor there’s a cocktail bar that has a large selection of drinks with a daily 2 for 1 happy hour starting at 18:00.

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Photo right In front of Le Roi des Belges

View from inside Le Roi des Belges café

Trappistes Rochefort

Cocktail bar at the first floor

View from the window at the first floor of Le Roi des Belges

Bartender preparing to open the Cocktail bar

People at the outside terrace

Tags: bars, brussels, bruxelles, cafe, Le Roi des Belges, Saint Géry, St Gery

The Café Metropole is the bar and restaurant of the prestigious Hotel of the same name. Superbly decorated it is the last 19th century French Renaissance-style Hotel to have survived in Brussels. The magnificent terrace is heated during the winter but it’s inside that you can really experience the luxurious decor.

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The entrance of the Metropole hotel and the Cafe Metropole terrace behind it

The terrace itself from the other side

Well dressed waiters provide table service

The posh view sitting inside the Café Metropole from one corner

My choice from the six page menu arrived

Crystal chandeliers and high-ceilings are all part of the luxurious decor

Marble fireplace and bar in the back

View from the bar this time

Tags: bars, brussels, bruxelles, cafe, cafe metropole, hotel metropole