Antwerp has plenty of archetypal brown cafes where the atmosphere is cosy and the beer list long. Plan a pub tour or make yourself comfortable in your favourite café.
Den Engel
Possibly Antwerp's most famous café. Boasting authentic character, a history that dates back to the 14th century, tasty beers and tables outside to enjoy the view, Den Engel on Grote Markt is certainly a phenomenon. The large clock in the café is always at five to twelve, so you'll never be too late going home.
Grote Markt 3, Historic Centre
Den Bengel
In the guild house next door, there's Den Bengel, a cosy brown café with a long list of beers, affordable prices and a large terrace. On Friday and Saturday evenings, the café is transformed into a small dance temple.
Paters Vaetje
In the shadow of the cathedral, you'll find Paters Vaetje, one of the better brown cafés with a large selection of Trappist beers, geuzes and seasonal beers. The magnificent wooden bar cabinet and leaded windows add an extra dimension. Can't find a seat? Go up the stairs and see if there is still room on the balcony.
Blauwmoezelstraat 1, Historic Centre
Café De Pelikaan
There is always a cheerful vibe in this wonderful Antwerp local. Despite its renovation, the authentic nature of De Pelikaan lives on. Extra benefits: an extensive beer selection, democratic prices and a cosy terrace from which you can watch the world go by on Melkmarkt.
Quinten Matsijs
Quinten Matsijs is Antwerp's oldest café and referred to by residents as the brownest of them all. The building has been an inn since 1565. Medieval paintings, a 250-year-old barrel game, leaded windows: the interior is oozing with history.
In Den Boer van Tienen
Antwerp's second oldest café has been on Mechelseplein since around 1645. In Den Boer van Tienen naturally has a long list of beers, but you can also enjoy some simple dishes. When the weather is good, it is lovely to relax on the large terrace.
Mechelseplein 6, Theatre District
De Duifkens
Antwerp authenticity, brown and the fun goes on until late. De Duifkens is not only the local for theatre actors and lovers, it is also a cosy café for a pint and a chat. In short, a café that should certainly be included on your pub tour.
Graanmarkt 5, Theatre District
Billie's Bier Kafétaria
At Billie's Bier Kafétaria, you'll taste mostly Belgian and local craft beers. Their typical Belgian dishes complete the authentic picture.
Kammenstraat 12, Fashion District
Bar aan ‘t Scheld
More an apero bar than a brown café, but Bar aan 't Scheld goes all the way with its Belgian beer selection. The location is perfect: at the brand new Zuidpark and only a stone's throw from the renovated Scheldt Quays.
Station 1280
At Station 1280, beer takes centre stage. Discover an extensive selection of Belgian and international craft beers, lambic and gueuze. Choose from 8 beers on tap and a wide range of bottles and cans, which you can enjoy in the bar or on the terrace. Prefer something else? Wine, natural wine, cider and non-alcoholic drinks are also on the menu.
Oudaan 15/w-25, Antwerpen
't Waagstuk
A pleasant beer café in the heart of the student district. A few years ago, 't Waagstuk popped up in a summary of the world's best beer cafés in the British newspaper The Guardian. 't Waagstuk is also home to Antwerp's Beer College, which organises activities such as beer tastings and brewery visits.
Stadswaag 20, University District
Beerlovers Bar
Not your typical brown café, but Beerlovers Bar is always fun and full of ambience. Featuring 12 alternating taps and over 200 special beers, this beer café lives up to its name.
Rotterdamstraat 105, Antwerp North
Batavier
The old port district het Eilandje has become one of Antwerp's most trendy districts, but Batavier remained unshaken throughout all the renovation and construction work. The 100-year-old bar, nine taps and old beer adverts are real eye-catchers. From the sunny terrace, there's a magnificent view of the MAS | Museum aan de Stroom.
Sint-Laureiskaai 13, het Eilandje
Zeezicht
A relaxed atmosphere, a long list of beers and home-made tapas, that's all you need in the most famous café in the Zurenborg district. From the (heated) terrace at café Zeezicht, you have a wonderful view of the lively Dageraadplaats. Performances are regularly organised on a Sunday evening.