While certain Brussels residents will always settle for post-work drinks on Place Saint-Géry or at Place Luxembourg (or "Plux"), there are many more original places in the city to unwind after a long day at the office.
Brussels is rife with bars where you can easily lose track of time (The Brussels Times' lists of iconic joints and the best bar terraces alone are proof of this). However, deciding on the perfect spot to have a drink after work can be difficult in Brussels as it spoils us for choice.
To make it easier, we have narrowed it down to our absolute favourites.
In the party mood?
Chateau Moderne, Mont des Arts
While we don't believe an aperitivo has to involve partying until too late during the week, this new bar on the block is doing well to convince us otherwise.
Credit: Chateau Moderne
Chateau Moderne, which opened last year, has found the perfect balance between chilled drinks after work, enjoying stunning views over the city and sharing some frites – while also getting people on its dancefloor after sunset.
Mont des Arts 1, 1000 Bruxelles. Find more information here.
The Bank, Bailli
Located in the heart of the vibrant Châtelain in Ixelles, The Bank is, as its name suggests, a former bank turned into a food and cocktail bar, but there is nothing boring about this venue – even the toilet is in the former bank vault.
Credit: The Bank
The Bank is among the best spots to unwind after work, but it truly shows its best side in the later hours of the evening, when the tables are pushed aside to clear space for a dance floor. Don't forget to bring your dancing shoes!
Rue du Bailli 79, 1050 Ixelles. Find more information here.
MERCERIE, city centre
For those inclined to try something different, the MERCERIE is a multidisciplinary cultural space with its very own bar. It regularly organises exhibitions and weekly DJ sets in a former factory setting.
Credit: MERCERIE
The space is also planning one-off events such as an Italian natural wine-tasting event as well regular art and dance performances to enjoy with a drink, often bringing together the best of the city's cultural sector.
Rue Van Artevelde 70, 1000 Brussels. Find more information here.
Sit back and relax
Cafe Circus, Place de Londres
For those looking for a good spot not far from the EU institutions, as well as good food, carefully-curated beer and wine selections – this cosy bar on an even cosier square is the place to be.
Credit: Cafe Circus
Known for its chilled atmosphere, great music, and of course the famous Croques, it is not surprising that people continue to come back to Cafe Circus despite it being relatively new on the Brussels bar scene.
Place de Londres 7, 1050 Ixelles. Find more information here.
1030 Cafe, Schaerbeek
The owners of this quaint bar in Schaerbeek had years of experience working (or pouring drinks down their throats) in other bars around Brussels, making them masters of bartending skills, and kings of hospitality.
Credit: 1030 Cafe
While its menu lends itself to sharing and caring, there is no shame in pigging out on your own pizza. Sit yourself outside on the cafe's cosy terrace, order one a glass of wine or one of the 1030's twists on much-loved cocktails, and unwind!
Avenue Jan Stobbaerts 100, 1030 Schaerbeek. Find more information here.
Happiest Hours
Cafe Maison du Peuple, Parvis de Saint-Gilles
There are fewer locations more ambient for a drink after work than Parvis Saint-Gilles, which fully comes to life once locals have funnelled out of their offices and spread themselves across the square. This is especially true on Thursdays when food trucks set up shop with culinary treats from across the world until 21:00.
Credit: Cafe Maison du Peuple
Not be confused with Horta's masterpiece, this bar holds a happy hour very day between 19:00 and 20:00, the bar serves up two cocktails for the price of one. What better way to drink away your work troubles?
Parvis de Saint-Gilles 39, 1060 Saint-Gilles. Find more information here.
Chez Lutgarde, City of Brussels
Chez Lutgarde also are against limiting a happy hour to just one hour on one specific day. A favourite among locals, Chez Lutgarde's happy hour runs from 16:00 to 18:30 everyday so you can head there straight after work (or leave the office a little earlier).
Credit: Chez Lutgarde
Just a stone's throw from the Marché aux Poissons and Place Sainte-Catherine, this bar is most popular for its own beer which bears the image of a nun. For happy hour, all 33cl Lutgarde beers cost just €3.
Rue du Rem des Moines 3, 1000 Brussels (a second bar has recently opened on Chaussée de Waterloo 393, 1050 Ixelles). Find more information here.
Guinguette Maurice, Parc du Cinquantenaire
Summer's arrival also marks the return of the ' famous guinguettes or summer bars in the parks of the Brussels-Capital Region, which remain open until the end of September. At these picturesque venues, you can grab a bit to eat or something to drink, but also enjoy concerts or take part in activities such as yoga or salsa.
Credit: Guinguette Barc
Bar Maurice in the Cinquantenaire Park, which is open until 23:00 every night, considers itself to be the big player in the Guinguettes family, mainly because of its central location, set among the trees at just a stone's throw from the European Commission.
Parc du Cinquantenaire 1000 Brussel. Find more information here.
