Mechelen is a city between Brussels and Antwerp in northern Belgium. Inside the 13th-century St. Rumbold’s Cathedral is an imposing altar and a work by Flemish artist Anthony van Dyck. The attached St. Rumbold’s Tower offers 360-degree views of the city. Deportees to WWII concentration camps were held at Kazerne Dossin military barracks, where a museum and memorial commemorate the Jews and Gypsies who passed through. Updated July 2022
Brasserie Het Anker, Guido Gezellelaan 49
Open: Daily 10.00 - 23.00 Kitchen 11:30 - 21:00
A brief walk from the city centre. Be sure to do the brewery tour which is great, one of the better ones. You get to see what a small operation Het Anker really is (6200 liters per brew) vintage brewing equipment, including their copper kettles and their very own koelschip (yes, before 1999 Carolus beers were chilled in a koelschip on the roof of the brewery). The Tavern / Bistro area is clad in wood that is decorated with the brewery logos. The focus seems to be completely on food. If you are looking to eat here be sure to make a reservation. Beers available are the regular Anker line-up with the addition their Pils. They also have their whisky available. Service is friendly and helpful. The shop is very small, with a very low availability of their beers. Prices aren’t that much better then regular beer shops. Overall, this is a nice place, well worth a visit.
d’Afspraak, Keizerstraat 23
Open: Tues, Wed, Sat, Sun 17.30 - 21.00 Thurs Fri 12.00 - 13.30 & 17.30 - 21.00
Located near Nekkerspoel Station in a former mansion, this is a café as it should be, not too big, beer paraphernalia, eclectic furniture (hardly 2 chairs are matching), soft music, and one very big beer list. They have over 100 Belgian beers, some of which you won’t find easily in your regular beer bar. The service is impeccable, these people know what they are doing, and why they are doing it. Always helpful and knowledgeable about what they serve. The food is quite good as well, ranging from small snacks to dishes you won’t be able to finish by yourself. If you’re in the area it’s worth a visit.
d’ Hanekeef, Keizerstraat 20
Open: Daily 09.00 - 16.00
Just a couple of doors away from d’Afspraak (^above^) this is a small Brown café that has a long standing in Mechelen, definitely an icon. A good choice of approx 30 Belgian beers and they're served the way they should be, poured in the right fashion and in the correct glass. There is background music playing good rock / blues music. A bit of a local peoples place, so a good friendly atmosphere. The staff are very friendly. A plus is its dog friendly. Its the small thing that make this great.
Makadam, Grote Markt 11
Open: Tues - Sat 11.00 - 00.00 Sun 11.00 - 18.00
This bar has a lovely craft/upcycled feel to it and is cosy inside (it's reminiscent of a hipster microbar?). In the summer, the bar has a outdoor place on the towns square. The bar has tables and chairs over with 3 floors, but also has lots of cosy corner's where you can have a read or play a game with friends. Probably the most interesting selection of beers in Mechelen. Getting to the toilets is like climbing Everest but you get a nice view of the square! Overall quirky & loveable.
’t Ankertje aan de Dijle, Vismarkt 20
Open: Mon , Fri 15.00 - 00.00 Sat, Sun 12.00 - 01.00
Owned by Het Anker Brewery and hence only stocking their beers. Located in a small picturesque square next to a canal on the south side of the city center. Lots of other bars and restaurants in the area, so it’s perfect for strolling. Good view of the defunct Brouwerij Lamot across the canal. This place is small and cozy, a decent stop in the relative beer desert of Mechelen.
De Floeren Aap, Nieuwwerk 7
Open: Daily 12.00 - 00.00
Located a bit hidden behind the Cathedral. The interior is really cosy a bit dark, lots of wood, a bit paraphernalia. There is a stage were they have regular live music. The service is friendly, and quick. The beer selection is not that big but there are a few gem's? Overall a nice bar.
Kuub, Minderbroedersgang 3A
Open: Mon - Fri 14.00 - 23.00 Sat - Sun 12.00 - 23.00
A nice bar in the centre of Mechelen. Located in the shadow of St. Rombouts-tower. Just near the main shopping streets. A bit of a hidden gem, quite modern inside, but cosy and with a cool vibe. lots of nice side activities like old skool games, concerts, sports on big screen, etc. The beer selection is probably everything of Het Anker (even Indulgence from tap) but more interestingly added with 5 guest beers every month. Not the place to go if you want to discover beer you have never tasted. They have a great sunny terrace for outside drinking. The "Hipsters" (or is it "hamsters"?) will definitely like it here 🤪
Quali Drinks, Leuvensesteenweg 98
Open: Mon - Sat 09.00 - 18.00
Located not far from the railwaystation. Inside it is a fair size and clearly has a very large selection of drinks, spirits, beer etc. Most of the beers appear to be toward the left and rear of the store. There is very big choice of beers, however most of these (understandably) are Belgian, prices were also very good. Well worth going to if in the area.
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