Bar
À la Mort Subite
One of the oldest cafés in Brussels, opposite the Royal Galleries of Saint-Hubert, once frequented by Jacques Brel and known for its gueuze.
Delirium Café
The original bar of the Delirium Village near the Grand-Place, famous for a Guinness World Record for the size of its beer list.
At a glance
- Type
- Beer bar
- Area
- Îlot Sacré (City Centre), Brussels, Belgium
- Price
- $$ · Mid-range
- Official site
- deliriumvillage.com
Good to know
- Huge beer list
- Several bars in one complex
- Late opening
Why we recommend it
Delirium Café is probably the best-known beer bar in Brussels. It sits in the Impasse de la Fidélité, a narrow cul-de-sac off the Rue des Bouchers a few steps from the Grand-Place, and it is the original venue of what is now the Delirium Village, a cluster of bars under the same name. Its claim to fame is a Guinness World Record for the number of beers on offer.
The menu is the attraction. Belgian beers make up a large part of the list, with styles ranging from Trappist and abbey ales to lambics and strong golden ales. If the choice is overwhelming, ask the bar staff for a suggestion based on what you usually like, or start with a style you already know before branching out.
Around the original café, the village now includes several other bars, among them the Delirium Taphouse, the Hoppy Loft, the Monasterium and the Floris bars, each with its own focus, from draught beers to spirits. This makes it easy to move from one space to another during an evening without leaving the alley.
The atmosphere is sociable and lively, and it is popular with groups of friends and visitors on a night out. It suits anyone who wants to sample Belgian beer in a lively setting, but it is not the place for a quiet conversation. Go early in the evening if you want a seat, especially at weekends. Remember that many Belgian beers are strong, so pace yourself and drink water between glasses.
The Impasse de la Fidélité is also home to the Jeanneke Pis statue, the squatting girl who is Manneken Pis's lesser-known companion. The Grand-Place, the Royal Galleries of Saint-Hubert and the restaurants of the Rue des Bouchers are all within a couple of minutes' walk, and Brussels-Central station is close by.
Check the Delirium Village website for current opening times, events and the individual bars, as each one keeps its own schedule. A good approach for a first visit is to choose two or three contrasting styles, for example a lambic, a Trappist ale and a strong blond, and share them with friends so that everyone can taste more without drinking too much.
Delirium Café FAQs
Where is Delirium Café?
In the Impasse de la Fidélité, a small alley off the Rue des Bouchers near the Grand-Place.
Why is it famous?
It holds a Guinness World Record for the number of beers on offer.
What is the Delirium Village?
A cluster of bars under the Delirium name, including the Taphouse, the Hoppy Loft, the Monasterium and the Floris bars.
Is it busy?
Yes, it gets very busy, particularly on weekend evenings, so arrive early for a seat.
Is it suitable for a quiet drink?
Not really. The atmosphere is loud and lively.
Which beers should I try?
Ask the staff for suggestions; the list covers Trappist, abbey, lambic and many other Belgian styles.
What is nearby?
The Jeanneke Pis statue is in the same alley, and the Grand-Place is a couple of minutes away.
Where can I check opening times?
On the Delirium Village website, as each bar keeps its own schedule.