Staminee De Garre

First you have to find it: De Garre hides at the end of the narrowest alley in Bruges, between the Markt and the Burg. Beyond the discreet passageway, an estaminet spread over several floors has been welcoming drinkers since 1984 — old beams, an open mezzanine and attentive service run by Margot and Carl, where time seems to stand still. The list features some 140 Belgian beers, from Trappists to local finds, but the pilgrimage is for the Tripel van De Garre: a full-bodied, top-fermented tripel at 11%, smooth and deceptively easy-drinking, crowned with a spectacular creamy head and served with cubes of cheese. Brewed by Van Steenberge, it can only be tasted here — and the house wisely caps it at three per customer. An unmissable stop on any Bruges beer trail.