't Brugs Beertje

Tucked down a side street in the shopping quarter, a short stroll from the Markt, 't Brugs Beertje is a true Bruges institution. Since 1983, this small brown café in a building dating from 1632 has been a global benchmark, regularly ranked among the world's finest beer cafés. It pours around 300 Belgian beers, five of them on tap, covering every style in the country with a soft spot for West Flanders. Founded by the legendary Daisy Claeys and now run by Dries Brouckaert, the "Little Bear of Bruges" takes serving seriously: the right glass, knowledgeable advice, and cheese boards and pâtés to pair with your tasting. Regulars and beer travellers from around the world rub shoulders here in a warm, unpretentious atmosphere. Open from 4 pm, closed on Wednesdays.