Top 7 Best Cocktail Bars in Brussels (2026 Insider Guide)

Brussels is home to exceptional cocktail bars, but how do you choose where to spend your evening? As Belgium's only bar ranked in the TOP500BARS 2025 world selection, we intimately know Brussels' cocktail scene. Here's our honest selection of the best cocktail bars in Brussels, Plumette included.

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Our Selection Methodology

This ranking is based on several professional criteria:

• Mixology Quality: Technique, creativity, flavor balance

• Atmosphere and Decor: Unique ambiance, concept coherence

• Service: Welcome, product knowledge, personalized advice

• Value for Money: Prices justified by quality offered

• Professional Recognition: Awards, mentions in specialized guides

All bars mentioned here have been personally visited by our team. We respect our peers and believe a dynamic cocktail scene benefits everyone.

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1. Plumette - The Intimate Speakeasy Experience

🏆 Belgium's Only Bar in TOP500BARS 2025 World Selection

What Makes Us Different: Plumette offers Brussels' most intimate experience with only 20 seats. Our 1930s speakeasy concept, tailor-made cocktail service, and hushed atmosphere create a unique ambiance in the capital.

Specialty: Personalized tailor-made cocktails based on your taste

Atmosphere: Art Deco speakeasy, dim lighting, lounge music

Price Range: €12-17 per cocktail

Ideal For: Romantic evenings, intimate conversations, small groups (max 20 people)

Our Signature: "The best stories start with a whisper"

📍 26 Rue de l'Épée, 1000 Brussels (Marolles)

🕐 Wednesday-Sunday: 5pm-2am

Recognition:

• TOP500BARS 2025 (only Belgian bar)

• Gault&Millau

• Visit Brussels recommendation

• TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice

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2. Chemistry & Botanics - The Botanical Creativity

Chemistry & Botanics excels in using botanical ingredients and house-made infusions. Their scientific approach to mixology produces visually spectacular cocktails.

Specialty: Botanical infusion cocktails, smoked creations

Atmosphere: Chic laboratory, modern and bright

Price Range: €13-18 per cocktail

Ideal For: Friend groups, Instagram-worthy cocktail lovers

📍 Place Saint-Jean, Brussels Center

🕐 Tuesday-Saturday: 6pm-2am

Why We Love It: Their menu changes regularly with seasons. The team is passionate and loves explaining creation processes. Perfect if you enjoy the technical approach to mixology.

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3. Edgar's Flavors - The Cozy Hideaway

Edgar's Flavors offers a more relaxed approach with excellent value for money. It's the ideal bar to discover perfectly executed classic cocktails in a warm atmosphere.

Specialty: Revisited classics, varied Old Fashioneds

Atmosphere: Cozy, vintage decor, warm lighting

Price Range: €10-15 per cocktail

Ideal For: After-work, relaxed evenings, smaller budgets

📍 Rue de l'Écuyer, Brussels Center

Why We Love It: Excellent selection of whiskies and rums. The team takes time to chat without being snobby. Relaxed but professional atmosphere.

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4. Confessions - Contemporary Elegance

Confessions combines minimalist decor with modern mixology. Their menu evolves with international trends and presentation is always impeccable.

Specialty: Contemporary cocktails, signature creations

Atmosphere: Modern, elegant, dim lighting

Price Range: €14-19 per cocktail

Ideal For: Special occasions, important dates, chic groups

📍 Parvis de la Trinité, Ixelles

Why We Love It: Impeccable service, refined presentation. Their signature cocktail menu changes quarterly. Beautiful terrace in summer.

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5. La Pharmacie Anglaise - The Gin Universe

Brussels' undisputed gin specialist, La Pharmacie Anglaise offers over 200 references. If you're a gin lover, this is a must-stop.

Specialty: Gin & Tonics, gin-based cocktails

Atmosphere: Victorian, apothecary decor, warm

Price Range: €12-16 per cocktail

Ideal For: Gin enthusiasts, new flavor explorers

📍 Rue du Marché au Charbon, Brussels Center

Why We Love It: The gin selection is impressive. Staff know each bottle perfectly and can guide you according to your preferences. Perfect for a complete gin education.

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6. Life is Beautiful - The Boutique Bar

Life is Beautiful merges cocktail bar and spirits boutique. You can taste cocktails then buy the bottles you loved.

Specialty: Creative cocktails, rare spirits

Atmosphere: Bright, creative, colorful decor

Price Range: €13-17 per cocktail

Ideal For: Discovering new spirits, cocktail shopping

📍 Rue Dansaert, Brussels Center

Why We Love It: Unique concept in Brussels. Dynamic and welcoming team. Excellent choice if you want to discover artisanal brands.

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7. Green Lab - The Sustainable Approach

Green Lab stands out through its ecological commitment: cocktails with local ingredients, zero waste, organic spirits.

Specialty: Sustainable cocktails, organic ingredients

Atmosphere: Natural, verdant, eco-responsible

Price Range: €12-16 per cocktail

Ideal For: Conscious consumers, vegans, ecologists

📍 Rue Borgval, Brussels Center

Why We Love It: Coherent and sincere approach. Cocktails are delicious without compromising quality. Vegan menu available.

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How to Choose THE Bar That Fits You

Here are our recommendations based on your priorities:

Looking for Intimacy and Romance?

👉 Plumette (20-seat capacity, hushed ambiance)

Want to Impress with Spectacular Cocktails?

👉 Chemistry & Botanics (visual creations)

Have a Limited Budget But Want Quality?

👉 Edgar's Flavors (excellent value)

Are You a Gin Enthusiast?

👉 La Pharmacie Anglaise (200+ references)

Want Personalized Cocktails?

👉 Plumette (tailor-made service included)

Prefer Modern and Bright Atmosphere?

👉 Life is Beautiful or Confessions

Are You Eco-Conscious?

👉 Green Lab (sustainable approach)

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Mistakes to Avoid in Brussels Cocktail Bars

Not Booking on Weekends

The best bars fill up quickly on Fridays and Saturdays. Always book ahead, especially for Plumette (20 seats) and Confessions.

Ordering a Mojito Everywhere

Each bar has its specialties. Instead ask: "What's your signature?" or "What do you recommend?". You'll discover much more interesting creations.

Arriving Too Late

Cocktail kitchens produce their best results between 6pm and 11pm. After midnight, teams are tired and creations less precise.

Not Asking Questions

Mixologists love talking about their craft. Don't hesitate to ask: "How did you create this cocktail?" or "Which ingredient gives that flavor?".

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Brussels Cocktail Scene in 2026: Our Vision

As actors in Brussels' cocktail scene, we observe several exciting trends:

Rise of Local Ingredients

More and more bars produce their own syrups, infusions, and garnishes. This approach improves quality and creativity.

Low-Alcohol Cocktails

"Low ABV cocktails" are gaining popularity. Customers want to enjoy multiple cocktails without excess alcohol.

Return of Classics

After years of unbridled creativity, well-executed classics are making a comeback. A perfect Negroni beats a complicated mediocre cocktail.

Systematic Personalization

Customers now expect bars to adapt recipes to their tastes. Tailor-made service is becoming the norm.

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Your Next Brussels Cocktail Evening

Brussels has one of Europe's best cocktail scenes. Whether you choose Plumette or one of our excellent peers, you'll have a memorable experience.

Our Final Advice: Start by visiting 2-3 different bars to understand your preferred style. You might discover you love the intimate speakeasy vibe (👋 Plumette), or prefer the modern botanical approach (Chemistry & Botanics).

What matters is enjoying the exceptional know-how of Brussels' mixologists. The city deserves its growing reputation as a European cocktail destination.

Book Your Table at Plumette: plumette-bar.com/book-now

Also Explore: Our Guide to Tailor-Made Cocktails in Brussels

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Written by the Plumette Team | Published January 2026 | Category: Brussels Guides & Nightlife