Café Den Engel

Café Den EngelCafé Den Engel
Café Den EngelCafé Den Engel
Bar

Grote Markt 3
Antwerpen, 2000
Belgium

+32 3 233 12 52 | map
cafedenengel.be
PLACE STATS
Average:
3.66
Reviews:
5
Ratings:
7
pDev:
7.92%
View: Place Reviews
Recent ratings and reviews.
Ratings by GCBrewingCo:
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Reviewed by GCBrewingCo from North Carolina

3.93/5  rDev +7.4%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 3.5
Cafe Den Engel is a breeze to find since if you start looking around the Grote Markt it will be the first establishment clockwise. The umbrellas out front block the sign, but next door is Den Dengel. This is supposedly the oldest bar in Antwerpen, but nothing inside indicated any advanced age. This is noted by many traveler's site to be their favorite bar in Antwerpen, but I did not see exactly why.

The inside was slightly smoky, but not overly so, with old American music coming from the Jukebox. The place had a nice vibe, but did not seem overly friendly, nor overrun with toursits.

We were not waited on immediately and eventually the bartender came out and assisted us with the order. Once he had our selections the beers came out with a waitress very quickly. The waitress asked for payment upon delivering our beers so a tab may not be possible.

There were 5 taps at the bar, but no handle markers. The beers were on a dry erase board inside and some friends who had been earlier in the day reported that no beer menu was outside. I'd go back to see why so many people speak highly of the place. A good joint for a beer, but there must be something I missed.

Visited on September 11, 2006.
Oct 16, 2006
More User Ratings:
 
Rated: 3.82 by HopBelT from Belgium

Jul 04, 2015
 
Rated: 3.75 by uturn from Florida

Jan 05, 2014
Photo of byronic
Reviewed by byronic from Canada (ON)

3.71/5  rDev +1.4%
vibe: 5 | quality: 3.5 | service: 3.75 | selection: 3.5 | food: 3.5
Should you want a truly local experience this is the place to be! Den Engel is often crowded and even standing room can be hard to find. The drink list may be short, common and nowhere to be found which means you will be expected to order without it. Go in with a plan or do your homework when you walk in. Check out the taps or in a panic order a “Bolleke”. Remember you're a guest, not a local! That being said the atmosphere more than makes up for any of these shortfalls.

Ordered a Maredsous double accompanied by a plate of cheese. While enjoying the beer a lot of the crowd would sing songs from/about Antwerp. It can be a very lively spot to visit and is most definitely an interesting experience.

For some local atmosphere this should be your go to place in Antwerp.

Visited in December 2012.
Dec 05, 2013
Photo of DaPeculierDane
Reviewed by DaPeculierDane from Wisconsin

3.56/5  rDev -2.7%
vibe: 4 | quality: 3.5 | service: 4 | selection: 3
Visited: 8-20-08

After a visit to the cool, compact, and mellow Pakhuis, Den Engel feels like an absolute 180. The long bar is boisterous and lively, packed with older locals getting piled. Everyone is talkative and friendly. Westmalle tripel and dubbel are available on tap for 4.60 Euros. Most people are drinking Bollekes of De Konnick. The feel and look of the place is much more akin to a small town British pub than a Belgian tavern. So is the behavior of the inhabitants! The beer list is short and simple but the vibe is authentic and traditional. It's just a fun place to drink and the service is quite good too.
Nov 15, 2009
Photo of ministoat
Reviewed by ministoat from England

3/5  rDev -18%
vibe: 3 | quality: 3 | service: 3 | selection: 3
This place was one of the busiest on our visits. We initially tried to drink outside to appreciate the weather and the view but unfortunately it turned really windy so we went back inside and plonked ourselves on the end of the table.

It wasn't clearly marked what beers were available but were promptly given a menu from behind the bar when we asked.

Nothing amazing but they did have de koninck tripel which was last on our list of the four konincks to try, which obviously had to be done when in Antwerp.

You should go here as it's in all the guide books and beer books but be aware it's just one to tick off the list.
May 29, 2009
Photo of BlackHaddock
Reviewed by BlackHaddock from England

3.86/5  rDev +5.5%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 3
This is how Antwerpen bars must have looked when the only visitors were seamen and traders, back in 'the good old days'.

I walked in at 11.56 on a Monday lunchtime and left again at exactly the same time. The huge clock hanging from the ceiling told me so. Time has stood still in this place for a reason, they like it that way, so do I.

As you walk in the bar is on your right, the only room is long and full of old mirrors (on the lefthand wall), the toilets are at the rear of the fairly large bar-room.

A little old lady comes across to take your order, no menu/beer card or noticeboard are visible to my wife and I, as we sit at the far end of the room watching the other customers. I noticed a 'Winter Konick' badge on a beer font as we entered so I order a 'Bolleke' for the wife and the winter brew for myself. Both are poured by a younger lady, the cliental are mostly elderly locals with shopping.

Outside the skating rink and Christmas Market stalls are all noisey and busy, in here not even the clock ticks, just a bunch of people enjoying the peace and quiet.

I ask for a Westmalle Double next, to my surprise it is on tap so I am doubley pleased!

A lovely old place and one I will use again when in Antwerp. The beer selection may not be huge and It obviously hasn't tried to become fashionable or chic, it is just a throw back to old times and a joy to drink in.
Dec 21, 2007
Café Den Engel in Antwerpen, Belgium
Place rating: 3.66 out of 5 with 7 ratings