Ok so first post to here and I'm hoping its a good one. I have 24 hours in brussels this Thursday-Friday (I know, not nearly long enough) and I want to devote it totally to belgian beer. What should I do? Ideally I guess I'd like to go to one store on Friday to get some supplies for the rest of my weekend (going to Amsterdam), and then as many beer bars / brewpubs as possible, preferably close together so I don't waste time going from place to place. Also, I am coming into to the Midi train station, but I haven't booked a place to say yet, so if there is a neighborhood that is particularly good for beer that would be helpful as well. Thanks for any advice!
While not directly beer related, I would highly recommend a meal at 't Kelderke, the Little Cellar, in the Grand Place. Okay selection of beer, but the food was the best I had while living in Europe a couple of years ago.
To buy beer, consider going into a supermarket. Unless you're looking for something special or unusual, Belgian supermarkets have a good range of beers at great prices (super cheap!). My personal bar recommendation would be Moeder Lambic - it's not bang in the centre of town but it has more than 40 taps and a great beer menu to choose from. Once you arrive, plans to visit any other bar will evaporate
If you've got only 24 hours you should be able to visit Cantillon, Moeder Lambic Fontainas, plus a couple other places and be a happy man. Poechenellekelder across from the Grand Place and Nüetnigenough around the corner are worth visiting and in the same 'hood as MLF.
Cantillon on is a must, and it's very close to the Midi train station. If possible, you might want to visit it as soon as you arrive in the city, as it isn't really close to anything else of interest. As stated before, Belgian supermarkets are a good place to get beer, but Bier Temple, near the Grand Place, is pretty good, as is Beer Planet. Beer Mania is awesome, but a bit out of the way, as no metro stops go too close to it. As far as bars go, I always suggest Delirium Cafe, and I always get a lot of crap for it. But personally, I love the place! La Porte Noir is a great little basement bar, with a great selection, and a very knowledgeable staff. It's not too far of a walk from the Grand Place or the Central Station.
