Heading to Antwerp Aug 22-26. What are the good bars/breweries to hit? Is Antwerp a good pub town and nightlife? Also looking for budget accommodations.
Billie's Beer Kafetaria, Beerlovers Bar, Oud Arsenaal, Gollem, Bierhuyske,... Very good pub town, nightlife is also very good if it doesn't have to be only beer related. For accommodations I recommend checking Airbnb. Enjoy the trip! And PM if you're interested in a trade or sharing a beer.
On solo trips, I usually stay at the Billiard Palace by the station -- extremely basic (and a bit worn) but serviceable or at the Antwerp Student Hostel just north of the Rooseveltplaats bus station. This is a fairly new place that does have hostel type beds but also apartment style and "dorm" (meaning residence hall) type rooms. I still am a fan of the Kulminator (been going there nearly 20 years now) but understand that Dirk's health has caused some service issues. But I am usually happy to drink the draft beers or the "usual suspects" rather than that bottle in the deep dark recesses of the cellar. The breweries are De Koninck (large brewery owned by Mortgat and beers available all over town) and a brewpub 't Pakhuis which is a bit south the old town and I find a bit hit or miss -- I've had some wonderful beers from them but also some "brewpub beers" All on @verbalessence's list I echo. I've mapped out a few of the other places I like to pop in for a beer here
Yes, would be nice to share a few top brews with a local! Curious what is a trade? Manneken de Pis cannot be transported back to USA right? hahaha Could you help price a rail ticket? Heard AMsterdam Center - Roosendaal then Roosendaal- Antwerp was best price. I checked ns.nl for dutch lcal rpice but wasn';t sure 20euro one way? http://www.belgianrail.be/) - Roosendaal-Antwerp? Please advise and hope to meet up!
Can you or Franken or anyone add Amsterdam pubs? Been to Leidseplein few times many years ago so know general area and Jordan, Rembrandtsplein areas. Foudn oen new brewery: Brouwerij ’t IJ in Amsterdam. Will head for Prague Aug 28 then eventually into Germany(maybe Franconia area). Thanks for the ideas...I still don't leave for 3 weeks.
Not new at all... I visited it around 2004 for the 1st time.... Great place, imo, though a bit out of the central part of the city.... This is the BA you should speak with - @patto1ro He wrote those pubs guides I linked.... Btw, how long are you there for? When might you be in Franconia and or The Netherlands? Prosit!!
I don't get to Amsterdam as much as I used to. Old favorites are In De Wildeman and 't Arendsnest. Peter van de Arendt (owner of 't Arendsnest) has opened a couple of new pubs that I haven't been to but I am sure are worth a visit. The De Prael brewery has a tap room just off of Oudezijds Voorburgwal -- down an alley just down from the their shop. In the past I found 't IJ to be quite variable -- for years that had a serious infection that they claimed was just "house character" -- they finally cleaned that up. But you should try them, it has been a couple of years for me. Tooting my own horn some more, www.FranconiaBeerGuide.com and BeerGuidePRG.com may give you some ideas for those area...
Netherlands: Aug 18-22 Belgium: 22-26 Amsterdam: Aug 27 fly out 28th to Prague. Aug 28: Prague....now I have 6 weeks to hit anyplace I want! Nothing is planned after Aug 28.....will stay in Prague minimum of one week then head somewhere maybe even Germany. Germany: Munchen for sure. Sept or Oct..... Czech: Prague, Plzln, Telc, Hungary: Budapest Poland: Krakow Austria: Vienna, Salzburg My schedule si flexible as I have 2 months drinking in Europe! HAHA!
It is mainly his knees and back -- last December he found it very painful just walking around, and was talking about how he'd like to retire. That is one reason they have removed a bunch of tables (well, removed them from service). They also will lock the door when there gets to be a certain number of customers. You ring the bell, if they know you, then you can come in. Also a sign that says "no groups"
I'm glad to hear he's not on death's door but it sounds like his quality of life is getting all shot to hell. Thanks for the update.
Do you have mobile for text messaging? My mobile: 1+206 323 0285 (USA number) I'm leaving for Amsterdam Aug 17 6am...... SO bought train ticket to Antwerp on Aug 22..your birthday! Anyway would like to meet up as you sound very knowledgeable. Had a Grimbergen Dubbel in Vancouver, Canada, last week. So like the richer flavored ales.
