I'll be visiting Brugges on July 15 and spending the night. Are there any great breweries, bars, or bottleshops to visit in the area preferably not too far. Also, if anyone happens to live there/near I would be up for the possibility of trading. Certainly will have room to bring some nice bottles with me from the states if there was anything someone was interested in.
I just got back from a trip to that area, we spent 2 nights in Bruges. It's a small city, so you should have no problem stumbling around by foot. Here are some of places I enjoyed visiting: Cambrinus - Good food and a huge bottle list. One of the few spots that accepted our credit card. De Garre - It's in an alley, so it can be hard to find. There is a photo in the link that will point you in the right direction. Have their house tripel. Cash only. Beer Wall - Great view that overlooks the canals. Cash only. 't Poatersgat - Translates to "the monk's hole," a pub built into a wine cellar from 1582. Nice list of bottles. Cash only. De Bier Tempel - A little bottleshop that had Cantillon and Westvleteren. Some places I bookmarked based on recommendations, but didn't get to visit: t' Brugs Beertje Cafe de Kelk Cafe Rose Red Cheers!
My wife has been but I haven't, but she really liked the Straffe Hendrik tour. Their Heritage Quad (aged in oak barrel's) is very tasty.
Brugges is great. Consider putting t' Brugs Beertje at the top of your must visit list - a fantastic beer bar.....
The place guide for Brugge is pretty good. In addition to the ones already listed in the thread, I'd definitely visit Struise's shop.
Cafe Rose Red had a very good listing for Lambics and Gueuze. I had a Golden Blend there and I know they had a decent amount of Cantillon/Drie Fonteinen and then an extensive list for all other types of Belgian beers.
Thanks for the suggestions! Cafe Rose Red sounds amazing if you had Golden Blend! Absolutely adore 3 Fonteinen. I had the pleasure of trying all 4 Armand seasons, Hommage, and Blauw last weekend.
Vlissinghe is a must stop. It is located in a residential neighborhood (use a map) & is billed as the oldest bar in Brugges (est 1515). The beer selection does not compare to the other great beer bars in the city, but the décor & beer garden are outstanding & locating the place adds to the fun!! Also, as mentioned above, Garre is a must too!!
If you love trippels de garre is a must, go early, The little bear does not open until 4pm. it get crowded quickly. tell Daisy hi for me. Lots of great places try the. http://beerpubmap.belgianbeerboard.com/ http://www.belgianbeerboard.com/ killer up to date info on there. I am on that site, ask away.
