5 Antwerp Bars That Will Have You Saying “Wow” Like Owen Wilson

Big Body knows his way around a drink or two…or three or four. Some might even say a little too much. Or some might say, “Hey, put your shirt back on you sweaty man, you can’t do that here.” Been there, done that, bought the t-shirt (and taken it off). 

So, you can imagine I was like Augustus Gloop at the Wonka Factory after crossing the border into one of my top three countries for beer in the entire world - Belgium. 

Having made a brief stop in Antwerp just several months prior, before a magical night of witnessing Dutch matrimony on a Netherlands/Belgium border town farm, the lips were whetted. This time, as the kids these days say on TickyTocky or Myspace, “Let him cook.” 

This time, I was ready to cook. But cook more in the way of that one New England mom who wears juicy pants and makes an early afternoon penne alla vodka just so that she can take Captain Jack Sparrow swigs from the bottle without feeling guilty. 

Bar Paniek

Website, Address, & Details: https://www.facebook.com/barpaniek/ 

• Location: Kattendijkdok-Oostkaai 21, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium

• Price: $-$$

IMPORTANT: From my understanding, Bar Paniek is open from April until September, before it’s dismantled and returns to doing “warehouse thangs.”

Maybe it’s because I’ve never lived in Williamsburg, Brooklyn that the concept of a former industrial warehouse turned sprawling, quirky yet trendy bar got me as excited as I did. 

So, I was in absolute heaven the second I entered and was greeted with a massive chess board, ping pong table, and foosball table front and center. And, if you know Big Body, the chess board had him doing an even more theatrical “jazz hands” than usual, as he has spent many years of his life hitting the bullet and blitz streets of Chess.com.  

Bar Paniek might be better classified as a ‘miniature amusement/theme park’ rather than a bar. It has everything, including, you guessed it, beer. And there’s lots of it. “I spied with my little eye” roughly a dozen taps, serving up Belgian craft beers for days, my new favorite being ‘Seef’ - a cloudy blonde Belgian beer with slightly bitter and banana-y notes. 

Not only is it a fantastic spot for early-thirties rabble-rousers to toss back a few brewskies while suspending disbelief with a handful of interactive games and shooting the metaphorical s-h-i-t, but it’s also family-friendly. You’ll find everyone from elderly couples soaking in a peaceful, multicolor Antwerp sunset along the port to young families battling one another in games of table tennis and pinball, to this Big Body and Co. flinging some darts. 

Beer and darts is a classic drinking game that has kept the eye-patch industry alive for as long as we’ve had both.   

After wrapping up several games of darts that temporarily put my friendship with my best friend in jeopardy, we spent the remainder of the night posted up by the water, watching as afternoon turned to night, and Antwerp’s port winded down for the night - a much-welcomed contrast to the often overwhelming city center. 

Pale Ale Travel Note: If you’re looking for even more reasons to travel to Antwerp, make sure to check out the Destination Spotlight I wrote on this cozy yet bustling city. 

Billie’s Bier Kafétaria

Website, Address, & Details: https://www.billiesbier.be/ 

• Location: Kammenstraat 12, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium

• Price: $$

Billie’s Bier Kafétaria might be the ‘Beer Mecca’ of all bars in Antwerp. Actually, it might be the Beer Mecca of all the surrounding Low Countries. This is the spot for beer drinkers/enthusiasts who want to be able to sample nearly every Belgian beer under the sun. 

Billie’s isn’t just a bar, it’s an Antwerp institution - one that almost every seasoned Antwerp ‘beersman’ (is that a word?) will recommend as a must-visit to get that medicinal liquid fix. 

The interior, a brick and wood-paneled refuge, with all 11 current taps scribbled in cursive on a massive chalkboard (with a red French bulldog statue hovering over it), rounded off with upstairs perches for those who refuse to drink beer unless they can channel their inner Dennis Quaid - with a sound VANTAGE POINT. 

I’ll see myself out. 

Billie’s was the first Antwerp bar that I was fortunate enough to patronize. And let me tell you. No beer tastes sweeter than when it’s with one of your top dawgz and you’re sitting outside watching carefree Sinjoren (Antwerp inhabitants) pass by. The only problem about this first visit is that I had to leave Antwerp shortly after (not because there was a BOLO or anything out for me) and only returned 2.5 months later.

But, as that Harlem cat ‘Mase’ rapped, “Welcome back, welcome back, welcome back.” What a reunion it was. Billie’s 11 taps and 150-plus bottled beers had me about as excited and confused as a golden retriever when its owner throws a handful of tennis balls in different directions. 

But you know what? I persevered and made sure I methodically tracked each tennis ball down. If you didn’t put two and two together here, I attempted to drink as many beers on Billie’s menu as possible. 

You’ll also find a snack menu that brings all the Belgian boys to the yard, boasting favorite light bites like bitterballen, frites, and dried sausage. When in Belgium (or the Netherlands), always get the bitterballen. 

Pale Ale Travel Tip: I put together this 2-day Antwerp travel itinerary so you know exactly what to get into should you make the trip to this Flemish metropolis. 

Antwerpse Brouw Compagnie, Brouwerij & Taproom

Website, Address, & Details: https://seef.be/ 

• Location: Indiëstraat 21, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium

• Price: $$

While Bar Paniek is a contender for one of the coolest bars this Big Body has ever stepped foot in, Antwerpse Brouw Compagnie is a contender for one of the best times I’ve ever had at a bar. Full stop. It was like a reverse Pandora’s Box was opened, with troubles and hardships replaced with only happiness and uproarious laughter. 

And, while there’s “hope” that still exists with the original Pandora’s Box, there was no hope at the end of this reverse metaphor, as I knew life just doesn’t get much better than this. I’m not sure if that’s inspiring or depressing. Either way, be prepared for pure, wholesome fun that you don’t want to end. 

I no doubt attribute these feelings to the fact that I was with my best friend, who had moved out of Hong Kong to London two years prior. I also attribute it to discovering a new favorite unfiltered cloudy blonde beer, Seef, which was difficult NOT to order with the signage that hung prouder than a People’s Liberation Army march. I also attribute it to the outdoor picnic tables on outdoor picnic tables and board games galore that brought me back to the good old days - before taxes, breakups, more taxes, and a receding hairline.

While it did take my best buddy and I roughly an hour to re-learn how to play Stratego, which undoubtedly was a result of the already four Seef beers we had eliminated, it was well worth it. We were in no rush. 

If you have a full afternoon to spend squaring off with your crew in board game battle while slugging more beers than you can shake a stick at (including limited edition Belgian beers) at this independent, crowd-funded brewery in the heart of the Antwerp Port (a hot-minute from the Port Authority), then you need to be at Antwerpse Brouw Compagnie as of YESTERDAY.

Oh, and you can rent their grilles and purchase assorted meats from Antwerpse Brouw Compagnie to make an afternoon/night of things if you want to go full throttle. 

Finally, just look at this salami and cheese board. Normally, I’m left ranting and raving to whoever will listen (sorry Ma’) about how ripped off I feel with how little cheese and cured meats were actually given. Not here. 

Coyote Café

Website, Address, & Details: https://www.instagram.com/cafecoyotebe/ 

• Location: Sint-Paulusplaats 1, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium

• Price: $

Coyote Café was completely spontaneous and really summed up the weekend with my best buddy and his wife perfectly - “go with the flow.” On our first night, it quickly became evident that it was Antwerp Pride. I arrived at this assumption solely based on the number of men in assless chaps and fishnets, complete with those leather truck driver hats, who were all briskly walking sashaying in the same direction. 

There was an undeniable energy to the city, such that we mutually agreed that it (“the spirit of equal love prevailing”) would act as our Balto for the weekend. 

The next day, after a quick walk along the water, where our noses had coincidentally led us right to the middle of the signature parade portion of Pride (you can bet this Big Body was belting out Natasha Bedingfield’s ‘Unwritten’ with the best of them), we followed the rainbow to a small corner bar (slightly north of the city center) with a sweeping outdoor terrace. 

Having been introduced to one of the perfect day-drinking beers the day before, aka Seef, our conviction in Coyote was only affirmed after seeing it proudly displayed on tap. Other classics included Stella (it just hits differently in the land it’s brewed), Triple D’Anvers (a local favorite), and Duvel. 

The thing about Belgium is bars “don’t mail it in” beer-wise. There’s a pride to this pastime and you’re never going to be without a quality pint - and one that’s served in its own quirky, perfectly chiseled chalice or glass. 

Coyote Café is the play on a day where you just want to laze outside in an inclusive environment while throwing back quintessential Belgian beers and taking down cheese platters like it’s your job. 

Pale Ale Travel Note: I’d be remiss not to mention that there was an entrepreneurial Flemish man who set up a hot dog stand right next to Coyote, which I may or may not have made 3 stops at. For a long day of drinking, it was exactly what Big Body needed. You, sir, are a legend. 

Station 1280

Website, Address, & Details: https://www.station1280.com/ 

• Location: Oudaan 15/w-25, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium

• Price: $$

Station 1280 may be the most unassuming of all the bars on this list but it doesn’t mean it should be skipped. Located on the ground floor of a shopping mall (in Antwerp’s city center), Station 1280 prioritizes quality craft beers and wines in a simple, relaxed atmosphere. 

I’d (almost) classify it more as a ‘bottle shop’ with seating due to its cozy interior that is lined with beer and wine fridges. Oh, and there’s mead. As someone who does occasionally wish he existed in medieval Ireland, I find that addition to be a nice touch.

Station 1280 exists somewhat as the ‘extension’ of Uncharted Brew Co., which sits adjacent to it and focuses primarily on IPAs. More than a handful of taps can be found (I think 9 or 10), which run the entire beer spectrum. Talking to the bartender, I got the sense that Station 1280 is a spot that’s attempting to push the limits of beer in a country that already boasts a storied history and resume, as he spoke of experimenting with new styles, revamps of classics, and more (thanks to Uncharted being right next door).    

From tart cherry sours that will make you pucker up, like when you used to have to kiss Grandma after she took out her teeth, to both East and West Coast IPAs and standard Belgian and German lagers, there’s something for everyone at Station 1280. 

Make sure to grab a spot at one of the tables outside, which overlooks the mall’s courtyard. While “it’s no view” of Rivendell, enough sun still permeates the complex to ensure you get your daily dose of Vitamin D and don’t end up looking like Elon when he was first working on PayPal. 

Pale Ale Travel Tip: Less than one half of a hop, skip, and a jump from Station 1280, you’ll find one of the best fast-casual brasseries serving up ‘loaded frites’. Check out my post breaking down why Frites Atelier should definitely be on your radar when you’re in Antwerp and frettin’ over where to get your frites fix. 

Raise Your Glass to Antwerp Like Leo in The Great Gatsby

In Antwerp, you’re never more than a stone’s throw away from anything you want “drink or food-wise.” This is a deadly combo when it comes to maintaining a trim waistline. 

However, it’s a trade-off I’d take any day of the week, especially when you’re able to experience it with those who you love the most. 

So, get some steps in that morning (so you feel less guilty), grab your roll-dawgs, and hit one of the above five Antwerp bars for not only a day (or night) of libations but good old-fashioned human connection and collective effervescence as well.

If you have any questions about where to eat or drink in Antwerp, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me via email at [email protected]. 

Drink well everyone,

Big Body