Editor Pick
L'Archiduc
- January 29, 2006
- Rated 5 of 5 by
melissa_bel from Hautrage, Belgium
Finally, I have made it to L'Archiduc. I just needed the right excuse (a foreign friend in town looking for a great place to have a drink), and I was not disappointed!
Located in the St-Gery neighbourhood (which has already a nice supply of trendy cafes) behind an unassuming door hides one of Brussels' coolest bar. Ring the bell and enter this beautiful Art Deco gem. Originally a piano bar built in '30s, the place is all in curves, with a second floor overlooking the ground floor, just like a mini-theatre (so people could watch, and hear, the musicians from above). An old piano, said to be Jacques Brel's own, sits at the place of honour, and although I have not seen it, I heard that amateurs are sometimes playing with it. Nice cosy armchairs, a mix of jazz, acid jazz, cool electro, and dimmed lights really add to the cozy feeling. Frankly, it was hard to leave. The prices are a little on the expansive side, but you feel so fabulous ordering a cocktail in that kind of place, and the bar team really know what it's doing with its shakers!
The crowd ? A mix really! 40-something bachelors on a night out ordering spirits, young artsy type hanging at the bar, seasoned travellers who have heard of the place, lovey-dovey couples at tables for two... a pretty classy but not discriminating crowd!
I went back the day after to try their "jazz apres le shopping." Rue Dansaert being where all the famous Belgian designers have established their boutiques, after a hard day of window-shopping (our wallets couldn't afford it), we decided to get warm and enjoy some live music. Soon, a glass of mulled wine and the smooth sound of jazz was just conspiring to prevent me from getting up. I also actually encounter the owner's wife at the toilets (they were there to check on the band playing), and she's an absolutely lovely lady. It runs from 5 to 7pm.
They are also doing a "Take 5" session every Sundays.
Words to the wise: be there half an hour early. It's very popular, and you might not be able to find a seat.
From journal Must-See Brussels