Chez Johnny-Claridge

melissa_bel
melissa_bel
First Reviewer
4 out of 5
Avg. Member Rating
2
Reviews
Editor Pick

Chez Johnny-Claridge

  • April 13, 2005
  • Rated 4 of 5 by kosvp from Chicago, Illinois
Chez Johnny was one of the first bars or nightclubs we visited in Belgium. We actually came upon it by accident; we were looking for another club, but the only one we could find on the street was Chez Johnny. It was different experience than what we were looking for, but still pretty amazing.

The decor is nice, a little eclectic, but nothing to make you feel too uncomfortable. There are tables and chairs spread out along the parameter, so even if you don’t feel like dancing, you can watch everyone else and enjoy a drink.

You don’t need to wait until a fashionable hour to start the party here. We came at 10pm (okay, maybe it was closer to 10:30pm after we stopped getting lost), and the party was already in full swing. There wasn’t that long of a line, and I think admittance was 5€ for guys and it might have been free for ladies. There is a coat check, so there is no need to freeze in the Belgian rain.

The music is an interesting mix of everything. There is ‘70s, ‘80s, ‘90s, and modern music. It isn’t your techno club, so if this is what you are looking for, I would suggest you find another place to visit. I also thought that it was interesting that, at one point, they played the Belgian national anthem and everyone stopped and sang it. I would strongly suggest you coming here if you are looking for the true Belgian experience. A lot of the music was in English, but there were several times when they played French or Belgian music, sometimes with an African flare. Basically, there is a huge variety of stuff to listen to here.

Drinks are reasonably priced, so you won’t go too broke here. Also, the club stays open relatively late/early in the morning. We left around 4am, grabbed some food, and then took the first metro back home.

I would suggest Chez Johnny if you are looking for more than just a bump-and-grind club. This place infuses a bit of Belgian culture into everything they do and is worth a look.

From journal Sensory Delight: Brussels, Belgium

Editor Pick

Chez Johnny-Claridge

  • August 26, 2004
  • Rated 4 of 5 by melissa_bel from Hautrage, Belgium
Chez Johnny I think embodies a bit of the Belgian spirit. It's kitsch, quirky, does not take itself seriously and above all, knows how to have fun.

People, if you're looking for cutting edge techno, this is not your place! First of all, Chez Johnny doesn't call itself a "nightclub" but a "party room" and no need to wait after midnight (like in most nightclubs) to have fun. Chez Johnny starts early and ends late. That's to give you a hint. Between actual hits, kitsch French songs everyone sings along with, '70s disco and '80s nostalgia, Johnny lets you know he's got a serious sense of humour. And to top it all, they've got DJ battles, karaoke and... ladies, you'll like it, what in French is called a "Quart d'heure americain" (literally, "American quarter of an hour"). And what is it? Well... first of all, playing love songs is soooooo out-of-fashion. Johnny never minds, but girls, during this quarter, you'll be the one inviting the guys. That's right! You can grab a cutie and slow-dance with him (finally, there is justice).

And if you're willing to shake what your mama gave 'ya on the bar (they have a competition!!!), you may end up with some free champagne (I know, I tried... lost to a 1,70 meter razor-thin blonde... there was no competition!)

Chez Johnny also offers free dance classes too (see website for details).

It's a friendly, no-fuss, anything-goes place best enjoyed with a group of friends who'll appreciate the "so kitsch it's hip" attitude.

Entrance is 6 Euros, free for the ladies before midnight. http://chezjohnny.be/

From journal Must-See Brussels

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