1565 contrebande resto
© Saskia Vanderst
Review
Score: 3 op 5

Café: Contrebande

Michel Verlinden
© BRUZZ
07/12/2017

It takes courage to open a beer bar these days. There is competition everywhere. And it is not inconsiderable, we are talking mastodons – Brasserie 28, Brewdog, Moeder Lambic, etc. – where malt and hops flow like water through dozens of pumps.

In other words, Contrebande has guts: this establishment makes do with modest equipment, which means that only two options are available on tap at a time – including La Lanterne (€3.50), a beer carrying the name of L’Ermitage, a micro-brewery in Elsene/Ixelles. A little disappointing…but luckily, the place makes up for it with an enlightened selection of bottled beers, such as Noisy Pale Ale by No Science, Lupulus from the Brasserie Les 3 Fourquets, and Saison Cazeau.

It would be impossible not to mention two gems, still too little-known in Brussels: Rebel Local (€4.30), an old-school English IPA with a pronounced bitter taste, made by the Brasserie ’t Verzet in Anzegem, and Embrasse (€6), an unusual cross between a stout and a Trappist beer, which we owe to one of the best producers in Belgium, De Dochter van de Korenaar.

Not a beer-lover? Well, Houston, you have a problem. There are a few natural wines sourced from Titulus, two whiskies (Wild Weasel and Goldlys), a house cocktail, a few fresh and organic juices, Fritz-Kola…and that’s about it. As consolation, one can savour the decor, with its brick walls and slatted wooden counter, and above all the delightful little tiled patio, pleasantly green and illuminated with strings of lights.

The food on offer is healthy and convenient. Bursting with good ideas – such as baked egg with leeks and Herve cheese (€6) or slow-cooked chicken thigh with stout mayonnaise (€14) – the menu changes every day..

7/7: 11.30 > 01.00

02 512 24 66

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