There are places steeped in history, where the delicate atmosphere gently and nostalgically transports us back to an era we thought was over. And yet, Vieux Spijtigen Duivel still exudes the scent of an old Belgium. It seems untouched by the modern world and the passage of time…
Discover the oldest café in Brussels
Welcome to the Vieux Spijtigen Duivel (the “Vieux Spijt” or “the Spijt” to its regulars). It’s the oldest surviving estaminet in Brussels! Cartographic traces date its creation back to the 18th century (more precisely, between 1726 and 1741, when the Chaussée d’Alsemberg was built). However, legend has it that the Vieux Spijt has actually existed since 1500.
Back then, the establishment was known as “À l’Ange”. It was Charles V himself who came to stay incognito, and found the owner, Bette, unpleasant. So he decided to rename the café “Au Vieux Spitjigen Duivel” (“to the regretful old devil” in Dutch). How nice for the owner!
The “devil”, however, could refer to the drawing of the eponymous character on the façade. According to Vieux Spijt’s official website, it’s unclear whether this devil embraced by a serpent refers to Asmodeus, the demon of fury, or to Samael, the fallen angel associated with Original Sin. Whatever the case, its typical Old Brussels storefront has stood the test of time, and its old-world atmosphere continues inside…
A clientele of artists
Since the 19th century, this typical café has kept almost the same decor… and the same clientele! Students, poets and intellectuals come here to remake the world in the company of local regulars, with a good beer in hand. At the time, Charles Baudelaire and Victor Hugo were even said to have frequented the establishment!
Wooden counters and furniture, a chimney head haloed by old crockery, a gallery of printed plates bearing the seal of each beer, slate menus… the Vieux Spijt brings back to life (or has it never lost it?) a traditional Belgium of yesteryear, where the authentic period wood-burning stove continues to warm the hearts of its nostalgic visitors in winter. What’s more, Au Vieux Spijtigen Duivel has held the “Bien classé” label since 2010.
Good Belgian specialities!
On the menu, you’ll find many Belgian specialties: shrimp croquettes, scampi, squid, chicory au gratin, vol-au-vent, carbonnade flamande, ballekes in tomato sauce, pavé de boeuf fromager, Zélandaise mussels (in season), home-made hamburgers, many other dishes and desserts… On the drinks side, you’ll find a generously-stocked wine and beer list. From the eyes to the palate, the Vieux Spijt is an iconic step back in time. You have to experience it at least once in your life in Brussels!
📍 Address: Chau. d’Alsemberg 621, 1180 Uccle.
📆 Open daily from 11.30am to midnight.