With the unstoppable rise of escape games, one might have thought that the era of board games had come to an end. Not so. In 2020, during the Covid-19 lock-in, the board game sector saw an 11% increase in sales, as reported by the newspaper DNA. For those who don’t have the space to fit all those boxes into their apartment, here are 5 must-visit game bars where you can have fun with friends and family in Brussels. Because really, what could be better than a game of Scrabble or Cluedo with a drink?
1. Le Bar à Jeux: for those who want to drink while they play
At least the name’s clear! In this friendly bar behind the Forest park, you’ll find a plethora of options for having fun with friends, a varied choice of drinks (a very good selection of beers) and above all… delicious gyozas to munch on! Could Le Bar à Jeux be the best game bar on this list? You decide!
⏰ O pening hours : Tue-Sun 12pm-8pm
📍 Address : Chaussée d’Alsemberg 136
🚇 Metro: Albert
2. Kings & Queens: for an ideal central location
Located just a stone’s throw from De Brouckère, Kings & Queens, “called that becausewe feel like noblemen drinking there and conquering our neighbors”, they shared with us, enjoys a perfect location right in the center of Brussels. The bar specializes in cocktails and beers, with small-scale catering (pizzas, nachos).
⏰ O pening hours : Wed-Thu 17h30-00h, Fri-Sat 17h-01h, Sun 16h-22h
📍 Address: Rue du Fossé aux Loups 27
🚇 Metro: De Brouckère
3. Meltdown: for gamers and console fans
How about a board game for two minutes? For budding geeks and other console lovers, Meltdown Brussels will give you a hard time with so many controllers to play (PlayStation, XBOX…). So many digital adventures to be had!
⏰ S chedule: Tue-Wed 5pm-00am, Thu 5pm-01am, Fri-Sat 5pm-3am, Sun 5pm-11pm
📍 Address : Av. de l’Université 3
🚇 Metro : ULB
4. La Luck : for atmosphere and good food
At this Canadian resto-bar in Ixelles, you’ll have to be careful not to stain your pawns with… your poutine! At La Luck, we eat (try their brunch!), we drink (in moderation) and we have fun in the most fun atmosphere!
⏰ O pening hours: Tue-Fri 6.30pm-00am, Sat 12pm-00am, Sun 11am-5pm
📍 Address : Rue Washington 74
🚇 Metro: Vleurgat
5. Live Central Park: for its alternative side and low prices
Live Central Park is an inexpensive microbrewery located along Josaphat Park. There’s a choice of 200 beers and 14 kegs of Belgian beers! What’s more, there are plenty of board games available, as well as comics for the whole family to read. Their cheese or shrimp croquettes are the stars of the house!
⏰ O pening hours: Tue-Sun 3pm-00am
📍 Address : Av. des Azalées 41
🚇 S ubway: Bienfaiteurs