Looking for a gay, lesbian or queer bar in Brussels? The Belgian capital has a vibrant scene and venues, where conviviality, diversity and partying are always on the agenda. Most of them are concentrated around the rue du marché au charbon, but not only … Whether you’re looking for a cosy place to chat over a drink,a spectacular cabaret or a festive bar to dance the night away, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a selection of the best LGBTQIA+ spots in Brussels, perfect for evenings out with friends or new encounters, in a warm and inclusive setting.
There’s no shortage of gay bars in Brussels. Just follow the guide!
Le Belgica
The photo’s old, but it’s a veritable emblem of Brussels’ gay scene. Le Belgica is the place to be for a lively evening. With its relaxed atmosphere, top-notch music selection and DJs who know how to set the mood, this festive bar attracts an eclectic crowd. Busy at weekends, it’s the perfect place to extend an evening after dinner, or for a before-dinner drink before a night of partying.
📍Address: Rue du Marche au Charbon 32 – 1000 Brussels
Cabaret Mademoiselle
If you’re looking for an eyeful, Cabaret Mademoiselle is the place to be, with shows that will take your breath away. Drag queens (many of whom have appeared on Drag Race), drag kings, burlesque, boylesque, pole dance, circus, juggling, hula hoop and even fire-eaters are all on hand to blow your mind. The icing on the cake? The atmosphere is warm and inclusive, with direct interaction between artists and audience, both during and after the show. This not-to-be-missed venue for fans of live entertainment in a safe, open-air setting is often sold out, so don’t go too late!
📍Address: Rue du Marché au Charbon, 53 – 1000 Brussels
Homoerectus Bar
The Homoerectus Bar, by Spit It Out, is a nugget of conviviality right in the heart of Brussels, a stone’s throw from the Grand-Place. With its warm ambience and simple decor, this LGBTQ+ bar, which caters mainly to gay men, appeals to locals and tourists looking to relax over a drink. Inclusive and lively, it hosts Queer & Sober evenings, Bear Pride events, Drag Race sessions and more. Add the attentive staff, a terrace and a fine selection of local beers, and you’ve got the perfect address for memorable evenings!
📍Address: Rue du Marché au Charbon, 5 – 1000 Brussels
La Réserve
La Réserve boasts a friendly staff, always ready to share their expert advice on local beers. This uniquely charming bar is distinguished by its 18th-century Belle Époque decor, combining black wood panels, gold accents and lighting. Located just a stone’s throw from the Grand-Place, it offers a welcoming, cosy and relaxed setting, appreciated in particular by a more mature gay clientele – in fact, it’s the oldest gay bar in Brussels.
📍Address: Pt Rue au Beurre 2, 1000 Brussels
Cosy or festive: find your ideal gay, lesbian or queer bar in Brussels.
Le Dolorès
Recently renovated, Le Dolorès has retained the intimate charm of its beginnings while adding a touch of modernity. This small gay bar in Brussels is the perfect place for those in search of a cosy, relaxed atmosphere, with its little benches on the terrace inviting you to relax and chat. The music and DJs, always cool, contribute to the friendly, festive atmosphere at weekends. The place is frequented by a varied gay clientele.
📍Address: Rue du Marché au Charbon, 40 – 1000 Brussels
Station BXL
Le Station BXL is distinguished by its welcoming staff, who remember visitors from their second visit. Its fine selection of Belgian beers and relaxed atmosphere also set it apart. The bar attracts a mixed clientele, with a predominance of gay men aged 40 to 60. Lively in the evenings and at weekends, it sparkles under its lights and disco balls, with an atmosphere as festive as it is convivial.
📍Address: Rue du Marché au Charbon, 27 – 1000 Brussels
Rue du Marché au Charbon: a landmark for Brussels’ LGBT community
Le Baroque
With its friendly atmosphere, warm staff and retro decor, Le Baroque is a pillar of Brussels’ LGBTQ+ scene. A must for bears and their friends, this bar is perfect for meeting new people, flirting and dancing. Its lively evenings and weekend DJs attract an enthusiastic crowd. It’s a vibrant place, but can quickly become crowded, especially at weekends.
📍Address: Rue du Marché au Charbon, 44 – 1000 Brussels
Le Crazy Circle
Located in Ixelles, Crazy Circle is THE lesbian bar in Brussels, also open to the bi, trans and FLINTA community. In a relaxed yet lively atmosphere, it offers a rich program of karaoke, concerts, DJ sets, cabarets, slam nights, art exhibitions, board games and kicker tournaments. It’s impossible to get bored! This committed and inclusive venue is a truly safe space, ideal for socializing and feeling at home.
📍Address: Rue du Prince Royal 11, 1050 Ixelles
The Agenda
A landmark for the LGBT community, and more specifically for queer and non-binary people, The Agenda attracts a loyal clientele with its varied events. The atmosphere, always inclusive and often festive, comes alive to the rhythm of DJ sets, karaoke sessions or drag queen shows. The warm and welcoming staff contribute to the charm of the place, as do the tasty cocktails. A victim of its own success, this spot can sometimes get crowded, so don’t come too late.
📍Address: Rue Plattesteen 18-20, 1000 Brussels
C’est ma tournée
A small bar with a cosy, relaxed atmosphere, C’est Ma Tournée charms with its subdued lighting and warm welcome. Its terrace is a major asset: sunny in summer, comfortably heated in winter. With reasonable prices and a fine selection of spirits, it’s a place where you quickly feel at home, and the friendly atmosphere created by the regulars is certainly a factor.
📍Address: Rue du Lombard, 2 – 1000 Brussels
LGBTQIA+ bars for memorable moments and evenings
Le Cabaret Potiche
Karaoke, drag and cabaret shows, DJ sets… all in an intimate atmosphere? Welcome to Potiche, the cabaret run by LaDiva Live and Lara Fullcamp! Fans of Drag Race will be delighted: the show’s stars regularly shine on stage. Inclusive and open to all members of the LGBTQIA+ community, it’s the ideal place for a memorable evening of humor and celebration. Two entry options are available: standing or seated, with a drink included in both cases.
📍Address: Petite rue au Beurre, 10, 1000 Brussels
Chez Maman
In Brussels, Chez Maman is a legendary gay cabaret, popularized by the legendary Maman. Although she’s passed the torch, the spirit of the place remains intact, with its colorful drag shows… right on the bar! The festive, exuberant atmosphere will delight fans of lively evenings and pop culture. With its narrow staircases adding to the charm, this iconic spot attracts locals and tourists alike, and sells out every weekend.
📍Address: 7, Rue des Grands Carmes, 1000 Brussels
Le Castro
Le Castro, an intimate bar renowned for its warm, friendly atmosphere, attracts a loyal clientele who like to get together for a drink and a chat with friends. Nestled in the Saint-Jacques district, it boasts a sun-drenched terrace, perfect for enjoying a local Belgian beer or cocktail al fresco, especially in fine weather. With reasonable prices and a relaxed atmosphere, Le Castro stands out for its spirit far removed from clubbing nights. The emphasis here is on simplicity and relaxation, which explains why it closes at midnight, even at weekends.
📍Address: Rue du Marché au Charbon, 93 1000 Brussels
La Cave à Vins
As its name suggests, La Cave à Vins is a temple dedicated to wine, with over 100 local and international vintages available by the glass or bottle. We don’t come here to party, but to enjoy the calm, refined atmosphere, ideal for relaxing and chatting. The small interior is offset by a pleasant terrace, particularly popular in sunny weather.
📍Address: Rue du Lombard 4, 1000 Brussels
Le Stammbar
Brussels’ only gay cruising bar, Le Stammbar boasts a welcoming atmosphere and a dark, industrial aesthetic. Between festive evenings and more kinky events, it caters to a public in search of freedom and encounters. Proud of its zero-tolerance policy against all forms of discrimination, the venue offers a safe and respectful space for everyone. A must for fans of fetishism, leather and the bear community, it may not be to everyone’s taste.
📍Address: Rue du Marché au Charbon 114, 1000 Brussels