October 24, 2008
Oud Arsenaal was probably the least beer-y of the places I visited in Antwerp, but it was a lot of fun. It had a very lively pub atmosphere, we sat with locals, and had a great time here despite a beer list that is a touch small by beer-geek standards. This bar hosted a charming, older crowd that was still rowdy (and very friendly) and a decor that reminded me of a grandmother’s house - wallpaper and warm orange light. More macro brew (Stella) than other places I visited. Cozy booths and a wood-burning stove. This place was packed, with everyone drinking Rodenbach, which came with a bowl of these tiny brined shrimp. There weren’t any curiosities in the beer department here – just the usual suspects which would be the envy of most American beer bars. I had a Rochefort 10 during my visit. Pretty good proximity to Kulminator – the two stops are an easy combo. This wasn’t the best beer experience I had in Antwerp (that was the Waagstuk), but it was easily the most fun.

August 26, 2008
On the Antwerp tour with the LAN-brew crew we went to this place. At first we though it was too crouded and noisy to enjoy great beers but we had one draght beer just to say we had been there. We ended up staying there till closing time cos all the locals was very friendly and kind and was very interested in our visit. The beer list is very good and I had some Troubadours and the great Chouffe Coffee liqour. Only minus is that it closes at 8 pm.

August 18, 2008
The place was completely full with locals when I went there and there was no place to seat. It was very loud and quite smoky. The beer list is decent but nothing great. Took a 3 Fonteinen Doesjel and enjoyed it on a table outside in the cold. Not a bad place, I should come here again sometime when is room inside.

June 25, 2008
Nice small bar near Vogeltjesmarkt. Ok selection but not to extensive. Good prices for Antwerpen and Belgium in general I think (1.70 for Rodenbach on tap and 2.50 for 37cl Girardin Framboise for example). Friendly staff. It was nice to sit outside in the sun and see all the people pass by on their way to and from the market.

May 13, 2008
The bar with the single most neighborhoody feel I’ve ever been to. All these drunk 30-40 year-olds singing songs together. Crazy stuff! They had a quite nice selection of lambics here along with stuff like Petit Orval and Chimay Doree. I’d take Kulminator over this obviously but when Kulminator isn’t open this is a great fallback.

April 2, 2008
A must hit for the beer enthusiast in Antwerpen. Family owned and quaint, this is the real deal. 10 or so lambics from 2 to 5 euros. Way more beers on the menu. Fairly limited seating. I never tried the food. I can’t wait to get back to this place and drink some De Cam or 3 Fonteinen Gueuze.

March 16, 2008
This place recently changed owners. The current owners used to run a beer store with a nice selection, just down the road. Sadly, that store is closed. Very nice people. Smokey inside! Try the Troubador on tap!

March 12, 2008
Cosy bar, not many but good beer selection, kind service in spite of the fact that the room was pretty crowded. Kind of old fashinoned which I like. Did not try their food. Audience seemed to be more or less regulars.

November 4, 2007
Got here early before it got all smoked up. A pretty small (by Belgian standards) list, but it’s okay. I got my hands on a bottle of De Cam Oude Kriek and a Boon Oude Kriek. In a central location and easy to duck into while walking around the town.

June 3, 2007
A lambic bar in the centre of Antwerp. Well it had enough lambics to keep me happy and it had westy in also. Had a de cam gueuze, was great and had a mort subite oude gueuze on another visit. Both excellent, nice friendly barman, only problem is it gets smokey inside.