Cafe des Spores
Mushroom-themed restaurant and bar (yes, really) with an extensive natural wine list and inventive cocktails. Intimate setting for conversation. Cocktails EUR 11-14. Located at Chaussee d'Alsemberg 103, the venue is within easy reach of other Ixelles / Matongé nightlife spots.
What to Expect
A more refined setting where the volume stays at conversation level. Comfortable seating, attentive service, and drinks that show some thought. The crowd is typically well-dressed and here for the atmosphere as much as the alcohol.
Refined and conversational. Low lighting, comfortable seating, and a pace that rewards staying for a second round.
Low-key background selections from jazz to deep house. Conversation comes first.
Smart casual. Collared shirts for men, neat attire expected.
Couples on date nights and small groups who prefer cocktails over clubbing.
Cards and cash accepted. Contactless payment works at most venues.
Price Range
Cocktails EUR 11-16, wine EUR 6-9 per glass
Cocktails ~$12-17, wine ~$6.50-10
Hours
Daily 18:00-01:00, weekends until 02:00
Insider Tip
Reservations help on weekends, especially for groups of four or more. The cocktail menu changes seasonally. Ask the bartender what's new rather than defaulting to classics.
Full Review
The entrance at Chaussee d'Alsemberg 103 opens into a space that makes its intentions clear from the first step. The interior is considered: comfortable seating arranged for conversation, lighting that flatters without straining your eyes, and a bar that operates with quiet efficiency. The design choices suggest someone cared about how the space feels rather than just how it looks. Tables are spaced with enough room that neighboring conversations don't intrude.
The crowd on a typical weekend night reflects the Ixelles / Matongé neighborhood's character. You'll see locals who come regularly, visitors who found the place through recommendations, and the occasional group discovering it for the first time. Service at the bar moves at a pace that depends on the night; weekday evenings mean personal attention and conversation, while Saturday nights test the staff's efficiency. Drink quality is consistent, which matters more than people realize when comparing venues in this area.
Compared to other options in Ixelles / Matongé, Cafe des Spores holds its ground. The cocktail menu shows genuine thought, with selections that go beyond the standard list of classics. Prices are higher than a neighborhood bar but appropriate for the setting and preparation quality. The experience justifies the premium if you appreciate well-made drinks and a space designed for enjoying them.
Practical considerations: the venue fills from about 22:00 on weekends. Arriving earlier means better seating choices and more attentive service. Restrooms are maintained to a standard consistent with the venue's overall quality. The neighborhood around Ixelles / Matongé offers food options for late-night hunger and transport options for getting home.
The Neighborhood
Cafe des Spores is located at Chaussee d'Alsemberg 103, within the Ixelles / Matongé nightlife zone. The surrounding streets offer other nightlife options within walking distance, making it easy to combine with nearby venues for a longer evening. Late-night food options are available in the neighborhood, ranging from local street food to sit-down restaurants depending on the hour.
Getting There
The venue is at Chaussee d'Alsemberg 103. Metro, trams, and buses run until midnight. Night buses on Fri-Sat. Uber and taxis available.
Address
Chaussee d'Alsemberg 103
Other Venues in Ixelles / Matongé
Cafe Belga
Iconic art deco cafe on Place Flagey with a massive terrace. Brussels institution since its renovation in 2005. Perfect for afternoon beers that extend into evening. Beer EUR 3.50-5.
Fuse
Europe's oldest continuously running techno club, operating since 1994. Saturday nights with international bookings, serious sound system, and a no-phones-on-dance-floor culture. Cover EUR 12-18.
Monk Bar
Craft beer bar in Ixelles with a strong selection of Belgian and international brews on tap. Knowledgeable staff and a relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere. Beer EUR 4-7.
Matonge Club
Afrobeats, rumba, and Congolese music club in the heart of Matongé. Live performances and DJ nights with an energetic, primarily African and diaspora crowd. Cover EUR 5-10.
L'Amour Fou
Wine bar and cocktail spot on Chaussee d'Ixelles with a curated natural wine selection and seasonal cocktails. Candlelit interior, neighborhood crowd. Wine EUR 6-9.