Le Roi des Belges
Corner cafe on Place Saint-Gery (nearby) with large terrace and people-watching potential. A starting point for evenings that might lead to the Gare du Nord area. Beer EUR 3.50-5. Located at Rue Jules Van Praet 35, the venue is within easy reach of other Rue d'Aerschot / Gare du Nord nightlife spots.
What to Expect
Walk in and you'll find a relaxed space where conversations flow easily. The bar staff keep drinks moving, and the atmosphere builds gradually through the evening. By late night, the energy picks up without becoming overwhelming.
Casual and social. The kind of place where you can hear yourself think early in the evening and need to lean in to talk by midnight.
Background music that varies from indie to pop. Volume stays at conversation level.
Casual. Whatever you wore during the day works.
Casual drinks and socializing with friends or as a starting point for a longer evening.
Cards and cash accepted. Contactless payment works at most venues.
Price Range
Cocktails EUR 12-18, wine EUR 7-12, beer EUR 4-6
Cocktails ~$13-20, wine ~$7.60-13
Hours
Daily 17:00-02:00, weekends until 03:00
Insider Tip
Weekday evenings are less crowded and the bartenders have more time to chat. Grab a seat early on weekend nights. Standing room fills fast after 22:00.
Full Review
The entrance at Rue Jules Van Praet 35 opens into a space that makes its intentions clear from the first step. The bar itself is the focal point, with stools lining the counter and tables filling the remaining space. The decor shows personality without trying too hard, and the overall feel is a place that serves its regulars well while welcoming newcomers. Seating fills from the back forward, with the bar stools being the last to go on busy nights.
The crowd on a typical weekend night reflects the Rue d'Aerschot / Gare du Nord 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 Rue d'Aerschot / Gare du Nord, Le Roi des Belges holds its ground. It doesn't try to reinvent the bar experience, which is actually its strength. The drinks are well-made, the prices are fair, and the space does what a good bar should: provide a comfortable setting for drinking and conversation. The value proposition is solid, particularly compared to trendier spots that charge more for less substance.
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 Rue d'Aerschot / Gare du Nord offers food options for late-night hunger and transport options for getting home.
The Neighborhood
Le Roi des Belges is located at Rue Jules Van Praet 35, within the Rue d'Aerschot / Gare du Nord 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 Rue Jules Van Praet 35. Metro, trams, and buses run until midnight. Night buses on Fri-Sat. Uber and taxis available.
Address
Rue Jules Van Praet 35
Other Venues in Rue d'Aerschot / Gare du Nord
Cafe Kafka
Neighborhood bar near the Gare du Nord with cheap beer, pool tables, and a mixed local crowd. Unpretentious and functional. Beer EUR 2.50-3.50.
Brasserie du Nord
Traditional Brussels brasserie near the station serving Belgian classics and local beers. Good for a meal before or after exploring the area. Beer EUR 3-5.
Fuse
Brussels's legendary techno club, one of Europe's oldest, operating since 1994. International DJ bookings every Saturday. Cover EUR 10-18. Located in the broader Gare du Nord area.
C12
Underground electronic music club in converted industrial space. Experimental bookings, raw atmosphere, and a dedicated music-first crowd. Cover EUR 8-15.