When we visited Belgium in late May, we were pleasantly surprised to find that the land known for beer, chocolate and waffles also is home to some delightful cocktail bars. After discovering two amazing cocktail bars in Antwerp, we thought we’d see how the cocktail scene in Ghent compared. All in the name of research, of course.
With college students making up nearly 25 percent of its population, and its well-preserved medieval architecture along the picturesque Scheldt and Leie Rivers luring tourists, Ghent is a prime spot for cocktail bars. We discovered our three favorite cocktail bars all within walking distance of our Ghent Marriott hotel.
3 Favorite Cocktail Bars in Ghent, Belgium
1. The De Alchemist, a casual, clubby, neighborhood bar, reuses gin bottles as candle holders.
The bar features several different trendy gins.
I discovered Monkey 47 to be a favorite.
This gin and tonic made with Monkey 47 gin and Fentimans tonic water was spectacular. The glass arrived with ice, gin, lemon peels and juniper berries, along with the bottle of tonic for mixing to my taste.
Mr. Jones decided to start with a local beer.
We loved this bar; it ruined us for a “regular” G & T. We stopped after one drink, as we had more bars to “research.”
2. The Mosquito Coast has globes and a mannequin wearing a “dress” of various foreign currencies in its window. This is a tip-off to what you find inside this eclectic bar, restaurant and gathering place for travelers.
There are several comfortable rooms furnished like living rooms for enjoying cocktails, along with a section of travel books if you need to get inspired. There is also a bar downstairs.
Upstairs at the Mosquito Coast you will find an indoor and outdoor eating area, and the license plate collection from around the globe.
I tried the gin and tonic here with Monkey 47 gin and Fever-Tree tonic water. It’s my new favorite tonic, and I’m thrilled to find it back home at the Riverside Red -X.
3. The Old Fashioned is a speak-easy cocktail bar, hidden in a basement. Inside you find the bartenders mixing potions like mad scientists.
The cocktail menu is a series of cards. Being an Alaskan, Mr. Jones had to try the “Smoky Halibut” cocktail, which tastes like smoked fish.
The drinks are unique and elegant.
Steve Okhuysen, the owner and chief cocktail chemist of the Old Fashioned, is a delightful personality.
Each of our three favorite cocktail bars in Ghent, Belgium has a distinctly different vibe, but found each of them uniquely enjoyable.
What’s your favorite cocktail bar? Please share the name and location in comments below.
Check out these other posts from Belgium:
- A Delightful Dinner at Ristorante Gallo Nero in Antwerp, Belgium
- 17 Fun Facts About Ghent, Belgium
- 20 Fun Facts About Antwerp, Belgium
- 9 Things You Must See While In Belgium
- A Peek Inside the Hilton Antwerp Old Town Hotel
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