Then you can also find plenty of DJ bars in Brussels. Although often small and compact in size, you will often find an intense and animated crowd, well up for a great night; and the entrance is free.
Le Café Central (rue Borgval in the St Géry district), where the deejays play Breakbeat or Electro, often delving deep into their record collection to find old favorites. Chic, warm, metallic decor in a long, deep room. A must see for Thursday and to explore on other evenings.
The Beursschouwburg is not just a DJ bar, it is also a theatre for the Flemish Community, and an absolutely brilliant place which since the Seventies, has protected its unique alternative inheritance. You should see the, among others, the videos of the painter Albert Peppermans, filmed at the beginning of the Eighties. But in the evening, the ' Beurs' remains alive and stirs up electronic rhythms. The large bar on the ground floor accommodates deejays, sometimes concerts, and a relaxed laidback crowd; an unforgettable place. . Rue Auguste Orts, opposite la Bourse. Thursdays and Fridays are free.
Java is a bar with a Brazilian flavor created by an incredible character. Similar to that of the comic strip character created by Moebius, Stijn opened Rock'n'roll and Funk-Reggae clubs back in the Eighties. In 1992 he invested in this street corner bar built of wood and glass and opened a Brazilian bar. An innovation at the time and it is always full of people and good music. Today the music has evolved to Breakbeat, Modern Trip Hop (instrumental Hip-Hop) and of course Latin vibes. 3 rue St Géry, at the corner of la rue des Riches-Claires.
Dali' S bar is one of the oldest DJ bars in Brussels and celebrates its ten year anniversary in 2006, it is not surprising that it has lasted so long. The interior is decorated with hearts and imagery representing the twisted artistic essence of Salvador Dali. While sitting on large red mouthed sofas, contemplating watches lining the walls, you can listen to excellent House on the ground floor, and Drum'n'Bass (Urban Flava evenings), Electro and Reggae in the basement. Free entrance of course and essential at least once a month. 35 Petite rue des Bouchers (the small street between la rue des Bouchers and rue du Marché aux Herbes, 80 metres from la Grande Place) at the end of a long ancestral corridor. Thursday's. Of course!
Le Soixante It was known as Pablo Discobar until 2004 and now is reborn as Le Soixante. The music has changed dramatically. Here you can find Electro, Electohouse , Electrodisco and also Electropunk and Electroschnitzel, in fact underground sounds. Whats that? What not! La Soixante plays fun electro house where the atmosphere is bright and light. Drum&Bass sessions which are absolutely amazing, presented by deejays from Brussels who have the style and the technique. 60 rue Marché aux Charbons, parallel to boulevard Anspach, just 200 metres from la Grand Place. Thursdays? Absolutely.
Le Belgica A DJ bar for sure, but also THE premier DJ bar in Brussels. Today le Belgica is an icon of the night for all gays in the capital. Always full with the crowd often spilling out onto the street, this tiny bar welcomes the cool gay public (leather is not a requirement) with an open mind, have a iced 'Petit Belgic' (Genièvre de citron) surrounded by the sounds of House music. Gay or not, the atmosphere is frantic but not over the top. The staff are extremely welcoming, especially with a 'man' in tow. We have to insist that you go there and enjoy this place while it still exists. The welcome is a rare treat. 32 rue du Marché aux Charbons, opposite l'Amigo, close to la rue du Midi. A little bit of history; in 1989 Belgica was not originally known for being a gay bar as was firstly a New-Beat bar, being one of the pioneers of House music in Belgium. Although small it is perfectly formed and continues to stamp its mark on the night scene. Open from Wednesday to Sunday, and of course Thursdays.
Le Tavernier Although open every day and evening during the week, it has to be said that the volume increases on Thursdays. Sometimes deejays but always a superb place to be. And free, 445 chaussée de Boondael, 1050 Brussels
Le Guru Bar A new DJ bar in the city, but to note, it is also open on Thursdays. 8 chaussée de Boondael, 1050 Brussels.
And now for the clubs
Le You It was originally called le Garage in the 80's, first disco then New-Beat, always commercial, along with R'nB and Funk, it was then re-named Le Sparrow. However since 2003, everything has changed within the walls of 16 rue Duquesnoy, and now with décor inspired by the 60's (as in John Steed and Tara King), House vibes evoking memories of the famous Ibiza sound. Thursday, Friday and Saturday's for House music, (with Yves-E-Zone and Miss Luna) and on Sunday's it is gay.
Nostalgia; 49 rue de la Fourche This is absolutely out of this world. Are you looking for a small club from 1983 that remains unchanged? Perhaps memories of a small commercial dance hall where you had your first kiss to the sounds of Barry White, Queen, Cloclo, Michael Jackson or Whitney Houston? Then you have found your place. Mirrors, disco music, intimate booths to sit and chat, and a selection of the best sounds from the last 40 years. Nostalgia was made for you if your answers are yes. You can believe you are in a film set, a platinum blonde, De Niro at the bar, Poelvoorde or Derrick. Nostalgia has a unique atmosphere yet with an open entrance policy.
Mezzanine Braine La Mezza has long been an alternative to the Jeux d'Hiver, originally known as the 'Retour du Jeudi' at l'Hippodrome de Boitsfort, then christened Mezzanine, before the successful move to le boulevard du Triomphe, then finally to Braine l'Alleud where it has found its home for a little over a year. The beautiful theatre 'l'Acte 3' welcomes a straight crowd every Thursday to La Mezza with a mix of hits from the last 20 years. Clos Lamartine, 1420 Braine l'Alleud, (neighbour of the B.Club, formerly le Doudingue).
Les Jeux d'Hiver - Closed after the fire on 6th december 2005 (Not a subject of huge discussion but for some it has been a legend for 15 years, for others a social nightmare, a 'heaven for the jet set and the noblesse'. But it is undeniably a reference point in the Brussels night scene. In essence one can wonder where does the nightmare exist if not with the so-called noblesse (and it is without doubt a successful club), and this situation does not worry the management of the club. But to delve deeper into this paradox, it should be noted that the 'Jeux' is open every Thursday welcoming an easy going crowd. Some talk about elitism, but the debate ranges wide; elitism compared to what criteria? You can find well loved hits from the past and even from the now as represented by Trance. 1 chemin du Croquet, 1180 Brussels)
Nicolas Deckmyn
