by Matthew Furst

There are lots of reasons to visit Belgium. The history. The art. The waffles. And most certainly, the beer. It’s true that for such a small country, Belgium has an astounding number of breweries, beers and beer bars. Should you find yourself in Belgium with a mighty thirst, you will no doubt have a tremendous selection in where and what to drink. Below, you’ll find the best Belgium has to offer:

Kulminator, Antwerp
With a beer list thicker than most telephone books, you’ll certainly find a beer to soothe your palate here. Kulminator is also known for its cellar-aged brews. The bar is small and intimate, but it’s a great place to meet others who share a similar taste. If you’re in Antwerp, Kulminator is not to be missed.

Kroegske, Izegem
For a quiet drink in the evening, there is no better beer bar in all of Belgium than Kroegske. Home to more than 450 beers, Kroegske is open only in the evenings and doesn’t allow pipes, babies, cigars or dogs. However, discerning taste buds are welcome.

Becasse, Brussels
If you’re seeking an old world feel with new school taste, Becasse is for you. There are no vintage beers on the menu, but the waiters wear traditional aprons and the brews are typically served in ceramic crocks. This is a true beer experience.

Paters Vaetje, Antwerp
Paters Vaetje is a small café just a stone’s throw from Our Lady’s Cathedral. If you’re seeking solitude, try here in the afternoon. But if you’d like to make new friends, go after dark, as Paters transforms into a lively place with a great menu, where you’ll find vintage and rare beers aplenty. For something different, try a drink at Paters.

Delirum, Brussels
As an attempt at World Record status, Delirium offers more than 2,100 beers (hence, the name). Many locals stay out of here due to the boundless amount of tourists and the high prices that accompany them, but those facts aside, it’s still a great pub. It’s also likely that you’ll never find another beer bar with such a selection.

Kaffee de Hopduvel, Gent
While taste matters, when drinking abroad, so does style. Kaffee de Hopduvel serves up both. It’s very unlikely you could find a pub like this stateside. This bar includes a library with animal mounts, a tearoom that would excite even the most reserved grandmother, and an amazing backyard garden seating area. The beer prices are inexpensive and the tastes are unparalleled. All in all, an unforgettable Belgian drinking experience.