Almost like being in Brussels
Visiting Belgium from Helsinki is surprisingly easy: just turn off the Kluuvikatu pedestrian street to Belge Bar & Bistro. Specialities here include a casual atmosphere, hearty helpings of delicious food, and of course Belgian beer.
Downstairs is a comfortable bar, ideal for a few drinks. The upstairs library and lounge are better for sitting around in good company, reviewing the day, or planning the next one. The bookcase-lined walls and dark wooden surfaces create a calm, peaceful atmosphere. An upstairs terrace has nice views over Kluuvikatu and stays open late into the autumn – with some help from patio heaters. Altogether, the two-storey space offers opportunities for people-watching on the busy pedestrian street outside. If you’re on the terrace, and close your eyes for a moment, you can almost feel the bustle of multicultural Brussels.
“Belge is first and foremost a casual place for meeting friends; people come here after work from near and far,” says restaurant manager Kaisa Meriläinen. The clientele is mostly working young adults and Wednesday through Saturday a house DJ plays from early evening ‘til early morning. “There’s an upbeat vibe here that comes to life especially on weekends. Clients tend to be more relaxed than on weeknights. Come by yourself or bring an entourage, everyone will find someone to talk to,” she adds.
Beer is a central part of Belge’s restaurant concept; pale lagers, fruity lambics, and rich Trappist ales are the cornerstones of this venue. On tap or by the bottle there are many famous brands, like Chimay or Hoegaarden. Meanwhile, different theme weeks focusing on particular foods or beverages are scheduled throughout the year. “In March it’s sausage, in May it’s cider, clams in October, and winter beers in late November,” says the restaurant manager.
Belge Bar & Bistro
Address Kluuvikatu 5, 00100 Helsinki
Tel. +358 10 766 3590
Website www.belge.fi
Seats 330 + patios 100
Open Mon-Thu 11:00-02:00, Fri-Sat 11:00-03:00, Sun 14:00-24:00
Restaurateur HOK-Elanto Liiketoiminta Ltd
Restaurantmanager Kaisa Meriläinen
Chef Petri Kinnunen
Location in the Kluuvi shopping mall, on the corner of Aleksanterinkatu and Kluuvikatu streets.
“I could live here.” / “The second-best after-work bar in town. Works well as a meeting place for our unofficial organization, too.” / “Cool mix of foreigners and locals. Usually has a great atmosphere with interesting DJs and plenty of good beers.” / “Wide selection of beverages, comfortable casual atmosphere, and flexible service. Ideal place for sampling.” / “Attractive, living-room-like interior.” / “Location, location, location! Co-op owned after-work oasis with a strong identity and lots of regulars. To spice it up, the French and Francophiles living in Helsinki have also found the place.” / “The food attracts lots of different kinds of people.”
