Hidden behind the archway of the “L’Estrille Du Vieux Bruxelles,” one of the oldest buildings in the city, is a divine new addition to the Brussels craft cocktail bar scene: Vertigo.
It’s a discreet bar, speakeasy style almost. You have to know where you are going, but trust me, once you’ve been there once, there’s no turning back.
I love cocktails and I’m not talking about mixing cheap booze with sprite, coke, or red bull. I’m talking art in liquid form. So you can imagine how excited I was to find out about Vertigo. It was love at first sip.
I mean come on, look how pretty these drinks are! The peppery finish of the Alex-clusive is to die for – it’s my go-to drink at Vertigo. Named after Vertigo’s chief mixologist Alexis Mosselmans, it snagged a gold medal in a national mixology competition.
The Polygame has just the right amount of sweet and sour for my taste.
I’d also recommend the dark and stormy and the old fashioned (they use maple syrup in theirs) if you are wanting something more classic.
If nothing on the menu tickles your fancy, go ahead and let the bartender know what flavours you like, and you’ll get a custom drink. A friend of mine once popped in with her own bottle of apple cider brandy from Ireland to introduce them to a unique flavour. Alexis took a little sip of it, and then used it to create an insanely good cocktail just like that! The guy is a genius, I swear. The whole team there is incredibly creative – every time I’m in there, I find them testing out new drinks and flavours. It’s amazing to watch.
More good news? They offer platters of yummy meats, veggies and cheeses so you’re not at risk of drinking too much on an empty stomach. Because trust me, you won’t stop at one drink.
The very chill bar boasts a fireplace downstairs and has an upstairs lounge with cozy couches and layered rugs that’s perfect for a group night. You’ll want to make a reservation to snag a spot up there. Lucky for us – since we’re heading into warmer weather – it also has tables in an outside courtyard. The staff is fantastic, super friendly and the service is great!
I’m really loving the new places sprouting up around Sablon, it’s such a fantastic neighbourhood.
It’s open from Wednesday to Saturday, 6pm to 1am.
Go, go, go!!!!
Vertigo, 7 rue de Rollebeek, 1000 Bruxelles, 02/511 95 17
As a side note... 