Coffee guide to Antwerp
Judging by the amount of articles, guides and Instagram shots, there are plenty of coffee lovers out there. I’m one of them – albeit one of the hardcore kind. You see, I prefer my coffee black and strong – and I need it every morning before I leave the house (trust me when I say it’s safer for other people). Antwerp is full of amazing coffee spots – and I’ve gathered quite a few favorites in the time I’ve lived here. Here’s my coffee guide to Antwerp (which will surely be continued) – based on interior, ambiance and, well, coffee quality.
Coffee around ‘t Zuid. // Me & My Monkey. A cozy spot for coffee, delicious juices and more if you’re browsing the area of the Kloosterstraat and Steenhouwersvest (especially recommended on Sunday, when the shops are open). // Tinsel. These days you can’t say Antwerp and coffee without Tinsel. It’s a favorite of many, which may lead to long waiting times but the cozy interior and prettiest seating area of Antwerp kind of makes you not mind. The food’s certainly worth a try as well. // Take 5 Minutes in Paris. This one takes the prime spot during the summer with the advantage of the oh-so-pretty hidden garden. //
Coffee break during shopping. // Coffeelabs. The Meir can get a little crowded for my taste, and Coffeelabs is the perfect coffee escape spot in that case. They serve healthy food and drinks & coffee for true caffeine-heads in a large, cozy setting (downstairs during winter, upstairs with a big sunny terrace during summer). // Barnini. A favorite for bagels and coffee during the Saturday market. // STAY Boutique Bar. If you’re on the Nationalestraat, hop in here for breakfast, brunch or coffee. It looks like a pretty store from the outside, but they have a small seating area in the back as well. I’ve been wanting to go back just to try their french toast. #CRAVINGS // De Foyer. You’ll undoubtedly notice the Bourla (or Toneelhuis) when you’re on a shopping trip, but go inside for a coffee experience in a really pretty setting. Despite how fancy it looks, the prices are really quite okay and their dessert selection is one that’s often talked about. //
Coffee here and there. // Salon de thé Claude. Worth a coffee trip for the special interior alone (think: very kitsch). Fans of the afternoon tea concept can also go here, and they have the advantage of being located on the beautiful Hendrik Conscienceplein (especially nice during the summer). // Cafématic. Maybe this one is picked out of nostalgia, since I spent some cozy coffee moments here with fellow bloggers during closet sales or when I first moved to Antwerp. In any case it’s a small, cute spot that kind of makes you feel like you’re in a Christmas movie whenever you’re having coffee here during those cold days. // Kolonel Koffie. They’re currently in the midst of moving, so I haven’t visited their new location yet – but their old one became an instant favorite thanks to the setting and delicious coffee. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: their hazelnut espressino might be the only one that can kick my black coffee of its throne. //
Picture locations from top to bottom: Kolonel Koffie – Tinsel – Me & My Monkey – Hendrik Conscienceplein (near Salon de thé Claude) – Kolonel Koffie
