La Mule

Refreshing “German-style” beers in Brussels? Whatever possessed La Mule’s founder Joël Galy?! Despite this flight of fancy, the French-Swedish founder brewed his way through Brasserie de la Senne and Cantillon, before setting up his vats in Schaerbeek, in the old Van De Tram stables. The night we went, French rap blasted from the speakers, but if you truly want to soak up everything this huge space has to offer, rock gigs and stand-up comedy nights are held here regularly (Saturday and Tuesday, respectively). If you’ve got the munchies, there are a few cheeses and rillettes from Spek & Boonen to nibble on, served with organic sourdough bread from Benoît Segonds. But what about the beers? They’re definitely thirst-quenching! Our only complaint: it was a bit nippy out, so the Tropical Lager with subtle citrus notes followed by the Ikigai India pale lager would have been much more enjoyable on a sunny terrace. Because the other thing that Joël brilliantly pinched from our dear Germain neighbors is the Biergarten. Bring it on, summer! // Gueuze Van Sant

THE BULLET-PROOF BOTTLE: Hefe Weisse (€6 a pint), some big Bavarian influence going on for the first creation from La Mule stables. Time to whip out the Lederhoesn!