Situated in a tiny, cobbled alley in the middle of the historic center of Bruges, Belgium, you can find a wonderful pub by the name of De Garre. Finding the elusive small alley and pub is part of the fun of visiting. However, the search is well worth your effort. Hint: It’s near the Belfry.

Entrance to De Garre

In a building dating back to the 1700s, this pub provides a quiet oasis from the streets lined with tourists. Locals and discerning beer lovers frequent this cozy, multi-floor pub.

Upon entering be certain to say hello to the staff. I prefer the small, main room with its compact high bar. A tiny winding staircase aside the bar leads to the upper drinking gallery. Once inside you’ll step back in time.

Step back in time

Offering 130 different regional beers, the beer menu includes local beers, draft beers, abbey beers and beers from the barrel. However, I recommend trying the house beer –  Tripel De Garre (11% ABV). Served in a unique glass with a persistently frothy head, Triple De Garre bursts with aromas of alcohol esters, rich citrus, and mild spices. This outstanding, full-bodied tripel provides slightly sweet, fruity and floral flavors with a balanced alcohol presence and light, delightful bitter finish. The beer’s glass is as distinctive as the beer with a doorknob base and rounded chalice supporting such a big beer. There are a few pubs in the U.S. that now sell Triple De Garre but not many.

Triple De Garre is brewed by Brouwerij Van Steenberge, famous for Belgian ales Piraat and Gulden Draak. Dating back to the 1700’s, this brewery originated from a ploughland farm, that also brewed beer for its owners consumption. Over time the brewery evolved under multiples names, but eventually the owners gave the brewery their van Steenberge family name. Gradually, brewing became the farm’s main pursuit and eventually all agricultural activities were abandoned as the brewery expanded and commercialized. By the end of 1992, Brouwerij Van Steenberge became the first completely computerized and automated brewery Belgium.

When in Bruges, search for De Garre and enjoy a Tripel De Garre. And consider taking a 40 minute drive to visit Brouwerij van Steenberge.