A l'Imaige Nostre-Dame, Brussels

À l’Imaige Nostre-Dame is one of Brussels’ most historic estaminets. The tavern officially opened in 1884, though it occupies a building dating back to 1682—one of the rare structures in the area that survived the devastating bombardment of Brussels in 1695. Hidden behind a small arched doorway at the end of the alley, the establishment preserves the atmosphere of old Brussels, with rustic wooden furnishings and a traditional bar serving Belgian beers and simple regional dishes.

The building’s history stretches far beyond its role as a tavern. According to long-standing local lore, the cellars once served as detention cells for prisoners awaiting execution on the nearby Grand Place. Over time, this somber chapter gave way to a more convivial purpose as the premises evolved into a gathering place for drinkers, artists, and writers. In the early 20th century, it became especially popular with literary and artistic circles, including members of the Brussels cultural scene who met there for conversation and inspiration.

Today, À l’Imaige Nostre-Dame remains a distinctive reminder of the city’s café culture. Its setting—reached through an alley marked by a niche containing a statue of the Virgin and Child—recalls a time when pictorial signs helped guide residents through Brussels’ unnumbered streets. Visitors come not only for the beers and traditional snacks, but also for the sense of stepping into a place where centuries of urban life have left their traces, turning a once-hidden corner of the city into a living piece of Brussels’ heritage.