Au Vieux Spijtigen Duivel, Brussels

Au Vieux Spijtigen Duivel is a historic brasserie and estaminet often simply called “Le Vieux Spijt” by locals. It is widely considered the oldest café still operating in the Brussels region, with documented origins in the early 18th century and legendary roots stretching back even further. The establishment likely developed as a roadside inn between 1726 and 1741, when a paved road connected Brussels with the nearby village of Alsemberg. Inns along such routes served travelers, merchants, and coach passengers, offering rest, food, and drink along the journey. Over time, the Spijtigen Duivel became a well-known stopping place, appearing on 18th-century maps and gaining a reputation as a lively meeting point for locals and visitors alike.

Several stories and legends surround the name of the establishment, which in the Brussels dialect roughly means “The repentant devil.” One popular tale claims that the inn existed as early as the year 1500. According to the legend, Charles V once visited the tavern incognito and, after an unpleasant encounter with the hostess, jokingly renamed it “the repentant devil,” giving rise to the curious name it bears today. Throughout the 19th century the inn became a recognized cultural gathering place. Writers such as Charles Baudelaire and Victor Hugo are said to have visited the establishment, adding to its literary reputation, while the building also served practical roles in local life, including functioning at times as a toll point on the Alsemberg road and even temporarily as the town hall of Uccle.

Despite centuries of change, the atmosphere inside Au Vieux Spijtigen Duivel retains a distinctly traditional character. Wooden furniture, old beer plates decorating the walls, and a historic wood-burning stove evoke the feel of a classic Belgian estaminet, while original woodwork and a vaulted cellar reflect the building’s long history. Recognized for its heritage value, the site was officially listed as a protected building in 2010. Today, Au Vieux Spijtigen Duivel continues to operate as a brasserie serving classic Belgian cuisine and beers, preserving the atmosphere of a centuries-old tavern and offering visitors a glimpse into the enduring traditions of Brussels café culture.