Dolle Mol, Brussels

Dolle Mol is a historic café closely linked to Brussels’ libertarian and alternative cultural scene. Originally opened in a wine cellar on Rue du Marché aux Fromages and relocated in 1971 to Rue des Éperonniers, the café quickly attracted members of the surrealist circle, including Marcel Mariën. In the 1970s it became a gathering place for left-wing youth after the May 1968 protests, with an upstairs underground bookshop and multilingual alternative press library reinforcing its countercultural reputation.

Over the years, the venue became popular with beatniks and the capital’s intellectual circles. Musicians and writers such as Bob Dylan, Tom Waits, and Léo Ferré are said to have visited, along with poet William Cliff and artist Walter De Buck. Even Andreas Baader reportedly stayed here while on the run across Europe. The Flemish Belgian section of Amnesty International was also founded in the café.

Today, Dolle Mol still reflects its unconventional past, with a quirky interior filled with posters, artworks, and memorabilia that create a bohemian atmosphere. The bar specializes in Belgian beers from smaller and lesser-known breweries, making it a rewarding stop for beer enthusiasts seeking something beyond the usual selections. Guests can sit at tables inside the main room, outside along the street, or upstairs on the first floor.

Friday nights often bring an added layer of energy, when improvisation and jam sessions take place. Musicians gather informally, and visitors are welcome to join in, creating a lively and spontaneous atmosphere that keeps the café’s long tradition of artistic exchange very much alive.