I didn’t expect much from this cafe, so I was pleasantly surprised. I knew about the rationing and that they sometimes run out, so I was happy to get a six-pack of the 12. Also bought some damn fine cheese. The beers are served at the proper temperature and taste like the brothers intended it. The hommelpaptart, a sweet pie made from hops, was tasty. So was the croque monsieur. A must-visit for any trip to West Flanders.

Was expecting more. They were out of just about everything. The food I heard was good, I just drank. Sucked that we were only able to purchase a 6 pack also. But that’s expected when they were short on beers. The service was pretty good. Will need to find someone to call and make a reservation next time we head up. The place was nice.

Disappointed is what comes to mind. Unless you have a reservation at the monestary this is the only other place that you can get Westy in the area and it shows that they know it. Was only able to buy one 6 pack. Don’t get me wrong the price was well worth it, but the rationing sucked. They were also out of glasses and other stuff worth buying. The service was pretty good and I had some home made bread that was awesome after a night out on the town the previous night. Just expected more if they are so close to the #1 beer in the world!

So you can no longer buy 6 packs at the shop. What a disappointment, but yuo can stay here and taste Westy if that is what you really desire. That’s what I wanted to do so I stayed here for 3 hours. i loved how the place was in the middle of now where surrounded by farm land and hop fields. It doesn’t seem that the food is anything special, but the cheese is very nice, and teh beers are incredible. Its true that there are lots of old people here, and some kids running around, but hey why not have a mixture of people. Nothing can distract you from this beer anyway. Once you zone in on it... that’s it. At least that’s what happend to me. What can I say this isn’t the greatest place, but it have the greatest beer so you have to go there. I quite liked it... because of the beer and the countryside. Belgian people also seem to tbe the nicest in the world. Everyone speaks english and is willing ot help you, and welcome you into thier country. Cheers for Westvleteren. But don’t take a cap here... to go 4 miles from Poperinge cost me 40 Euros. i walked back half way and hichhiked the other part... Belgians are really nice, what did I tell you.

Nothing in this cafeteria is special EXCEPT that it is the only place in the world where you can find whole year all three kind of Westvleteren! Probably they don’t need anything else to be famous. Pilgrims from whole Europe are coming here to taste N°1 beer.

I stopped by In de Vrede after obtaining the Abt 12 from the abbey across the street. You can tell by the elaborate parking lot that this is not your common beer bar. Walking in, the term "cafeteria" is quite exact. Forks and knives are clinging loudly, smokers are comfortably seated at large rectangular tables, the ambience is simply not auspicious for absorbing the experience that visiting and drinking Westvleteren should be. I had the Blond and a side of cheese, and was impressed by neither. I finished both off quickly and left to visit the nearby Struise brewers with whom I had a far more pleasant time.

Reminded me of a cafeteria. The beer is pretty good though. :) Seriously, a necessary visit if you are in the area. This is Mecca.

Besides the blonde and the hop tarts on the menu I found this place disappointing. Over run with tourist buses and old folks. If you are planning on going check the hours of operation carefully and maybe call first.

A paradox, such a useless bar, such a necessary bar...

While we work in the city, some wise, old, illuminated and fully knowledgeable people do their daily appearance at this café and go for the westvleteren beer of their choice...one of the most important activity of their day.  I wish I’ll live in Belgium when I’m old... 6, 8, 12, 6, 6, 8, 12 were the lyrics to the song of the day....was just like a dream to me.