BXL Belgian Cafe

I happened to pass by this place while walking in the Times Square area. Went back later and had a glass of their Ommegang BXL draft, I have tasted most of their other offerings. Narrow and dark inside at night. Sort of fits the mode of a Belgian brown bar. A raucous group up front, ambivalent service. The beer was appreciated though.

Came here on 11.6.2019. Very close to Time Square, the better choice compared to Heartland next door to drink a good beer (Ben and Chris E. would enjoy the place). 9 beers on tap and many bottles. I had a La Chouffe - expensive but good. They also had Dilirium and St. Bernardus on draft.

Very much in the heart of Manhattan is a medium size friendly pub. Sits less than 100 people. Manages to keep a friendly neighbourhood pub atmosphere despite its center-of-Manhattan location. I had the Ommegang Cuvee BXL which was exclusive to this place, not sure if Ommegang is still brewing this exclusive beer for them anymore. It was a somewhat disappointing Ommegang offering anyway. I was there early after-noon, it was peaceful and quiet, I didn’t eat there and I cannot comment on the night crowd. Beer list is nothing to attract the beer geeks, except maybe for the Cuvee BXL. Mostly common Belgians offerings and some common USA offerings. Not a bad pub but with places like Ginger Man and Rattle N Hum walking distance, I cannot imagine myself ever going back there.

Chili, laid back pub only steps from Times Square. Beers are all (or at least mostly) Belgian. They’ve got a good draft selection and a number of additional offering in bottles. Been in here a few times - the bartenders have always been friendly. Food is good as well. I like to stop in for a beer every time I’m in NYC.

Visited May, 2012.

After dinner next door at Heartland Brewing I happened across this place and thought I’d give it a try. This is primarily a bar. I’m not sure if they serve any food but it’s a narrow room with just enough room to get some seats at the bar and to let people walk by behind those seats. I found a small table at the end of the bar where I looked through the beer list and found a house beer made by Ommegang. I was dubious but decided to order a glass anyway. It was pretty good but I was unsure if it was just a rebranded Belgian Pale Ale or not. It had been a while since I had had that particular beer but this one seemed darker and maltier and had some spiciness to it. Sure enough it has its own entry in the database. No idea what the connection is between this place and Ommegang but it’s kind of cool that they have their own beer made for them. I didn’t stick around too long to fully experience the ambiance but the people that were there were friendly as was the server but I didn’t talk to them much as I was only there for a beer and needed to get back to the hotel.

Sister bar to BXL East, which I often frequent. Staff is great and selection is pretty good. They serve liquor at this location, which they don’t at East. Food is tasty and place is fairly small.

Cool and very central place. Had some fun belgian beers and a very nice bartender. Will go again when in NY next time.

I went here two days in a row while in NYC. I know that goes against a lot of tourist rules but I had the most awesome time I’ve ever had outside of Belgium. *Decent tap list. Decent Bottle List. Nothing mind blowing* *After you sit there for a while, random bottles just start getting offer from Fantome, De Dolle and Boon* *The wait staff was great. We spent about 4 hours dancing to grunge rock, and being entertained by the staff’s awesome karaoke skills* *One of the waiters offered me his floor to crash on next time I’m in NYC* *Excellent service as in, when your glass is almost empty, they are ready to take your next order* *Good glassware selection, clean taps but other than that, it’s very much a dive bar looking place* *I can’t wait to go back*