BXL Belgian Cafe

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*

I didn’t have the food. Great bartender that without hesitation gave me 3 free samples of random stuff without really asking. Everything they have on tap is "belgian" of some sort. Very nice. You won’t find anything crazy, but you will have a good time. Easy to find a spot at 1am and grab a drink, not sure if this is always the case. You won’t find anything crazy like the cantiloons, but again, the house beer is worth the stop if you’re stuck in the 40something st. area. Giant window up front was taken out to get some air, loved the smoke coming in from the window myself, others might not be so happy I guess. Pricing was reasonable, nothing over $10 a pour on draft and smaller pours were an option on quite a few drafts. Great little place that holds probably 40 people butt to nut at best.

A nice Belgian tavern in a convienient mid-town location.

Would give it a few more points for being such a cool place near Time’s Square. As you might have guessed from the name, heavy on the Belgians. Place can get crowded with a narrow shoot to get from front bar to back dining area. Bartenders might be a little gruff even for NT standards but not sure how much of that come from working so close to the heart of darkness. Solid pick if you’re pressed for time and stuck in Time’s Square.

Went here after a show for a few beers as the crowds dispersed. Small cafe place a peice of Europe half a block from times square. With all the maps of nyc available to tourist, i am glad some one had the briliance to include one of brussels. Service was friendly and prompt. Only belgians available here, which is no problem with me. Beer was served in correct, clean glassware. Did look at a menu but not order. 6 versions of mussels and fries, should have come here for dinner instead of heartland. Prices were typical for the city. Overall an enjoyable expirence and will surely return in the future.

I went to the east version of the cafe on a Sunday night to watch the Oscars with non-beer friends. This place did an okay job. I expected much worse and was pleasantly surprised to have good food and beer done pretty well. The prices were pretty high and the selection was not that great for Belgians, but we enjoyed ourselves and were treated well.

OK folks, this is NYC so don’t complain about prices. AMAZING so let me repeat AMAZING selection and dedication to Belgian style brews here. Have been all OVER the NY-NJ-CT area and nobody has draft and bottled Belgian selection like BXL. Bartenders know these beers and can guide you to your preference before you buy a glass. You will find seasonal specials here you might never see elsewhere on tap. Get the country pate appetizer, if you are lucky enough to get a seat at the bar and talk beer with the bartender you can exponentially increase your appreciation for Belgian-style beers on tap and in general

Bartenders know their beers and they are all Belgian beers, so you know they are good. Staff is well versed in what beer goes well with what food. But drinking is the name of the game in this place.

Ambiance is medium size bar that leads to a sitting area, reminds me of a college bar (a little run down). Clientele college age. Busy on a Saturday night. Beer was served in proper glassware (Corsondonk Brown in tulip and Lindemans Framboise in Flute). Bartenders were fun and knowledgeable. Good selection of Belgian style beer.

Charming moderate sized European style restaurant and bar in midtown. Smallish but acceptable sized bar at lunchtime, it was not too crowded. What brought me here was the Ommegang cuvee house beer, and I am glad it did. There are a moderate amount of taps and bottles, with a pure Belgium theme.

This place isn’t bad. Broad selection of Belgian stuff, though it doesn’t rotate very often. Foods good too. Expensive though.