Local Guides World
Jonathan B.
2 reviews on 1 places
In life, you need to know that places like La Brouette really do exist. They are waiting to be discovered and fill you with a glowing sense of satisfaction. La Brouette evokes a distant childhood memory of home and warm welcomes. You might be forgiven for believing that cafes like this only exist as film sets.
On a brisk January Sunday morning when snow was forecast, my daughter and I had some privileged 'dad and daughter' time, and we fancied breakfast. We headed at random to the center of town, stroking Everard t'Serclaes for luck as we ambled into the Grand Place where, perchance, we found this cozy gem was open. Everard sure knows how to deliver at short notice. Even after all these years here, I still consider us strangers in this land, a couple of notches above tourists, but not nearly natives yet, and in my mind's eye La Brouette is 'ground zero Belgium'. It doesn't get much lovelier than this. I believe they serve the most satisfying breakfast on the Grand Place.
The décor is wall-to-wall wooden panels and old-fashioned decorations with a live fireplace. We were instantly welcomed by friendly staff, and they offered us a generous table bathed in cozy lighting with a menu full of winter warmers. Come here and you can experience Belgian hospitality in one sitting. The coffee is strong, so don’t make my mistake and order two unless you enjoy palpitations in your step and talking very fast. Pastries are buttery and full of flaky goodness. La Brouette has the best hallmarks of simplicity, honesty, and a slightly kitsch and fun atmosphere.
My daughter and I sat and ate, we took a few lazy minutes to pencil some drawings together. We played tic-tac-toe and never felt we were overstaying our welcome despite the constant flow of people walking in and out. I reconnected with aspects of café culture that I had not experienced for many years since sitting on a Parisian terrace near the Boulevard Haussmann. La Brouette is for people-watching and breakfast-feasting with those you love in a cozy and safe space.
Belgians probably have rules against changing La Brouette, and if not, then they should vote them in immediately. I will forgive them the off-tone distraction of a TV screen by the counter at the back as it belched lewd flashes of modernity into an otherwise perfect landscape.
There will be privileged time in which to experience La Brouette at its best; I expect this establishment has a very different vibe in summer, and that it is best enjoyed outside of crowded times.
It was so good I'm almost scared of going back lest I ruin the experience and the perfect memory.
On a brisk January Sunday morning when snow was forecast, my daughter and I had some privileged 'dad and daughter' time, and we fancied breakfast. We headed at random to the center of town, stroking Everard t'Serclaes for luck as we ambled into the Grand Place where, perchance, we found this cozy gem was open. Everard sure knows how to deliver at short notice. Even after all these years here, I still consider us strangers in this land, a couple of notches above tourists, but not nearly natives yet, and in my mind's eye La Brouette is 'ground zero Belgium'. It doesn't get much lovelier than this. I believe they serve the most satisfying breakfast on the Grand Place.
The décor is wall-to-wall wooden panels and old-fashioned decorations with a live fireplace. We were instantly welcomed by friendly staff, and they offered us a generous table bathed in cozy lighting with a menu full of winter warmers. Come here and you can experience Belgian hospitality in one sitting. The coffee is strong, so don’t make my mistake and order two unless you enjoy palpitations in your step and talking very fast. Pastries are buttery and full of flaky goodness. La Brouette has the best hallmarks of simplicity, honesty, and a slightly kitsch and fun atmosphere.
My daughter and I sat and ate, we took a few lazy minutes to pencil some drawings together. We played tic-tac-toe and never felt we were overstaying our welcome despite the constant flow of people walking in and out. I reconnected with aspects of café culture that I had not experienced for many years since sitting on a Parisian terrace near the Boulevard Haussmann. La Brouette is for people-watching and breakfast-feasting with those you love in a cozy and safe space.
Belgians probably have rules against changing La Brouette, and if not, then they should vote them in immediately. I will forgive them the off-tone distraction of a TV screen by the counter at the back as it belched lewd flashes of modernity into an otherwise perfect landscape.
There will be privileged time in which to experience La Brouette at its best; I expect this establishment has a very different vibe in summer, and that it is best enjoyed outside of crowded times.
It was so good I'm almost scared of going back lest I ruin the experience and the perfect memory.
This a quaint little place with good honest and affordable food. Nothing fancy, everything tasty. The place is clean, the food is fresh, the staff are easy going and welcoming. If it’s a kebab and chips you are lusting for, and let’s face it: we all have our weaknesses, then this is as good a place as any to satisfy your craving.