Antwerp

“One Drug, One Café, One Caffènation” is the slogan of Caffènation. Once over the threshold, you almost stumble over the sacks of house blend coffee. Inside is a pleasant, no-nonsense atmosphere, typical of a business that has nothing more to prove. The music is slightly harder and both the service and the interior have a rough edge. Most coffees come from their own roasting business, which also supplies many other bars and restaurants in Antwerp. Furthermore, almost all local baristas made their first great espresso here. If you want to take home some typical Antwerp coffee, choose from a variety of bags of the bar’s own coffee beans.

Mokkakapot is a creative coffee bar in Borgerhout’s fast changing Moorkensplein, only a stone’s throw from Central Station. There is art on the walls, a store selling clothes, jewellery and books as well as a menu with some original drinks and sandwiches.

Me & My Monkey (named after a song by The Beatles) is the successor of La Chascona. The interior matches the antique feel of the Kloosterstraat. The menu is full of decadent coffee drinks, sweetened with honey and speculoos (gingerbread cookie spread).

Viggo’s is a coffee bar with a decidedly Scandinavian feel to it. You'll find it at the hip and colourful Coninckplein, not far from Central Station and the Permeke library. They serve a wide range of teas and chocolate milk made with Belgian chocolate. Of course, the coffee is excellent, and there's decidedly no decaf! In summer months you can also order refreshing smoothies, iced coffee or ice tea here.