Experiencing two world-class cocktail bars was one of the biggest fun surprises of our late-May visit to Antwerp, Belgium.
On a Saturday evening when we had just arrived in Antwerp, we set out for a quick walk around the historic old town.
We came upon this subtle sign, and Mr. Jones remembered reading somewhere about this being a good bar. The doorway led down a long entryway to an older building. Once we entered, we were in a contemporary, relaxing-looking bar. We took seats up at the bar.
We noticed that while the bar area was relatively small, three different bartenders we. There was also a large selection of alcohol and many, many different ingredients at the bar. After choosing our cocktails, we sat back and watched the preparation.
The bartenders at Cocktails at 9 don’t mix drinks.
They craft them.
Slowly. One by one.
Mr. Jones’ gin martini was stirred, very carefully, to chill the drink without watering it down.
My cocktail was one of the bars signature drinks – with Aviation in the name. The bartender carefully measured and mixed all of the different ingredients.
The drink was tasty and delicious.
We appreciated the smoke-free bar, which we noticed attracted a wide range of clientele — from groups of young women in their 20’s to couples that were in their 60’s or 70’s. Even with the three bartenders, the careful handcrafting of the cocktails meant they took a while to complete (especially after 10 pm on a Saturday night as the bar filled up completely.)
The wait is worthwhile. The cocktails are unexpected, and delicious. The vibe is relaxed and fun. Everyone sips their drinks as if to savor every drop.
We would have returned on other nights during our stay, but Cocktails at 9 is only open Wednesday through Sunday nights.
During our Sunday night walk-around the historic section of Antwerp, we were drawn to this street with the heart-shaped lights.
Down this street, we discovered Dogma, another cocktail bar.
On a Sunday night, there was only one bartender working at Dogma. He was working like crazy – always in motion.
Once again, we sat at the bar, where the metal seats resemble old-fashioned tractor seats.
The menus at Dogma are hand-written and illustrated books. Drinks are divided by category; for example, “Elegant” drinks are grouped together.
Once I saw this “Nearly an Original Cosmo” drink, I had to try it.
The gin-raspberry-basil-lemon concoction was tasty, without the sickly-sweetness of many cosmos.
Another lemony gin drink was served in a glass jar, with the lid.
Dogma offers many surprises. As we left the bar, we recognized our bartender from Cocktails at 9. (It turned out his brother was the bartender that night at Dogma.)
Have you been to a terrific cocktail bar lately? Please share the details in comments below.
If you enjoy cocktails, check out these posts:
- Smoking Martinis, Hearty Food and Fun Vibe at 300 First in Rochester, Minnesota
- Martini Madness Onboard Holland America’s ms Veendam
- Destination Discovery: The Cruise Room in Denver, Colorado
- Our Favorite Drinks from Around the World
- An Update on the Signature Beverage Package on Holland America Cruises
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