De Zeven Schaken — Restaurant in Antwerp

De Zeven Schaken, nestled in the historic heart of Antwerp, is a quintessential Belgian beer café that exemplifies the country's rich brewing culture. Having visited both in summer and during the festive winter season, I can attest to its consistent charm and welcoming atmosphere.

The beer selection here is truly impressive, featuring an extensive range of Belgian classics and seasonal specialties. During my December visit, I sampled the Delirium Noël, a rich winter ale that perfectly captured the festive spirit with its complex flavor profile and warming character. The café takes pride in serving each beer in its proper branded glassware, as evidenced by the distinctive Delirium chalice.

The interior maintains the authentic character of a traditional Belgian brown café, with warm wooden furnishings and an ambiance that invites you to linger over your beer. The consistency of service and atmosphere between visits speaks to their commitment to maintaining high standards.

While I haven't sampled their food offerings, the café's prime location in Antwerp makes it an ideal spot for both tourists and locals to experience Belgium's renowned beer culture. The staff demonstrates knowledge about their beer selection and seems happy to offer recommendations.

The name "De Zeven Schaken" (The Seven Chess Pieces) adds an intriguing historical touch to the establishment, though locals often refer to it simply as "De 7 Schaken."

The ability to find the same comfortable spot during both visits suggests good space management, even during busier periods. The café seems to strike that perfect balance between being a tourist-friendly destination and maintaining its authentic local character.

Rating: 4.5/5 Highlights: Exceptional beer selection Authentic Belgian brown café atmosphere Consistent quality across seasons Prime location in Antwerp Professional service with...

(also posted on the Yelp page) Google reviews recommended this place for some traditional food. Upon entering, we were given the choice to sit inside or outside. There were plenty of options. Our server gave us recommendations of the menu when we asked. He spoke English and chatted with us about music festivals.

We started with two main entrees. We were about to order a third, and the server warned us that it would be too much food. In the end it was, but we got a take away box.. The stoofvlees (Flemish beef stew) is what they're known for, and it is good. But the varkenswangetjes was way better. They both have the same sauce, but the meat was more tender. The third dish was stoemp van de week that we just wanted to try. It wasn't as delicious as the pork cheek dish. We got charged for "supp. aardappel", but I couldn't figure out what it was. Maybe the two take away boxes?

Credit card accepted. For two people, we paid about 76 euros. I think this is too much for lunch, but we also over-ordered and got...

Food is awesome!!!!!!! Service is mediocre at best. Been 3 times. Each time we waited more than 20 mins to order drinks & food, drinks didnt come until starters! 35+ mins in total. Looonnngggg time waiting. Not even that busy 2 times. It doesn't close til 10pm but at 9.15 we had to drop the chefs name to get starters cos "you can only have one course after 9pm" altho this was later revealed to be untrue and never mentioned when seated. Id rate the food as excellent but the service (with the exception of the floor manager/head waiter who was great) terrible at best!! A smile & a bit of apology if you're busy would be greatly appreciated. I work horeca so i understand u cant control kitchen speed at busy times, but a little conversation goes a long way to appeasing ppl &...