Paters Vaetje

Paters VaetjePaters Vaetje
Paters VaetjePaters Vaetje
Bar, Eatery

Blauwmoezelstraat 1
Antwerpen, 2000
Belgium

+32 3 231 84 76 | map
patersvaetje.be

Open very late (til the wee hours of the morning) on Friday and Saturday nights, until the last patrons leave. Typically closes between 1:00 am and 3:00 am other nights. Now no smoking until 10:30 pm.
PLACE STATS
Average:
4.04
Reviews:
23
Ratings:
30
pDev:
7.18%
View: Place Reviews
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Photo of flyingpig
Reviewed by flyingpig from Scotland

4.14/5  rDev +2.5%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5
First pub we went to in Antwerp and a great choice, massive beer menu in this place with all the usual suspects and a few I'd not spotted many other places. Quite busy when we went on a Friday night but we managed to squeeze into a seat upstairs - they had seats outside too but it was raining sadly.

Lots of good beers, a few non-Belgian ones too and a couple on-tap.
Jul 06, 2018
Photo of rapayn01
Reviewed by rapayn01 from Kentucky

3.24/5  rDev -19.8%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 3.25 | service: 3.5 | selection: 3.25 | food: 2.25
I visited this spot recently on a trip to Antwerp. I'm not sure how this bar merits so many good BA reviews, but I suspect it is because it is near the big Hilton in the central city tourist area. In my view, it is not worth going out of your way to find. The bar itself looks good inside and they had a decent selection of beers (mostly in bottles). The draft list was very short, not all that interesting, and included Lagunitas IPA. Not sure that's good or bad. I can buy it almost anywhere in the US now. The food was quite disappointing. We ordered a local sandwich that came on something like Wonder (white) bread with uninteresting cheese and a thin bit of ham. Our service was OK, but the server seemed to be overworked with too many tables to cover on a warm Sunday afternoon. I think this was the only place we visited that at least one of us didn't have fries. I don't think they were available if I recall correctly. My bottle did not come with my glass -- someone poured the beer elsewhere. That's the only time this occurred in my 7 day trip to Belgium.
Jun 08, 2018
 
Rated: 4.28 by TGarbo from California

Jan 02, 2018
 
Rated: 4.25 by HopBelT from Belgium

Apr 09, 2017
 
Rated: 3.9 by esktime from Ohio

Mar 18, 2016
Photo of DanielCseklye
Reviewed by DanielCseklye from Belgium

4.14/5  rDev +2.5%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4.25 | selection: 4.25
I visited this place with high occurence during my Erasmus mobility in Antwerp. I was totally satisfied and obsessed by the atmosphere. Service and selection are great, foodpairing with beer is excellent, especially beer and cheese. I miss that feeling and will visit Gollem again as soon as i will travel to Belgium again. Awesome!
Feb 28, 2016
 
Rated: 3.59 by Hayley_86 from Netherlands

May 15, 2015
 
Rated: 4.25 by mklisz from New Hampshire

Nov 10, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by uturn from Florida

Jan 05, 2014
 
Rated: 4.5 by toronto_beermaven from Canada (ON)

Dec 11, 2013
Photo of Sdmurray4
Reviewed by Sdmurray4 from Georgia

4.45/5  rDev +10.1%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 5 | food: 4
Just got back from Belgium and this was our "go-to" place while in Antwerp for the week. It sounds like it hasn't changed much from the other reviews. The location is great right next to the cathedral literally a two minute walk from the Hilton. Like all places in Belgium it was small and cozy. It seemed that there were mostly locals in place whenever we went, they were always happy to make room for us and discus our traveling adventures. The food was pretty decent when we ate there. The toast cannibale was some of the best we had in Antwerp. Can't wait to go back!
Feb 03, 2012
Photo of Chambic
Reviewed by Chambic from California

4/5  rDev -1%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 3.5
If you can, sit upstairs. There's a nice view from the loft space, because of the big windows. Though, sometimes it gets hot up there.

It's a fun place, the food is okay, and there are plenty of beers. The list is located on the wall next to the door. Oh, the door. I wonder if it's still stuck. I had a really hard time opening it when I was last there at the end of November 2009.

This place is special because the first time I was there, I partied with a bunch of cops. That's probably the first and last time I'll ever experience that.
Feb 04, 2010
Photo of DaPeculierDane
Reviewed by DaPeculierDane from Wisconsin

4.2/5  rDev +4%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4
Visit: 8-20-08

Following dinner at 'T Pakhuis, Elaina and I strolled back to the Cathedral area and the Monk's Casket. After drinking a 4 handled ceramic cauldron of the spicy and aromatic Deugniut Blonde, I went to relieve myself. There I am in the tiny dark wood bathroom humming to myself do-to-do and oh, ok...um, hi! The waitress is in there with me. Just as quick as she enters she is gone. I get back to business and then bam, hello. She's back. Turns out the dishwasher is tucked behind the bathroom and the only way the waitresses have of getting to it is to walk right through the men's room.

At any rate, I followed up the first beer with the boozey Keizer Karel Blonde. Once again it was served in a wonderful blue ceramic cauldron. Between 80 and 100 bottles and 6 taps were available. Prices were reasonable and service was quick, pleasant, and attractive. Definitely worthy of a visit.
Nov 15, 2009
Photo of ministoat
Reviewed by ministoat from England

4/5  rDev -1%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4
A thriving place very close to the cathedral. One of the few bars in Antwerp that was full when we went. It's one of those two storey jobs, non smoking downstairs and smoking upstairs where you can look down into the bar below.

We opted for a couple of arabiers which are always a favourite and even though they were served in oerbier glasses, our friendly bartender was keen to point out that it was really arabiers we were getting before we even noticed.

A great bar that is well worth checking out.
May 29, 2009
Photo of tendermorsel
Reviewed by tendermorsel from Massachusetts

4.18/5  rDev +3.5%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4 | food: 4
I really enjoyed this place during a recent trip to Antwerp.

Above average selection of Belgian beers. Nothing too crazy or rare but about 5-6 taps and 60 different bottles. Pleanty of good stuff to choose from. I didn't try much food but I had a roasted pepper soup which was pretty good.

Great ambiance. Lot's of old style Flemish charm. It is smaller place. With a smoking section which is up a set of stairs and set above the main bar. Super friendly staff that was willing to take the time to answer questions and speak to me in English.

Major bonus points for location and hours. It is very centrally located. It's literally right next door to the main church in town. They have very late hours too. We closed the bar out @ 3:00 AM on a Wednesday morning. It think they may even have 4:00 closing on the weekends.

I even saw a Beer Advocate hat hung up behind the bar!

I would definately reccomend this place when in Antwerp.
May 28, 2009
Photo of ViveLaChouffe
Reviewed by ViveLaChouffe from Georgia

4/5  rDev -1%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4
This place is probably the most accessible pub I visited while I was in Antwerp in terms of both opening hours and location. It was open by noon until at least 2 AM during my visit and is literally a stone's throw from the Cathedral of Our Lady, right in the middle of the main tourist area.

The atmosphere is small but cozy "brown bar" light. Lots of old and new beer signs but with some bad Europop on the sound system. I counted upwards of 70 bottles and 5 taps available. A good list too, not too "beer geeky" but plenty to keep the beer geek satisfied.

Service was good and pretty prompt for Europe but I was visiting during the early afternoon both times.

Probably my least favorite pub that I visited in Antwerp but that's hardly a condemnation. Definitely stop in for beer, chances are whenever you stop by it will be pouring!
Oct 26, 2008
Photo of BeerBelcher
Reviewed by BeerBelcher from Ohio

3.86/5  rDev -4.5%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4
I loved the Antwerp beer scene, and for me that started at Paters Vaetje. A homey little place right next to the Antwerp cathedral, this was a great place to start a beer tour of Antwerp.

It is a small wooden bar with a few tables and chairs behind a small store front facing the cathedral. Up a narrow staircase there is a loft with more seating and a ceiling so low you feel like you're in a doll-house. I really liked the atmosphere here.

Beer is 6 taps and 100+ bottles. Smoking is permitted but on the Saturday afternoon I visited, was not excessive (despite a packed bar).

Service was quick and efficient from three bartendresses behind the bar, although I judged the level of beer knowledge from behind the bar to be pretty average. Clientele was young people, but this bar didn't have a college bar feel and didn't seem touristy despite its location. It didn't seem like a beer-geek mecca, but rather a place for locals on the town on a Saturday that just happened to offer quite a bit for the beer geek (I had a Malheur 12 here).

Out of the 4 places I visited in Antwerp (Waagstuk, Oud Arsenaal, Paters Vaetje, Kulminator), this was my third favorite, but still a must-see.
Oct 24, 2008
Photo of ggaughan
Reviewed by ggaughan from Pennsylvania

4.05/5  rDev +0.2%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 4
Visited Paters on a recent day trip to Antwerp. We had lunch here and were able to sit outside in the nice seating area, looking over at a cool old church. As it was a pleasant Saturday afternoon, the square was hoping with people which is one of the best reasons to sit outside.

For lunch I had a croque maison which is basically a croque monseuir with bolognese sauce over it and a Rochefort 10 to start. The sandwich was very good, a great way to start the day and the Rochefort 10 is a great beer. A bit heavy for my first beer of the day but still hard to pass up.

I went inside to the bar to use the restrooms on the way out and thought it would be nice to visit again and sit inside as the bar is small but has a cool vibe to it.
May 17, 2008
Photo of VierBier
Reviewed by VierBier from Netherlands

4.28/5  rDev +5.9%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5
Visited this place for the first time some 20 odd years ago, and quality has only improved over the years.

Summer or winter, the choice is so wide, you can always find something fitting your taste and the season. Staff is most helpful if you need any assistance with your choice, even when it is crowded, which is almost always the case.

Except for Westvleteren, unfortunately, they serve all Trappist beers, a wide range of abbey brews, and there is always something new on offer. Most of the time bottle only.

If Kulminator is a bit out of your way, which it always is when beer is not your reason for visiting Antwerp, Paters Vaetje is your best choice in town. Even though, admittedly, you have to wait for your beer to obtain the correct temperature.
Feb 26, 2008
Photo of BlackHaddock
Reviewed by BlackHaddock from England

3.26/5  rDev -19.3%
vibe: 2.5 | quality: 4 | service: 2 | selection: 4
Visited twice over a December weekend 2007.

Mixed bag of customers, the upstairs bit was full on both occassions we popped in, it was also busy on the ground floor too. Lots of beery bits on the walls, nice bar area.

Good selection of beers, with a chalkboard advertising anything new available. Every beer I had there was in good condition, be it draught or bottled.

Our first visit was during the evening and two young ladies behind the bar were both off-ish, our daytime visit was a little better, two older (30's) ladies were at least helpful.

My wife just didn't like the place, mostly because of the staff, but the toilets aren't very good if you are a lady either.

This place is over-rated in my opinion, there are plenty of better bars in Antwerp.
Dec 21, 2007
Photo of Stephen63
Reviewed by Stephen63 from Scotland

3.86/5  rDev -4.5%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4
Handy place in Antwerp that is literally within staggering distance of the beautiful cathedral. Lots of eating and drinking close by. This place distinguishes iteself with a great choice of beers both on tap and a bottled list of around 100.

Went on a thursday night and the place was packed at 10pm. No seats so had to stand at the bar. Nice decor and places to sit outside but not in winter and was raining heavily on said evening.

The two girls serving were being kept very busy and consequently service was a little slow, however it was not for a lack of effort. Got an Achel in the correct glass which is always pleasing, although the beer was way too cold for my liking.

Definitely one to visit when in Antwerp. To appreciate this place best go here first, then go the the Kulminator (for the ultimate bar experience, in my opinion at least!).
Feb 11, 2007
Photo of GCBrewingCo
Reviewed by GCBrewingCo from North Carolina

4.5/5  rDev +11.4%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5
Paters is in a very nice position just behind Der Kathedral. On the map it appears to be on a street, but in reality the outdoor seating is just a hop, skip and a jump from the Kathedral walls. We were situated outside under an umbrella on a very hot September day. The umbrella was brought out upon request. The inside of the place is very small but there was an upstairs area which becons from above the bar.

Our service was immediate upon arrival at the table which was already occupied by friends. Our server was a young lass and she was both precise and timely with all beverages.

The beer list appeared to only have 5 drafts, but was long with regard to the offerings. Paters does not take Credit Cards, but who cares, make sure you hit a cash machine before going there. Also a must is the WC, be sure to leave your humility at home as you stand at the urinal shutter and others walk in.

Visited on September 11, 2006.
Oct 13, 2006
Photo of msubulldog25
Reviewed by msubulldog25 from Oregon

4.3/5  rDev +6.4%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4
Visited with my wife on 7 September 2006, within hours of arriving in Belgium. Located adjacent to the main Cathedral on Handschoenmarkt, this little pub proved to be a great find for us during our two-day stay in Antwerp.

The rather ugly "modern" orange brick facade on a square of otherwise monochromatic buildings belies Paters Vaetje's (The Monk's Casket) quaint and comfortable interior. The weather was a bit cool for hanging outside, so we parked ourselves at one of several tiny marble-topped tables across from the huge wooden bar and felt quickly at home. Seated next to a small iron stove (which must be quite useful on a damp, chilly winter's night), we began to absorb the place: a few wooden stools at the bar, colorful Art Nouveau stained glass panels, shelves full of various glassware, a tiny seating area on a balcony above, a handful of locals lingering over an extended lunch break. Occasional chimes from the Cathedral drift past the open door like a gentle breeze, slicing through a haze of cigarette smoke.

We were welcomed rather warmly by our server, despite our complete inability to converse in Flemish, for our first lunch and (almost) first beers of the trip. From the laminated beer menu (nearly 100 bottles + 4 taps; "don't look at the one painted on the wall - it's changed" said our server...) I picked the DeKoninck Tripel to go with my sweet potato/carrot soup & bread. Sharon picked out a tasty croque monsieur and a Kwak, enjoying its unique glassware and stand for her first time.

For almost two hours we loitered inside Paters Vaetje, enjoying another round or two while trying to stave off the jetlag resulting from a 17+ hour series of flights from the US and a bus ride from Zaventem Airport to Antwerp. The sun crept out from behind the cloud cover intermittently, but we just kept on relaxing indoors, listening to the 80's pop music we'd soon learn predominates the Belgian airwaves. Subsequent beers were: La Trappe Tripel & Bruin and a tasty Leffe Brune on-draft.

When in Antwerp a trip to Paters Vaetje is highly recommend. Though we never made a second stop during our time there, despite passing by on several occasions, I'll always fondly recall our first trip to this place and will hope it won't be the last.
Sep 20, 2006
Photo of UncleJimbo
Reviewed by UncleJimbo from Massachusetts

4.13/5  rDev +2.2%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4 | food: 4
I stopped in Paters Vaetje a few times during my visit to Antwerp in Nov. 2005. It's location right next to the Cathedral in the Schoenmarkt made it a place I passed by often as I walked around sight-seeing. It is a small pub/restaurant with windows looking out onto the square and the Cathedral.

As you enter, the bar is on the right, with ~8 bar stools. There are ~5 marble-topped tables on the left, along the long wall. There are more tables in an upstairs loft area in the rear, as well as a couple of tables outside for seating in nice weather. The toilets are in the rear, and are an interesting experience. The floor is red tile, and the walls are brick and yellow stucco with lots of dark wood at the bar and throughout, including a high, wood-beamed ceiling. There are mirrors on the left wall, behind the tables. There is also a small, wood stove on left, between the tables, for heating in the cold weather. On one of my visits, there was a friendly, big, black cat named "Jupiler" roaming freely among the customers; he seemed interested in my chicken soup, but did not want any of the chicken I offered to him.

They had 5 beers on-tap, including: DeKoninck, DeKoninck Winter, Leffe, and Hoegaarden. Their beer menu (nicely laminated and showing prices and %ABV) listed 77 bottled beers, including: Chimay, Orval, Rochefort, Westmalle, etc., 10 imports, and 2 non-alcoholic beers. A good selection.

The atmosphere was good, and was less crowded during the afternoons. Soft music played in the background. In the evening the place would get packed with people. The service was friendly, with some English spoken by at least one of the young ladies behind the bar.

There is a small kitchen in the back, and the menu included pastas, pizza, steaks, and soups. I sampled the "kippensoep and brood" (chicken soup and bread), which was very good, and warmed me up after walking around on a chilly November day.

Definitely recommended.
May 29, 2006
Photo of downes51
Reviewed by downes51 from England

3.98/5  rDev -1.5%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5 | food: 3
I've been going to the Paters Vaetje regularly for about 3 years now. There is an excellent choice of beers, and the service is good.

To criticise; well sometimes the music is turned up a bit too loud, but in the summer that's ok, you can sit outside. (Except there you get a problem with mendicant buskers/performers in the Cathedral square).

Never mind, it's a great place to read the newspaper with an exciting new beer, and, the atmosphere being friendly, I have made the acquaintance of a lot of new friends there. The food is just the usual bar snacks, oh and watch out for the spaghetti bolognese; the helpings are gigantic!
Jan 18, 2004
Photo of Popsinc
Reviewed by Popsinc from Canada (ON)

4/5  rDev -1%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4
First of all i loved the interior of this bar. Old dark wood everywhere including the old staircase leading up to a small balcony level seating. A very warm feeling bar....well except that it was cold outside the main floor wasn't all that warm.

The bar was very busy on this particular day. I only stopped here for 1 beer, a Rochefort 8, and then headed out. I can imagine that this bar would be wonderful in warmer weather with the patio almost on the doorsteps of the Cathedral.

Nonetheless, the very attractive and promt waitress also made my stay pleasant. A nice bar that i would love to return to.
Oct 29, 2003
Photo of saltydog
Reviewed by saltydog from New York

3.83/5  rDev -5.2%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4 | food: 4
Very convenient Antwerp bar right on the square, with good food (helps to fill up between your visits of bars like the Kuliminator which don't have much to eat) and the hours are great, late into the early morning, so it is quite handy place to wind up your night's pubcrawling in town. Wood bar with marble top, brick and wood walls, beams. Not very clean pours, sometimes. Not a great bar by any means, but well worth a visit.
Oct 19, 2003
Photo of Jason
Reviewed by Jason from Massachusetts

3.93/5  rDev -2.7%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 3.5 | food: 4
I was a bit cagey about this place knowing it was in the center, to my surprise this was not only one of the places (prices were not inflated either) to be but it is also open till 5am on the weekends … not sure about the other nights. Living in Eastern Standard Time 5 am (Belgium) is only 11 pm in my mind, so after the Kumilator closes this is where you should go.

Nearly a 100 beers to choose from, the glassware is there and the help knows how to serve it as well. Slow service at times, but this is only due to the packed crowd as well as the bartenders not willing to put up with anyone’s crap. Out of the 100 different beers you’ll be satisfied, I consumed more Hommelbier than anything else.

Oh yeah, awesome place to get some stellar grub in the wee hours of the morning, make sure you hit the frites shop around the corner if your esophagus has so room left in it.
Jan 21, 2003
Photo of Todd
Reviewed by Todd from Finland

4.18/5  rDev +3.5%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4 | food: 4
When in Antwerp, the Paters Vaetje is a must to get your fill of food, atmosphere, late night hanging out (open until 5AM most days) and of course ... good beer. The beer list hit around the 80 beer mark with an excellent and varied selection (it's where I get my fix of Poperings Hommel Bier and Kasteel).

It's a small bar, with seating to your left as you first walk in, in the back and at the bar. There's a tricky, and old, windy and steep stair case (mind your head) that leads to a small balcony that sits about a dozen people and overlooks the downstairs (if you go up the stairs further, or rather if you were allowed, you'd find an apartment -- how cool would that be!). The space is very open, making it a lot less smokey. And, like many of the bars in Belgium, bathrooms (downstairs in the back) are co-ed.

If found the service to my liking. Very attractive women, very pleasant and although the service can get slow as the place gets busy, all you need to do is switch your gears to European mode and realize that waiting isn't always a bad thing. Just relax ... they'll get to you.

Decent selection of food, that's served until very late (I've ordered past 2AM) and should appease your night of drinking appetite. Go for the pan-skillet omelettes!

Wish I was there now ... oh, and when your done, take a right as you leave walk up about a block or two, then take a left and you'll find one of the best frites shops around. Frites, a mystery meat croquette and a can of Jupiler ... and your ready to find your hotel room!
Jan 17, 2003
Photo of TheLongBeachBum
Reviewed by TheLongBeachBum from California

3.86/5  rDev -4.5%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4
The Paters Vaetje is in the city square opposite the base of the spire of Antwerp's majestic Cathedral. Start at the Priests' Casket, try other Antwerp bars, and then return in the early hours (but not too pissed up - they will not serve you!). A good range of at least 75+ beers ensures most beer aficionados have something to go for. Service can be slow after midnight and when busy. No Food. Hours are advertised as 5am closing, 11am opening. I have done a through session until 6:30am when several punters meant the bar stayed opened but with locked doors. Try it if you can - and see the square come to life in the morning as you stagger back to your Hotel for a few hours sleep until opening time.

Revisited Last Week November 2002: It does indeed serve meals, and these are good value for money. I must have been too pissed to remember from my last visits - I don’t eat much anyways. I popped in here twice on my last trip, once at lunchtime and once at night and food was served on both occasions. And Todd is SO right about the beautiful women behind the bar - damn fine.
Aug 17, 2002
Paters Vaetje in Antwerpen, Belgium
Place rating: 4.04 out of 5 with 30 ratings