bardo1

smithgardner,

An unsolicited rec for a stop in the Ixelles neighborhood.

Everything one wants in a cafe or restaurant: moderately priced, delicious, charming, friendly, and cozy. No tourists business, so the staff has little to no English but the menu is pretty straightforward Belgian fare (see website below).

http://www.auvieuxbruxelles.com/

FoFoBT

When we lived in Brussels, I did about 70 days trips to Paris with no problem, so the reverse trip should be equally easy. You might find your energy flagging in late afternoon, suggest you pop into a cafe on the Sablon (or whatever neighborhood you happen to be in) for a pick-me-up cappuccino or tea. Au Viexu St Martin on the Sablon makes an especially decadent cappuccino - rich dark cofee serve with an entire bowl of homemade whipped cream and a bowl of luscious dark chocolate shavings. Oh and a cookie on the side. Mmmmm....they also do a very good hot tea with fresh mint leaves. http://www.auvieuxsaintmartin.be/
One nice thing for a January trip: many cafes in Brussels and Bruges have fireplaces, very cozy