3 Best Bars in Dendermonde, Ghent and the Leie

A local institution, this jazz club has been operating since 1962, with regular concerts in its vaulted basement of blues, roots, and jazz music. Everyone from Chuck Berry and Curtis Mayfield to Jerry Lee Lewis has played here, and inside you'll find a small museum about its history.

A solid bar overlooking the Grote Markt, with a rather slick interior. It opens early, closes late, and drinks are accompanied by a small sharing plate of popcorn, olives, and chips. Its selection of whiskies and local beers is also pretty good. 

A charming little bar on the main street into town with a good choice of local beers, cocktails, and mostly South African wines. It also does a small lunch menu (€25), which changes daily. Bar snacks are ambitious (think cod ceviche and pizza with figs) and there's a great terrace at the back.