EBG Rating: 7.5/10

Choice/Quality of Drinks:
❤️❤️❤️❤️
Style/Décor:
❤️❤️❤️
Atmosphere/Character:
❤️❤️❤️❤️
Amenities/Events:
❤️❤️❤️❤️
Value For Money:
❤️❤️❤️❤️

Description:
North of central Antwerp it all starts to quieten down on the streets – the campus of the university is based around here, located in-between the arterial trams and thoroughfares. Sleepy backstreets suddenly transform the atmosphere and you encounter the Stadswaag, a small square around which are cafés and bars.

Relatively tucked away, ‘t Waagstuk (translated to The Gamble – The name appears to reference when the pub was considered a fire hazard!) gives an impression of a pub more English than Belgian, a series of slightly off-kilter rooms that in their whole constitute a pub and hangout spot. It used to be a warehouse and when I say used to be – we’re talking about the 16th century. The brickwork attests to that.

A long bar counter and murals draw the eye, as well as a large candelabra in the central room. Due to the bar occupying a narrow space there is no real natural congregation area there, counting against it perhaps.

However, the easy, casual nature of the pub and its younger audience gives the rest of the pub a bit of energy and character, identity if you like.

A further string to its bow is an excellent selection of draft beers including some more modern styles and from local breweries and strong bottle selection too at fair prices.

If you prefer the idea of a pub, especially a casual one to the more oil paintingy brown cafés this will be one for you.

(Added August 2026)