Whimsical, but then again one would expect that from a brewery that features a little hop-seeking…read moregnome on its labels. A lot of Belgian breweries are surprisingly tiny operations, but that can't be said about the Chouffe. In 2006, the brewery was purchased by the much larger Duvel Moortgat, and it shows. This brewery and its surrounding area is really quite the enterprise by rural Belgian standards - there's the brewery itself, a tap room, another tap room that serves food, an adjacent full-service restaurant with a stocked trout pond behind it, and a gift shop. This all seems a bit "commercial" and United States/Disney-esque, especially after you've been traipsing around Belgium and rural France visiting decidedly non-commercial breweries that half the time were closed, much less have a freakin' gift shop. There's even a pond with a little island with a gnome-hut on it. It would have to try pretty hard to be more cutesy. Still, there's something to be said for this kind of corporatist professionalism, even if it does somewhat resemble visiting the Epcot Center, if it had a "Belgium" pavilion. You don't have to worry about it being open, which was a constant problem in visiting other breweries throughout the region. There will always be a wide, complete range of its beers available, both for on-site consumption and to take home. And of course, plenty of merch and swag featuring that lovable gnome! A Chouffe tulip glass is a must - and there's even Chouffe coffee and cream liqueurs available, of which we purchased a couple small samplers. Of course, there's also the beer. Even after the Chouffe's purchase by a larger brewery, the flagship La Chouffe strong blonde ale hasn't suffered all that much - it's still one of the better examples of the popular "Belgian Strong Pale Ale" style. I think it's got more going on than either Duvel and Delirium....more fruity, spicy, yeasty, while at the same time being a little cleaner than a La Fin Du Monde. I'd still rank it as my favorite easily-accessible example of the style.

I have lived in Europe for years and have come to accept poor service at restaurants…read more This one took the cake. I sat there for more than 20 mins and was not approached one time for service. There were multiple tables that came in after me and folks were served directly. I am 6'11" or 210 cm tall. Clearly the biggest person in the restaurant, so there is no reason I could not have been seen. Huge let down after traveling from Hawaii to my favorite brewery.

Really nice place along the water in Namur. Lots of options for starters and main entrees…read more Excellent selection of drinks and the dessert menu is choice. The staff was really excellent, but be warned they don't have an English menu and most of the staff did not speak English. They really did great though with everyone trying their best to communicate. We had a large diverse group and everyone really enjoyed all the dishes. I only took pics of the truffle pasta dish and the dessert, but I promise it was all good.

Great location, beautiful restaurant with modern decor, nice service and good food. Unfortunately,…read morethey do not serve moules.

A great authentic Belgian meal while you're in Brussels! This restaurant has been around for a…read morelong time, is always packed, often with a lineup outside. But they do their best to seat as many people as possible. I got in fairly quickly because i was alone. The food was fantastic. I had the Carbonade a la Biere, and it was so great! Like a beef stew and very tasty. Also had some good Belgian beer. Service was attentive and very fast. The restaurant is lively and exciting - not really a quiet romantic dinner. But a lot of fun!

If you want to try Belgian food with reasonable prices then this was one good option in Brussels…read more I arrived early for Friday night dinner and the restaurant was just over half full with lots of available seating. While the register states No Cards one of the servers told the table next to mine not worry when they didn't have enough euros. Only a drink menu was provided and the dishes being served that day were handwritten on moveable boards or posted on the wall. I had on my list a couple to try but finally went with the Belgian carbonades à la biere which was beef stew with mashed potatoes in a dark gravy made with beer. The plate was quite generous and much appreciated since I devoured it. I enjoyed the creaminess of the potatoes swirled with gravy but the meat could've been a tad bit more tender. Service was good. I think everyone on the floor stopped by my table for one reason or the other. Ambiance was casual and looked like many people were taking their time over their meals. When finished you need head to the register to settle the tab. I paid in cash. Worth a return visit.