3 times not to be missed in Mechelen
Mechelen is located in the heart of Flanders, halfway between Brussels and Antwerp. The city on the Dyle is a bit small and is therefore often overlooked among the larger Flemish cities. And yet cozy Mechelen is definitely worth a visit. If only for these three great ones that will make you want to put your feet under the table in the evening.
Pinxtos Bar & Bistro is recommended for those who enjoy tapas. The restaurant is named after the famous sandwiches from the Spanish Basque Country, but you can eat more than just Spanish specialties there. Brothers Tom and Ken Bekaert serve world cuisine in snack form, delicious! The chèvre brulée en limoncello chicken wings are already music to our ears. These snacks from all over the world naturally also include a nice wine or Mechelen beer on tap. The Gouden Carolus Classic and Maneblusser, among others, are highly recommended.
Pinxtos – Nauwstraat 10, Mechelen – open Thursday to Sunday from 12:00 to 23:00, closed from Monday to Wednesday – pinxtos.bar
For heavenly burgers and divine fries you have to go to Il Cardinale in Mechelen. The burger bar has been located opposite the archbishop's palace since 2014 and owes its name to the Mechelen cardinal. Inside, the church concept was continued with church candlesticks on the tables and a wall full of statues of the Virgin Mary. And you can also expect a holy scene on your plate. Citizens with names like The Godfather, Baby Jesus and Mary had a little lamb are no exception. Also on the menu: the selfie, a burger that you can put together completely according to your own wishes. Thank God for citizens!
Il Cardinale – Sint-Rombouts Kerkhof 1, Mechelen – Open Monday to Thursday from 12:00 to 14:00 and from 17:00 to 22:00 and on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 to 22:00 – www.ilcardinale.be
In the oldest garage in Mechelen you will find Wagenoord, a hybrid between a dining bar, co-working space, meeting room and event location. Gourmets will get their money's worth at De Wilde Eetbar for a lunch or dinner that combines the best from their own region with the best from the rest of the world. Gastronomy in a unique way, with Jente de Wilde at the stove. A grilled pumpkin with chickpeas to share or a beef carpaccio with chorizo oil for you alone? Whether you are a fan of food sharing or adhere to the 'Joey doesn't share food' philosophy: both are possible at Wagenoord.
Wagenoord – Maurits Sabbestraat 123, Mechelen – open from Monday to Friday, every time from 11:00 am to 22:00 pm – wagenoord.be
Ps. the owners run a great all year long beach bar! Zuiderbad.be. More about that soon.
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