A curved central bar fills Wide Awake's Saint-Catherine flagship in central Brussels, near the old fish-market quays. Window seats and pavement tables surround the brewing counter. Espresso, filter, pastries and lunch make this the fuller of the roaster's two Brussels cafes.
Coffee
Wide Awake roasts its own blends and single origins. Its named coffee series span washed lots, fruit-heavy naturals and more familiar espresso profiles. The retail selection gives the bar a broader range than a single house blend.
Filter
Batch brew and hand brews offer two ways to explore the changing coffees. The flagship also hosts guest takeovers, so the available beans can differ from the regular retail range.
Food
The cafe bakes in the morning and also buys pastries from Mains BXL. Sweet and savoury bakes sit alongside a compact lunch selection. Choose from the current display rather than relying on one particular bun or sandwich.
Service & Room
The open bar puts preparation in view from much of the room. Saint-Catherine has the fuller food offer; the smaller Flagey espresso bar is on Rue Lesbroussart in Ixelles, south-east of the centre. The former Rue de Flandre address is closed.
Why Filter Notes shortlisted Wide Awake Coffee
Wide Awake is a strong central stop for changing house-roasted coffees with pastry or lunch. Choose Saint-Catherine for the wider cafe menu and Flagey when your plans take you toward Ixelles.