As a sommelier and brewer, I can offer some insider tips on when to get to Bemelmans Bar to make the most of your experience. Bemelmans Bar is a popular spot, known for its live music and elegant ambiance. To avoid the crowds and secure a good spot, it's best to arrive early.
On Sunday and Monday nights, it's advisable to arrive before 9 p.m. This is because the live music cover charge starts at 9 p.m., and by arriving early, you can enjoy the atmosphere without any additional cost. By getting there before 9 p.m., you can also find a comfortable seat or a cozy corner to settle into before the bar gets crowded.
On the rest of the week, it is recommended to arrive around 9:30 p.m. This allows you to avoid the initial rush and gives you a better chance of finding a seat. The bar tends to get busier as the night progresses, so arriving a bit earlier gives you a head start on securing a spot.
One personal experience I had at Bemelmans Bar was when I arrived around 8:30 p.m. on a Friday evening. The bar was relatively empty, and I was able to find a seat at the bar without any trouble. I enjoyed a delicious cocktail while listening to the live music, and as the night went on, the bar gradually filled up. By the time I left, the atmosphere was lively and energetic, but I was glad I had arrived early to secure a comfortable spot.
In terms of the live music, Bemelmans Bar features talented performers, but there is a cover charge starting at 9 p.m. on most nights. If you prefer to enjoy the bar without the live music, arriving before the cover charge begins is a good idea.
To summarize, if you want to maximize your experience at Bemelmans Bar, it's best to arrive early. Before 9 p.m. on Sunday and Monday, and around 9:30 p.m. the rest of the week. This allows you to avoid the live-music cover and secure a good spot before the bar gets crowded. So, plan your visit accordingly and enjoy the sophisticated atmosphere and live music at Bemelmans Bar.