De Heeren van Liedekerke

Denderleeuw, Belgium

Vintage beer and stellar food at this lambic-land classic What it is:

This cozy, lambic-loving Belgian restaurant has become one of the most respected beer-centric restaurants in its home country and in all of the world. Located in the western part of the lambic zone, De Heeren is only a 30-minute drive from central Brussels.

Why it’s great:

Even if you haven’t heard of De Heeren, you’ve probably heard of some of the beers that they’ve collaborated with lambic blenders to make: Crianza Helena, Blauw, Roos, and Heerengueuze, any of which will set a lambic lover in a frenzy. And while these whales get a lot of the fanfare, a super deep vintage list, ten thoughtfully curated taps, and an impressive beer-integrated food menu keep folks coming back and raving to cohorts. The vintage list may take some persistence to get, but once you do, choosing between a nineties-era De Dolle and an obscure gueuze is the right kind of problem to have. Whale hunters should check their bank accounts first (Blauw, which is still on the menu, runs 175€), but prices otherwise are reasonable considering the age of the beers. Next time you’re in Brussels, this gem is well worth the effort. —Patrick Dawson

Details Hours: Noon–midnight, Thursday–monday; closed Tuesday and Wednesday Address: Kasteelstraat 33, 9470 Denderleeuw, Belgium Web: heerenvanliedekercke.be/