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Why Not

Google (322) 4.2

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What reviewers say

Visitors praise the fantastic atmosphere and excellent selection of beers, with some highlighting friendly and helpful staff like Jake and Kevin. However, there are significant complaints about rude and aggressive behavior from management or staff, with some finding the venue overpriced and not worth visiting.

/ 100

GayOut Score

G4.2

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Address

Rue des Grands Carmes 14, 1000 Brussels

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About this place Why Not

Why Not holds a particular place in Brussels' LGBTQ+ life: it has been open since 1979, making it the city's oldest surviving gay bar by a significant margin. The name is modest; the venue is modest; and that is precisely the point. The interior is dark and small — a proper bar rather than a nightclub or a branded concept — with the kind of physical character that only decades of regular use creates. The crowd spans generations, which is itself a comment on the bar's durability: people who were regulars in the 1990s and people coming for the first time in 2026 occupy the same space without friction. Why Not is on the Rue des Grands Carmes, immediately adjacent to the Rue du Marché au Charbon gay district. For any visitor to Brussels' gay scene, it is the logical starting point — not for its spectacle, but for what it represents: continuity, community, and the particular character of a gay bar that has simply never stopped being relevant.

Opening Hours

Open Now · closes 04:00

Monday Closed

Tuesday Closed

Wednesday 20:00-04:00

Thursday 20:00-04:00

Friday 20:00-05:00

Saturday 20:00-05:00

Sunday 20:00-04:00

Features

Gay Gay (mostly men) Mixed LGBTQ+ Mature crowd (40+) Chill / Relaxed Touristy Local favorite Dive bar Evening venue Late night (after midnight) Year-round

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Community Reviews

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Google Reviews

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4.2

★★★★★

322 reviews

Based on 322 Google reviews.

Khai Dieu Aug 2026

★★★★★

We were there for the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina. The atmosphere was fantastic. We didn't eat, just had drinks. There were different kinds of beer and it was delicious.

Dimitri Catoire Jul 2026

★★★★★

Alright

Dinko Židić Jul 2026

★★★★★

The waiter was very polite and gave excellent recommendations. There was a fantastic selection of beers, with something to suit every taste.

Lauren Hamers Jul 2026

★★★★★

I only chose to assign this pub 1-star because there is not an option to leave zero. The behaviour both me and my family observed from who I can only assume is a general manager or owner in this bar towards customers can only be described as aggressive, intimidating and completely unacceptable. This place is best avoided. Plenty of better (and more affordable places!!) around.