Under the Stairs
★ 4.9 · 40 reviews Brussels Opened 13 June 2025
Century-old hotel bar classics, reworked in a hidden speakeasy
Hannah Van Ongevalle comes from a family of bartenders sometimes called the Von Trapps of Belgian mixology, and her opening menu at Under the Stairs, 'From Dust We Rise', reworks drinks first invented in hotel bars over the past hundred years.
The low-ABV and non-alcoholic options get the same care as the indulgent ones, no afterthought section tacked onto the back of the menu. Find the entrance beneath the Corinthia and follow it down.
What guests say
Reviews by Google-
Y Z 39 reviews · Local Guide 8 July 2026
This is such a beautiful bar. Wine was average and overpriced. What really surprised me was the service. At a place like this, I would expect them to be extra friendly but the stuff didn't show much interest or care. The waiter left and didn't even warn me about the shift change . I don't want to make it long and list eveything but there were several instances like that throughout a very short evening, that left me very surprised , cuz in USA the behavior that two of the waiters demonstrated would be considered highly unprofessional at a place like this. I dunno. Maybe it is high end Belgium style.
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elena r 9 reviews 8 March 2026
Very cosy bar with an original cocktail menu and exceptional service. I will definitely return.
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Nicholas Handford 9 reviews 18 February 2026
Very nice cocktail bar tucked away in a very nice hotel. The atmosphere and vibe is cool, it’s small so won’t even get too crowded or busy. The decor is like a fancy speak easy. Also nice place before grabbing dinner at Le Petit Bon Bon upstairs (also in the hotel) Service was courteous and attentive, no complaints. They keep you stocked up on complimentary water, olives and nuts. Also gave us each a complimentary non-alcoholic amuse bûche thing. Cocktails are on the pricier side (avg 19-30€ per cocktail) but not ridiculous considering the place and other good quality cocktail bars. They have a good mix of types on the menu, and you are clearly paying for very good quality alcohol and quantity (mine were quite boozy). You can also ask for the standard typical cocktails if you prefer. Overall a very nice spot for a drink before our dinner. Will definitely come back when I’m feeling fancy!
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saman ziarati 207 reviews · Local Guide 7 February 2026
The ambience it’s quite elegant, but the prices are incredibly high and one of their special cocktail was so sweet that was almost undrinkable. Better experience with the classics, like penicillin or whiskey sour. Nice place for an (expensive) date
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Nikaro 518 reviews · Local Guide 13 December 2025
Amazing experience , attention to detail & cocktail presentation, very interesting unusual signature menu + classics menu, and of course location is stunning Corinthia hotel.
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