Brouwerij De Halve Maan Brasserie

The Brouwerij De Halve Maan Brasserie is the restaurant of the Halve Maan brewery at Walplein 26 in Brugge, in the Flemish Region of Belgium, a few minutes' walk south of the Church of Our Lady. The brewery has been producing beer on this site for generations and is the maker of Brugse Zot, the blond beer sold across the city, and Straffe Hendrik, a stronger tripel and quadrupel range. The brasserie serves Belgian brewery food in which both beers appear on the plate and in the glass. Signature dishes include a Brugse Zot beer pie, dishes braised in Straffe Hendrik and croquettes, with mussels, stews and salads as alternatives. Beers are served fresh from the brewery, and a lighter menu helps visitors who have just finished a brewery tour to sit down for lunch. The setting centres on a sunny courtyard with tables, and the interior rooms retain the character of a working brewery, with high ceilings and a convivial rather than formal tone. The mood is beer-led, relaxed and often busy because the brewery tours bring steady groups, so noise can be high at peak times. Main courses cost about EUR 15-28 (about $17-32), which is moderate for the location. Lunch and dinner are served daily, with shorter hours in winter. Booking is advised for the courtyard in fine weather and for dinner; the interior is easier to get at short notice. A visit pairs naturally with the brewery tour, and the brewery has also been known for a beer pipeline under the streets that moves beer to its bottling plant.