136 Hurstmere Road,
Takapuna
Auckland,
(09) 486 6331
The ViewAuckland Review
4 out of 5
Blankenberge Belgian Beer Café is the perfect mix of beer bar and café—just as the name would suggest.
Situated on the main drag in Takapuna, Blankenberge has captured that quintessential Belgian flavour superbly.
Initially, it appears to be just one good sized bar. However a large, separate dining space soon becomes apparent.
We opted to experience the best of both worlds, having a late dinner of yummy Flemish beef stew ($15) and delicious steak wrapped in bacon ($27) in the dining area, before moving up a couple of stairs into the bar.
Like every good Belgian bar, Blankenberge serves all your favourite beers. My partner opted for a large ‘bucket’ of Hoegaarden at $12.50. I tried a glass of savy (apparently from New Zealand’s first Maori owned vineyard): Tahu; at a reasonable $8—fairly ordinary it must be said.
Blankenberge Belgian Beer Café definitely delivers on a real beer bar atmosphere. By 10pm on a Saturday, the bar was full with a good mix of people.
The crowd of mainly 30 year olds were having a great time. In fact, too good a time to notice they were actually dancing to George Michael at one stage in the night.
The staff are all young and friendly and quick to keep the punters happy with quick service and a smile.
We enjoyed our night at Blankenberge; it was shocking weather outside and the bar was packed.
In my books, this is an indication of a successful bar: good enough to encourage people to make the effort and brave the elements.
Blankenberge Belgian Beer Cafe has been reviewed by 3 users