Cafe Volksvriend

Cafe Volksvriend sits comfortably in Kapellen as a well-loved bruin café, a spot where locals of all ages gather around familiar rhythms of everyday life. Located on Essenhoutstraat, it offers a classic setting for those who appreciate traditional Belgian café culture—think sturdy wooden furniture, warm lighting, and a relaxed, no-frills vibe that invites lingering over a pint.

This is not a place for fancy craft coffees or trendy brunches, but for steady pours of Stella and other familiar brews served by friendly bar staff who’ve become part of the neighborhood fabric. Whether it’s dropping by on a quiet weekday afternoon or joining in on one of the lively competitions—like card games on Monday or cue sports in the evenings—Cafe Volksvriend serves as a local hub where hobbies and conversations naturally intersect.

The clientele is diverse, from regulars enjoying a calm moment after work to groups brought together by the café’s assortment of weekly activities. The atmosphere balances between laid-back and intentionally social: casual enough to feel like a second living room, but with enough buzz to keep things engaging. Expect to find the occasional sports match on TV and an easy friendliness that feels rare in many modern venues.

Closing two days a week keeps the place from turning into a nonstop bar, reinforcing its role as a steady community fixture rather than late-night nightlife spot. For anyone interested in experiencing an authentic bruin café atmosphere—the kind that Brussels and Antwerp locals often reminisce about—Cafe Volksvriend offers a genuine slice of local life right in Kapellen.