Café Beveren

Address Vlasmarkt 2, 2000 Antwerpen

A small corner bar near the harbour, unremarkable except for the working DeCap mechanical dance organ that occupies one wall. The organ was built in Antwerp in 1937 and still plays — drop a coin in the slot and a 1930s waltz or tango rolls out, with accordion, drums, and small horns all activated mechanically from a punched paper roll.

The bar is otherwise a standard old-Antwerp drinking place — De Koninck on tap, a few jenever options, regulars at the counter. The organ is the reason to come. Best in the early evening before it gets crowded. Cash only.

bars and cafes bar
A story
The DeCap dance organ in the corner was built in 1937 and has been here ever since. Drop a one-euro coin in the slot and it plays a 1930s waltz or tango on its punched cards, complete with mechanical accordion and percussion. The bar may be the only place in the world where this experience is available on demand.

Other places in Bars and Cafes