The Piusplein is Tilburg's student quarter — a compact square flanked by bars and cafes, a short walk west of the Heuvel. Tilburg University draws students from across Europe, and the Piusplein is where many of them end up on Thursday and Friday evenings. The square has a younger, louder feel than the Heuvel and the bars stay busy until late.
The surrounding streets — Piusstraat, Stokhasseltlaan, and the blocks around it — also have good independent cafes and cheaper lunch spots that serve the student population. If you want to eat or drink somewhere less tourist-facing than the Heuvel but more lively than a quiet brown cafe, the Piusplein quarter is the place to head.