L'Os à Moelle, Brussels

L'Os à Moelle is the oldest still-operating cabaret venue in Brussels, located at Avenue Émile Max 153 in the district of Schaerbeek. It was opened in the spring of 1960 by a small group of enthusiasts, among them Jo Dekmine, who would later go on to direct the renowned Théâtre 140. Since then, the venue has continuously hosted cabaret artists, comedians, musicians and theatre performers, becoming a fixture of the city's cultural landscape.

Where exactly is it located?

The hall occupies a cellar space in a building dating from the late 19th century, originally used as a mushroom farm — which explains the venue's distinctive underground character. Notably, it sits beneath the house where Jacques Brel, one of the most recognizable Belgian artists of the 20th century, was born. This gives the venue an added layer of significance for anyone interested in the history of French-language song and cabaret culture.

What is the history behind this place?

Over the decades, the stage of L'Os à Moelle has featured performers of the caliber of Jacques Brel, Barbara, Toots Thielemans, Arno, Philippe Lafontaine, Pierre Richard, François Pirette, Maurane, Marka Herman, Jacques Higelin and the band Machiavel. Such a roster illustrates how influential this small stage was in the development of the Belgian and francophone performing arts scene during the second half of the 20th century. The interior has preserved the aesthetic of early 20th-century Left Bank cabarets, which remains one of the venue's main visual and atmospheric draws today.

What can visitors see there today?

The programming at L'Os à Moelle remains varied, including cabaret shows, comedy nights, concerts, theatre productions and improvisation performances. The offering is aimed at a broad audience — both Brussels residents looking for an intimate evening of entertainment and visitors interested in a less obvious but genuinely authentic side of the city's cultural life.

What is the atmosphere like?

Visitors often note the warm and welcoming atmosphere of the hall, which encourages close contact between performers and the audience — typical of the traditional cabaret format, where stage and seating share the same compact space. The underground character of the venue, combined with the building's history and its proximity to Jacques Brel's birthplace, creates a unique blend of architecture, history and living stage culture.

Frequently asked questions

Is L'Os à Moelle a restaurant? No — it is primarily a cabaret and theatre venue, though food service may be available during certain events.

Where exactly is it located? At Avenue Émile Max 153, in the Schaerbeek district of Brussels.

Why is this place historically significant? It has operated continuously since 1960 as the city's oldest cabaret and sits beneath the house where Jacques Brel was born.

What kind of events take place here? Cabaret, comedy, concerts, theatre and improvisation.