Elbow Lunch Counter image

Elbow Lunch Counter

Sandwich shop

One of the Top rated Sandwich shops in Ixelles - Elsene


Address

Rue de la Paix 32, 1050 Bruxelles, Belgium

Website

www.elbowcounter.com

Contact

+32 2 512 13 03

Rating on Google Maps

4.80 (272 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Friday: 11 am to 3 pm
  • Saturday: 10 am to 4 pm
  • Sunday: Closed
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: 11 am to 3 pm
  • Wednesday: 11 am to 3 pm
  • Thursday: 11 am to 3 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: sandwich (24) sandwiches (15) staff (13) pastrami (11) delicious (11) great (11) Brussels (10) friendly (10) counter (9) good (9)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 3/5 Sleepy K. 1 year ago on Google
    In true American style it was a jumbo size sandwich! If it wasn't my first meal of the day I didn't think I could finish it. By the second half the law of diminishing returns hit home. I hope they can consider putting half sized sandwiches on the menu, so you can drop in for a snack. For 15 euro it's a really expensive sandwich but the fillings were freshly cooked and flavourful. However I am not a fan of the hero bread. It's too soft and not toasted. No taste or crunch... It spoiled the sandwich for me. To me it's silly to use American bread when European bread is so much better in quality. Was asked if I wanted hot sauce but it costs an extra 1 euro. Didn't know that until payment time. The sandwich tasted better without it IMO.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sylvain G. 2 years ago on Google
    "Super cool but guys, seriously?" Well, a not so easy one to review - I'd give it a 4.5 stars if I could and can't give them a 4... Walked in front of it so many times and was always delaying that nice pastrami experience for a better time. Yesterday, I had time and I entered, attracted by the nice meaty smell. On first look at the price board, I found it to be a bit on the pricey side but heck, I was hungry now ! So I ordered for take away and waited a fair bit (take note that you can order by phone) but that's not a negative as they work fast and hard and you can have a drink while waiting. Then first bite...it's delicious ! plain and simply delicious. But I'll be honest, I couldn't wash the price thing away. Somehow, 18,5 € for a sandwich (I know, it's a specialty sandwich!) and a soda didn't compute for me. I think the perceived value is a bit better by staying indoors. It may look a bit like a "theme" restaurant, but it's actually very cool : smiling staff, cool decor & music.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Antoine H. 1 year ago on Google
    Best sandwiches in town, freshly made on demand, even the hams and cheese are freshly cut just when they make your sandwich! The sandwiches are always worth the wait and price. The homemade lemonade is godsent. You're also given a small bowl of Belgian chips (which goes very well with a cold Bavik) and bonus, the music is always great.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Michael W. 9 months ago on Google
    What a spot A friend recommended Elbow when I arrived into Brussels and it was the best find of the trip. I’ve had the famous philly cheesesteaks in their motherland but wasn’t impressed. I had no intention of ordering it here but was sat at the counter watching the chef make one and had to try it. It was phenomenal. Massive portions but I’d have had a second if I could have handled it. The place itself is smashing. Very slick vibe. Cool but incredibly welcoming. The staff are next level. Chatting to all the customers, going above & beyond constantly and even gave me a bunch of meaningful recommendations for the rest of my trip. Prices are good, foods top notch, place is unreal. Every detail matters - the chips are seasoned, the pickle is delicious, the beer is cheap I had no cash for a tip at the time but Elbow will be my first rec whenever friends are visiting the city (or country). Up Elbow 👑🙌🏼🥩
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ira K. 1 year ago on Google
    Excellent lunch spot with great food and service along with very reasonable prices. This is a gem off the bustle of Louise. Would highly recommend to anyone looking for a laid back atmosphere and great food.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Luis Herrera R. 7 months ago on Google
    We were excited to try the Pastrami sandwich, only served during the weekend. However, we were quite disappointed: by the bread on which it was served and the price you pay for it, in my opinion not worth it. We saw other sandwiches which seemed to be a better option (like the Philly cheesesteak), so we're going to try those next time. The place is small and the kitchen is open, so you might catch the smoke and odours on your clothes.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Elie R. 2 years ago on Google
    Stopped in for a sandwich, expected to takeaway, but we started chatting with the chef Nicholas and stayed for more than 1 hour. The sandwich was delicious and a very generous portion. Loved the chill vibes and the coffee refills. Will definitely be back
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Greg W. 11 months ago on Google
    Wow, this place is great! I was just walking by exploring Brussels when this place caught my eye. I wandered in and grabbed a seat at the counter. The service was quick and very friendly. I was lucky to be there on Saturday for pastrami Reubens! This was the best Reuben sandwich I have ever had. The place was very clean as well!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Michelle D. 7 months ago on Google
    This place is amazing! Incredible food, looks great and the people working there are wonderful. Definitely recommend a visit (or two!)

  • 5/5 Vivian R. 6 months ago on Google
    Hidden gem to eat delicious pastrami sandwich (only available on Saturday) in a lovely American-counter style food place! Don’t hesitate to chat with the staff, they will reply you with good vibes 😁 Be careful though, the place gets fully packed at peak hours!

  • 5/5 Jon B. 4 months ago on Google
    Oh my word, the best place I ate in Brussels. The meat and bread were perfection. the staff were lovely and attentive, giving us lots of Brussels recommendations. Absolutely recommend above everything

  • 5/5 Youri M. 8 months ago on Google
    This is everything you want in a lunch spot. The staff is super friendly, the sandwiches are amazing and served fast, and the atmosphere is just like any small deli counter you find in the US. I went here twice but wish I could have gone more. The cheesesteak was very good, with hot sauce to give it some kick. My personal favourite was the Italian Combo, with different types of cold cuts hand sliced with paper thin sliced onions and lettuce. Do not miss this spot. Opening hours are at 11, and I have never seen the place empty. Wish these guys the best.

  • 5/5 Nicoleta A. 6 months ago on Google
    A little America in the middle of Brussels. The sandwiches are amazing and really filling - recommend to split it with a friend. The entire assortment of food and drinks is unique, and everything is done just right :)

  • 5/5 Irem A. 9 months ago on Google
    Nice atmosphere, lovely staff and delicious sandwiches. Over a few visits, we’ve tried the pastrami Ruben, smoked roastbeef and Philly cheesesteak and all of them were great. Always freshly prepared in front of our eyes. Awesome stuff!

  • 5/5 Leon G. 9 months ago on Google
    Fantastic lunch counter experience, like in the US. They serve nice sandwiches which are grilled on sit and in plain view, and a tasty root beer. Staff are friendly, the venue is small but comfortable, and the food is tasty and very reasonably priced for Brussels. Perfect lunch or snack spot!

  • 5/5 Kun-haw L. 2 years ago on Google
    This is my second visit after a month. Their cheese steak sandwich is simply superb! Staff are as usual very freindly! Will definitely go again!

  • 5/5 Amantha A. 7 months ago on Google
    A lil US-inspired diner in matongé, very cool vibe with a classic corner open kitchen The Philly Cheesesteak served with a pickle on the side was tasty, unfortunately I was too late to make it for the famous Ruben Pastrami available only on Saturdays but I’ll be back! lovely staff as well

  • 5/5 Nicho L. 1 year ago on Google
    Top place, good experience. Products are clearly fresh and of quality. Staff if very friendly, speaks french and English. cooked in front of you. Recommended!

  • 5/5 Veronica P. 11 months ago on Google
    Great experience at the place! Nice, interesting and warm approach from all the staff working there, we had an interesting food history presentation. Food was very good in terms of ingredients and preparation, just a bit to simple or basic for my taste. Pickles were great - I would eat pickles with every meal :)

  • 5/5 matteo c. 1 year ago on Google
    What a place. You feel part of a Edward Hopper painting. Quality is also outstanding! Little bit pricier but worth it. Only bad thing is that they only have the Reubens on Saturdays.

  • 5/5 C T. 1 year ago on Google
    Pastrami sandwich: need to arrive early ~11h. I went there at 12h30 it was already sold out. The cheesestake was delicious, so was the pickle. Tuna melt was good but not at the same level.

  • 5/5 Jurga G. 1 year ago on Google
    Absolutely delicious food, amazing staff, and people who comes here!!!! Be aware that for pastrami you need to come early 10-11 am as by 12 am they are gone 🙈

  • 5/5 Sophie B. 1 year ago on Google
    The best sandwich I have ever eaten! When we arrived, we looked at the size of the sandwich and thought we would struggle to finish it. Well, 10 minutes later and we’d both eaten ours! Really delicious, freshly made, and great service - just arrive hungry!

  • 5/5 Dale E. 1 year ago on Google
    Truly cannot get enough of this place. Great vibe, love the open kitchen, friendly service, and every sandwich i’ve tasted has been fresh and delicious (and huge). Personal favorite is the Italian Combo, get it with pickled jalapeños, on the weekday menu. Pastrami only on saturdays, but my god, worth waiting for. I have dreams of this rueben.

  • 5/5 Jul J. 1 year ago on Google
    Super friendly staff. Delicious sandwiches and nice selection of soft drinks. I go here every week to get lunch. Always a pleasure!

  • 5/5 Paolo C. 2 years ago on Google
    I've been there a few times now and tried a different sandwich each time. What can I say? First, the service is really nice: friendly staff, authentic, you can have a chat to learn more about the dishes, the drinks, the venue. Today I learned even the pickles are home made!! While you wait you get to admire the cooking, where magic happens :-) It is a delight to watch and the cooking area is immaculately clean and the ventilation so good and efficient (unlike several other spots in the city). I was never dissapointed. The sandwiches just taste SO YUMMY!! It's fresh, taste great, you come out satisfied and for a while forgot you were in Brussels and felt you were in a lunch counter in New York. Just great. Thanks to the whole team, I'll be back soon for the pastrami :-)

  • 5/5 Guillaume L. 1 year ago on Google
    I am going through the menu & specials and have not found one an item to dislike yet. Do not expect some sot of cheap fast food service, everything is made on order and with passion. As a bonus, you will always be welcomed with smiles.

  • 5/5 David B. 2 years ago on Google
    Fantastic, authentic diner experience! Delicious pastrami hero with plenty of coffee and great unsweetened ice tea! And the absolute friendliest staff in Brussels. Only wish they still served donuts:)

  • 5/5 Mathias �. 2 years ago on Google
    Wow! One of life's better sandwiches and very NYC authentic! The pastrami was flawless. Incredibly friendly chefs. If you have the drink Egg Cream next time on the menu, you get 6 out of 5. P.S. The cinnamon bun is Swedish;)

  • 5/5 Eleni Anna M. 2 years ago on Google
    Hands down the best sandwiches, cool vibes and super friendly staff!! Highly recommended!!

  • 5/5 Roxana C. 2 years ago on Google
    Best pastrami sandwich and tuna melt in the world. Staff is amazing, feels like home.

  • 5/5 Declan T. 2 years ago on Google
    Best cheesesteak sandwich around, the pastrami bacon also very good (both on hero) but the cheesesteak was magnificent, nice selection of Dr Brown soda too. Really need to return to try the steamed pastrami on rye, which is currently available only on Saturday. Staff are friendly, helpful and well versed in their products, interior is well designed, obviously in the US counter diner style, but so well curated with attention to every detail, from the ice to the napkins. It's only a lunch counter, but it's a most excellent lunch counter. Prices are on the high side, but this is a speciality sandwich place.

  • 5/5 aldric p. 2 years ago on Google
    Excellent Best egg n bacon n best cheese steak in years

  • 5/5 Jorge Navas A. 2 years ago on Google
    The Cheesesteak sandwich is one of the best things I’ve tasted in my life, absolutely amazing. Sometimes the cue of customers is long (they can’t open inside due to the pandemic), but now I understand the reason. Really worth it, and very nice people managing it.

  • 5/5 Miji T. 3 years ago on Google
    When I saw this place I was confused, how did a sandwich shop get 5 star? I’ve had good sandwiches before but I would never have said sandwiches were my favourite food or the best. Until I tried Elbow Lunch counter, hands down the best sandwiches you’ll ever have, mouthwatering! From the juicy meats, the crispy lettuce, delicious sauce and impeccable service, they truly deserve 5 stars. I can’t wait to get back to Brussels to have another sandwich from them. A MUST VISIT when in Brussels!!!!


Call +32 2 512 13 03 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Alcohol
  • Accessibility
    • ✗ Wheelchair-accessible seating
    • ✗ Wheelchair-accessible car park
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
    • ✓️ Catering
    • ✓️ Breakfast
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✗ Delivery
    • ✓️ Takeaway

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