Yes, it’s true. Luigi’s – the legendary café on Generaal Jacqueslaan where friendships sparked, first kisses happened, and the iconic house cocktail Alfredo flowed freely – is closing for good at the end of August. But before the lights go out, we’re raising one last glass together.
Marc and Monique – for many, nothing short of a second family – are calling time on the café. But don’t worry, they’re not vanishing. Luigi’s Events lives on, so we’ll definitely be seeing them around – on campus, at St V on the Zavel, and at plenty of other familiar haunts.
This isn’t just any news for the VUB community. It’s the end of an era. A home away from home. A piece of student soul. And that deserves a proper send-off. Thankfully, Marc and Monique aren’t letting us down. This summer, they’re throwing generation-themed parties every weekend – just for VUB alumni. One last round of beers, old memories, and maybe a new Alfredo record (you know you want to).
© BRUZZ
Save the dates:
- Graduated before 2000? → 9 August
- Alumni from 2000–2007 → 28 June & 19 July
- Alumni from 2008–2014 → 5 July & 26 July
- Alumni from 2014–2019 → 12 July & 2 August
Luigi’s was never just a bar. It was a time capsule of dodgy music, drinking games taken way too seriously, and a Guinness-worthy record for downing pints (0.81 seconds, yes really). But more than anything, it was a safe haven for thousands of students. Marc – a VUB’er himself – knew exactly what they needed: a place to feel at home, to let loose, and occasionally get a reality check from behind the bar.
What will happen to the Alfredo? Will the legendary ‘World Cup higher-or-lower’ drinking game ever return? For now, that’s anyone’s guess. What’s certain is this: if Luigi’s ever felt like your second home, now’s the time to come back. One last toast. One last “cheers”. One last Alfredo.
Read the full story in BRUZZ (in Dutch): Legendarisch café Luigi's aan VUB sluit de deuren: 'Ik was een tweede papa voor velen' | BRUZZ*
Got your own legendary Luigi’s moment?
Were you there when the record for downing drinks was smashed? Or do you have a blurry photo from an unforgettable Alfredo night hidden somewhere? Send us your best memories or photos of Luigi’s at ikhebnieuws@vub.be. We’re collecting them for a digital tribute to the iconic hangout of generations of VUB students.
*This is a machine translation. We apologise for any inaccuracies.