The whole of Belgium is well-known for its love of beer, and of course Leuven is home to one of the most famous brands, Stella Artois. However, there are plenty of varieties to choose from, including, from Leuven, Park Abbey, Domus, Keizersberg Abbey, Wentelkrierk and Wentellambiek.

French wines are the most commonly available, although Luxembourg's wines, produced along the north bank of the Moselle, are quite pleasant.

For a digestif, Jenever (gin) is popular. This stiff grain-spirit is often served in glasses little bigger than a thimble. Belgium's 70 jenever distilleries produce some 270 varieties, some flavoured with juniper, coriander, or other herbs and spices. In Leuven, popular gins are Leuvens Meloentke (gin with peach juice), Leuvens Nootje (gin with hazelnut), and Leuvens Pechke (gin with peach juice).

Belgians are also big coffee drinkers with 140 coffee factories in the country. Popular brands are Mysore and Margogyp. Leuvense Café (gin with coffee) is also popular in Leuven.