Cologne's Best Beer Gardens And Bars

If you're looking to drink beer in Cologne, you'll be drinking Kölsch. This light, crisp, hybrid lager-ale is the only beer on tap in the German city, and it's served in a unique way. Forget ordering at the bar, in a Cologne brauhaus, you'll be served by a Köbes, a traditional beer server, who will bring you a Kranz, a tray of 11 small .2L glasses of beer called Stange. The Köbes will keep the Stange coming until you place your coaster on top of your glass.

If you want to try the local brew, here are some of the best spots to visit:

- Früh am Dom – a huge, sprawling brauhaus with a classic feel.

- Gaffel am Dom – located opposite the Cologne cathedral, this is a favourite among locals.

- Peters Brauhaus – located in the centre of the old town, this is a crowd favourite, serving the best Kölsch in the city.

- Brauerei zur Malzmühle – a small, cult-favourite brewery with a rich, hoppy flavour.

- Päffgen – voted the best Kölsch in the city, it can only be found in Päffgen Brauhauses and a few select restaurants.

Gaffel am Dom

If you're looking for a place to drink beer in Cologne, Gaffel am Dom is a must-visit. Located in the shadow of the Cologne Cathedral, this beer hall exudes a superb atmosphere with its dark wood features, vintage beer enamels adorning the walls, and chunky wooden chairs and tables. The serving bar is eye-catching, and there are plenty of interesting pieces of bric-a-brac to discover.

In addition to its renowned beer, Gaffel am Dom offers a variety of German cuisine, including starters, mains, and desserts. The food is brought out quickly, and you can expect to find your table filled with a wash of food. While the service can be a bit hit or miss, with some reviewers noting the staff as rude, others have praised the waiters for their friendliness and efficiency.

Whether you're a beer enthusiast or simply looking for a unique dining experience in Cologne, Gaffel am Dom is worth adding to your itinerary.

Peters Brauhaus

The food served at Peters Brauhaus is traditional German fare, including schnitzel, potato soup, pork knuckle, and apple strudel. The portions are generous, and the prices are reasonable. The service is generally friendly and efficient, with some staff speaking English.

Reissdorf am Hahnentor

The pub is located on Hahnenstraße, facing the magnificent Hahnen Gate, and is easily accessible from the city's main attractions. The interior is traditional, with wooden decor and a cool-looking serving bar featuring a faux skylight. There is also plenty of seating, both inside and out, making it a great place to unwind.

The service at Reissdorf am Hahnentor is friendly and attentive, with staff providing superb service even during busy periods. The pub is open daily, with slightly different opening times on the weekends. It is a great place to visit any time of the year, offering a cosy atmosphere in the colder months and a vibrant outdoor seating area during the warmer season.

Whether you're looking for a quick bite, a lively drink, or a traditional German dining experience, Reissdorf am Hahnentor is a fantastic choice in the heart of Cologne.

Brauerei Pfaffen

The service at Brauerei Pfaffen is reportedly friendly, especially when compared to the larger Kölsch breweries. The brewery offers a patio in the front facing the Heumarkt square, as well as a more secluded patio in the back that overlooks the small but charming Ostermannplatz.

Kölsch is the quintessential beer of Cologne. It is a clear, light, and crisp lager that is warm-fermented with top-fermenting yeast and then conditioned at cold temperatures. It is the only beer in Germany with a special protected geographical status, similar to Champagne in France.

Kölsch is typically served in small 0.2L glasses called a Stange, which ensures that the beer remains cold by the time you're ready for the next one. The servers, known as Köbes, will bring you a new beer and take your empty glass without you needing to order another one. They will keep a running tally of how many beers you've consumed by marking your coaster, and the process will repeat until you indicate you don't want another beer by placing your coaster on top of your empty glass.

If you're looking to drink Kölsch in Cologne, Brauerei Pfaffen is definitely worth a visit, along with other popular breweries such as Früh, Reissdorf, Gaffel, and Peter's Brauhaus.

Früh am Dom

The service at Früh am Dom can be described as efficient and attentive by some, while others have noted that it can be standoffish and rushed. It is important to note that the culture of Kölsch in Cologne includes a specific word for servers, called "Köbes," who take their jobs seriously and may come across as short or blunt.

Overall, Früh am Dom provides a traditional German brew house experience with a well-rounded Kölsch beer and a variety of German and local cuisine. It is a popular choice for those seeking an authentic Kölsch beer in a classic setting.

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