Seamus Hammond
If you're looking to drink Kölsch in Cologne, you won't have a problem finding it – it's pretty much the only thing on tap. Every bar, restaurant and Brauhaus is likely to have one type of Kölsch on offer.
Kölsch is a super-light, crisp beer that combines the best aspects of ales and lagers. It's brewed with ale yeast, which can give it some fruity notes that you don't normally find in a German lager. It's also low in alcohol and exclusive to Cologne.
There are over 100 brew houses in the city, each featuring one brand of the 24 in total that signed the Kölsch Convention, a document stating the criteria needed for a beer to be called a Kölsch.
Some popular spots to try include Früh, Sion Kölsch, Peter's Brauhaus, Gilden, Gaffel am Dom, Brauerei zur Malzmühle, and Reissdorf am Hahnentor.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Altstadt-Nord, Altstadt-Sud, Altstadt, Altstadt’s old town, Cologne’s Old Town, Cologne city centre, Cologne’s historic centre |
| Type of venue | Bar, pub, restaurant, tavern, brauhaus, brewpub, beer hall, biergarten, brewery, brewhouse, hotel |
| Names of venues | Am Hof 12-14, Bahnhofsvorpl. 1, Gaffel, BRAUEREI ZUR MALZMÜHLE, Paeffgen, Peter's, Reissdorf Brauhaus, Christianstrasse 2, Braustelle, Früh, Sion Kolsch, Peter’s Brahaus, Gilden, Gaffel am Dom, Brauerei zur Malzmühle, Früh am Dom, Brauerei Pfaffen, Reissdorf am Hahnentor, Brauhaus Sion, Brauhaus Sünner, Brauhaus Schreckenskammer, Gilden im Zims, Lommerzheim, Brewery Päffgen |
| Other features | Close to the Dom cathedral, close to the Rhine River, close to the central Heumarkt, close to the train station, has outdoor seating, has air conditioning, has a gift shop, has a bar, has a bowling alley, has a beer cellar, has a biergarten, has a patio, has a TV, has a proper bar, has a large gift shop, has several different rooms and bars, has a large bar/restaurant, has a basement, has a large brauhaus, has a dark and gloomy atmosphere, has a confusing layout, has a traditional feel, is cosy, is quiet, is unique, is super light, is fruity, is hoppy, is bitter, is estery, is easy-drinking, is light and bright, is local, is international, is recognisable, is historic, is over 100 years old, is 700 years old, is 150 years old, is family-owned, is traditional, is local, is international, is recognisable, is historic, is super light, is fruity, is hoppy, is bitter, is estery, is easy-drinking, is light and bright, is local, is cosy, is unique, is super light, is the best, is gross, is outside the city centre, is outside the historic centre, is outside the Old Town, is accessible, is popular, is packed, is touristy, is local, is in a quieter residential neighbourhood, is diviest, is regional, is in and around Köln, is in a 50km zone around Cologne, is in a 31-mile radius of Cologne, is in a 50km zone around Cologne, is in the US, is in Boston, is in Vermont, is in Cambridge, is in Germany, is in the source, is in Europe, is in the States |
What You'll Learn
Gaffel am Dom
Overview
Food and Drink
Customer Experience
Reviews of Gaffel am Dom are mixed, with some praising the great atmosphere, service, and food, while others complain about rude service and long waits for food. It is described as a popular spot with both locals and tourists, and it can get very busy. The brewhouse is easy to locate, as it is situated near the main train station, one of the Christmas markets, and the Cologne Cathedral.
Practical Information
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Peters Brauhaus
The interior of Peters Brauhaus is adorned with lovely stained glass and hop chandeliers, creating a unique and charming atmosphere. The building itself is quite ornate and impossible to miss, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike.
The Kolsch beer at Peters Brauhaus is highly regarded, with a crisp and clean flavour that is refreshing and easy to drink. The beer is served in the classic 0.2l Kolsch-style glasses, and you can expect prompt service from the waiters, who will keep the beer coming unless you signal that you've had enough by placing your coaster over your glass.
In addition to its renowned beer, Peters Brauhaus also offers a variety of traditional German dishes. The food is well-prepared and reasonably priced, with options such as schnitzel, potato salad, and apple strudel. The portions are generous, and the menu has something for everyone, including vegetarian options.
Whether you're a local or a tourist, Peters Brauhaus is worth a visit to savour the flavours of Cologne.
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Brauerei zur Malzmühle
Located about a 10-minute walk from the central Altstadt, Brauerei zur Malzmühle is a tavern full of people eating and drinking. Its Kölsch is a bit more estery than others around Cologne. The tavern has been open for over 150 years and is one of the most popular brewhouse restaurants with Cologne specialties.
The Mühlen Kölsch is great, and the building is cozy with a historic feeling. The service is also the friendliest of all the brauhauses. They also have some delicious food. The Sößkrom us Malzbier, which translates to "Malt beer mousse with crunch," is highly recommended.
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Früh am Dom
As with all brauhauses, you'll be expected to clink your glasses at the bottom, not the top, when toasting, or it will mean seven years of bad luck. It is also customary to order a Kölsch for the waiter, dressed in their traditional blue outfit. They may not drink it, but they will get the money for it.
If you're looking for a pub crawl, Früh am Dom is a great place to start.
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Reissdorf am Hahnentor
The pub is described as having a traditional, spotlessly clean interior, with great decor and furnishings, including a cool-looking serving bar and plenty of seating options. The staff are charming and provide superb service, although some reviewers have noted that it can be slow when busy. The food is excellent German cuisine, and the portions are large and tasty. The Reissdorf Kölsch beer is served iced cold and sparkling in its distinctive narrow glass, and the pub is a great place to unwind, with a good vibe and a mix of locals and tourists.
The menu features German specialities such as "Schweinshaxe" (knuckle of pork), Schnitzel, and "Currywurst", as well as typical local dishes like Rievkooche and Swiss sausage salad. The prices are mid-range, and the pub is family-friendly, with highchairs available for toddlers. There is also a TV, and the pub is a good spot to watch sports.
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Frequently asked questions
You can drink Kölsch in any bar, restaurant or brauhaus in Cologne. Each will likely have only one type of Kölsch on tap.
Kölsch is a super-light, crisp, refreshing beer that combines the best aspects of ales and lagers. It is brewed with ale yeast and then aged like a lager (cold and long). It is low in alcohol and exclusive to Cologne.
Kölsch is served in 0.2-litre glasses called stanges. These are simple, cylindrical glasses made from thin glass that holds about 6.7 ounces of beer.
Some of the best places to drink Kölsch in Cologne include Früh, Gaffel, Reissdorf, Sion, Brauhaus zur Malzmühle, Peters Brauhaus, Gilden, Lommerzheim, Brauhaus Sünner, Brauhaus Schreckenskammer and Gilden im Zims.
