Pommes Imperium is a currywurst and fries restaurant in Altstadt, Cologne.
Pommes Imperivm at Heumarkt 59 in Cologne's Altstadt serves Currywurst mit Pommes from a compact counter; open until 03:00 on Friday and Saturday nights.
Must order: Currywurst scharf with the house-made curry ketchup and a cone of fried potatoes
Tip: Open until 22:00 most nights, until 03:00 Friday and Saturday. Close to Malzmühle and Heumarkt tram stop.
Address: Heumarkt 59, 50667 Köln, Cologne
Gildenhaus in Cologne's Altstadt near Alter Markt is a traditional Brauhaus in a guild hall building with Rhenish classics and Kölsch in a historic room.
Order: Sauerbraten Kölner Art with raisin sauce, potato dumplings and braised red cabbage
Tip: Centrally located and less crowded than the major tourist Brauhäuser; a solid choice for a full Rhenish meal.
Monkey Bar in Cologne's Friesenviertel at Im Klapperhof mixes cocktails and hosts DJ nights; a reliable evening starting point near the Belgian Quarter.
Order: Kölsche Pina Colada with local ingredients, and the street food platter to share
Tip: The rooftop terrace books out fast in summer; reserve a spot or arrive by 19:00 for the best cathedral light.
Rievkoochbud at Vor Wieden in Cologne's Altstadt has fried thick, crispy Reibekuchen potato pancakes for over 60 years; the most famous kiosk.
Order: Reibekuchen with apple sauce on the side, served hot from the fryer in a paper cone
Tip: Cash only. Best eaten immediately while still crisp. One of the most affordable and authentic street snacks in the city.
Udum at Am Rinkenpfuhl in Cologne's Altstadt is a plant-based Vietnamese and Asian vegan cafe; bowls, vegan sushi rolls and warming pho broth, fully vegan.
Order: Vegan sushi rolls with roasted sesame and pickled ginger alongside the warming pho broth
Tip: Book ahead for weekend evenings; the room is small and the regulars fill it early.
Habibi on Zülpicher Strasse in Cologne's Kwartier Latäng serves fully loaded falafel wraps for under €5; the most reliable budget feed on the student strip.
Order: Falafel wrap with hummus, tabouli, pickled turnip and tahini, then accept the cinnamon tea
Tip: Open until 03:00 Friday-Saturday. The wrap costs around €5; bring cash for the counter.
Gildenhaus in Cologne's Altstadt near Alter Markt is a traditional Brauhaus in a guild hall building with Rhenish classics and Kölsch in a historic room.
Order: Sauerbraten Kölner Art with raisin sauce, potato dumplings and braised red cabbage
Tip: Centrally located and less crowded than the major tourist Brauhäuser; a solid choice for a full Rhenish meal.
Borsalino on Zülpicher Strasse in Cologne's Kwartier Latäng is a neighbourhood Italian trattoria serving affordable pasta dishes to students since the 1980s.
Order: Spaghetti aglio e olio with good olive oil or the four-cheese pizza for a filling inexpensive dinner
Tip: Cash preferred. Large portions; one pasta course is usually enough for lunch. Busy during university term time.
Monkey Bar in Cologne's Friesenviertel at Im Klapperhof mixes cocktails and hosts DJ nights; a reliable evening starting point near the Belgian Quarter.
Order: Kölsche Pina Colada with local ingredients, and the street food platter to share
Tip: The rooftop terrace books out fast in summer; reserve a spot or arrive by 19:00 for the best cathedral light.
Rievkoochbud at Vor Wieden in Cologne's Altstadt has fried thick, crispy Reibekuchen potato pancakes for over 60 years; the most famous kiosk.
Order: Reibekuchen with apple sauce on the side, served hot from the fryer in a paper cone
Tip: Cash only. Best eaten immediately while still crisp. One of the most affordable and authentic street snacks in the city.
