Cologne's most famous linguistic joke: the name means 'half a rooster' but contains no poultry. It is half a rye bread roll (Roggenbrötchen) served with a thick slice of Dutch medium-aged Gouda cheese, a gherkin and mustard on the side. A Brauhaus staple since the 19th century and the correct accompaniment to a cold Kölsch.
3 editor picks for Halve Hahn in Cologne, ranked by editorial score. All Cologne signature dishes · Halve Hahn across every city.
Brauhaus Sion ★ 4.2
altstadt · Unter Taschenmacher 5-7, 50667 Köln
Brauhaus Sion in Cologne's Altstadt has served Kölsch at Unter Taschenmacher since 1318; lovingly renovated in 2012, one of Germany's most atmospheric.
Peters Brauhaus ★ 4.0
altstadt · Mühlengasse 1, 50667 Köln
Peters Brauhaus in Cologne's Altstadt serves hearty Rhenish brewery food alongside Peters Kölsch 350 metres from the Cathedral in a wood-panelled room.
Brauerei Paeffgen ★ 3.9
agnesviertel · Friesenstrasse 64-66, 50670 Koln
Brauerei Paeffgen bar on Friesenstrasse is the city's oldest independent Brauhaus; hand-brewed Kölsch served by kobes from the historic chestnut garden.