9 editor picks across Germany.
9 kolsch brauhaus restaurants worth the trip across Germany, editor-ranked. All cuisines in Germany.
Brauerei Päffgen in Cologne's Friesenviertel is the last independent house brewery in the city, founded by Hermann Päffgen in 1883; still hand-brewing.
OrderPäffgen Kölsch served at the bar with Tatar on dark bread; the only correct way to start an evening here
TipReservations by phone only from noon. Beer exclusively from the barrel. The Brauhaus is open from 12:00 daily.
Brauerei zur Malzmühle on Cologne's Heumarkt has brewed Mühlen Kölsch since 1858 and once served Bill Clinton; consistently fresh pours in the Altstadt.
OrderHalve Hahn, the traditional rye roll with aged Gouda, alongside a freshly tapped Mühlen Kölsch
TipMonday to Thursday from 14:00, Friday to Sunday from noon. Less tourist-heavy than the Cathedral-adjacent Brauhäuser.
Brauhaus Sion in Cologne's Altstadt has served Kölsch at Unter Taschenmacher since 1318; lovingly renovated in 2012, one of Germany's most atmospheric.
OrderHalve Hahn with a Sion Kölsch; the Bratwurst with mustard and house bread is the reliable second choice
TipOpen from noon daily. Less crowded than Früh on summer weekends; a better choice for a quiet afternoon Kölsch.
Früh am Dom in Cologne is the second-largest brewery pub in Germany, steps from the Cathedral, seating 1,500 and pouring Früh Kölsch all day.
OrderHimmel un Ääd with Mettbrötchen to start; the Bratwurst platter for the table
TipOpen from 08:00 on weekends; the best terrace tables face the Heinzelmännchenbrunnen fountain.
Peters Brauhaus in Cologne's Altstadt serves hearty Rhenish brewery food alongside Peters Kölsch 350 metres from the Cathedral in a wood-panelled room.
OrderHimmel un Ääd: blood sausage with mashed potato and apple sauce, the most Cologne dish on the menu
TipOpen from 11:30 daily; Sunday evening closes at 21:30. Traditional Köbes service, tall glasses, no pretence.
Gaffel am Dom occupies Cologne's main station forecourt, pouring Gaffel Kölsch from table taps opposite the Cathedral with Rhenish classics and Friday.
OrderRhenish Sauerbraten with raisin sauce and Kartoffelklösse, the defining Cologne Sunday dish
TipFriday evenings musician Björn Heuser leads free admission sing-alongs from 22:30; Saturday has Brauhaus Beats parties from 22:00.
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.
OrderSauerbraten Kölner Art with raisin sauce, potato dumplings and braised red cabbage
TipCentrally located and less crowded than the major tourist Brauhäuser; a solid choice for a full Rhenish meal.
Brauhaus Pütz in Cologne's Südstadt is a neighbourhood Brauhaus on Engelbertstrasse serving Kölsch, Halve Hahn and Rhenish classics in a traditional room.
OrderBratwurst with Senf and Rievkooche on the side for the classic Kölsch starter plate
TipA residential neighbourhood Brauhaus without Cathedral-area tourist pricing. Good for a relaxed midweek lunch.
Brauerei Heller on Roonstrasse in Cologne's Kwartier Latäng is an organic Kölsch brewery and Brauhaus; Heller Kölsch without additives in a student.
OrderBeef goulash with Spätzle and a Heller Kölsch poured from the tap at the table
TipGood local neighbourhood option near the student quarter and Michelin-starred restaurants on the same street.
Guided tour · 3 hours
Experience the Severin district in Cologne's Südstadt on a culinary city tour with exciting stories, local highlights, and five tastings at selected restaurants.
Guided tour · 3 hours
Taste Cologne’s best traditional dishes and beers on a Privet Guided city tour, exploring history and culture at top restaurants and breweries. 3 different beers and 4...
Guided tour · 4 - 4.5 hours
Try high-quality wines from Europe in various restaurants. Enjoy wine hopping through Cologne-Nippes and the final wine tasting at Le Caveau accompanied by a wine connoisseur.
