6 kolsch brauhaus spots in Altstadt, editor-picked by TableJourney. All of Altstadt's food · All kolsch brauhaus in Cologne.
Brauerei zur Malzmühle ★ 4.3
Heumarkt 6, 50667 Köln
Brauerei zur Malzmühle on Cologne's Heumarkt has brewed Mühlen Kölsch since 1858 and once served Bill Clinton; consistently fresh pours in the Altstadt.
Tip: Monday to Thursday from 14:00, Friday to Sunday from noon. Less tourist-heavy than the Cathedral-adjacent Brauhäuser.
Brauhaus Sion ★ 4.2
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.
Tip: Open from noon daily. Less crowded than Früh on summer weekends; a better choice for a quiet afternoon Kölsch.
Früh am Dom ★ 4.1
Am Hof 12-18, 50667 Köln
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.
Tip: Open from 08:00 on weekends; the best terrace tables face the Heinzelmännchenbrunnen fountain.
Peters Brauhaus ★ 4.0
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.
Tip: Open from 11:30 daily; Sunday evening closes at 21:30. Traditional Köbes service, tall glasses, no pretence.
Gaffel am Dom ★ 3.9
Bahnhofsvorplatz 1, 50667 Köln
Gaffel am Dom occupies Cologne's main station forecourt, pouring Gaffel Kölsch from table taps opposite the Cathedral with Rhenish classics and Friday.
Tip: Friday evenings musician Björn Heuser leads free admission sing-alongs from 22:30; Saturday has Brauhaus Beats parties from 22:00.
Gildenhaus ★ 3.9
Grosse Budengasse 10, 50667 Köln
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.
Tip: Centrally located and less crowded than the major tourist Brauhäuser; a solid choice for a full Rhenish meal.