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If you find yourself parched while exploring Cologne, fear not—this charming metropolis offers stunning vistas and a wealth of breweries that cater to beer enthusiasts. As Germany’s fourth-largest city, Cologne prides itself on its array of pubs and breweries, each offering a selection of traditional German beers and unique, locally crafted brews for sampling.
A visit to these local establishments is necessary for a complete Cologne experience, ensuring that your journey is as refreshing to the palate as it is to the soul.
The diverse beer selection available is certain to satisfy any thirst. The town’s kölsch breweries and pubs are great spots to relax, drink classic German beer, and interact with the locals.
What We Cover
- Best Breweries in Cologne, Germany
- Braustelle
- Brauhaus Pütz
- Sion Kölsch
- Gildenhaus
- Früh Kölsch
- Brauerei zur Malzmühle
- Craftbeer Corner Coeln
- Heinrich Reissdorf
- Peters Brauhaus
- Brauerei HELLER GmbH
Braustelle
Address: Christianstraße 2, 50825 Köln, Germany
The Braustelle is a brewery and restaurant located in Ehrenfeld in Cologne, Germany. It was founded in 2001 by Peter Esser, one of Cologne’s most famous craft beer locations; it is also the smallest brewery in Cologne. Peter Esser is an accomplished brewmaster trained at the Weihenstephan, Germany’s oldest brewery.
Most of the beer brewed in the Braustelle is local Cologne beer, including the popular Helios beer and several wheat beers. Exotic beers from other places, such as the Altbier from the Rhineland region, an original, very aromatic beer called a Pink Panther, and others, are also served at the Braustelle.
Although the brewery is relatively small compared to other breweries, its quality and consistency are great, and they are one of the reasons people keep coming back.
The beers brewed at the Braustelle are neither pasteurized nor filtered, giving them the most natural taste possible. In addition to brewing beers, Peter Esser also produces gin, whisky, schnapps, and several other types of liquor, all brewed by hand with the same care and concentration as the beers.
The Braustelle also serves several dishes to accompany the great beer. The brewery organizes several brewery tours and an occasional brewery seminar for those who want a peek behind the curtain at the processes that go into brewing the beer they love.
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Brauhaus Pütz
Address: Engelbertstraße 67, 50674 Köln, Germany
The Brauhaus Pütz is a bar, lounge, and restaurant in Cologne, Germany, on 67 Engelbertstrasse Cologne. It is located in the Neustadt-Süd district in the Kwartier Latäng area of Cologne.
The area is known for its vibrant student pubs, which are usually packed full of customers. It is also known for its beer gardens or biergartens, which are located in several parks around, such as the Aachner Weiher.
The Brauhaus Pütz is a popular destination for locals and tourists looking to enjoy original, tasty German cuisine. Newcomers usually favor certain dishes, such as pork hock, apple strudel, wiener schnitzel, and kielbasa.
The Brauhaus Pütz also serves an excellent collection of beers to go with the excellent food to go with food. Taking pride in place on the beer menu is the famous Cologne Kölsch, served fresh to the guests. On tap is the excellent Cologne Mühlen Kölsch served directly to the bar.
Other beverages are available, such as coffee, tea, and an excellent wine collection for those who don’t want to go with the beer. The restaurant is located in a prominent area of Cologne, and it is easy to locate by any transport system, whether road or rail.
The service is excellent, and the köbesse makes everyone feel at home in the comfortable restaurant environment with decor to match. The lighting is also mellow and suits the overall mood of the restaurant while you eat.
Sion Kölsch
Address: Bergisch Gladbacher Str. 116-134, 51066 Köln, Germany
The Brauhaus Sion is one of Cologne’s oldest breweries in Germany and an important cultural site. The Sion had existed in one form since 1318 when Johannes Baraxator brewed a drink known as Medebier at the original site of the Brauhaus Sion.
In 1915, Jean Sion took control of the brewery, which was then named the Dombrauerei. Jean’s son Hans Sion changed The name to Brauhaus Sion in the late 1930s.
To this day, the brewery is run by members of the Sion family. Bombs during the Second World War destroyed the original site in 1942. Although it has been renovated and continues to receive guests, the brewing operations are no longer carried out there.
The brewery is particularly notable for its Sion Kölsch, which takes on the traditional Kölsch beer in Cologne. Hans Sion, the founder’s son, is regarded by Cologne’s residents as the “Father of Kölsch” due to his tireless advocacy for the continued brewing of the excellent Cologne beer.
The Sion Kölsch is a slightly bitter, top-fermented, straw-colored beer with a smooth taste on the tongue. It is brewed under the supervision of Frank Nolte, the brewmaster at the Sion. The brewery also offers a delightful menu of freshly made local cuisine.
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Gildenhaus
Address: Große Budengasse 10, 50667 Köln, Germany
Gildenhaus is a microbrewery and restaurant, which translates to Guild House in English, and was founded 17 years ago in 2004 by Ute Gerwoll, who still manages it.
The restaurant welcomes people across all ages and professional categories and strives to make everyone feel at home. The name Guild House is a reference because the restaurant is in a refurbished guild house in Cologne.
The renovated guildhouse has a cozy interior that allows guests to relax while meals are being served. The Gildenhaus also has several other side attractions, such as some slot machines.
The restaurant is in a prime location in Cologne, making it accessible by several transport routes. Tourists can visit other places, shops, and theatres near the restaurant. The menu consists of several dishes unique to the Rhine-Westphalia region of Germany, where the restaurant is located.
The kitchen team, led by the head chef Joseph Herren, cooks up dishes such as pork knuckles, sauerbraten, chicken ragout, and schnitzels. The meals are presented with a unique twist and innovative manner that keeps everyone guessing.
There is also an excellent collection of wines, spirits, and several other beverages to accompany the food on the menu. Freshly tapped beer is also available, especially the famous Cologne Kölsch beer, which newcomers like to try first. Wines and coffee are also available.
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Früh Kölsch
Address: Robert-Bosch-Straße 15-17, 50769 Köln, Germany
Founded in 1904 by Peter Joseph Früh, the Cölner Hofbräu Früh is a brewery and pub. Since its founding, the brewery has remained in family hands and is currently run by the fifth successive generation of Früh.
The original building in which the Cölner Hofbräu Früh was located is close to the historical Cologne Cathedral, which was a big reason for tourist attraction. Like most breweries in Cologne, the Hofbräu Früh serves excellent Kölsch beer, which originates in Cologne and is intertwined with the city.
The Früh Kölsch is served at all times, all year round. Früh’s take on the original Kölsch is made using the recipe that Peter Joseph Früh first invented, and nothing has changed about the recipe.
The Cölner Hofbräu Früh follows the agreement of the 1986 Kölsch convention, which states that beer can only be called Kölsch if it comes from Cologne.
The Früh Kölsch is brewed according to the famous German purity law. The brewery produces over 370,000 hl of the Fraüh Kölsch every year and is one of the largest producers of Kölsch by volume.
The Früh Kölsch is brewed using the traditional slow brewing process, ensuring the beer brews for great taste at the right time. At the pubs, the Köbesse, Cologne’s version of the traditional waiter, moves around refilling glasses, serving drinks, and giving visitors a taste of authentic Cologne hospitality.
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Brauerei zur Malzmühle
Address: Heumarkt 6, 50667 Köln, Germany
The Brauerei zur Malzmühle is a brewery and pub in Cologne, Germany. The Malzmühle was founded in 1858 and is the second-oldest brewery in Cologne. The founder, Hubert Koch, called it the Bier und Malzextrakt Dampfbrauerei Koch, Cöln.
It was not until Gottfried Joseph Schwartz acquired that it acquired the name it bears today. Even today, the brewery is run by the family of Gottfried Joseph Schwartz.
As with all Cologne breweries, the main attraction of the Brauerei zur Mazmühle is its brand of the famous Cologne Kölsch beer, Mühlen Kölsch. The Mühlen Kölsch is a gold-colored beer with a slightly bitter taste and hints of honey and straw. Several local Cologne dishes, such as knuckled pork, are also served at the pub with the Kölsch.
The bar also features music from the resident music band, the Höhners. An exhibition is dedicated to the band’s 40-year history for those interested. The Hotel Mazmühle has 37 rooms for guests who want to stay the night close to the brewery and pub.
The hotel is very close to the Cologne Cathedral, and some of its rooms have views of the cathedral from their rooms. The brewery also offers its facilities for hire for people who want to host an event. Events such as weddings and birthday parties are possible, and the kitchen team is on hand to create a menu matching each occasion.
Privatbrauerei Gaffel Becker & Co. OHG
Address: Welserstraße 16, 51149 Köln, Germany
The Privatbrauerei Gaffel Becker & Co. OHG is a private brewery founded in 1908 by two brothers, the Becker brothers, and the Becker family manages it to this day.
It is known for its Gaffel Kölsch, the brewery’s brand of the traditional Cologne beer known as Kölsch; the brewery is also located in the inner city of Cologne.
The Gaffel Kölsch is brewed according to German purity law and in accordance with the stipulations of the Kölsch Convention 1986, which is binding on all Kölsch brewers in Cologne. Kölsch is a light, slightly bitter, top-fermented beer traditionally made in Cologne.
Apart from the Gaffel Kölsch, the brewery serves beers such as the Gaffel Weiss, the Gaffel Sonnenhopfen, and the Gaffel Lemon. The Gaffel Becker & Co. also partners with several other brands and companies for promotional purposes. Most notable are the several clubs in German football leagues associated with the Gaffel Kölsch.
Teams such as FC Cologne, the local team from Cologne, Bayer 04 Leverkusen, SC Fortuna Cologne, and Bergisch Gladbach 09 partner with the brewery to promote Kölsch.
The brewery also offers authentic Cologne cuisine to accompany the beer for hungry and thirsty patrons. Bundesliga matches, especially those of the local team, are shown at the pub, which is a big draw for supporters who can’t get in the stadium.
Craftbeer Corner Coeln
Address: Martinstraße 32, 50667 Köln, Germany
The Craftbeer Corner Coeln is a local brewery and a unique addition to the city renowned for its Kölsch breweries. It has 15 taps, through which freshly brewed beer with unique recipes is served to customers.
The brewery has several events that are organized regularly. Magic and Beer is an event where magicians at the brewery dazzle the crowd with a selection of tricks while they drink their craft beer and applaud.
There are also beer tastings that feature beer brewed using the brewmasters’ original recipes and in combination with other breweries to serve unique craft beer.
In addition to the beer tastings organized by the brewery, you can organize a beer tasting to your taste. The brewmaster supervises the choices and offers tips to those selecting the menu.
The brewery can also host events from weddings and dinners to company parties or conferences. Beer from the brewery can be ordered for events. The brewery also offers a brewing course for beer enthusiasts who want to learn how to brew their beer with a few kitchen utensils.
The brewing course covers the history of beer, the ingredients that go into brewing, and their purposes. Those who enroll in the course can also taste beer.
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Heinrich Reissdorf
Address: Emil-Hoffmann-Straße 4-10, 50996 Köln, Germany
The Privatbrauerei Heinrich Reissdorf is a brewery located in Cologne, Germany. Heinrich and Gertrude Reissdorf founded the brewery in 1894, one of Cologne’s oldest breweries still in operation. The brewery was initially called the Obergsrige Brauerei Heinrich Reissdorf by its founders.
It wasn’t until 1927 that the brewery’s name was changed to the Privatbrauerei Heinrich Reissdorf because its operations were diversifying.
Originally a brewery dedicated to the production of the Cologne Kölsch, the brewery’s beer menu was expanded to include other brands, such as the Pilsner, and the name was changed accordingly.
The Reissdorf Kölsch is a slightly bitter, mild, golden beer with a distinct hoppy taste unfolding on the tongue in the aftertaste. The Reissdorf sells more than 635,000 hectolitres of beer annually and is currently the undisputed market leader among Cologne breweries producing Kölsch.
Due to an expansion in operations, the brewery had to move to a new location, Cologne-Rodenkirchen. However, the old site of the brewery – now the Zum Alten Brauhaus – still offers a superb gastronomic experience, with knuckled pork and other delicacies to go with the fresh Reissdorf Kölsch.
The brewery is part of a campaign to promote beer’s conscious and moderate consumption against reckless alcoholism. It does this through several advertising campaigns, among other things.
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Peters Brauhaus
Address: Mühlengasse 1, 50667 Köln, Germany
Peters Brauhaus is a brewery, restaurant, and bar, one of Cologne’s several family-owned Kölsch breweries. It was founded in 1994 by Hans Peters.
The brewery is in the same building as the historic Zum Kranz brewery in Cologne’s Alter Markt. Hans Peters, his son Felix Peters, and Uwe Esser manage the brewery, which also oversees logistics.
The Brauhaus Peters offers a unique dining and gastronomy experience with its Peters Kölsch. The kitchen cooks up a unique culinary experience fresh by Rainer Schneider, the head chef, and his team, including local delicacies such as knuckled pork and potato pancakes.
The Peters Kölsch is a golden, hoppy beer with hints of honey on the tongue. It is the brewery’s unique version of the famous Cologne beer, Kölsch. The Brauhaus Peters is housed in a building with several unique rooms instead of a single room.
The rooms include a mini chapel and a room with a stained glass ceiling, and the stained glass ceiling has a stunning kaleidoscopic view. A quote over the entrance roughly translates to ‘Hops and malt; God preserves.’
The brewery also has free WiFi, a big draw for those who want to work on their laptops while sipping the excellent Kölsch! The Peters Brauhaus offers an innovative 360° panoramic brewery tour online, which is available to everyone and shows the main features of the brewery.
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Brauerei HELLER GmbH
Address: Roonstraße 33, 50674 Köln, Germany
The Brauerei Heller GmbH is a brewery, pub, and restaurant that was founded in 1991 and has been a fixture in Kwartier Latäng ever since. Anna Heller and Steffen Potratz-Heller are currently running it.
The brewery offers a selection of eight common types of beer, ranging from the Maibock and Weiss to the Pils and, of course, the unique Kölsch. Kölsch is a traditional Cologne drink, and the Heller Kölsch follows tradition as a top-fermented, slightly bitter, hoppy beer. An exceptional beer is produced yearly, which has been going on since 2016 when the Hellers summer brew debuted.
The brewery uses the most organic products to give its beer the freshest taste possible. To accompany the beer, a carefully curated selection of local Cologne dishes is served fresh from the kitchen. The menu also changes to accommodate dishes only made in certain seasons.
There is a beer garden for people who want to relax and sip their beer, surrounded by nature’s ambiance and a fountain splashing nearby. The brewery offers guided tours to take people behind the scenes and let them view firsthand the production of the beer they so love.
The brewery tours are booked in groups, offering a holistic look at brewing, covering everything up to beer bottling. The brewery tours also feature beer tastings for the participants.
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