Cologne Breweries: The 10 Most Iconic Brewpubs to Visit

Top 10 Cologne Brewpubs on the Map

For easier orientation, we’ve marked the ten most popular Cologne breweries on a map.

10 Brewpubs in Cologne Worth Visiting

Everyone should drink a Kölsch in Cologne at least once — and the most authentic way to do it is in a real brewpub. So: Prost! In Cologne, you swallow the “t” right along with your Kölsch.

Früh em Veedel

What do you need to know? You’ll find Früh em Veedel in the Altstadt Süd neighborhood, at Chlodwigplatz. It’s the rustic, non-touristy alternative to the overcrowded Früh am Dom. Locals love it here. The Altstadt Süd is also a great area to base yourself — you can find the right place to stay in our Cologne hotel tips.

Is it worth it? Absolutely! The rustic decor, the rough-around-the-edges atmosphere, and the local crowd make for a super authentic brewpub experience. Plus, Früh Kölsch is a genuinely great beer.

Hellers

What do you need to know? Hellers is equally popular with tourists and locals. What’s really cool: this family-run spot has been crafting organic beer by hand since 1991. They even serve Altbier alongside the Kölsch.

Is it worth it? Totally! Hellers can get crowded, but the Kölsch is absolutely worth it. You’re also pretty much guaranteed to end up chatting with the people around you — it’s seriously fun.

Our tip: After your meal, try their house-made Kallendresser — an herbal liqueur that even people who don’t like Jägermeister tend to enjoy.

Päffgen

What do you need to know? Päffgen, near Friesenplatz, is one of the most beloved beer halls in Cologne. From the outside it looks unassuming, but behind the facade you’ll find several dining rooms, a hall with a glass roof, and a beer garden in the courtyard.

Is it worth it? Don’t judge a book by its cover. Päffgen has plenty of space and serves — what else would you expect? — the excellent Päffgen Kölsch. More than a few unforgettable evenings have started right here.

Our tip: Friesenstraße is a fixture of Cologne’s nightlife scene. Around Päffgen you’ll find plenty of bars if you want to keep the night going.

Sünner im Walfisch

What do you need to know? Sünner im Walfisch sits in the old town in a stepped-gable building dating back to 1629. That’s not just impressive to look at — it creates exactly the right atmosphere for a Kölsch. It’s also a great stop during your hop-on/hop-off bus tour in Cologne, since the route passes right by.

Is it worth it? In our eyes, Sünner im Walfisch is the most beautiful brewpub in Cologne. Visiting feels like a little trip back in time. Bonus points for the seriously tasty food and its location down a charming, narrow alley.

Peters Brauhaus

What do you need to know? Also right in the historic center and close to many of Cologne’s top attractions, you’ll find Peters Brauhaus. Kölsch and classic home-style cooking are served across six dining rooms — and beer has been poured in this building for over 400 years.

Is it worth it? Vegetarians and vegans, take note! Peters Brauhaus serves plant-based dishes too, making it pretty much the only traditional brewpub in Cologne that does. You get a wider menu without giving up that rustic atmosphere. Really cool!

Bierhaus am Rhein

What do you need to know? Bierhaus am Rhein has the best view of any spot on this list — right onto the Rhine. They don’t brew their own beer here, but you’ll be served Päffgen Kölsch, so you’re in good hands.

Is it worth it? On a nice day, absolutely. Sit outside, soak up the views of the old town and the Rhine, and enjoy a cold Kölsch. It’s basically sightseeing from your seat with a drink in hand.

Brauerei zur Malzmühle

What do you need to know? The Malzmühle at Cologne’s Heumarkt has been family-owned for 160 years and is now in its fifth generation. They serve Mühlen Kölsch, brewpub specialties, salads, and fish. Even Bill Clinton had his Kölsch here over 20 years ago.

Is it worth it? The Malzmühle is less touristy than, say, Sünner im Walfisch. And the Sauerbraten here is really excellent — no wonder it’s the top seller on the menu.

Pütz

What do you need to know? Brauhaus Pütz is just a few steps from Rudolfplatz. They serve Mühlen Kölsch from the Malzmühle and offer some of the most creative dishes you’ll find at any Cologne brewpub — think walnut ravioli with fig butter.

Is it worth it? Even though Brauhaus Pütz doesn’t brew its own beer, locals still flock here for it. The popular Mühlen Kölsch isn’t available at many places in the city, and the rustic atmosphere plus the creative food make it a really great pick.

Em Kölsche Boor

What do you need to know? Just a few steps from the Eigelsteintorburg, Em Kölsche Boor has been serving Kölsch since 1760. The brewpub was reduced to rubble after World War II but was faithfully rebuilt — even the Thekenschaaf is back in exactly the right spot.

Is it worth it? Em Kölsche Boor has impressive history, the classic rustic atmosphere, and the hard-to-find Mühlen Kölsch. Alongside your beer, you can enjoy traditional dishes and small bites. A real highlight among the best breweries in Cologne.

Lommerzheim

What do you need to know? Lommerzheim is located in Deutz, on the other side of the Rhine — it’s more of a pub than a brewpub, but with that unmistakable brewpub feel. Even Barack Obama had a Kölsch here. Bill Clinton, on the other hand, was turned away — unlike at Brauerei zur Malzmühle.

Is it worth it? The Lommi is simply a legend. The decor is quintessential Cologne pub culture at its finest, and in that atmosphere Kölsch tastes especially good. Fair warning though: it’s popular. On weekends you may have to wait in line for a table.

Tips for Your Brewpub Visit in Cologne

To make sure your visit to one of Cologne’s traditional breweries is a truly great experience, here are a few things to keep in mind. This way you’ll avoid a misstep or two.

Kölsch Sizes

There’s no such thing as a large Kölsch. There’s the Stange, and that’s it. Don’t even think about asking for a different size.

If you’re not sure whether you’ll like it, you could always share a Stange with your companion to start.

Ordering Kölsch

When you’re sitting in a brewpub with a group, it’s not really the norm for everyone to order individually and collect their own tally marks on the coaster. At a brewpub, you think in rounds.

Placing Your Coaster on Your Glass

Once you’ve been served a Kölsch, refills come automatically as soon as your Stange is empty. If you’ve had enough at some point, there’s only one way to stop the flow of beer.

To signal that you don’t want another Kölsch, place your coaster on top of your glass.

Food at the Brewpub

Brewpubs generally serve hearty, home-style cooking. One important thing to know: a Halve Hahn is not half a chicken. It’s a cheese roll!

Making a Reservation

At many brewpubs it’s not possible to reserve a table. In most cases that’s not necessary anyway — there’s always a spot to be found somewhere.

That said, if you’re going with a larger group of ten or more, you should either visit at off-peak times or try to make a reservation. It’s always worth a shot.

The Köbes

The Köbes is the one who serves your Kölsch. Traditionally, part of his job is to be quick-witted and cheeky — he’ll bring your beer in between banter.

Two hundred years ago, the Köbes was the brewing apprentice who had to serve in the Weetschaft in the evenings. He usually wasn’t thrilled about it and would serve the Kölsch in a rather grumpy mood.

To keep him in good spirits, it became a tradition to buy the Köbes a beer every now and then. That tradition has stuck, so feel free to ask your Köbes if he’d like to join you for a Kölsch.

Our tip: You can also discover Cologne’s beer halls as part of a brewery tour. Find more recommendations in our article about city tours in Cologne.

Book a brewpub tour through Cologne

Words You Should Know at the Brewpub

Besides the Halve Hahn, there are other funny-sounding words you’ll come across at Cologne’s beer halls that are worth knowing ahead of time. That way you’ll know exactly what’s what.

Weetschaft – Brewpub or beer bar

Köbes – He brings the Kölsch. There’s no direct translation — but he does not want to be called a waiter!

Thekenschaaf – The bar cabinet. This is where the landlord, or Baas, keeps an eye on everything

Stange – The glass in which Kölsch is served

Mostert – Mustard

Öllich – Onions

Ääpelschloot – Potato salad

Brotäpel – Fried potatoes

Pittermännchen – Ten-liter keg of Kölsch