Köln, near the Cologne Cathedral

Discussion in 'Germany' started by HeadwatersFinest, Jun 17, 2012.

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  1. HeadwatersFinest

    HeadwatersFinest Initiate (0) Nov 5, 2009 Alaska

    Ill be spending a couple nights in Cologne on my way to Brussels and was looking for some tips. I'll be staying very near the famous cathedral and would like to know of the best brewpubs nearby. There seem like so many to choose from, which is a nice problem to have, but I want to make sure I don't miss out. Any advice on a single favorite or two that I must see? I saw the recent thread regarding Cologne, which looked like fun, however, that guy sounded like he was looking for a unique experience and it seemed like he found one. However, it looked like that brewery doesn't even always have a kolsch on tap. I'm looking for a more traditional experience, with great kolsch, maybe a little outdoor dining, with traditional food. I've even been practicing: Ich möchte ihre beste kölsch:slight_smile:

    Within walking distance would be great, but if public transport makes it easy to get to, that is fine as well.

    Danke!
     
    #1 HeadwatersFinest, Jun 17, 2012
  2. herrburgess

    herrburgess Grand Pooh-Bah (3,077) Nov 4, 2009 South Carolina
    Pooh-Bah

    #2 herrburgess, Jun 17, 2012
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  3. spartan1979

    spartan1979 Pundit (970) Dec 29, 2005 Missouri

    I thought Sion was pretty good when we were there.
     
    #3 spartan1979, Jun 18, 2012
  4. einhorn

    einhorn Savant (1,175) Nov 3, 2005 California

    Früh is a must see, check out how they transport kegs through the restaurant. It is quite touristy being directly at the Dom, but hell, it only takes two sips to finish a Kölsch and then you can continue your travels.
     
    #4 einhorn, Jun 18, 2012
  5. patto1ro

    patto1ro Pooh-Bah (2,084) Apr 26, 2004 Netherlands
    Pooh-Bah

    If you don't mind mash potatoes and Klose out of a packet. I'll never eat there again. The food is much better in Fruh.
     
    #5 patto1ro, Jun 19, 2012
  6. boddhitree

    boddhitree Pooh-Bah (1,839) Apr 13, 2008 Germany
    Pooh-Bah

    Sion is horrid!... owned by the Radeburger Group. Actually, they own the following:
    Früh is also horrible. Their pub near the Dom is a tourist trap, though if you're a tourist, go see it and enjoy the atmosphere. There are many better Kölschs old-timey pubs to be found much much more intersting and not overrun with Chinese tourist.

    The best is Mühlen Kölsch in the Mühlen bar. It's quite malty, which blends well with the tartness of a Kölsch.

    Also, HERE is the ONLY guide you need to follow to do a proper pub crawl of all the best Kölsch places.
     
    #6 boddhitree, Jun 19, 2012
  7. UncleJimbo

    UncleJimbo Grand Pooh-Bah (3,771) Sep 11, 2002 Massachusetts
    BA4LYFE Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    If you have a full day, visit them all. It is easily done. If you have a second day, go back to the ones you liked.
    I liked Brauerei zur Malzmühle. Get over to Braustelle, too, if you can.
     
    #7 UncleJimbo, Jun 22, 2012
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  8. dgilks

    dgilks Initiate (0) Jul 14, 2008 Australia

    I didn't really rate Muhlen. The Paeffgen was much better. Complex with plenty of fruit notes going on. The little courtyard there was great too. Only about a 15 walk from the cathedral. Frueh was also nice if touristy.

    But really, why you want is Altbier. The stuff made in Duesseldorf is so much better with a level of complexity I just didn't find in any of the Koelsches in Koeln.
     
    #8 dgilks, Jul 5, 2012
  9. FUNKPhD

    FUNKPhD Initiate (0) Apr 13, 2010 Texas

    The Dom made me nauseous; probably a good thing I didn't drink before walking up all those damn steps.
     
    #9 FUNKPhD, Jul 5, 2012
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