Brauhaus Em Kölsche Boor

Em Kölsche Boor on Eigelstein has seen a lot: when the rubble was still smoldering after the Second World War, it was seized by the British occupation forces—for an entire year. Only then did reconstruction begin. If you know that, you look at the old town house with different eyes and immediately understand why this place is more than just somewhere to have dinner for many Cologne locals.

What sets the Boor apart from many other brewery restaurant: it’s not an event venue, but a true neighborhood brauhaus. Tourists and regulars naturally share the same table—and on sunny days, the sidewalk terrace as well. Another special feature: the house has its own skittle alleys for rent—a charming alternative to the bowling trend; your brauhaus dishes are served straight to the lane.  

Cozy atmosphere in traditional style  

The Eigelstein district around the Eigelstein City Gate is one of the city’s liveliest quarters—with markets, neighborhood pubs, and a distinctive streetscape. Right in the middle lies Em Kölsche Boor: lanterns and flower boxes decorate the façade, and inside you’ll find long wooden tables, a pleasant buzz of conversation, the scent of hearty cooking, and fresh Kölsch. The Köbes comes—well, whenever the Köbes comes.

Classic brauhaus cuisine  

Pork knuckle, Himmel un Ääd, potato fritters—the menu delivers exactly what you’d expect from a good Cologne brauhaus. There are also seasonal dishes, such as asparagus in spring or fish around Ash Wednesday. Vegetarian and vegan options—including a vegan burger and plant-based takes on classic dishes—are a permanent part of the menu. The beer of choice is Mühlen Kölsch, freshly tapped. Not least because Em Kölsche Boor has belonged to the Zur Malzmühle brewery—producer of Mühlen Kölsch—since 2020.

260 years in the same spot  

In 1760, brewer Mathias Lölgen opened his “Zum Elephanten” brauhaus here. Ownership changed, names followed—sometimes inspired by a newly opened railway line, sometimes by a neighboring alley—until in 1907, under Mathias Baum, the house received its current name: Em Kölsche Boor, named after the figure of the Cologne farmer in a niche of the nearby Eigelstein Gate.  

The building survived the Second World War heavily damaged and, as mentioned, was rebuilt from 1953 onward after a year under British seizure—and has been operating continuously ever since. More than 260 years, the same address, the same neighborhood. Sounds like a place rich in tradition for your brauhaus visit.