Brauhaus Päffgen

It’s the year 1955: Heavily rumbling, the malt cart comes along, pulled by heavy horses, delivering its load to Päffgen brewery – right through the tavern of Päffgen. Back then, the brewery didn’t have its own driveway yet. So, the tables inside the venue had to be folded up with haste and fixed to the side in order to let the horses and cart pass through. Today, hops and malt arrive through the gate at the back. The tables with the folding mechanism however still exist – keep an eye out for them.  

Cologne’s oldest brewery is located in the Friesenviertel, near Friesenplatz, thus positioned on an axis to Cologne Cathedral. Since 1883, Päffgen Kölsch beer has been served here at the brewery – and not much has changed ever since then. In the late morning, you'll meet newspaper readers, and in the evening, guests who pop in for a beer after work. You can even get the good old Kölsch siphon filled here.  

Päffgen Kölsch: Still Brewed by Hand  

Adhering to the German Purity Law of 1516, brewed by hand as it was 100 years ago, no computers, no machine brewing, the finest ingredients: Many say you can taste the real Päffgen Kölsch. Brewing takes place as always in the brewhouse behind the beer garden. Before reaching perfect maturity, the young beer needs several weeks at about 0°C. Now it’s filtered to a rich amber color and poured straight from the keg into your glass.  

Brewery Cuisine as It Lives and Tastes  

Of course, there's food that follows tradition: cheese, small bites, and nibbles with Kölsch, but also typical brewery dishes like sausages, meatloaf, Kasseler, broad beans, schnitzel, goulash, pork knuckle, and fried potato dishes. One must be honest here: there's not much for vegetarians or vegans. Perhaps the salad, vegetable platter, or a pickled gherkin will suffice. Then again there's plenty of vegan liquid nourishment that the Köbes supplies you with.  

Spaces in Päffgen Brewery on Friesenstraße  

Everyone finds their favorite spot in Päffgen: in the large, rustic, and typically wood-paneled dining area with 200 seats, or in the hall from the 50s for 80 guests, featuring a glass roof that can be opened in nice weather.  

In the little cabin or the small room, it gets really cozy – perfect for groups, parties, or those who prefer a homely atmosphere. All in all, Päffgen can accommodate around 340 guests. Your contact person for requests, reservations, and even complaints can usually be found in the confessional, the control center of the Päffgen universe. No matter where you want to sit: reserving a spot is a good idea.  

Beer Garden – Any Time of Year  

In summer under the shady chestnut trees, in winter warm under the glass roof: the beer garden at Päffgen transforms into a winter garden or a backyard oasis in a bustling Cologne neighborhood depending on the season. There's room for 120 guests here, but it fills up quickly. The chestnuts were planted by Hermann Päffgen in 1884, making them almost as old as Päffgen itself.  

The History of Päffgen  

In 1883, Päffgen mainly sold barrel beer, which the Köbesse delivered. Small dishes followed quickly. In 1934, the brewery was expanded to accommodate more guests. However, the upswing was thwarted by World War II: the brewery’s tavern was almost completely destroyed, but the adjoining brewery remained mostly intact. So, since 1949, Päffgen Kölsch could be enjoyed again.  

Want to Buy and Take Home Päffgen Kölsch?  

If you’ve acquired a taste for Päffgen Kölsch: you can take away only kegs of 5, 10, 15, or 20 liters. Or, honor an old tradition by bringing your siphon; otherwise, there’s only one solution: simply come back.