Brauhaus Zum Prinzen

The story

Brauhaus Zum Prinzen: Hearty German Dining at Cologne’s Oldest Market House

Roots and the Daily Kitchen

Brauhaus Zum Prinzen has anchored Cologne’s dining scene by serving traditional German cuisine inside the oldest standing building on the Alter Markt since 1213. The kitchen rejects frozen shortcuts and handcrafts every plate during regular service hours. This dedication to honest German cooking earned the establishment three and a half ladles from the Schlemmer Atlas guide. The building survived wartime destruction and reopened as a dedicated brewery house in 1987 before adopting its current identity. Visitors appreciate how the staff maintains consistent quality across decades of operation.

Signature Plates and Local Taps

The German kitchen balances heavy heartland staples with adaptable vegetable dishes and fresh seafood preparations. Order the Poldis Schnitzel topped with crumbled feta cheese and olives, or share Röggelchen appetizers like Metthappen dressed with raw minced pork and sharp onion. Seasonal salads feature braised turkey strips dressed with balsamic lingonberries, while pasta dishes offer pappardelle tossed with smoked salmon and white wine cream. All plates arrive alongside crisp Gaffel Kölsch drawn from stainless steel lines or paired with selected wine bottles from the cellar.

Four Spaces for Every Mood

The interior splits into four separate rooms that handle crowds ranging from solitary drinkers to large family tables. The Empore overlooks the main floor and suits organized groups who prefer elevated seating above the central activity. Smaller dinner parties move to the Kaminzimmer where brick walls and a working fireplace create a quieter dining environment. Match enthusiasts gather at the Schwemme bar counter to follow Bundesliga fixtures while tapping their own glasses. Summer visitors secure outdoor tables facing the cathedral towers when the weather allows, though indoor reservations remain essential for peak weekend hours.