Bars and Cafes in Friesenviertel (Cologne)

Päff

Just around the corner from the Päffgen brewery, the Päff serves what is perhaps the tastiest of Cologne's many brands of kölsch beer. Once catering to Cologne's ultra-hip media crowd, the Päff closed temporarily and re-opened last year in a rather more down-to-earth style. The nice large wooden bar dominates the brick room, and a snack menu is available. In the evenings, DJs warm up the mood with House and Rare Groove.

SANDbar

Large windows, red walls, dark wood, seats padded with fake cow-hide and other old furniture, but especially the cheese-grater-lampshades over the bar lend the Sandbar a cool, casual ambience. The clintele make themselves at home at this a-typically down-to-earth cocktail bar, no one's getting dressed up here. The cocktails, all made with freshly-squeezed fruit juice cost up to EUR 6, and between EUR 3-4) during happy hour. Non-alcoholic drinks made with fresh juices are also available, as well as normal drinks. From 8p to 10p, toasts and other snacks are offered. The music varies from day to day between jazz, electro and heavy rock. Happy Hour: 11p-12:30a daily

Jameson Distillery Pub

This Irish Pub, between the Dorint Hotel and the Sartory Theatre, is larger than most. The decoration and cheerful atmosphere are, otherwise, what one would expect. Live music adds to the effect. Every corner has its own flare, making the pub seem smaller and cosier. There is a selection of Irish snacks and meals to choose from, in addition to the traditional stout and whiskey. Sundays are especially good for a sit down meal with generous breakfast and lunch portions. Have a beer, chow down, and watch a game, and you'll be sure to have a good time.

Haifischbar

One of many stylish bars in the Friesenviertel, the Haifisch bar has been open for quite a while. Haifisch is German for shark. The sea-faring name is slightly unusual for Cologne, and the cocktails all have names inspired by Hamburg. The northern harbor town is four hours away, but this bar is the next best thing. Unfortunately, there is no happy hour, but there are two cocktails every night. kitchen: 11a-3p

La Bodega

Tapas is increasingly become popular in Cologne/ The cocktails served at the nicely decorated Bodega (La) bar will help you relax. The Caipirinhas, in particular, are to be recommended. Along with tapas, other meals such as salads and meatballs are available. The brick walls are festively painted. The music is of course, Spanish, and there is often also live flamenco! There are lots of other places to go before or afterwards on the busy Friesenstrasse. The kitchen is open all day.

Si Claro

This is a good place for Mexican food and cocktails just off of the Ring. In the front area you can relax with a drink, special offers are written in chalk over the bar. Further back is the restaurant area, with Aztec figures painted on the walls. The food is tasty, if not especially authentic, and the portions are good. The crowd is youngish, the atmosphere loud and lively. Stop by at happy hour for a Screaming Orgasm or a Swimming Pool at a discount.

Alpha

The Alpha is new in town, replacing what was previously the Peperoni. The owners, however, remain the same. Centrally located on the Ring, at Friesenplatz, it's a convenient place for a beer, inside or outside in summer. A daily changing menu also offers light or not-so-light meals. If you're looking for a comfortable place, or have a preference for those ever-pleasant, warm-yellow walls then you'll be satisfied here. The elegant candlesticks provide an ideal atmosphere for a rendezvous.

Hemingway Tropical Cocktail Bar

This is a cocktail bar extra-ordinaire. Perhaps that's why they can get away with only being open on Friday and Saturday nights. Ernie's idea of hospitality includes 100 different sorts of rum, and an even wider selection of cocktails. It's understandable that so many people want to come here, with so many drinks to choose from, but a choice of only two days a week to try them. On two floors its full to the brim, but if you're hip enough to get in, you might find a place to sit.

Brasserie Bruegel

There are loads of places to go out along the busy Hohenzollernring. If you are looking for something slightly more up-market, the Bruegel is one of the better choices. A mix between brasserie, bar and restaurant, live jazz or soul bands perform through the week. Special deals such as business lunch and cocktails attract crowds of young professionals. It's worth making a note of the deals, as it's not so cheap the rest of the time.

Alexanders Bar

If you thought that hotel bars were only full of tourists, a visit to Alexander's Bar might persuade you otherwise. Plenty of locals are to be found here, enjoying a cocktail or a cigar in plush surroundings, with guests from other countries. The virtuoso bar owner has a range of 30 different cocktails, and in summer one can sit outside on the terrace where a delicious salad buffet is served.

Arkadia

The Arkadia is red. Very red. Young, cool Kölners like to meet here regularly. Velvet walls and leather covered bar stools make up the décor in the front room. Do not miss the small fountain, that might fit in better at the Vampire. Further exploration leads on to the highlight of the bar - the club room at the back, which presents even more red. Plush old sofas that swallow you up and floral-print wallpaper create an atmosphere suggesting a stylish brothel. Various DJs and occasional live music, often jazz on Sundays, make for variety.

Klein Köln

Klein Köln gives one a good idea of what it used to be like in the Friesenviertel. Near all the trendy new bars that open and close so regularly, this place is a bit of an institution. Boxing is obviously the owner's passion, judging from all the posters and memorabilia on the walls. Open daily until late, this is almost certainly the last place to go without having to pay entry! Kölsch and peanuts until you drop! During the week the clientel are as old as the bar itself, but on weekends it's full of hipsters soaking up authentic Kölschkneipen vibes. The pub is closed on Sundays.