Fruh am Dom
Am Hof 12-14, Altstadt-Nord

This is a large, cavernous pub near the Dom cathedral. Head down to the gorgeous cellar for a big plate of pork and several glasses of their light, fruity Kolsch.

Gaffel produces one of the best known examples of Kolsch. This beer has a very nice hop flavor and bitterness in the finish.

A bit of walk from the central Altstadt, "malt mule" offers a complex Kolsch that is a bit more estery than other versions. The old tavern is filled with furniture and items that appear to be 100 years old or more.

A main dining, drinking area up front leads to a pleasant courtyard/bier garden out back. Check out the lovely bar and stained glass as you sip your golden Kolsch.

This ornate, high-end Kolsch house produces tasty, traditional regional food. Their Kolsch is now brewed at the Kolner plant just outside of central Köln. As Sachin and I sniffed our Kolsch, an amused waiter walked by and commented, "It's only beer."

Like Dusseldorf's Altbiers, Kolsch is served in small, attractive, cylindrical glasses.

Pfaffen
Heumarkt 62, Kohn-Innenstadt

The inside of this beautiful tavern boasts detailed woodwork and windows. Kolsch flows from old wooden barrels.

Locals pack into this outlet for the famous Reissdorf Kolsch and puff away on their cigarettes in the left side of the pub. There is a non-smoking (sort of) room to the right and a bowling alley in the basement.

Pictured above is a bartender at the Sion tavern using a keg elevator to bring up a fresh barrel of Kolsch. Sion, an extremely light version of Kolsch, is quite popular with locals and visitors.

This was a small brewery in the late 1800s and now serves at the Sunner taphouse. The name refers to "whale."

Not a Kolsch house, but a Köln beer bar for beer geeks. Stocks a decent range of international brews.

Pleasant little brewpub on the southside of town with a selection of 5-7 house beers ranging from Kolsch to wheat beers to a dark lager.