Introduction
Having spent about three years in the city of Oktoberfest and home to some of the most beloved beers in Germany, Munich, I have grown to appreciate the beer legacy that has been established in the city since centuries and which continues to evolve and serve not just the city itself but the whole of Germany and the whole wide world outside. I have summarized my knowledge into key aspects comprising the beer in the city – its breweries and the major styles of beer offered.
I have also been fortunate to have spent about 2 years in the former capital of Germany, Bonn, which is separated from the neighbouring city of Cologne by a few kilometres and shares not just an international airport with it but a niche category of beer it offers, Kölsch. Although, Munich, Munich-style and Bavarian beers continue to be my favourite German beers till this day, after giving Kölsch a chance, I realized it is so much more than a beer that tastes watery, as some people in other parts of Germany would joke. I sampled pretty much all of the brands that manufacture Kölsch beers and I have created a taste profile covering some of these brands.
I am also familiar with beers from other parts of Germany that I have travelled to but my knowledge is somewhat biased towards the regions in Germany where I have lived – namely Rhine and surroundings and Bavarian. I have included information of some of the notable ones and three additional beer styles.
You may select one of the categories mentioned to view the information shared by me.
Breweries in Munich
The association of breweries in the city of the largest beer festival in the world – Oktoberfest, Munich, called “Verein Münchner Brauereien e.V.” comprises six major breweries: Hofbräu, Spaten-Franziskaner, Augustiner, Hacker-Pschorr, Paulaner and Löwenbräu. These breweries are the only ones authorized to say that they produce “Münchner Bier” (Munich beer), protected by the European Union as a PGI, and exclusively hold the privilege of serving at Oktoberfest. Located within the city limits of Munich, they maintain a strict adherence to the “Reinheitsgebot”, which restricts the choice of ingredients in German beers in favour of quality over quantity.
Hofbräu
Hofbräuhaus was founded by Wilhelm V, Duke of Bavaria in 1589. The Hof (meaning “court”) comes from the brewery’s history as a royal brewery, having replaced the older Augustiner as supplier to the royal family. The original brewery was located at the Hofbräuhaus am Platzl – and, in the 17th century, had a monopoly on wheat beers.
It is currently owned by the state government and operates the Hofbräuhaus am Platzl, the Hofbräukeller and at Oktoberfest, serves exclusively at Hofbräu-Festzelt, one of the largest tents. They even have their own Oktoberfest song – Oans, zwoa, g’suffa (one, two, down the hatch in Bavarian).
There are Hofbräuhauser in other German cities such as Bremen and Hamburg, and international franchises in other EU nations and other continents, including ones in Dubai, Melbourne, Seoul and several in the US.
Augustiner
The Augustiner-Bräu, founded in 1328, is Munich’s oldest brewery. It was established within an Augustinian monastery and supplied beer to the Bavarian royal Wittelsbach family until 1589 when Hofbräu was founded.
Augustiner is the only Munich brewery that still uses wooden barrels for storing beer and continues manufacturing bottles with its classic, retro look. It operates a beer tent at the Oktoberfest and owns one of Munich’s largest beer gardens, Augustiner-Keller and several local bars in the city and has 51% ownership stake by a charitable foundation. It is popular outside Munich, being one of the most successful beers in Berlin Mitte and is exported to US, UK and other countries.
Spaten
Founded in 1397 by brewer Hans Welser, the brewery has been known as Spaten (meaning “spade”) since 1622 when it was acquired by the Spatt family. The letters GS in the logo refer to Gabriel Sedlmayr, brewmaster of the royal court, who acquired the brewery in 1807 when it was the smallest of all the Munich Breweries.
From 1861 till in the 1890s, the Spaten brewery remained the largest brewery in Munich and was awarded the gold medal at the Paris World Fair for its beer, being the only German brewery to be awarded. It has been part of the Spaten-Franziskaner-Bräu group, since 1997 and is now owned by the Anheuser-Busch-InBev brewery group based in Belgium.
Breweries in Munich
Paulaner
Paulaner, founded in 1634 in the Paulaner monastery, named after Francis of Paola, founder of the order, is the youngest of all the Munich breweries. It is a ritual that still takes place when the head of the Paulaner Brewery hands the first one-litre measure of Salvator to the Bavarian minister president at the kick-off of the Munich “Starkbierfest” (strong beer festival) each spring, the beer festival named after the Paulaner strong beer. The world’s first non-alcoholic wheat beer, “Waitzinger Weissbier”, was launched by the Paulaner Brewery in 1986.
Paulaner beer, mixed drinks and non-alcoholic beer are exported to over 70 countries around the world and it is known for organizing Oktoberfest festivals around the world. It ranks 6th among the best-selling beers in Germany and serves at three large tents at Oktoberfest: Armbrustschützenzelt, Käfer Wiesnschänke and Paulaner Festzelt, including some smaller ones.
Löwenbräu
Löwenbräu (meaning “lion’s brew”) was founded around 1383 and has been sold at every Oktoberfest since 1810. In 1818 the brewery was bought by a peasant, George Brey, and by 1863, had become Munich’s largest brewery, accounting for a quarter of all beer sold in Munich. At the start of the 20th century, Löwenbräu was the largest brewery in Germany, although strongly dependent on exports. The tenure of Joseph Schülein as the brewery’s owner in the 1920s, led the Nazis to mock Löwenbräu beer as “Jewsbeer”. Post its destruction in the war in 1945, an agreement was reached with Schülein heirs, who had fled to the US, to ensure the survival of the brewery.
Two large tents at Oktoberfest, the Löwenbräu-Festhalle and the Schützenfestzelt, are sponsored by Löwenbräu and it has one of the oldest beer gardens in Munich.
Hacker Pschorr
Hacker-Pschorr was founded in 1417 by a married couple: Josef Pschorr and Maria Theresia Hacker. Josef Pschorr, the brewmaster, among other Munich brewers, was invited to develop special brews for the wedding of Prince Ludwig I of Bavaria in 1810. Hacker-Pschorr was among the largest of Munich breweries in the 18th century but, after the couple died, it was split in two: Hacker and Pschorr, and assumed by their children, and merged again in 1972.
At Oktoberfest, Hacker-Pschorr is sold in the Hacker-Festhalle, the Pschorr-Bräurosl and the Oide Wiesn’s Herzkasperlzelt, among others.
Styles of Munich Beer
Helles
Helles means light-coloured beer. It has a clear, golden appearance with a dense head. It has a relatively neutral taste – low in hopping and bitterness, lightly sweet and low in carbonation, is easy to drink and is considered a safe choice.
Although, it is considered to be the most traditional Munich beer, it first appeared in Munich only in 1894 in response to the light Czech pilsner. Although strong and dark lagers were preferred by locals, light and golden pilsner beers influenced Bavarian brewers to adopt the style.
In Munich, Helles is ubiquitous and on ordering beer without specifying a type, Helles is served by default.
Weissbier
Weissbier means white beer. It is considered exotic because of its old and traditional brewing method and is very popular also known as the Bavarian cappuccino. It is top-fermented and unfiltered with low bitterness and high carbonation. The strong top-fermented yeast note resolves into notes like banana, berries and cloves, along with a cloudy appearance. Hops give rise to citrus aromas.
It is generally not consumed from the bottle but instead in traditional restaurants. It is consumed in the day, usually morning, commonly alongside Weisswurst. According to locals, you’ll either love Weissbier or hate it.
Dunkel
Dunkel means dark-coloured beer. It is considered the chocolate of beers because of its heavy and sweet taste, thick texture and creamy head. It is not usually strongly hopped, but is strongly malted instead.
It was the dominant beer type in Bavaria for several years, although now it is preferred in specific settings. In the past, the colour and taste were relatively cloudy and dark.
It is found in traditional beer houses and served alongside meals leaning more towards winter season.
Styles of Munich Beer
Festbier
The Oktoberfestbier or Wiesenbier, is maltier and contains more alcohol at 6% than standard Helles. It’s a light beer in both colour and flavour, with a light hoppy finish although increasingly, darker types of malt are being infused, give it a more caramelized appearance.
It is served in 1L mugs referred to as Mass and is meant to be drunk reasonably fast before it loses carbonation and tastes pale and sweet.
Starkbier
Starkbier translates to strong beer and comprises bock beers and double bock beers. They range from round, full-bodied to strong, spicy, malty-aromatic. In addition, there is also the tradition of the Hellen Bock. which is more straightforward, but just as strong.
Traditionally, the Doppelbockbier was brewed as “lent beer“. Being high in calories, it was used to offset the hunger of monks, who would reduce their food intake during Lent.
It is served at Starkbier beer festivals, which are more traditional and less commercial than Oktoberfest, especially on the Nockherberg, in the Augustiner- and Löwenbräukeller at the beginning of March.
Märzen
Märzen translates to March. It is amber-coloured lager and has toasted malt flavours, crisp bitterness, medium thickness and a dry finish. This beer was initially dark as it was stored from March until fall.
It was preferred at Oktoberfest but with time and increasing popularity of the festival, it was outpaced by more popular, thin-bodied alternatives, notably Helles.
Kölsch Brands Test
Dry and maltier than other Kölsches with bread and hop aromas and flavour, with hints of honey and crispy finish
Clear, medium-bodied and crisp, grainy and bready malt, fruity and softly hopped, firmly bitter with a dry finish
Lager-like smoothness, clean and fruity like ale, delicate finish, slightly musty yeast note on the finish
Smooth, medium-bodied and crisp, firm bitterness, and spicy hoppiness, less maltier and hoppier than other Kölsches
Slightly malty and heavier with restrained fruitiness, hoppy and delicately dry finish, more body and a broader malt flavor
Light and crisp, slightly herbal bitterness, sweet and grainy malt, frshness of citrus and grass, dry and spritzy finish
Rich, hoppy flavor with malt backbone and touch of sweetness and bitterness, balanced and subtle, spicy and creamy
Crisp, clean, sweet and bitter with tobacco, milk and resin aromas, bitter finish
Simple, crispy, fruity and floral aroma of noble hops, lightly citrusy, mild doughy malts as well as grainy notes, dry and hoppy bitter finish
Crisp, fresh and balanced, grassy hop character, grainy, balancing honey malty aroma, sweet and bitter with butter, tobacco and pepper, bitter finish
Kölsch Brands Test
Smooth and clean, light-bodied with citrus freshness and floral sweetness, balance of sweet malt and hoppy bitterness, crisp and dry finish
Simple, sweet barley and wheat malt with fruity apple flavour, herbal and spicy hops compared to sweeter Kolsch brews and dull bitterness, medium-bodied, mild and feeble-tasting
Refreshing, medium-bodied and gently crisp in the mouth. Grainy malt with mild apple and yeasty note and background hops, mild bitterness, with crisp, dry finish
Crispy, flavourful, soft biscuit malt with slightly fruity hints of apple and pear, grassy, herbal and noble hoppy aroma with slightly bitter German hops finish
Light, crisp, refreshing and smooth with light/medium body and light maltiness and dryness from doughy and grainy malts, subtle notes of fruitiness from yeast and grassy and herbal hoppiness, medium bitter and fruity finish
Sour and fruity, no sweetness, spicy and mildly herbal hoppiness, delicately sour vegetable note with dry and herbaceous hoppiness and slight bitterness on the finish
Simple and smooth, creamy and light, moderately clean compared to other Kölsch, grainy malts with semi-fruity apple and ale flavour, buttery malt low bitterness with grassy hop flavor, lightly grainy finish
Fresh, grainy, and earthy with spicy and grassy hoppiness with slightly higher bitterness than typical, lighter medium body, hoppier than Früh Kölsch with subdued flavour and darker colour
Smooth and supple, clean and crisp, hefty-bodied, distinctly floral hop profile, low grassiness and graininess
Not as grassy as many Kolsch. floral hoppiness, malty sweetness from heavy malts, flavourful and aromatic, less drinkable due to low level of lightness and freshness
Crisp, clean, and lightly fruity and fresh, somewhat bitter similar to Pilsner, malty-sweet, with delicate spiciness, mild, neutral, and drinkable, dry finish
Selected German Breweries
Bitburger
Bitburger was founded by Johann Wallenborn in 1817 in Bitburg, Rhineland-Palatinate. It is known for Bitburger Premium Pils and an alcohol-free Bitburger Drive 0.0%. Bitburger’s Pilsner is the third best-selling beer overall and the top-selling draught beer in Germany.It is especially popular in west Germany and is preferred in several parts of North Rhine Westphalia even over Düsseldorf’s Alt or Cologne’s Kölsch. It sponsored the German Football Association from 1992 till 2018.
It is noted for being brewed in the small-scale facility of Craftwerk Brewing. The brewing involves testing different malt varieties, cultivation of hop strains for crafting and innovating new beers.
Krombacher
Krombacher, was established by Johannes Haas in Krombach, Germany in 1803. It is currently owned by Radeberger Gruppe KG, a subsidiary of the Dr. Oetker Group. It is especially known for Krombacher Pilsner, followed by the malty Krombacher Dark and Krombacher Weizen, a wheat beer blending hops and barley.
A distinctive aspect of brewing is that it uses water sourced from the Krombacher Rock Spring at the base of Grumberg, discovered back in 1722, chosen for its soft, low-mineral water transported to the brewery via a dedicated pipeline. It is also committed to sustainability, renewable energy and environmental preservation.
Diebels
Diebels was launched in 1878 in a shop set up by Johannes Diebels in Issum, Germany. Diebels was one of the pioneers of Altbier in Germany and it dominates the Altbier market share. It is owned by AB InBev, the world’s largest beer conglomerate. They are also known for sponsoring German football teams and supporting local communities and sports.
Diebels has a range of products but is known for Altbier – a dark amber brew with a crisp and distinct flavour. Special malts give Alt that unique color and taste.
Becks
Beck’s Brewery was started in 1873 by Lüder Rutenberg, Heinrich Beck and Thomas May in Bremen, Germany. Beck’s offerings include its signature Beck’s Pilsner, the premium Beck’s Gold, the clean Beck’s Blue, and the fruity and refreshing Beck’s Green Lemon. Beck’s is distinguished by a green bottle, adorned with the key emblem inspired by Bremen’s coat of arms. It operates under Anheuser-Busch InBev alongside others.
Beck’s iconic green bottles were introduced accidentally due to a shortage of beer bottles that were then brown in colour, which were replaced with wine bottles, that were green. The green colour is recognized in over 80 countries where Beck’s is sold worldwide and beyond.
Selected German Breweries
Warsteiner
Warsteiner was launched by the farmer Antonius Cramer in 1753. It is brewed in the Arnsberg Forest Nature Park outside Warstein It is owned by the Cramer family and is the largest privately owned brewery in Germany.
It is the 5th best selling beer in Germany and its highlight is Warsteiner Premium Beer, a classic German-style pilsner. Additional styles include Warsteiner Premium Fresh, Warsteiner Premium Dunkel and Warsteiner Premium Radler.
It is known for sustainable practices, such as harnessing renewable energy and minimizing its carbon footprint. It also supports various cultural events and institutions.
Erdinger
Erdinger Weißbräu, launched in 1886 by Johann Kienle is the world’s largest wheat beer brewery. It is currently owned by Werner Brombach. It is renowned for its Weißbiers, offering ten different varieties.
Erdinger’s offerings comprise its signature Weißbier, a dark Dunkel, a clear Kristallweizen, a strong Pikantus, a light Leicht, the traditional winter Urweisse and Schneeweiße, the yeast-free Erdinger Champ, the signature non-alcoholic Alkoholfrei, and Festbier, served during its autumn festivals.
Its Alkoholfrei beer, advertised as a post-workout sports drink, since 2015 due to its isotonic qualities and low calorie content is one of Germany’s best-selling non-alcoholic beers.
Veltins
Veltins was launched in 1824 by Franz Kramer who set up shop in Grevenstein, Germany. It is currently owned by Brauerei C. & A. Veltins GmbH & Co. KG. Its offerings include their highlight Veltins Pilsener and others such as Veltins Radler.
Veltin stands out because of its location in the Sauerland region of Germany, famous for lush forests and magnificent mountains. They champion preservation of nature through green initiatives such as renewable energy to a smaller carbon footprint. They sponsor sports events and institutions such as the Veltins-Arena, a football stadium in Gelsenkirchen.
More Styles of German Beers
Pils
Pilsner is a classy beer and the most popular style of beer in the world, having been adapted in several places. It is the world’s first pale lager and was created by Bavarian brewer Josef Groll in the town of Pilsen in Czech Republic. It is bottom-fermented, light colored, and has a distinctly bitter, ‘hoppy’ note and aroma. A classic German-style pilsner is straw to pale in color with a malty sweetness that can be perceived in aroma and flavor. German style is lighter in color and body and has a lower perceived hop bitterness than the original Bohemian version from Pilsen. It is produced by leading brands including Beck’s, Krombacher, Bitburger and Warsteiner.
.
Schwarzbier
Schwarzbier, translating to black beer, is especially popular in Thuringia and Saxony. It is often compared to stout but unlike stout, it is light. It is bottom-fermented, full-bodied, lightly sweet and malty, with hints of chocolate and coffee. Köstritzer Schwarzbier from Thuringia is a popular producer of this style of beer.
Historically, beer had been dark until the introduction of lightly malted barley to create light colored beers like Helles, Kölsch or Pilsner, less than 200 years ago. Schwarzbier originated in the regions of Saxony and Thuringia in Germany during the Roman Empire. While wine was the drink of choice for Romans, because Saxony and Thuringia were located pretty far north and east from Roman influence, farmers had freedom in using grains such as barley and wheat for making beer.
Radler
Radler is created by mixing Lager beer with lemon soda. It is known as Radler below the Danube and Alster (short for Alsterwasser, meaning water from Alster river in Hamburg) north of the Danube. It is popular in the summer months at many pubs and beer gardens especially in Munich, Cologne and Hamburg as a thirst-quencher.
The term Radler originates from Radlermass (meaning cyclist litre) that was created by a bar owner Franz Kugler in the town of Deisenhofen in Bavaria. Similar drinks are also popular in other EU and non-EU countries – including ones made from Almdudler in Austria.
Must Try Matcha Lattes
Matcha latte is a truly iconic drink. Being a concentrated form of green tea, it packs its power punch – the antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, in a more concentrated form with a strong umami flavour. Although it has a slightly lower caffeine concentration than coffee, it keeps alert for longer, combined with benefits such as energy regulation and calming. It has grown in popularity leaps and bounds due to its health benefits, ease of preparation and versatility.
Since techniques for preparing matcha latte are not exclusive from techniques used for preparing coffee-based drinks and other flavourful lattes and are easily integrated into places serving Asian delicacies or coffee, I only list here two places I found in the vicinity of Bonn which stand out in terms of preparing this drink at a very high level in their own regard, making it memorable.
Villa Kalka
Kalk-Mülheimer Str. 58, 51103 Köln
Owned by a Japanese pastry chef trained in France, apart from top-notch preparation of Japanese and European dishes and desserts, Villa Kalka in the neighbourhood of Cologne Messe/Deutz, alongside great coffee-based drinks, especially takes the matcha latte to perfection – a mix of Matcha with premium quality and taste and excellent preparation.
Tenten Coffee
Oststraße 57, 40210 Düsseldorf
The matcha of all matcha lattes – known especially for its matcha in Düsseldorf, Tenten Coffee located in the heart of the Japanese quarter of Düsseldorf, conveniently next to the tram station, offers matcha latte which is above all, delicious. It is unforgettable in terms of taste and quality and the cafe itself makes a great place to work remotely or socialize. They also have a creative menu consisting of Asian delicacies, flavourful drinks, chocolates, chai lattes and cafe items.
Best Coffee
Located on the other side of the Rhine, in Bonn-Beuel, the coffee in ‘The Kaffeeladen’ is of the best quality combined, notable especially for super high quality beans and brewing, with a convenient place to hang out and read books alongside their regular selection of cakes and cookies. It is worth noting that it had a bit of an old lady vibe. The customer service here is amazing and combined with the prices, they are a gem. They even sell their own coffee beans and offer great advice.
Best Coffee
Lighthouse Cafe
Lighthouse cafe is highly regarded by many people for their regular cup of coffee, located in Friedensplatz, a well-connected food and recreational area in Bonn. The quality of the coffee is excellent and out of every possible coffee place I had tried while in Bonn, I had not tasted better coffee. The prices are slightly higher than typical but it is more than worth it and not to mention, pastries, food and pretty much everything in the cafe I had tasted was of the highest quality.
The Kaffeeladen
Located on the other side of the Rhine, in Bonn-Beuel, the coffee in ‘The Kaffeeladen’ is of the best quality combined, notable especially for super high quality beans and brewing, with a convenient place to hang out and read books alongside their regular selection of cakes and cookies. It is worth noting that it had a bit of an old lady vibe. The customer service here is amazing and combined with the prices, they are a gem. They even sell their own coffee beans and offer great advice.
Kessel’s Espresso Studio
Kessel’s Espresso Studio has the vibe of a traditional specialty Italian cafe. They offer really great coffee alongside delicious small Italian treats. They have high tables inside and tables out in the open making it very convenient for getting the vibe of a prime area of Beethovenstadt, located very close to major attractions. They are skilled professionals and they sell coffee beans and coffee machines. Kessel’s is a beloved one, especially among locals and is always packed with people.
Best Coffee
Black Coffee Pharmacy
Located in the southern Südstadt district, Black Coffee Pharmacy is probably the most popular coffee outlets in Bonn and known by many as among the best coffee places in the city. They offer all things cafe – starting from breakfast, sandwiches, meals and a delectable selection of desserts. They also offer alternative options to health-conscious, including selection of milk and add-ons. They tend to be packed with people hanging out with friends or working on their laptops.
Cafe Nova (formerly Cafe Il Barista)
Cafe Nova displays a wide range of Italian pastries, desserts and bread items such as foccaccia and sandwiches, and not to mention, skillfully prepared coffee. They are very popular for all meals of the day – breakfast, lunch or dinner alongside cocktails and offer great cafe vibes. They also offer seasonal specialities such as iced coffee in the summer.
Cafe Schollers
Cafe Schollers is located quite close to Bonn Hauptbahnhof back entrance and offers a truly memorable coffee experience. They prepare very high quality coffee and offer juices and breakfast/cafe items which are perfect for a great snack time or for getting the best coffee in the entire neighbourhood to go.
Best Coffee
Cafe Sophie
Cafe Sophie has to be the star cafe of Bonn Weststadt. Everything their tastes good including their coffee which is so very well prepared. They offer biscuits, daily cakes and amazing meals, especially breakfast. The prices are somewhat high but the experience in the cafe is indeed very high quality.
Black Veg
Black Veg is the most popular cafe for vegan dishes, making the difference from their non-vegan alternatives almost undetectable. Their coffee is also well-crafted, made with milk alternatives such as oat milk, almond milk or soy milk.
Pie Me Cafe
Pie Me stands out and is unique in creating many sought-after varieties of the Australian Pie. They are a must visit in Bonn because a cafe like that is an unlikely find in any other part of Germany or even beyond for that matter. They have delicious options and are well loved by residents in Bonn which led to their expansion from Weststadt to two other areas of the city in the north and south, including food stalls. The coffee there is at par with the food, including latest items such as matcha and turmeric lattes and is also true to the reputation of Australian coffee.
Best Coffee
Cafe das Cultura
Cafe das Cultura is a super-likeable and homely cafe located in Bonn-Beuel on the other side of Rhine and is a favourite of many. They offer really good coffee along with amazing desserts and bread and make for a great visit, in escaping the hustle and bustle of the most populated areas of Bonn which are on the side of the main city side of the Rhine.
Kurt der Kaffeeroster
Located in a well-connected homely neighborhood of Bonn around the corner from the Poppelsdorf palace,Kurt their Kaffeeroster offers great coffee sourced artfully from coffee-growing locations in the world along with a great combination of flavours. They also offer options for breakfast, delicious cakes and meals till their closing time in the evening.
Kaffeesaurus
Kaffeesaurus located right acorss Bonn Hauptbahnhof is unmissable because of its grandeur. Their inside is expansive and gives people the flexibility to sit on platforms similar to some lecture hall, combined with well-lit interiors and decorated with flowers. Although, I won’t call it the best coffee in Bonn, among chain cafes, it has to be the best and the coffee, lattes, etc., are very well made.
Best Coffee
Cream Company Coffee and Friends
Cream Company and Friends includes a selection of all-time cafe favourites such as burgers, pancakes, Mexican and mediterranean dishes, suited especially for breakfast. It has a super beautiful ambience on two stories and it is common for people to visit here with friends and stay long, even the whole day. The drinks menu is expansive, with delciious coffee and the option for multiple add-ons.
Frau Kreuzberg
Frau Kreuzberg is a hidden gem on one of the narrower streets between Bonn Hauptbahnhof and Bonn Poppelsforf. They are open only from mid of the week onwards and offer changing varieties of perfectly prepared desserts, sandwiches, breakfast and lovely cafe food. The coffee, hot chocolate, etc., tastes amazing and it is a premium-looking sought-after cafe by several regular customers who are lucky to have spotted it, to hang out or work.
Cafe Furst
Cafe Furst has a wide variety of delicious flavoured lattes such as ones with toffee, pumpkin spice and chocolate, among others along with some great desserts. It is a better alternative to coffee chains situated around that area, with very well-prepared coffee. The staff is friendly and helpful.
Best Coffee
Schamong Coffee
Schamong Coffee is the oldest roastery in Cologne and makes truly amazing coffee, which can only be the best in Cologne. Visiting there is like walking into a large coffee factory-turned cafe. The preparation is very professional and it is popular among visitors to get the best coffee and take beans for home.
Cologne’s Roastery
Cologne Roastery is one of two oldest roasteries in Cologne, located in one of the food hubs of Cologne, the Ehrenfeld neighbourhood. The coffee there is amazing with a complete setup for obtaining well-roasted coffee along with a great selection of cafe items such as Italian pastries, filled croissants, cheesecakes, etc. They have power points which makes it suitable for people who are there to meet for work.
Meinstein Coffee
The coffee at Meinstein Coffee is high quality and perfectly brewed and sourced artisanally. The cafe is small, modern and clean. Due to small number of seats and it being packed, one has to wait for a table or get coffee to go. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly and they offer great pastries as well. Located around the Neumarkt area, it is a must-visit for coffee lovers.
Best Coffee
Jlöcklich Barista Café
Jlöcklich is a small cafe with somewhat hipster vibes and some feel of a traditional Italian cafe. It is a chilled out place, packed with people. I remember have queued up but getting my order pretty fast at that. The drinks are delicious with a great price.
The staff was also very welcome. It is a must visit for coffee lovers when in this part of Cologne.
The Coffee Gang
The Coffee Gang is super popular due to its convenient location in the south of Cologne, its coolest quarter, and another more central location. It is especially known for its cheesecake, which has been declared by many as the best in Cologne the moment they taste it but the coffee and other drinks are a decently close second. They tend to have safe choices in terms of drinks without options such as pink or matcha lattes but it is the perfect place for the best coffee, pastries and some breakfast items.
Van Dyck Espressobar
Van Dyck is a cosy and modern cafe with specialty coffee, pastries and coffee cakes. They are extremely popular in Cologne and Bonn for people getting high quality coffee beans.
Best Coffee
Espresso Perfetto
Espresso Perfetto, located in several locations in North Rhine Westphalia and even places outside Germany offers a chill coffee bar with delicious desserts. The coffee is really good and they also sell specialty beans and coffee machines.
Heilandt
Heilandt is a pretty and popular cafe in multiple areas of Cologne, notably the Belgian quarter. They have great vibes and the coffee, which they brew themselves, is pretty good. Their pastries and desserts are super delicious, especially the cheesecake.
Café Goldjunge Köln Innenstadt
Café Goldjunge is the perfect place for breakfast or brunch with friends or by yourself with everything one could ask for – great selection of breakfast and other dishes, pastries, beautiful desserts and really delicious coffee and other drinks.
Best Coffee
Rösterei VIER
Rösterei VIER is a favourite in Düsseldorf and offers coffee that is simply perfection. For me personally, it counts as the best coffee I have ever tried. What stands out is the amazing brewing and inclusion of special techniques such as Nitro Brew. The accompaniments are delicious too. The branch in Wallstreet area is a top hit and is located in a very happening area of the city, which is filled with people out and about shopping.
Kaffeerösterei Röstzeit
Kaffeerösterei Röstzeit is among the best coffee joints in Düsseldorf, their main branch being very close to the central station. They offer a wide selection of coffee beans and brewing methods. The cafe itself gives a warm and fuzzy aroma of coffee beans. The food is delicious too and the staff is knowledgeable and helpful. It is a top find in Düsseldorf.
Die Kaffee Privatrösterei Olga Sabristova
Olga Sabristova is a multi-award winning coffee joint and their drinks, be it coffee or hot chocolate, are at the pinnacle of perfection and one cannot help but visit again. The staff is friendly and helpful and visiting the store itself feels like being part of the coffee selection and brewing process. They also have some delcious treats and offer great advice and a wide selection of coffee beans.
Best Coffee
Schvarz Kaffee
Schvarz Coffee is a gem close to aold railway tracks, where one has to walk a bit to spot it. It seems to be very popular. The ambience inside is that of a chilled out and spacious industrial cafe. The coffee is super well-brewed and delicious along with some great snacks. It seems to be a great place to work from.
Kaffeeschmiede
Kaffeeschmiede is across the Rhine from the central part of Düsseldorf in the Oberkassel area. It is a must try coffee joint in this area. They make among the best coffee in the city along with delicious treats and food. Thave organic coffee beans for sale and also offer coffee seminars.
Roasted Kaffeebar
Roasted Kaffeebar offers superb coffee, a tram stop or two away from the zoo, in the Pempelfort area. The treats are delicious too. I went there for their cheesecake, which I found to melt in the mouth. The staff is very kind and accomodating, they offer great advice and are also open to hearing people’s feedback.
Best Coffee
Moyo Coffee
It is a great cafe really close to Düsseldorf Hauptbahnhof. The coffee is delicious and they have a great selection of pastries and cakes too. It is a perfect place to hang out or to just recharge while waiting for a train or working on the laptop.
Tomo Cafè
They have delicious coffee, really good flavourful lattes and desserts, especially the cheesecake was too good. They also offer sandwiches and good options for food and it is worthwhile to visit this cafe when around the Little Tokyo neighbourhood, or just at Hauptbahnhof as it is pretty close to there. They also offer a loyalty card for stamping which is a sweet gesture.
Kyto Coffee
Really good specialty coffee, among the best in Düsseldorf, about a km away from the central station. The place has a professional coffee shop ambience and is suitable to hang out or to work. They also have delicious desserts.
Best Coffee
Dritan Alsela Coffee
Dritan Alsela is a world-renowned coffee barista and he has his own cafe in Düsseldorf. It is super big and spacious with glass walls. There is the possibility of sitting inside or outside. The insides are adorned with coffee machines. Although the coffee is not the best, since not Dritan himself prepares it, it is still pretty good because of the equipment and the best quality beans. They have a wide range of food to offer and cakes, which are all very delicious and high quality. It is the perfect place for all day breakfast anytime from morning till later in the night. The prices are higher than typical but worth it. Dritan himself comes around and greets guests when he’s around. They offer all kinds of goodies, machines and beans for sale on their online store.
Kioki Coffee
Kioki a joyful place with chic and minimalistic interiors with the possibility to sit outside and pick up city vibes. It is a great place to hang out offering delicious desserts such as cheesecakes and well-prepared matcha latte. It is also a cool haven for coffee lovers as they roast their own coffee and sell beans, grinders, etc.
Best Coffee
Neues Schwarz
Neues Schwarz is the most beloved coffee joint in Dortmund with several outlets, one of them being quite close to the central station. The coffee is so very good, probably the best in the Ruhr area and among the best I have ever tasted. It is a must visit for coffee lovers when in the football city. The staff is well-educated and they also sell coffee beans.
Best Coffee
Kaffeekommune
They are a specialty coffee store all the way. They are also among the best in Germany. The coffee is delicious, all the way from bean selection and roasting to preparation. The staff is very professional. The place itself is small and cosy so might get full but there is always the option to get coffee on the go. They also have great food and on their online shop, they sell beans and accessories.
Ukiyo Coffee
It is a Japanese-inspired cafe in Mainz offering special lattes such Matcha, Ubio or blueberry. It is conveniently located close to the train station and the interior is cosy and beautiful with great treats, desserts and sandwiches. The coffee is super high quality and well-prepared.
Die Bay
Its a cute cafe a few stops away from the central staion and close to some of the city’s attractions. The coffee is delicious and the place is popular for bagels and sweet treats. It gets crowded here but it is a great place to hang out or to work.
Best Coffee
Moka Roasters
Moka Roasters offers superb coffee, delicious food and has great service, making it a super pleasant visit. The barista is super-skilled and makes among the best coffee in the whole of Germany. The store is stylish and welcome and has a wide variety of sweet treats on display, with the option to sit outside. The dishes are well-prepared and photogenic. They also offer coffee beans for sale.
Cafe Under Pressure
Cafe Under Pressure is a favourite among professionals in Frankfurt and tends to be quite busy. The coffee here is top notch and the barista offers great suggestions. they also have delicious treats such as cinnamon rolls and brownies. It is coffee made with passion and high quality ingredients. Although there aren’t many power sockets, the place is work friendly and has a cosy and comfortable interior.
Drei Kaffeebar
Drei is a cool place that is spacious and with minimalistic design, suitable to hang out or work over the best coffee in Frankfurt. It is quite popular among youngsters and professionals. They offer a wide selection of coffee beans and also matcha latte. The employees are knowledgeable and passionate about coffee. They also have delicious treats and the atmosphere is very friendly
Best Coffee
Bunca Barista & Caterer
Bunca is an amazing coffee place ironically located next to Coffee Fellows and Starbucks, with much better coffee than either in the neighbourhood indeed around Main Tower. It offers only takeaway but it is comfortable to sit or stand outside for a quick drink. The quality is superb with prices slightly higher than typical but worth it. They also offer delicious desserts. The coffee is aromatic and flavourful and very popular among locals.
The Holy Cross Brewing Society
The Holy Cross offers among the best coffees in Frankfurt. The space is small but stylish and cosy. they also offer great desserts and all-day breakfast. They use high quality coffee beans and offer several creative options for drinks and customizations. They don’t have power sockets so it is not suitable for working on laptops.
Kaffeewerk Espressionist
Espressionist might have the best coffee around Europa Allee and Main Tower. It offers well-brewed artisanal coffee with high quality beans. The barista is friendly and knowledgeable and also engages in conversation with customers and offers great suggestions from a wide variety of beans and preparation techniques. They have seating both inside and outside and the place is super cosy.
Best Coffee
19x Coffee | Bagel | Cake Bar & Deli
19x is a small place with stylish interiors very close to the central station offering excellent coffee an delicious desserts and bagels. They have seating outside which is somewhat inconvenient as there are several homeless people moving around the area. They use high quality, in-house ingredients and offer a variety of coffee drinks, flavours or matcha latte.
TRY Coffee
TRY Coffee is a great cafe some stops away from Frankfurt central station which opens as early as 7 am. They offer great coffee with delicious pastries, cakes or sandwiches. They also have power sockets which makes this place great for working on the laptop for a while or charging the phone, after an early morning train to Frankfurt.
Why! Coffee
Why! Coffee is some distance ahead from the popular bakery Zeit für Brot and is located inside a home appliance shop called Midea Home Lounge. The place is spacious with some seating but they also offer takeaways.
The coffee and foaming techniques are both exceptional. They have milk alternatives as well as special flavours such as dirty chai latte. The ambience inside is beautiful with modern age art on the walls. Their technique is great in several aspects and is highly recommended to try when in this area.
Best Coffee
Nord Coast Coffee Roastery
Nord Coast is definitely among the best coffee joints in Hamburg. The branch I went to was two-storeyed and spacious, with the interiors of a chill and professional cafe. The baristas are super skilled and they also use high quality ingredients in their preparation. They have delicious options for food and breakfast. The place tends to be quite packed but the wait time to get a table is not too long and the service is prompt considering the size.
elbgold Röstkaffee GmbH
Elbgold is another great cafe I found in Hamburg with high ceilings, the main branch being located in the very popular Schanzenviertel in an area surrounded by the best of food in Hamburg. The have a wide variety of coffee blends and many vdifferent choices available for drinks. The blends are displayed in funnel-mouthed containers which gives a professional, almost nerdy feel. They have a good capacity for seating but because of the high demand, there can be a wait time.
Speicherstadt Coffee Roastery
Speicherstadt Coffee Roastery is the most popular coffee joint in Hamburg because of its prime placement in the Speicherstadt district, next to the maritime museum. The cafe gets quite busy because of visitors around the area, stopping by for coffee but the service is fast. The food is delicious and the coffee although, somewhat overrated, is superb.
Best Coffee
coffee nerd – specialty coffee
coffee nerd is a beautiful and spacious cafe which offers artisanal coffee in Heidelberg. It is quite popular among people and is generally full with people who come to have converstions or to even work. The coffee is delicious and light-roasted with a variety of options for beans. They also have delicious accompaniments such as croissants and coffee cakes and the cheesecake is amazing.
Café NOMAD
Cafe Nomad is quite popular in Heidelberg. It has wide and beautiful interiors and offers great breakfast with a wide variety of options such as bowls and sandwiches along with cakes and delicious coffee. The main branch is quite close to the central station.
There is the possibility of sitting inside or outside. The service is very polite.
SIMON & BEARNS Coffee Roasters
Simon and Bearns is among the best of coffee roasters and might be the best in Heidelberg and beyond. It is cosy and relaxing and makes a good spot for locals as well as tourists having a stop in Heidelberg as it is not far from the central station. The pastries and meals are delicious and they are also a good spot for cheesecake or matcha latte.
Best Coffee
Next Door Coffee Club
Next Door Coffee Club is the most wholesome of coffee places in Nuremberg with a premium feel to it. They have beautiful vintage interiors with focus on recycling. The place is cosy although popular and crowded. the coffee is amazing. They have a wide array of drinks that also includes superfood lattes. They have great cakes and pastries and also offer breakfast accommodating various food preferences.
Machhörndl Coffee: Espresso Brew Bar
This is the most popular coffee joint in Nuremberg, with multiple branches, offering really good coffee. They offer a chill ambience for hanging out over coffee and have delicious varieties of pastries and cakes to accompany the drink, making it an ideal spot for coffee and cake.
Coffee Bayt
Coffee Bayt has it all – starting from coffee, cakes and pastries to breakfast and meals. They also offer flavoured lattes and seasonal drinks, all of which are delicious. They are friendly and accommodating with a homely ambience also providing options such as milk alternatives and options for vegans. The coffee is delicious and combined with the delicious food, makes a perfect meal.
Bubble Tea
An’s Tea House is a pretty little store in Bonn close to the major attractions with an Asian feel to it. They bubble teas here are delicious and authentic. I also tried the somewhat rare butterfly pea flavour which I hadn’t come across anywhere else. The drinks look very photogenic with all kinds of flavourful options, which are unique as well as popular options. The staff is friendly and welcoming.
Bubble Tea
An’s Tea House
An’s Tea House is a pretty little store in Bonn close to the major attractions with an Asian feel to it. They bubble teas here are delicious and authentic. I also tried the somewhat rare butterfly pea flavour which I hadn’t come across anywhere else. The drinks look very photogenic with all kinds of flavourful options, which are unique as well as popular options. The staff is friendly and welcoming.
Tea Mate
Tea Mate is conveniently located in the food hub of Bonn, close to a central bus station at Friedensplatz. The bubble tea here is authentic and delicious. It is a much better alternative to Starbucks. The staff is friendly and the place is popular so one has to stand in queue. There is a breakout area with chairs, tables and relaxing music which makes it a great place to chill.
OneZo Bonn
OneZo is an internationally renowned bubble tea brandfrom Taiwan with branches in several countries and some in Germany, including Bonn. It is located a few metres away from Bonn Hauptbahnhof and makes for a great cafe to get refreshments. The store is clean and cute and the staff is super friendly. They have special Asian flavours such as Taro and Uji matcha and the bubble tea is delicious.
Bubble Tea
BEAUTEE
Beautee is a photogenic bubble tea outlet in Cologne with several branches and one close to the Dom so it is very popular in general and especially in summer. Apart from many regular varieties, they also have options with cream cheese. The prices are pretty good, especially considering the location, the service is efficient. They have limited seating which fills up very fast.
BoBoQ Bubble Tea
Boboq Bubble Tea is some distance away from Cologne central station so it is less easily spotted by tourists but it is quite popular among people working around the area. It is a shared store with an Asian street food outlet. They offer sought after flavours such as cookies and cream and chocolate. Payment here is only by cash.
T4 Bubble Tea
T4 Bubble Tea is an authentic Taiwanese chain, with a branch in Cologne, offering delicious Bubble tea. It is further apart from the central station but in a popular area of Cologne towards the south – Neumarkt. The flavours are high quality and taste like the real deal and they have professional equipment to store and keep the ingredients fresh. I also found the typical Asian rose flavour here which is not common to come by at all. It is a true gem.
Bubble Tea
Comebuy
Comebuy is another popular bubble tea store close to the Dom and in good sight. They have a great selection, including fruit teas. The place has limited seating so one has to wait for the crowd to move before getting a seat. The drinks are fresh and natural and the tapiocas are delicious, served by owners who speak Chinese or English.
FAN TEA am Dom
Fan Tea is a super popular bubble tea store in Cologne, with the main branch close to the Dom, also offering snacks such as dim sums. They have several varieties of flavourful lattes and smoothies, with some local Asian flavours such as litchi and Oolong.
Bubble Tea
Sphere Bay Manga Café
Sphere Bay Manga is the most popular bubble tea shop in Düsseldorf with several options for bubble tea, toppings, choice of hot or cold and sweetness. This is the place to be for Bubble Tea lovers with super high quality and flavour. They have the possibility for self-checkout with order number displayed on the board for collection.
Café Pi To Go
The quality of ingredients used at Cafe Pi to Go is super high. As the name suggests, they offer bubble teas to go but the store itself has a premium look and is spacious. They have a wide variety of options and combinations including the gem Oolong Tea. The staff is super friendly and what’s more is that they have delicious macarons too.
