Brauhaus Reissdorf

How long does the Reissdorf figurine take to drink a Kölsch? 11.1, 1.5, or 3.3 seconds? True Cologne residents know: the light advertisement for Cologne's flagship Kölsch on Aachener Straße, which is under monument protection, takes 3.3 seconds.

What makes this charming light advertisement for Reissdorf Kölsch special is its rarity as an advertisement at all—Reissdorf still does not see it necessary to place great advertisements. Aside from one other exception—the trams. And their success with the audience proves them right. Apparently, the best advertisement lies in the drinkability of this Kölsch.

The Brewery's Brewpub

At the Reissdorf brewpub, the brewpub of the brewery now producing in Rodenkirchen, you'll find the venerable hospitality you expect from a traditional brewpub. Do you like schnitzel days? Do you like potato pancake days? Anyone looking for a centrally located, friendly brewpub with Kölsch on tap, off the tourist paths, has found the right place at Reissdorf. And there’s also the option for "alle Neune," because one of the few bowling alleys in Cologne is also at the Reissdorf brewpub at the Griechenmarkt. So then, “Gut Holz!”.

Food and Drink: The Menu

The good gourmet treat of the traditional rustic brewpub cuisine is the inspiration for the entire menu at Reissdorf. Delicious home-style cooking with hearty regional as well as international dishes for big and small appetites are served. Naturally, there’s the "Halve Hahn," "Metthappen," as well as "Himmel & Ääd," the famous Cologne mashed potatoes with apples in it and fried blood sausage. And lots of schnitzels, prepared in various ways.

But there are also less meat-heavy options for other dietary preferences: in the form of veggie burgers or salads. The changing lunch menu offers a small selection at reduced prices.

Centrally Located: A Place with History

The Reissdorf brewpub is firmly part of the Reissdorf Brewery, which opened the brewpub for its good guests at the traditional address Am Kleinen Griechenmarkt 40 in 1992. The building has a history: already in 1907, there was the brewpub Weber here, known beyond the city limits.

There is room for 180 people inside. At the rather long bar, you'll find many locals enjoying the warm Cologne hospitality. There are another 60 seats available for the nice days in the adjoining beer garden.

The brewpub is located in the heart of Altstadt-Süd. Not far from popular places like the Rautenstrauch-Joest-Museum and the Schnütgen Museum, south of the Neumarkt.

Quite Special: Football and Bowling Alley

The Reissdorf brewpub has a heart for football fans: the 1st and 2nd Bundesliga, Champions League, and Europa League always play in the background—however, as silent films, merely as an information option. The only exception: the games of 1. FC Köln. Then there’s only FC—but in picture and sound.

Are you in a group and fancy a good old bowling evening? Today no one has to set up their pins—sorry: bowling pins, as it’s not omnipresent bowling—yourself anymore; and at Reissdorf, there’s also a fully automatic bowling alley. Up to 20 people can gather here to bowl to their heart's content or avoid a gutter ball. Available 7 days a week. For big or small appetites, food and drink from the kitchen are also available for the bowling alley. Note: a reservation is necessary.

Reissdorf Kölsch: A Beer with Over a Hundred Years of Tradition

Cologne is the city of Kölsch, that much is clear. Reissdorf is one of the Kölsch beers with a long history. The private brewery Heinrich Reissdorf dates back to 1894; it was founded in the Severins-Viertel.

However, the top-fermented Cologne beer was officially called Kölsch only from 1905—before it was called "Wiess." The Reissdorf couple had five sons who continued the brewery from 1908. 90% of the brewery building was destroyed by the bomb hail of the Second World War.

Reissdorf Kölsch: A Success Story

Since 1996, brewing has taken place in the industrial area in Cologne-Rodenkirchen. The most modern brewery technology processes water, malt, hops, and yeast here into one of the consistently successful Kölsch beers in the region and beyond. Remarkably, with a production of around 600,000 hectoliters per year, Reissdorf Kölsch stands steady and splendid—the beer is excellently received, especially by younger target groups. And that, even though virtually no advertising runs, and the price is in the upper segment. It seems the taste alone is responsible for the success—Reissdorf is considered mild and drinkable, with a soft texture.

No Advertising—With Two Exceptions

The Reissdorf light advertisement on Aachener Straße at Rudolfplatz is one of two exceptions to the family's advertising refusal and shows a drinking figure whose belly continuously fills with Kölsch and then changes gender—from male to female or vice versa—before the drinking process begins again, according to the motto: He drinks, she drinks, everyone drinks.

The light advertisement dates back to 1968 and is now under monument protection. Every year, the 160 neon tubes must be checked and, if necessary, newly blown and replaced. If you're in the evening at Rudolfplatz or on Aachener Straße, a glance at the legendary Reissdorf light advertisement is definitely worthwhile.

The other exception is trams with Reissdorf design. Such have been running on Cologne's tracks since the 70s.

In the Reissdorf brewpub, the good, drinkable top-fermented Kölsch naturally flows from the tap into the glass. Cheers!