Sünner Stube

A brewery pub that opened in 2020 — how can that work in Cologne? One thing’s for sure: the Sünner Stube only remotely resembles the beer culture you’ll find in other brewery pubs, which have a beer and brewing tradition that goes back more than 160 years. 

In other words, if you’re looking for the classic seating arrangement and cosy comfort of a historical ice cellar, or the folkloric Kölsch dialect, or the ribaldry of a Köbes, you won’t find them here. However, it’s quite clear that this avoidance is deliberate — and it works. That’s because this brewery pub, located outside the hustle and bustle of the city centre, is innovatively continuing the traditional brewery-pub concept: hearty fare with a gourmet upgrade.

A modern version of brewery-pub cuisine

The concept behind the Sünner Stube is unique in a good way. And if you follow the experts on current food trends, you might be wondering what the Sünner Stube’s cuisine is offering to its guests under the trademark of classic brewery-pub culture in response to the current mix of problems, wishes and longings of the restaurant sector. What it offers is Austrian-German-Italian bistro cuisine with seasonal variations on a clearly structured menu. 

The concept is not easy to define, but it lies somewhere between the need for one’s taste buds to revisit the good old dishes we’re already familiar with and the desire to nonetheless be in tune with the latest trends in the culinary realm. Here you’ll find the best of both worlds in charming, satisfying harmony: strong flavours instead of a finely balanced play of aromas. Not too much, not too little. The Sünner Stube has surprises in store for its guests.

The founders are not beginners

Ioannis Karagiannis and Pino Bruno, the founders of the Sünner Stube, are not newcomers to the restaurant scene. Both of these restauranteurs grew up in Cologne and have been in the catering business for a long time. A wide range of experience, ranging from a pizzeria to a bar with a disco, a club, a small local restaurant and a parents’ restaurant, all flow together here. That also benefits the bill of fare, which departs from overly typical brewery-pub cuisine and often includes unusual dishes prepared in a tasty, savoury way, ranging from appetizers to desserts.

A quick look at the menu

Regional and seasonal ingredients occupy a sustainable place on the Sünner Stube menu. There’s also a fixed place for traditional Kölsch and wine sold by the glass, as well as a selection of Sünner spirits including limoncello or dry gin. As their names clearly indicate, the Sünner Kölsch on tap as well as the spirits come from Sünner, the oldest brewery in Cologne that is still in operation, which also has its own distillery. It was established back in 1830 — and in addition to the heartiness of its innovative cuisine, the Sünner Stube is continuing the traditional beer culture in its taproom.

On its changing menu you can find, for example, appetizers such as beef tartare, gilthead seabream and goat cheese. The main dishes are generally meaty and range from Wiener schnitzel to a pulled pork burger. And there’s a small but exquisite selection of sweet desserts ranging from Kaiserschmarrn (a shredded sweet pancake dish) to chocolate cake. You won’t find any specially designated vegan dishes, though.

Venues for private parties are also available

It’s worth mentioning that you can also host your private events here. The Sünner Stube offers space for up to 70 people — and services ranging from consultation to planning and implementation with a menu for seated dining or a buffet. You can reserve individual areas or the entire restaurant.