Stephan from Cologne

About me Born in the south of Germany, on Lake Constance, close to Switzerland and Austria, I started traveling as a little boy. Before college (social pedagogy), I traveled to Eastern Europe, Australia and New Zealand. Today I work as a TV producer in Cologne, having lived here for 16 years. I am still traveling, but I also go on ‘safaris’ in my home town: I book guided tours or visit new s...
Oct 3, 2025

Brauhaus Johann Schäfer Cologne

Brewery Next Generation

"Brauhaus Johann Schäfer blends tradition with innovation. They have a reimagined brewery cuisine, regional flavors, homemade beer & attention to details."

The Brauhaus Johann Schäfer is a brewery where the culinary young guns meet tradition. This place used to be a transport company owned by Johann Schäfer who was known for being a good neighbor and hospitality by hosting little fairs and parties in his huge garage for the people in his street.

3 gastronomic professionals have been continuing this tradition since November 2017: they have restored the old business premises lovingly, and they place great importance on hospitality.

There are even cozy tables in the former office of Johann Schäfer's wife on the upper floor.

During the renovation, they found old walls and tiles from Portugal from about 1889 and the owners have picked up on these topics at several places in the room. I love all these tiny old details – discover them yourself!

And I really enjoy eating there, because it's an absolutely innovative kitchen: brewery food reinterpreted, and with much love: good products, regional and seasonal, ‘nose to tail’- philosophy and inventive vegetarian dishes.

Also, there's homemade bread, and what's frowned upon elsewhere is allowed here: to assemble your meals & side dishes yourself.

Some examples:

Toasted zucchini with young peas, cauliflower salad with sorrel and mountain cheese or roasted pork cooked in Cologne honey.

Completed by the two mild home-brewed beers: a wheat beer and a Pilsener. The wine list is small & fine.

For a place inside, you better reserve far enough in advance. With some patience you’ll find a place outside in summer.

On weekends, breakfast from 10:00.

More yummy photos.

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About this spot

Elsaßstraße 6

Smoky ribs:

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