Brauerei zur Malzmühle

Brauerei zur Malzmühle is a brewhouse at Heumarkt 6 in Cologne's Altstadt-Süd, in North Rhine-Westphalia, serving Mühlen Kölsch from the Malzmühle brewery. Heumarkt is a large old-town square a few minutes on foot from the cathedral and the Rhine, and the brewhouse is one of several traditional Kölsch halls clustered around it. The cuisine is Rhenish with a bias toward substantial portions. Schweinshaxe, roasted pork knuckle with crackling, is among the dishes visitors most often order, and Rheinischer Sauerbraten, a marinated pot roast with red cabbage and dumplings, represents the regional tradition. The Halver Hahn, a rye roll with Gouda and mustard, is the usual accompaniment to the first glass of Mühlen Kölsch. Beer is served in slim 0.2-litre glasses by Köbes waiters, who refill automatically until the guest places a coaster over the glass. The interior follows the typical Cologne brewhouse pattern of dark wood, long tables and a high noise level in the evenings, with a mix of locals, groups and visitors. The dress code is casual, and shared tables are normal. Prices are mid-range ($$), with main dishes generally in the low to middle teens of euros and Kölsch at a few euros per glass, but current prices should be confirmed with the venue. Listings show daily opening from late morning to late evening, and the website at www.malzmuehle.de gives current hours. Walk-ins are accepted, but groups should book ahead, and weekends, Carnival and the Christmas markets on and near Heumarkt are especially busy. The location makes the brewhouse convenient after a visit to the old town, the Rhine promenade or a Heumarkt event, and it is within easy reach of Heumarkt tram stop.