Gaffel am Dom

Gaffel am Dom is the Gaffel Kölsch brewhouse at Bahnhofsvorplatz 1 in Cologne, placed between the main railway station and the cathedral in the Altstadt-Nord. Gaffel is one of the larger independent Kölsch breweries in North Rhine-Westphalia, and this venue serves as its showcase for arriving and departing travellers as well as local drinkers. The cuisine is Rhenish brewhouse cooking. The signature plate is the Halver Hahn, a rye roll with Gouda and mustard that Cologne locals order with a first glass of beer. Himmel un Ääd, fried black pudding with apple and mashed potato, is another regional staple, while Schweinshaxe, roasted pork knuckle with crackling, is the heavier choice for a full meal. The drink of choice is Gaffel Kölsch, served in the traditional slim 0.2-litre Stange glass by waiters called Köbes, who keep refilling until a coaster is placed over the glass. The room character is that of a busy, traditional beer hall with long tables, wooden furnishings and plenty of noise at peak hours. The central position means that the guests are a mixture of rail passengers, cathedral visitors and groups on organised trips, so the pace is quick and the atmosphere informal. There is no dress code. Prices are mid-range ($$), with main dishes typically 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 service from late morning until late evening. The brewhouse is walk-in friendly, but groups are advised to book through the venue website at www.gaffelamdom.de, particularly on weekends, during the Christmas markets and in the Carnival season, when the area around the station and cathedral is at its busiest. For visitors with a short layover, the location makes it one of the most convenient places in Cologne to try Kölsch and a regional dish within a few minutes of arriving by train.