Peter’s Brauhaus, Cologne

Cologne is home to a number of great breweries, but Peter’s manages to stand out.

Housed inside a historic building in the center of the city, Peter’s is a large space that somehow manages to feel home-y and welcoming. On a Friday night before the local football team played at home, it was full of a mixture of locals and visitors enjoying a few pre-game drinks.

There is a bar area where you can stand up and drink, and tables that can seat around 80 people in various rooms. The highlight is a dining room with a huge stained glass ceiling piece, but wherever you sit the atmosphere is great.

We ate the $16 sausage, potatoes and cabbage dish, delicious and incredibly filling. No need to order starters here. The beer is good, too, and the service is attentive without being overbearing. No sooner do you finish a drink than a waiter will swoop in to bring you another; if you don’t want a refill, you have to place your coaster over your glass.

Overall, Peter’s is highly recommended. You’re looking at $16 for food and around $3 per beer, so calculate your overall bill based on how many drinks you plan to sink.