The best gastronomic pubs in Düsseldorf

Thirsty in Düsseldorf? The city is famous for its copper-colored Altbier and top fermentation, and what better place to enjoy its Alt than in a traditional gastropub? Here are some of the best gastronomic pubs and restaurants in Düsseldorf’s Altstadt (Old Town), all brewing their own beer on the premises.

What is Altbier?

The translation of ‘Old Beer’ may not sound all that tasty, but this quintessential Dusseldorf beer is pretty much a tourist stop when you’re in town. Its name actually comes from its top fermentation, a traditional style of brewing. It has a distinctive clean and crisp flavor similar to a lager. If you’re looking for it in-store in Germany, the Diebels brand is the most popular, but you really should try these little local brewers for the best representation.

Sticke Beer

Each of these traditional breweries also produces a small batch of seasonal Sticke beer. Offered twice a year, in January and October, you can try this legendary strong beer with an alcohol content of 6%. Keep in mind that different breweries call it different things. For example, Schlüssel Brewery spells it Stike and Schumacher calls it Latzenbier .

You have been warned. Don’t leave Dusseldorf without ordering a pint… or a few.

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To the shuttle

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+49 211 132421

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This gastropub, which translates to “little boat,” has been around for almost 400 years. It is one of the oldest restaurants in Düsseldorf and is proud to have counted Napoleon among its guests. There is still a special “Napoleon’s Corner”.

The interior is rustic and cozy, and in summer there is also a Biergarten (beer garden). The restaurant’s specialties include homemade Rhineland-style liver and herring dumplings soup with sour cream sauce, apples, onions and potatoes. Follow the Rhineland motto,

“Mr. Moss Rongkeröm satt whde, sons mäkt dat janze Esse kinne Spass » We have to fill up
or it’s not fun to eat.

• Address: Hafenstrasse 5, 40213
• Tel.: 49 211 132421

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To the key

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+49 211 8289550

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Established in 1850, this rustic brewery and pub is located on Bolkerstrasse, in the heart of Düsseldorf’s fußgängerzone (pedestrian zone). A new shot of Original Schlüssel beer blends wonderfully with the restaurant’s local cuisine. Try the Butcher’s Plate with Chorizo, Weißwurst , Baked Black Pudding, Bacon, Sauerkraut, and Mashed Potatoes.

You can also take a guided tour of the Schlüssel Brewery. This is a unique behind-the-scenes look at how top-fermented beer is created. Call 49 – (0) 211 – 828 955 20 to schedule a tour (minimum size is 10 people). The tour costs 10 euros per person and includes 2 glasses of Original Schlüssel beer.

• Address : Bolkerstrasse 41-47, 40213
• Tel. : 49 0211 82 89 55 0

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Uerige Obergärige Hausbrauerei

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+49 211 866990

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Uerige has been brewing beer since 1862. Besides Altbier , they also have fresh Weizenbier (wheat beer) on tap. On Mondays, Saturdays and Sundays, the brewery offers a delicious limited menu. Try their famous pea soup or goulash.

Since 2014, the brewery has offered an interactive ‘Public Brewing’ media facade that invites the public to brew their own beer.

• Address : Berger Strasse 1, 40213.
• Tel. : 49 0211 866990

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Frankenheim brewery bar

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+49 211 351447

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Braumeister Heinrich Frankenheim started this brewery in 1873 and not much has changed over the centuries. Families and friends still gather here to enjoy the charming atmosphere, Altbier, and local specialties.

The brewery continues to evolve with its blend of Altbier and Cola fusion (often called Diesel) creating a new Düsseldorf drink, Frankenheim Blue.

• Address : Wielandstraße 16, 40211.
• Tel : 0211 351447

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Brewery in the Füchschen

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+49 211 137470

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The Zum Füchsen (“little fox”) restaurant and brewery was opened in 1848 and is located on Ratingerstrasse. It is popular with the locals with its Rhineland-style marinated roast with Rotkohl (red cabbage), potato dumplings and applesauce. If you’re feeling a bit full, try the locally recommended Düsseldorf herbal liqueur, Killepitsch .

Learn the lingo of beer making from the Braumeester (brewery craftsman) or Zappes (keg master) before a Köbes (Rhineland brewery bartender) brings you another round.

• Address : Ratinger Str. 28, 40213
• Tel. : 49 211 137470

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Brewery Shorter

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+49 211 322696

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Along with Füchschen, Uerige and Schlüssel, Kürzer is one of the oldest gastropubs in the Altstadt . Brick-clad industrial walls enclose a bustling, modern interior. The beer may be traditional, but the atmosphere is not.

• Address : Kurze Strasse 20, 40213.
• Tel. : 49 0211 322696