My friends and I came here for dinner while visiting Cologne for the first time! Gaststatte Max Stark is a brewpub/Brauhaus that serves authentic German home-style cooking. The menu has a great selection and the portion sizes are very generous. Prices are very reasonable too. The atmosphere is that of a casual pub. The service was super friendly and they spoke great English. Our server was super helpful and sweet. Good food comes out and freshly prepared within about 10-15 minutes of ordering. To share with the table, we ordered the Gebackener Camembert. This consisted of fresh deep-fried breaded Camembert cheese accompanied by fresh parsley, jellied cranberries, pumpnickel bread, and butter. This was delicious as the outside was breaded just right and the inside was luscious with soft, gooey cheese. The jellied cranberries and pumpernickel bread accompanied the pungent cheese very well. This only came with one slice of bread, but our server brought out additional bread (not pumpernickel, but even better!). For my plate, I ordered Ochsenbrust which consisted of brisket of beef, with beetroot, and boiled potatoes. This was a hearty meal with a decent amount of tender brisket covered in a creamy horseradish sauce. However the boiled potatoes might have been my favorite part of this meal. I have never had boiled potatoes cooked that well with that amount of flavor. I really enjoyed this meal as it was unique and like nothing I'd had before. Overall, I enjoyed my first authentic German meal here! The ambiance was perfect as it was both inviting and casual. Service was very pleasant and helpful. The food was great, it was just a lot. They do not skimp on portions here! I liked both the starter and entree I ordered as everything was seasoned well with great, unique flavors. If you are in need of some classic German pub food, this is a great spot to check out! read more

Gaststätte Max Stark - Ochsenbrust - German Near Me - Cologne, NW

my 100th review. Nothing makes me happier than giving 5 stars to this fantastic restaurant. The food is amazing, the beer is always off the tap, and the service is exactly what you would expect in Germany... First class. This traditional German establishment is bright and open. With comfortable chairs and sturdy wood tables. Make a reservation, this place is very popular. read more

Gaststätte Max Stark - Side salad - German Near Me - Cologne, NW

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July 2024 Patience. If you have patience as an American (and be polite and respectful), you may get into this very busy hotspot! I cannot say enough about the food. I got the Rindergulasch beef goulash with noodles and apple sauce and OMG. Every time we are in Cologne, we go here! The ambiance is so much fun. They walk around with beer, people are chatting, having a great time, there is a breeze that comes in through the windows and your cares float away. Enjoy this gem of a place (if you can find a seat!). We wait each time and it's so worth it. Honestly I could just eat the applesauce until I'm full but the menu is fantastic. (we ate the food too fast so no pics of that but so good). read more

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Our favorite meal in Köln. Cozy cafe with a simple menu and international audience. Staff are relatively nice to tourists, and they do have an English menu. We had the Rhineland-style mussels and a wiener schnitzel. I'd recommend the mussels; the schnitzel was not as good as other spots. Beer is served like other spots in Köln, where you need to actively cover your glass if you don't want more. The house beer is a nice Pilsner. The people-watching here is incredible, it's a mix of tourists and old men, who were playing card games the night we visited. read more

Overall it was good but the staff seamed overwhelmed. The steak and fries with second portion tasted great and definitely filled us up.

Service was amazing, so helpful, she spoke perfect English and gave us great recommendations on local favorites. Food was delicious and big portions. Great atmosphere. read more

The food is a solid five, I'm not going to lie. Everyone at the table enjoyed the food and the beer. There were a few schniztels, a knuckle or two... would have loved to have my liverwurst that did not show up. Ambiance is also a five. Lively and cozy, feels homey and comfortable. I'm knocking a star off because we had made a reservation a month out and somehow waited 45 minutes for the table. For the internationals stopping by, please don't expect North American service in Germany. Just sit back, relax, and enjoy the fact that they don't expect a 20-25% tip. read more

Amazing food and beer, we got all the classics schnitzel and a beef dish, but the star was the soup. Everything is delicious there, I recommend getting adventurous and letting the kolsch do the rest read more

Local neighborhood brauhaus serving Kolsch. The beer was outstanding. The food... basic. My Schweinshaxe was meh. They now have a credit card reader--yay! Server is a bit frosty. But show some courtesy and try some German and he warms up a bit. read more

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They seemed to cater to the locals only and not the international community. We could not even get a table on 2 attempts and heard the locals spoke in German with all eyes on the foreigners when we walked in. Not so welcoming atmosphere here to say the least. I guess it's overrated and overhyped by the locals. Don't recommend it if you're a foreigner though unless you can speak their language. read more

I got the Schnitzel made from turkey with grilled mushrooms and Pommes. I've had Jaegerschnitzel too many times to count but never this version, which didn't have a gravy and was, again, made from turkey. I had an Apfelschorle to drink (so no, you're not required to order alcohol!), and these two items came to around 18 euro. AMAZING! Great value as the portion was massive, but more important is that it was unbelievably delicious- the single best meal I've had in more than two weeks in Europe. It was perfection, and the entire experience was so...wholesome. read more

Yummy Schnitzel w mushroom sauce. I thought thr portion would be small, but it was American Suze! They gave us a private seating area for our table of 4 and the waitress was so nice. Try the blood sausage - it's unique read more

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Read this if you're a tourist: - this is my favorite German BRAUHAUS when I lived in Cologne, it's not exactly a restaurant so please don't put restaurant standard here. But it's amazing beer/food/crowd here. Dive in if you want a local experience - BRING CASH. Unlike typical Europe, Germans actually don't like using plastic that much. Anywhere that's not catered to tourists, chances are, you'd be paying cash. So don't ding this place for not accepting cash, it's your fault for not doing your homework prior to visiting Germany - it's chaotic, but there IS order to it. If it's packed, enter and hang out in the standing bar/table area. Catch the server (there's usually just 1 person doing rounds there) and tell him/her you want to sit down and eat. They'll tell you the wait time and keep a mental note of your place in queue - Kölsch: it is THE BEST in town. They serve their own beer, and in my opinion, they're the best. If you didn't like Früh or Gaffle, you should like this one. In case you don't know, every pub in Cologne will display the Kölsch brewery they serve. You choose the pub based on that. If they serve mostly locals, you wouldn't find Früh or Gaffle on that list - How to drink Kölsch: in case nobody has explained to you yet... Kölsch Beer is served "bottomless" anywhere in Cologne, unless you cover your glass with your coaster. They'll mark it with strikes on a coaster every time they put down a round of beer for your table, and they'll put one down if your glass is ~1/4 full. Only touristy places would ask if you want any more, regular places everything is done in these unspoken gestures (i.e. you can carry on your conversation without ever being disturbed). In case they forced a beer on you, don't panic. It's a small beer that's cheap here and the alcohol content is very low... Also, don't cover your glass with coaster in Düsseldorf, unless you want to get cold shoulder treatment from the waitstaff. They two cities are rivalries and it's in their blood - German Service: it's VERY German and Cologne styled service here. They're extremely busy, just 3-4 servers for the entire place filled with ~100 people. The key here is to make eye contact to get their attention or make your intention known. They will not come around and check on things like American servers, but as long as you need something and gesture them, they'll be there to fulfill your needs. It's not the most customer first type of service, but it's friendly (as long as you're nice) and efficient - Food: a lot has been written, so I won't repeat here. I'll just point out that they do have a seasonal menu (during white asparagus/mushroom/winter game/mussels seasons), they also have a daily special menu. Both are in German only, and it is worth every extra effort of google translation. Just make sure you download the language pack ahead of time when you have internet service and you can order like a local and enjoy some really delicious dishes Honestly, I have mixed feelings about recommending this place for very selfish reasons. I really love how this is a quintessential Cologne experience and I really don't want to spoil it. Having been a local here before, I don't like to have this place swamped with tourists and want to keep it cozy. But I also don't want people giving bad reviews here because they have the wrong expectations thinking it's still American service where water is served for free and a wait staff would come by and check on you before your first bite. To me, that's not what makes this place great. This is where you go, when you want to get a glimpse of how the locals enjoy their past time and how the servers (despite being short staffed and serving tons of people) would actually remember your regular dish when you come often enough. It's for a Kölsch experience, not just to fill your stomach. read more

Gaststätte Max Stark - From their daily menu: Kasseler From their seasonal menu: braised goose leg in orange sauce with potato dumpling and red cabbage - German Near Me - Cologne, NW

Intimate German pub/restaurant with friendly staff and neighbors too! I would recommend the schnitzel.

Great traditional German food! The kölsch is cold and flows consistently until you cover your glass. This is a local spot, as the few times we were in there I'm quite sure we were the only non-locals, and it was amazing. The staff speaks English too, if need be. read more

Gaststätte Max Stark - Rindergulasch (front) & Bratwurst (back) - German Near Me - Cologne, NW

This place is a must visit if you are in Cologne. Yes it is always packed with locals. Yes you will have a long wait. The pay off... a incredible experience with great food and drinks. I visit here every time I am in town. I have tried everything on the menu and love everything (yes including the horse). If you have time the pork chops are the best I have ever had (sorry Mom). Just know they take 45 minutes to cook and are made to order. read more

I've had some pretty decent traditional German dishes, but nothing as good as the Schweinshaxe (pork knuckle) at Max Stark. The skin was crunchy and the meat was soft and easy to tear off the bone, just how it should be. The potatoes complemented the pork knuckle very well. I will say that it was a little salty but it was bearable, especially with a beer. My German isn't that great but I was able to communicate with the waitress and she provided good service. Overall, great experience and hopefully I will get a chance to eat here when I visit Cologne again! read more

Gaststätte Max Stark - Schweinshaxe - German Near Me - Cologne, NW

Halfway to our destination further south in Germany, my husband, my parents and I stopped here for lunch based on previous reviews. Veeeery interesting place on the outskirts - I guess - of Cologne. Not dirty, not easy to find, not charming, not familiar - just interesting. So, this was my first experience with actual German food and I was really quite excited. I ordered a beef stew with white sauce and horseradish, while the rest of the family opted for horse or pig. My stew was actually very good, and generously served. Everything was very well-priced and for the most part well-served and prepared. The horse dish was a bit tough, I guess... but that's what my husband gets for ordering it, I say. I really don't know what the standard for restaurants in Germany should be yet, but by my own standards, I would say that this is an interesting place to taste German food in an almost communal setting with absolutely no sparkle. NONE. BTW - Why no restaurant music, Germany?? A little background jam helps to warm a place up, and you should really, really consider it. read more

Great food and service. All 5 dishes we had were worth going back for! Its first come first serve after 1800. The beer is light and refreshing in 200cl glasses typical of Koln. It is walking distance from the main train station and very close to the Marriot hotel. read more

Gaststätte Max Stark - The bartender - German Near Me - Cologne, NW

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Great German food. Not a tourist place. Packed with locals. read more

Gaststätte Max Stark - Schweinshaxe - delicious - German Near Me - Cologne, NW

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Small restaurant great German food. Although I ate the dinner while I was standing throughout the night because the restaurant was completely packed, it was worthwhile! read more

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Local, good food. I went for dinner two nights while in Cologne and it was well worth it. Off the beaten track and almost only neighborhood folks Pork chop is amazing and worth the wait. Gets crowded so be prepared for a small wait. English menu available Obviously you are drinking Kolsch ( the local beer). Light and served in small glasses so it goes quick. read more

We went there our first night in Cologne. The atmosphere was nice and the food was quite good. Unfortunately, both my friend and I got very sick with diarrhea right after dinner. It took us 2 days to recover which was all the time we had in Cologne. read more

Good service and nice Ambience. The place is smaller than some of the other Pub houses but was very well attended. Can be a little loud due to the small space but I enjoyed the bustling activity. I got the steak and potatoes and it was so good. The potatoes were among the best I've ever had. I would have been happy with just potatoes alone. The steak was done as ordered and was nice and juicy. Highly recommend if you're in the neighborhood. I liked this beer more than I liked korch read more

Gaststätte Max Stark - Delish! The garlic butter is to die for. - German Near Me - Cologne, NW

Short walk from the Courtyard Marriott. Not a touristy spot - several dishes are unique to Cologne. Does not take credit card - which was a bit of a surprise. Schnitzel was excellent and plenty of Kolsch to go around. Good value. read more

Excellent neighborhood gasthaus. Kolsche beer and food VERY enjoyable. Not at all touristy and filled with locals. We can't wait to go back. A must try! read more

Every time I'm in Cologne and I feel like a good old hefty German dinner - that's the place! Genuine "brauhaus" atmosphere, friendly people around, the beer keeps coming, the food is tasty and comes in generous portions... read more

If you like a pork chop...this is the place. I have also tried the goulash and it is fantastic. Bring your appetite. And be patient for a table. This place is small. read more

Came to Bonn and Cologne to visit friends over the holidays, and they brought me to Max Stark for German fare. Although it was a Tuesday night, we had to wait a bit for a table. At first it seemed like a free-for-all in order to get a table, but then we realized a waitress was working as a hostess and that we could just wait our turn at the bar. My friend's husband and I both enjoyed a few kolsches at the bar while she had white wine. We were seated in somewhat of a timely fashion; I think it took all of 30-40 minutes to get a table. We split the kartoffelpuffers to start, which were really well done. Then, for my main course, I got the putenschnitzel with pommes frites (turkey schnitzel with fries) which was incredibly good. The dish was huge, lots of food, and I probably only needed to eat about half of it (even though I ate more). While not typically something I would eat, neither the schnitzel nor the fries felt overly fried or greasy and I definitely felt like I got a traditional German hausbrau experience. read more

A bit off the beaten track, service super quick, including endless Koelsch so be assertive when you are done! Had Speck mit Bohnen and was a large dish with the beans smothered in gravy. Way too much for one person however the staff was great at packing the leftovers up for my bfast;). Mostly large tables and so expect to be seated with other people because it's super busy. Seems to be a mix of Stammkunden and non-German speaking folks. Prices were rather reasonable and the daily menu had about 10 items, not shabby in addition to the good sized regular menu. read more

This restaurant is definitely one of the best restaurants I've ever been to. This place is not a fancy restaurant, it's all about great beer and great food. The prices are very reasonable and the waiters never let your beer glass to be empty. The food is very tasty. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to try an authentic german restaurant in Cologne. read more

absolutely love this non-touristy restaurant which is a mix of locals and visitors alike - long wait times sometimes up to 30 minutes for a table but well worth the wait. go for the pork chop - you won't regret it! read more

Gaststätte Max Stark - sausage pate - German Near Me - Cologne, NW

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Very busy little place, with no frills but efficient service. The place was completely packed, so the two of us were seated with two older gentlemen who appeared to be regulars. Fortunately, they were quite friendly. Two little glasses of Kölch were presented by our server, who marks the count on a coaster (glasses are 200mL and we had several.) We liked the brand of Kölch served here better than anywhere else we've tried so far as well. Portions of food are absolutely enormous and the food is good and very reasonably priced. A very nice way to end a walk along the Rhine... read more

As an American traveling on business I wanted to find a good place to get a local taste without traveling too far from my hotel. It was recommended by the bartenders and lived up to expectations. Packed full of locals and nowhere to sit I shared a standing table with a colleague and some friendly strangers. I had a few kolsch while standing and we were seated when a table came open. I thought the food was excellent and inexpensive with large portions. English menus were available on request. I ended up going back the next night. I tried a steak and a pork knuckle. The kolsch came on schedule, the atmosphere was warm and friendly. Will be going back on my next trip to cologne. read more