Dortmund

Dortmund, the largest city in Westphalia, it lies on the eastern edge of the Ruhr in the fertile Hellweg area. The city has long been the centre of Germany's coal and steel industries, a heritage that's celebrated in a variety of excellent museums and attractions. Visitors are drawn here by its numerous open spaces and parks, half of the city is made up of wooded areas, farmland, and parks, Nearby Westfalen Park is marked by the Florian Tower, with its observation platform. The Dortmund U-Tower is topped by a huge letter U and houses Museum Ostwall’s contemporary art exhibits. Rombergpark botanical garden has local trees and greenhouses with cacti and tropical plants, as well as numerous waterways. Consequently, Dortmund is a pleasant city to explore on foot, with one of the highest densities of pedestrian-friendly city squares anywhere in Germany. It's also known for its Westfalen Stadium, home to the Borussia soccer team.

So lets go exploring the Bar's of Dortmund, as of June 2020 there are two (2) breweries so what better place to start than by having a look at them;

Bergmann Stehbierhalle, Elias-Bahn-Weg 2

Hours: Daily 11.00 - 22.00

A medium-sized brewery with a taproom in a forgotten part of the town that breath's industrial history. Therefore industrial style, minimalistic, modern. Inside there are lots of high tables with stools, the patio has typcial beer banks in the summer. Twelve taps available, not all of them are in use at the same time, maybe nine or ten different beers usually available. As a tip, if you are on site, go past the bar and merchandising area and look at the small beer museum and production area in the back. Apart from the standard range, they have a new beer for every month and sometimes even another special offer. Beers can be ordered in 0.3 l, but two different sample trays with beers from the standard range can be ordered as well (beers cannot be chosen individually though). Self-service, food can be ordered from a food truck regularly. The staff are friendly, not always knowledgeable though. Nice place, especially if you join the "free" tour of the brewery and it was so incredibly fun and informative. A must for every beer lover.

Hövels Brauhaus, Hoher Wall 5-7

Hours: Daily 12.00 - 20.00

Established in the late 80’s, this brewpub looks cosy, old-fashioned: typical German. Even though it is not clear, if they still brew their beers on the premises, it is a quite nice place for a beer and a meal. Lots of rooms over a few floors. They only have 3 beers on tap, with a few bottled beers. Food excellent and in plenty. The staff are quick and friendly. Maybe a tad expensive. Located around 5 mins walk from Wenkers and if you proceed to the HBF skirting the ring road you can also take in Bergmans kiosk.

Bergmann Kiosk, Hoher Wall 36

Hours: Daily 15.00 - 20.00

Wow, not an ordinary kiosk! It's location in an old "gas" station, constructed in 1950’s. You stand at tall tables on the forecourt, that is covered, And get the beers from the old kiosk at the rear. Here you can get any Bergmann beer in the bottle, or try some from a rotating tap list. The beer is fresh and good, and the crowd always has a good vibe. A must visit for a true Dortmund experience. I recommend the speziale, particularly if you like darker beers. People from different social layers, and all sharing a nice beer together. This bar is located at Hoher Wall, the ring road round Downtown Dortmund.

BierCafé West, Lange Str. 42

Hours: Tues - Sun 12.00 - 22.00

Located on the edge of a park just outside the inner city ring road. This could be the best craft beer bar in Dortmund? Ranch style gate's as you enter the patio, were the seating is made from recycled pallets. Its great to sit out in the shade provided by the trees. Inside there are lots of round tables and an eclectic mix of seating from old wooden chairs to art-deco ones. There are 12 taps serving an ever changing list of beers. Also a well chosen German craft bottled beer list. If you are an "Untappd" user this is a "verified" venue and they have their own "badge" plus it makes it easy to see what beers are on. The owner is super nice. Everyone is super friendly. The Menu is comparatively inexpensive but very, very tasty food, no frozen "junk". Absolutely recommended.

Wirtschaft Kumpel Erich, Kreuzstraße 87

Hours: Mon - Sat 17.00 - 01.00

A corner bar in the downtown area of Dortmund. There a booths located outside on both sides of the building with large umbrellas over them, that are separated from the street in general. Inside its a charming old style typically German bier bar, dark wood and yellowish walls. They have six taps serving a range of changing beers, and a reasonable bottle range. Flights of all six beers are available. The food is typically German hearty fare. One of the few pubs in Dortmund with a nice selection of beers. Food ist great, prices absolutely fair. Well worth a visit.

Wenkers Brauhaus, Betenstrasse 1

Hours: Daily 12.00 - 22.00

A former brewpub, located in a pedestrian area in the centre of Dortmund with many more bars and cafes around. Now selling special beers brewed by DAB; rather modern and "trendy" it's a popular meeting place for people after shopping or before attending the opera-house. Inside its resembles an American "sports bar" quite modern with TV screens everywhere, there is also a large outside seating area in the square. Food is in the fast food style. Great friendly and attentive staff. Average prices for the centre of town. Worth popping in for a look see.

Hopfen & Salz, Volksgartenstr. 61

Hours: Tues - Fri 15.00 - 23.00 Sat - Sun 12.00 21.00

A large restaurant serving really good well cooked food. There is a large patio area, inside there is a bar area for more informal drinking and easting plus cosy eating areas. The beer list is extensive ranging from world wide National "blands" to some interesting crafty treats. Why not visit it and make your own mind up?

Hirsch-Q, Brueckstr. 62

Hours: Mon - Sat 19.00 - 03.00 or even later!

The Hirsch-Q is an institution in Dortmund. As you enter the Hirsch-Q it seems like an ordinary punk rock Bar? But there’s a lot more to discover... where folk from students, suit wearers, academics, long-haired, leather jackets, rockers and hippies meet to punk out. Beside the happy hour’s they serve many Craft Beers in bottle's. If you don’t go there for the music, go there for the beer!

Pfefferkorn’s No.1 am Markt, Am Markt 6

Hours: Mon - Sat 12.00 - 21.00

A spacious restaurant located on a large square close to Wenkers with a big patio in front of it. It's quite cozy on the the inside, lots of dark wood, rather traditional furniture. The food is to be nice with lots of hearty and regional dishes. Beers are just the obvious macro stuff from Dr. Oetker. Prices are not cheap for Dortmund either as this seems to be something like a tourist destination. Service is unexpectedly friendly and quick though, nothing to complain about. Nice restaurant with a pleasant atmosphere but useless as a beer destination?

Zum Alten Markt, Markt 3

Hours: Daily 10.00 - 01.00 or later?

A medium-sized bar/restaurant located on the main square in the city centre with a huge patio. Looks quite inviting, lots of old wooden interior giving it an inviting and romantic touch. The beer selection is not "tick heaven" at all, no craft beer! Just macro Pils/Weizen/Alt/Radler from the Oetker group. Staff are quite friendly and attentive, but some looked rather grumpy and demotivated. Prices are a bit high as well, probably due to the exposed location. Might be interesting for those that are looking for hearty, meaty or even Westphalian food. For the beer lover, this is a place to avoid. Be aware that they have large screens and that it gets very crowded during football matches, especially if Dortmund is playing.

Rudat GmbH, Borussiastr 26

Hours: Mon-Fri 09.00-20.00, Sat 08.30-18.00

This place has probably the biggest range of beers in the eastern Ruhr Area. Basically you get traditional German, modern German, macro lagers from around the world together with quality including de Molen, Nogne, Alesmith, Cascade. Best represented UK brewers appeared to be Fullers (and Friends) and Greene King! Your own bags have to be placed in a locker prior to entry. But be aware. That shop is on the same street as IKEA so the traffic on the Autobahn is sometimes a bit mad!