Located in the Ruhr Valley in western Germany. Essen is a name that used to be a byword for German industry and the Krupp family, now ThyssenKrupp. You can get to know the Krupps a little better at their huge family villa, and take excursions to the authentic medieval villages in Essen’s suburbs. But if you show up expecting a post-Industrial cityscape you may be in for a shock. The tertiary sector has left Essen with modern towers and parks, while a UNESCO-status industrial facility has been lovingly cleaned up as a monument. There are high-profile concert halls in repurposed factories, and the Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex has been transformed to house several museums. A heritage trail through the former colliery chronicles the city’s history of coal mining and steel production. In a former coal-washing plant, the Ruhr Museum is dedicated to regional history.
Getting around: Situated centrally in the Rhine/Ruhr region, Essen is connected to an extensive traffic network. From all over Germany and from abroad Essen is easy to reach from all directions by car, train, plane, and even by water. Within the Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Ruhr Essen provides a comprehensive local passenger transport service within the city and beyond, via its extensive links with the region. The Hauptbahnhof is situated south of the old town centre, next to the A 40 motorway. It was opened in 1862 by the Bergisch-Märkische Eisenbahn. More info
So the scene is set and away we go exploring the Bar's of Essen, as of June 2020 there are three (3) breweries so what better place to start than by having a look at them;
Rüttenscheider Hausbrauerei, Girardetstrasse 2
Open: Daily 17.00 - 23.30
A medium-sized brew pub a short subway ride away from central station, in the "vibrant" Rüttenscheider area of Essen. They have usually only have two of their own beers a Keller and a Weise and occasionally a seasonal? Inside in the bar area are some high tables with stools around the central bar, and in the back there is another area with pine tables and chairs. Outside is a large shaded courtyard. The menu is typical hearty German Brauhaus dishes in large portions. The service is fast and no nonsense. Well worth a visit.
Dampfe, Heinrich-Brauns-Str. 9-15
Open: Daily 11.00 - 00.00 or even later
A Bavarian-style Brauhaus located in a rather unlikely looking suburb of Essen-Borbeck, very easy to find- just beneath the train station and pedestrians area. This is the brewpub (tap) for the Borbecker Dampfbierbrauerei. This is a large sprawling complex which has a fair sized outdoor seating area. Inside there is a nice old style feel to the main indoor area, exposed brick and lots of small nooks and crannies. They have four beers on tap, normally three standards and one seasonal. But the takeaway menu is great as you can buy real limited rarities. Unpasteurized and unfiltered beers. The service is very welcoming and warm, and I can only describe as courteous and humorous. Food came in huge portions and was decent enough. The food is solid, big portions for the big prices, small portions for the small prices. It is a really nice place to quaff some great bier and relax.
Mücke, Hölderlinstr. 28
Open: Contact Brewery first?
Do you like beers with character? Brewed naturally and unfiltered, as was once the case? Then try MÜCKE - craft beer from the Essen. Named after the last pit horse from the Zeche Zollverein, they reinterpret different beer styles and give them that special kick. They want to make beer interesting again! Beer that has an exciting taste. Beer that differs. There are so many ways to brew good beer and they do it.
The Oak, Hildegardstraße 1
Open: Tues - Sun 17.00 - 22.30 Closed: Monday
A Street Food Cafe & Craft Beer Bar. Located on a corner with street side seating, inside its quite modern and basic. The bar is central with chalk boards over the top showing what beers are on offer. Five of them are world beers that are quite easy to find, the other five promise some interesting "ticks". Also there is a small bottle selection that has some very good stuff. The menu is Fresh street food that is Mexican / American inspired but also wonderfully authentic from tacos, burritos, sandwiches, bowls, fries and sometimes a few more things? Great friendly staff and a cool vibe. A must do in Essen.
GoldBar, Rellinghauser Strasse 110
Open: Monday-Friday 9.30am to 2.30pm
A nice little cafe in the midst of the city, yet within a sorta-backyard surrounded by trees. It's the place for modern hippies! Inside it's and eclectic mix of old and unique used furniture, pillows and candles .... simply an experience. The cool music also give's it a laid back atmosphere. The outside seating is in the same vain old couches and cushions to chill out in and watch the world go by. Lot's of board games and books that you can use. You meet a colourful mix of people here and you always get into conversation. Great coffee and delicious drinks, beer is mostly from the bottle and not very exciting but.... Great staff and service.
Kohle Craft Werk, Rüttenscheider Str 14
Open: Mon - Fri 12.00 – 14.00 & 17:30 - 22.00 Sat 17.00 - 22.00 Closed: Sun
A modern bar with and urban chic inertia. Inside it's quite long and narrow, with bar seating and then small booths opposite. There are 4 draught taps and an extensive bottle range with some interesting stuff if some what pricy? The menu is Americanised burgers ribs fries etc. The waiters are somehow not motivated to give their best so service is......
Die Bierothek® Essen, Limbecker Pl. 1a
Open: Mon - Sat 10:00 - 20:00 Closed: Sun
Located on the lower ground floor of the Limbecker Platz Shopping Centre, about 10 minutes walk from Essen HBF. Use the escalator at the Amsterdam Rotunda which is at the NE /(nord-ost) location of this Shopping Centre. A very welcome addition in what to a visitor seems to be something of a Beer Desert. This little shop offers its customers a wide range of more than 300 excellent beers. These include national and international craft beers, local beers and beer specialties for every occasion. In addition to the fine beers, the Bierothek® Essen also offers themed tastings and beer seminars where trained beer sommeliers are happy to share their expertise with beer friends old and new. Their beer enthusiastic staff are happy to help you find your new favourite beer and answer all your questions about beer. A must visit.
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