Stadtgarten in Köln

The staff were completely unsympathetic and discriminatory towards our infant! We were asked to leave if we had a problem with cigarette smoke for the child, as this was, after all, a BEER garden. We politely asked if a customer could smoke her cigarette a little further away. After she said no, we sat down in shame. The waiter then asked us to move to another table, for whatever reason. The ashtray was then cleared from the table because we obviously didn't need it. She then started an argument with us. Why would we complain about carcinogenic cigarette smoke for the child in a public beer garden, we could just leave. We feel really excluded. Apart from that, the service was of course poor. We received the wrong drinks. The employee behind the bar didn't take responsibility for the error, but blamed us, saying we had ordered the wrong thing. Absolutely irresponsible in every respect. We won't be coming back!

The STADTGARTEN-CAFE on Venloerstr in Cologne has been a permanent fixture in Cologne for many years and my local café. A diverse crowd of all ages and social backgrounds meets at the Stadtgarten and enjoys sitting under the magnificent old trees or on the terrace from morning to night, especially during the warmer months. The menu offers everything from hearty to vegan dishes; classics include the Stadtgarten Burger and the Flammkuchen. The staff is extremely friendly and dedicated to the well-being of their guests. A definite must-see: The Christmas market during Advent around the Stadtgarten-Cafe. A small downside: The 2018 renovation of the SC was only partially successful, and the color scheme is more of a matter of taste. The style of music on the sound system is probably only for fans, and the screen that has since been installed is annoying. Sitting inside isn't really fun for me anymore. 😕 Therefore, one star deduction is definitely needed. Outside in summer and fall, but still popular! Update (June 2, 2025): The Stadtgarten Cafe is still a great place to meet up with friends, colleagues, whatever, in the warmer months, shaded by the beautiful old trees. The food is still good, even though the menu has changed, and apparently the staff has also changed (we didn't recognize any of the faces). The seating is very comfortable, and the outdoor beer garden (with self-service!) with a different menu is open, rounding out the offerings. The SC offers a diverse music and event program throughout the year. You can find more information on the website: www.stadtgarten.de

Drinks were delicious, service wasn't so good at first, then it was great (substitution at halftime) 🙂

Very nice, relaxed atmosphere and delicious food. Excellent service.

Didn't have food here, but nice outdoor area for drinks

Unfortunately, I can't recommend this restaurant. The food was significantly overpriced for the portion size, and we were overall disappointed. We went there with a group of friends, and when we left, we had to eat again at home—the portions were so small. The biggest problem, however, was that a friend didn't receive her food until 1.5 hours later (after asking three times)—by which time everyone else had finished. She was also brought a dish she hadn't ordered, and she still had to pay for it. Our conclusion: Choose a different restaurant. They have high prices and low priority on portions and service.

Unfortunately, the food is only average, and the prices are expensive. The staff tries hard but is overwhelmed. Unfortunately, the restaurant is very loud, but the ambiance is pleasant.

Almost everything is superb. Except that shitty behringer console that cannot be bypassed even if You have your own console.

Unfriendly service! Better bring your own drinks!

The food is delicious and the waiters are very friendly. I will definitely come to listen to the music next time.

In any case, very nice service and ambience, food also great

Nice place to end the sunny day. The beer garden is self-service. The line for new drinks was always a little longer that evening.

Good music program & gastronomy!!!

Was there for the second time and would love to come back again and again. Service, food and prices are right.

2 hours for the main dish, nothing spectacular. I will say however that the portobello schnitzel was very tasty.

Muy mal servicio. Fui a tomar una copa en una tarde soleada y calurosa. No estaba claro si se trataba de servicio de mesa o de uno mismo. Después de unos cinco minutos, un miembro del personal se acercó, nos gritó algo y luego se fue. Como turistas no teníamos una buena comprensión de lo que se decía, pero ni siquiera nos dio la oportunidad de preguntar. Nos fuimos. Un lugar muy antipático y uno para evitar.

Our breakfast was really plentiful. Everything is well organized. It's nice that most of the seating is in the shade. Service staff were very prompt.

The asparagus with salmon was delicious. I liked it a lot.

Very crowded but still beautiful

Went here twice for lunch with colleagues. Service friendly and quick, food good too. Weather was lovely. Nothing to complain about

For those who don't want to be treated like tourists! Like immersing yourself in the Cologne environment... if there's a concert in the evening it's an opportunity. The concerts are in the internal theater, this is important.

The “eternal” meeting point in the west of Cologne. Whether beer garden, concerts or Christmas market. Here is always a good opportunity to meet nice people.

You can only eat what you bring as food and drink, like a picnic. There is no business inside. It is a very peaceful, quiet, magnificent park where people move freely. It is right in the middle of the district.

Arrived, waited 15 minutes. The waiter saw us after 10. Still nothing. We left without having been served. Fantastic! Go on your way...

The Cologne City Garden is a wonderful green oasis in the middle of the city and a real highlight, especially at Christmas time. The Christmas market in the Stadtgarten stands out from the larger markets due to its cozy atmosphere. The small wooden huts, the atmospheric lighting and the lovingly designed stands create a very special atmosphere. The range is varied - from handmade gifts to special culinary treats, you can find many beautiful things here. The quality of the food and drinks is very good. There is a great selection of hot drinks, including not only classic mulled wine, but also special creations. The stalls offer high-quality and often regional products, which makes the market even more attractive. What's particularly nice is that things are a little more relaxed and personal here than at the city's large Christmas markets. A small negative point, however, is that it can get very crowded at peak times. Especially on weekends, it is sometimes difficult to find a seat or to move comfortably through the stands. If you prefer something a little quieter, try visiting during the week or earlier in the day. Apart from that, the Cologne City Garden is a beautiful place - both for the Christmas market and for a relaxed walk or a cozy meeting in the café. Anyone looking for an alternative to the large, crowded markets will definitely feel at home here.

Day 1: The fries were very hard and not edible. The dessert was tough as the topic was rock hard. The waitress messed up everything when it came to billing. Day 2: pre-ordered food was not in stock. The replacement dish was a measly portion. The service tried hard, but constantly ignored the guests. Cleared dishes over guests' heads. 3rd day: you are rudely insulted because you didn't know the last name of the person making the reservation. The food was then rudely thrown at me. Politeness nil. The fries were repeatedly inedible.

Pleasant place with really good food, great service & a certain atmosphere, outside in the summer is definitely nice.

From the outside, the city garden looked completely closed, the last day of January with cloudy weather... of course! But it was open!! Coffee, cake wonderful! Jutta served and advised us very nicely. Your charming smile made our day. Always my pleasure!

During the Christmas market season we warmed up there for some time with coffee/cappucino. The service was great. The drinks were of an internationally recognized standard and there is nothing wrong with them, but the 4th and 5th stars should not preclude an experienced barista.

January jazz event. Excellent! Really enjoyed it

Passing through for a night during the Christmas market Hotel very well located, clean. Would definitely need a little facelift in the bathroom Pleasant and welcoming staff Special mention for the absolutely delicious breakfast

Came to Köln for the Christmas Markets and visited Stadtgarten during out stay, very friendly, with great food and biers and a terrific atmospheric market. Family loved it. Danke Deutschland

Really nice restaurant. Good location. Great ambience. Delicious food and nice employees! We celebrated the department's Christmas party there and despite the stress, the employees were quick and always nice.

Very very good food ❤️ It's incredible how you can create food that imitates meat so well! And also other dishes and salads are very tasty here ❤️ I also loved the vibe, the music etc, very nice vegan friendly place 😊

The Christmas market there is beautiful at night. There are also a Concert for every taste.

The rating today only applies to the Christmas market at the Stadtgarten, which is super nice with lots of (local) craftsmen. The more commercial the markets in the center become, the more I like this Christmas market. I haven't visited the Stadtgarten as a pub, bar and restaurant for many years. But in my opinion, the quality of the Christmas market also allows positive conclusions to be drawn about the hospitality industry.

Immer wieder einer von den besten Plätzen in Köln

beautiful place in cologne. Many things to do, during christmas time the christmas market is a must see but in the rest of the year there are regular concerts or other activities

Went there for the Christmas market, it was nice!

Cozy, unfortunately no longer an insider tip and well attended, great exhibitors. It's a shame that the menu has been changed. A few years ago you had cuisine from all over the world, for example Jamaica, which set you apart from the other markets and made you special. I'd still like to come over.

Sehr schöne Location um die Seele baumeln zu lassen oder auch zum abfeiern. Drinnen und draußen zu empfehlen

The waiters are incredibly unfriendly. Never again.

A very nice smaller but local christmas market.

Extremely rude boss. Never again

It's always nice to stop in the city garden - especially atmospheric in connection with the Christmas market and not quite as densely packed as in the city center; You can linger longer in the restaurant itself, relatively large, varied drinks menu, good food and fast and friendly service.

Who would have thought that mulled wine can be proven to make you happier? Great atmosphere in the city garden, perfect to escape the Monday blues. The mulled wine definitely did its job!

The small Christmas market in the city garden is really nice and the organic winemaker's mulled wine is absolutely delicious😋 ☺️

I was at this year's Christmas market with my family in the Stadtgarten Cologne and it was simply Christmassy, ​​magical. Lots of beautiful stands with great gift ideas and your physical well-being is also well taken care of. Prices are acceptable. Easily accessible by car, on foot or by car the KVB. A search is worth it. Highly recommended.

Very atmospheric, nice crowd, lots of Cologne residents, few tourists, good selection of food and drinks.

Friendly atmosphere and good food. Goose leg with red cabbage and dumplings, simply divine.

Both in the beer garden in summer or now in the winter garden... Delicious curry sausage or kale and good, friendly service

Beautiful park with a stylish, diverse Christmas market. Crepes, ramen, potato pancakes, cheese sandwiches, fried pasta and delicious drinks. I really liked it 👍🏼

Christmas market is one of the best in Cologne

Alles sehr ordentlich! Obwohl sehr viel los war, sind wir noch zeitnah bedient worden. Essen war lecker, Bier auch :-)

Never again visit this place Visit at the end of November to the different Christmas markets, it's cold and plentiful We go to this establishment For younger and boron and once ejected by a Flavor who does not care about the lack of knowledge of the German language BRIEF RUDELY EJECTED BY THIS MALPOLI VERY Negative RESULT of this first visit to one of the Christmas markets in Koln

Somehow smaller than usual, I missed some retailers and the prices for mulled wine are already very high

We visited the Christmas market here, a great location to experience the Christmas market. Otherwise not very special. They work on a deposit basis, so it saves some hassle.

Worst mulled wine, very unfriendly staff.

Nice place for a walk and enjoyment of nature

I was here for the Christmas market and it was magical. Diversity and friendliness

Great location with a great Christmas market and, above all, always great live music! I hope I can see many more good acts here! Keep it up!

Tasty food. Very good music program. Top!

Busy, great local christmas market

Die Vorspeise war für 2 Personen, tatsächlich davon gegessen haben aber 5. Es war reichlich auf dem Teller drauf. Auch das Steak war auf den Punkt gebracht. Wir haben den Nachtisch auch auf Sonderwunsch geändert bekommen, nämlich nur 3 Kugeln Eis anstatt wie es auf der Karte stand. Die Bedienung war wirklich Weltklasse. Der Junge Mann war witzig, hatte immer einen tollen Spruch auf den Lippen. War ständig bei uns am Tisch, hat Getränke in Rekordzeit nachgebracht. Da es unsere Weihnachtsfeier war, war ich froh, euch ausgesucht zu haben. Ich habe von den Kollegen nur positive Rückmeldung bekommen. Vielen DANK!

You can eat potato pancakes for €9 and a bratwurst that sticks out over the bread roll yourself.

Eine tolle Location, sehr netter Service, sehr gutes Essen und Getränke. Wir haben unsere kleine Weihnachtsfeier sehr genossen! Danke ans ganze Team für den schönen Abend!

Would I recommend anyone to go here? Probably not...not because it was terrible, but just because it was so absolutely average. The food is "meh" and quite expensive. Service top, nothing to complain about, but that corresponds to expectations. The ambience isn't particularly pretty, but it doesn't make you feel uncomfortable either. I can't think of anything why you should definitely go here.

Everything used to be better ;-) A great gem in the middle of Cologne in summer with delicious beer and cocktails. A great organic Christmas market in December. Unfortunately, in 2024 there will be more drinking and eating stalls than crafts. That's a shame because the many small stalls have always been so exciting. But the children's punch and the food were also convincing ;-)

Nice local Christmas market. Homey vibes

Every year there is a very nice, manageable and cozy Christmas market in Cologne.

I was at the Christmas market. Confusing, but cozy and beautifully set up. But the prices were “old, pretty expensive”. Otherwise recommended.

The beer garden of the Hellers Brewery is simply beautiful and cozy in summer.

Studio Colette particularly creative carnival hats and clothing, unique and special❤️

Of the Christmas markets we have visited so far, the mulled wine (white + red) tastes best here. It's not too sweet and well seasoned, but it's priced at €5.30. The stands are different than at the other markets - more alternative or small shops or companies.

Der Service war sehr freundlich und das Essen hat allen prima geschmeckt. Die Gerichte sind originell und schön angerichtet. Vielen Dank, wir kommen gerne wieder!

Cozy gem with good food and service in a pleasant atmosphere. In summer with a great beer garden and music, in winter with a Christmas market. May it stay with us for a long time...

1 potato pancake €2.50, 1 mulled wine €5.30. You lose all the fun at the Christmas market

Very nice Christmas market in Cologne, not so touristy.

Best Christmas market in Cologne. Great but expensive mulled wine 😄

It's pretty, the food is okay but not outstanding. Service a bit overwhelmed

Great beer garden in summer and one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in winter. And concerts and and and...

We were there with a group of 10 people, Sunday at 6 p.m. Had reserved. There's a Christmas market outside at the moment and it was really busy. It was pleasant in the restaurant, well staffed but not full. The staff was very friendly, quick and always had an open ear if you wanted to reorder drinks. The food is very good and very varied. There is something for everyone. Lots of classic dishes, one of us ate kale with mettwurst, burgers and currywurst and lots of vegetarian dishes. Everything was appetizingly prepared and everyone enjoyed it.

Another great Christmas market, we had some gorgeous hot cocktails, potato pancakes, Grünkohl- all of it was absolutely beautiful ❤️ it's a really beautiful spot to sit and enjoy a drink.

Atmospheric, but also quite busy Christmas market. There is even a Punch and Judy show.

I was at the Christmas market here. Small individual stands with high quality products. Not to forget the usual dishes, varied and delicious. Highly recommended. I felt very comfortable.

Delicious food and a nice atmosphere right next to the park. In summer you can eat outside for a long time and drink cocktails. Sometimes live music on the stage outside.

Always lovely there for the Christmas market

It's average to say the least. Could be better but it's below par in my opinion.

We waited 40mins before we could even order any food and another 40mins until the food arrived. Staff was friendly but overwhelmed and food was ok - bread, brioche and sauce hollandaise were clearly industrial and the pancakes were tiny

Very beautiful, lovingly designed Christmas market

The restaurant was chosen by my sister when we visited her in Cologne. A simple but cozy atmosphere is inviting and the cellars are courteous and quick to help. The ordering process is beautifully modern and digital. I like that kind of thing. The drinks ordered right at the beginning took a short while to arrive, but not bad. The food, on the other hand, was available really quickly and the prices are really good for 2024. To some people they may seem high, but I find them to be absolutely adequate and almost low for the quality of the food, both in terms of taste and presentation. The food was excellent! There is no other way to express this. It was very, very tasty and beautifully prepared. It was delivered to everyone at the table almost at the same time. Perfect! The menu is clear, but I mean that in a positive way. Here you concentrate on what you do best. There is a large selection for vegans and vegetarians, but meat lovers are also not left out. The catch: Since we neither live in Cologne nor are we there regularly, I can't judge whether this is the standard situation, but the music was very loud. And I mean very loudly. So loud that normal conversation became virtually impossible towards the end of the evening. I'm hoarse now and it wasn't fun. When we arrived it was loud but not so loud that we could still have a fairly good conversation. Towards the end, as mentioned, impossible. I was really surprised that no one in charge noticed this. For this, and only for this, there is a star deduction. Otherwise the city garden would have truly earned the 5 stars.

€5.30 for a mulled wine, €4.90 for a sausage, €7 for 3 potato pancakes without anything, just perverted! There's another star for the ambience and the toilets, which are at least free.

Very tasty, great ambience and the staff was super friendly.

Sitting outside was ultra comfortable, although a bit chilly as the evening approached. The waitresses were smart, quick and funny. The food was delicious and we were able to continue eating indoors in the warmth without any problem.

Were in the city garden for the first time. Everything to our satisfaction

We've been there several times with larger groups and everything went well. The food is delicious and there is also a good selection for vegetarians and vegans, would like more of it - it was so well received by the group 😍🌱

Very easy to do, but there are better places in Cologne

We sat outside was fine so far. Unfortunately the menu was missing a few pages. We didn't know this until we paid because there wasn't much food on the menu. It's a shame otherwise 1 star more

Have been there several times and have never been disappointed. The selection as well as the taste and quality of the food are usually top! Service was always very good on all of our visits. Due to the location you should just take the train, parking spaces are very rare. You can also book a small separate room for a private party (approx. 30 people) - clear recommendation

Wir saßen direkt neben der Tür zu einem Raum mit privater Gesellschaft. Aufgrund der Geräuschkulisse hätten wir uns gewünscht, dass die Tür gelegentlich mal geschlossen worden wäre. Ansonsten immer wieder ein schöner Aufenthalt im Stadtgarten.