Schmelztiegel (Luxemburger STr. 34, Köln, Germany)
Schmelztiegel is indeed a melting pot of people, but for the most part, it tends to cater to the college crowd. The bar’s former days of being a pharmacy are long gone, but it still seems to have a knack for prescribing just the right kind of medicine.
Sion Kölsch is the local variety of beer on tap at 1,50 Euro per proper-sized (0,2 liter) serving. Schöfferhofer Weizen, Bananenweizen and Colaweizen are also available for 3,50 Euro each. Meanwhile, bottled beers are 2,50 Euro, with a choice of Becks regular, or its Gold and Green Lemon variations. The Mexican favourite Corona is also available for 3,50 Euro.
All long drinks are 4 Euro each, while all cocktails are slightly more, priced at 5 Euro each.
Themed nights are a focal point here, with Mondays dedicated to drink specials for students. Thursdays are reggae and dancehall nights, and from 8 p.m. on, the bar serves Jamaican food.
The main selling point of Schmelztigel, however, is Monkey Island. Every Friday, Saturday and holiday, a sliding scale entrance is featured. On these nights, the first hour costs 4 Euro, the second is 3, the third is 2 and the fourth is 1. For this price, all drinks are severely discounted, with beers costing no more than 1,50 Euro each, while long drinks are 1 Euro and cocktails are 1,50 Euro. Additionally, patrons looking to share can purchase a 10-liter keg of Kölsch for 25 Euro, or a 0,7 liter bottle of Smirnoff vodka and six energy drinks for 30 Euro.
In addition to drinking, there is the option to dance to mainstream music, play foosball, or kick back and lounge on the rustic old furniture. Larger groups who want to party all night are encouraged to reserve a table.
Schmelztiegel can be found at Luxemburger Str. 34 in the Neustadt-Süd area of Cologne. It is open every day of the week at 8 p.m. except on Sundays, when it’s closed. The bar is located close to the U-Bahn stations Barbarossaplatz and Dasselstr./Banhof Süd, and near the Köln Süd tram station. It’s just around the corner from Kiez, as well as in walking distance from the music venues Blue Shell, Rose Club and Luxor.
