Papa Joe's Jazz Lokal
Papa Joe's Jazz Lokal
4.5
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Altstadt-Nord
How to get there
- Koln Central Station • 8 min walk
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1,787 within 3 miles
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328 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
291 reviews
Excellent
188
Very good
68
Average
8
Poor
9
Terrible
19
Anne C
Vancouver, Canada1 contribution
Jan 2020
I'd honestly fly back to Koln just to visit this place again. I can't speak for the quality of the food or overpriced alcohol (I always smuggled in beer to drink...broke student, don't judge) but the music was AMAZING. My friend got charged 5 euros for a glass of water, so beware of the pricing here. However, the music is totally worth it. The bands used to change every night and the atmosphere is very warm and welcoming. I absolutely loved dancing to the jazz music (more like swaying, since it was PACKED) and it's easily one of my best memories from my time living in Koln.
Written December 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hiraeth93
Menai Bridge, UK11 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
A 1920s style saloon bar with wooden benches and tables and an upstairs balcony with great views of the stage. Loads of vintage brass instruments strung across the ceiling, quirky objects straight from the 20s, and an extensive cocktail menu plus beers on tap, of course! The live music is the main attraction- such a treat to hear decent jazz played by accomplished musicians, for free! It’s a gem of a bar. Doesn’t take card payments so make sure you have cash (there’s an ATM down the road). Lovely friendly staff. We’re already planning our next trip to Cologne based on how much we loved Papa Joe’s 😁
Written September 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Neil K
Liverpool, UK614,590 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
Papa Joe's Jazz Lokal is without a shadow of a doubt one of the busiest bars in the Old Town .
I love the look of this bar,the interior is awesome, great decor and furnishings including a cool looking serving bar that dominates the main room, all manner of bric a brac adorning the walls and superb mechanical band that plays fun music throughout the day,theres also plenty of seating options spread throughout this bar there needs to be as this bar is a seriously popular place.
My twin brother Stephen and I were here on a Tuesday night, bar was absolutely packed with a great atmosphere, we got a Gaffel Kölsch beer each,these were served in excellent condition being iced cold and sparkling and we just chilled out and took in the great bar we were in.
Cologne is justifiably famous for its amazing range of Kölsch beers and Gaffel Kölsch beer is really good, a light,hoppy and unpretentious lager style beer bursting with taste,very easy to drink,a beer style both myself and my twin brother Stephen are particularly fond of.
These are the type of bars that bring me back to Cologne year after year,fun kooky bars that your guaranteed a good time.
We really enjoyed our beers in here and the great vibe so much so that we ended up staying for another beer each before we moved on and as on every other visit to here we had a great time.
Papa Joe's Jazz Lokal is easy to locate along Buttermarkt, in an area teeming with pubs,bars and restaurants and some amazing architecture and a major tourist destination.
A great bar ,well worth a visit if your in the area.
I love the look of this bar,the interior is awesome, great decor and furnishings including a cool looking serving bar that dominates the main room, all manner of bric a brac adorning the walls and superb mechanical band that plays fun music throughout the day,theres also plenty of seating options spread throughout this bar there needs to be as this bar is a seriously popular place.
My twin brother Stephen and I were here on a Tuesday night, bar was absolutely packed with a great atmosphere, we got a Gaffel Kölsch beer each,these were served in excellent condition being iced cold and sparkling and we just chilled out and took in the great bar we were in.
Cologne is justifiably famous for its amazing range of Kölsch beers and Gaffel Kölsch beer is really good, a light,hoppy and unpretentious lager style beer bursting with taste,very easy to drink,a beer style both myself and my twin brother Stephen are particularly fond of.
These are the type of bars that bring me back to Cologne year after year,fun kooky bars that your guaranteed a good time.
We really enjoyed our beers in here and the great vibe so much so that we ended up staying for another beer each before we moved on and as on every other visit to here we had a great time.
Papa Joe's Jazz Lokal is easy to locate along Buttermarkt, in an area teeming with pubs,bars and restaurants and some amazing architecture and a major tourist destination.
A great bar ,well worth a visit if your in the area.
Written January 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ash2089
Ashford, UK24 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
We'd heard good things about this place so thought we'd try it out for a beer or two.
The prices aren't as expensive as some reviews suggest, but they're not reasonable either - it depends on what you order. I had a litre of beer which cost €10.50.
We received table service just for two beers - table service that we didn't at all need. I walked up to the bar but the guy said he'd come over.
Before we paid our bill we'd overhead two Italian ladies paying their bill. The waiter told them, "Service charge is not included, people usually tip 10-15%." He then stood there waiting for the two ladies to pay a tip.
So, when it came to our turn I paid the exact €22.80 that my bill came to while he stood over me. Ordinarily I would leave a couple of euros on the table before we leave and I had still planned to, that was until he embarrasses himself and the establishment.
He repeated himself about five times saying, "Service charge is not included."
I said, "Okay, thank you."
He said, "I don't think you understand."
I said, "The bill came to €22.80 and that's exactly what I paid you."
He said, "But that's without a service charge."
I said, "Thank you, I understand."
This went on for ages until he screwed up the receipt, threw it at us and stormed off!
I've never experienced service like it, it was unbelievable! There was a German couple on the table next to us who concurred with what I'd said and would've done the same so it had nothing to do with us being tourists.
All in all the place has a really cool vibe but the gentleman who served us on the evening of 8th March 2020 should not be serving the public. I definitely wouldn't want him representing my business.
The prices aren't as expensive as some reviews suggest, but they're not reasonable either - it depends on what you order. I had a litre of beer which cost €10.50.
We received table service just for two beers - table service that we didn't at all need. I walked up to the bar but the guy said he'd come over.
Before we paid our bill we'd overhead two Italian ladies paying their bill. The waiter told them, "Service charge is not included, people usually tip 10-15%." He then stood there waiting for the two ladies to pay a tip.
So, when it came to our turn I paid the exact €22.80 that my bill came to while he stood over me. Ordinarily I would leave a couple of euros on the table before we leave and I had still planned to, that was until he embarrasses himself and the establishment.
He repeated himself about five times saying, "Service charge is not included."
I said, "Okay, thank you."
He said, "I don't think you understand."
I said, "The bill came to €22.80 and that's exactly what I paid you."
He said, "But that's without a service charge."
I said, "Thank you, I understand."
This went on for ages until he screwed up the receipt, threw it at us and stormed off!
I've never experienced service like it, it was unbelievable! There was a German couple on the table next to us who concurred with what I'd said and would've done the same so it had nothing to do with us being tourists.
All in all the place has a really cool vibe but the gentleman who served us on the evening of 8th March 2020 should not be serving the public. I definitely wouldn't want him representing my business.
Written March 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Rosalyn K
Westport, Ireland113 contributions
Nov 2021 • Couples
We were attracted by the look of The Bar and The Good Live Music entered The Bar and Staff Member spat out Covid Certs no hello please Thankyou now I appreciate that they are probably fedup asking as there were only 2 behind the bar and it was busy anyway we managed to show our digital certs and ID thinking he would say what would you like to Drink but just carried on doing other stuff so we flagged down the other barman and he put his finger over his mouth and said Shush!! We Left!! Sad thing about it is they wont care. I wonder if its run by the owners and they are just fed up with it.. If so sell up or if The Owner has employed them and isnt aware either way I just felt I needed to post this. To Sum up DO NOT GO TO THIS BAR unless you dont mind rude staff and being insulted.
Written November 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Macc98
Chingford, UK16 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Papa Joe's is one of the most interesting bars I have ever visited. It has it's own Cocktail machine and the interior is even more fascinating...
Their interior is old fashioned but unreal, they have a piano which plays by itself. Totally recommended for groups and couples to take in the German culture and for dates aswell.
Their interior is old fashioned but unreal, they have a piano which plays by itself. Totally recommended for groups and couples to take in the German culture and for dates aswell.
Written February 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Daniel J
Blackwood, UK66 contributions
Dec 2021 • Couples
Great Jazz. Unbelievably rude bar staff.
Telling people off for not wearing masks properly whilst their own masks were around their chins.
Really rude whilst serving drinks. Was Shouted at by the barman with grey hair on several occasions.
Shame as it plays really great music and has a good atmosphere.
Telling people off for not wearing masks properly whilst their own masks were around their chins.
Really rude whilst serving drinks. Was Shouted at by the barman with grey hair on several occasions.
Shame as it plays really great music and has a good atmosphere.
Written December 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Steve S
Syracuse, NY33 contributions
Dec 2019
There are two Papa Joe's at the Heumarkt area and within 100-200 meters of each other. Both are unique and quiet popular with tourist. Very crowded as an after dinner spot, but worth the visit at least once. Put a Euro in the very old robotic singers for a real treat. Not always the cleanest and beer prices are a little higher, but worth the visit. Need to visit both to compare. Live music on many nights.
Written January 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Eva R
11 contributions
Jul 2022
We had an absolutely brilliant evening here on Saturday. It's a really cosy place and the tiered seating is inspired. The waiters were all amazing and so were the cocktails. Incredible music and atmosphere courtesy of the Jolly Jazz Orchestra. Had a cracking time!
Written July 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Fodfather
Cologne, Germany70 contributions
Feb 2016 • Friends
Stopped here with friends because it looked cool from outside with a fun atmosphere. We were served within seconds of arriving and no menus were available so we were asked what we wanted. Our drinks came along with the bill, an unfeasibly large bill. 14 Euros for a cheap Johnny Walker and Coke and 12.50 for a G&T. The cost is because of the music and paying the band, except a few minutes later the band came round with a hat saying they didn't get paid by the bar. Given that the best cocktail bar in Cologne with entertainment has stunning cocktails for no more than 12 Euros this place was a terrible rip off.
Written February 24, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
LondonAnnie41
london309 contributions
Can you eat there?
karin b
Bonn, Germany508 contributions
No you cant, but if you go to klappermühle, it's the same owner, you can eat nice German food...
Papa Joe's Jazz Lokal (Cologne) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Papa Joe's Jazz Lokal
- We recommend booking Papa Joe's Jazz Lokal tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 1 Papa Joe's Jazz Lokal tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Papa Joe's Jazz Lokal:
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- Restaurants near Papa Joe's Jazz Lokal:
- (0.01 mi) Suess & Salzig
- (0.01 mi) Lowenbrau Koln Restaurant
- (0.02 mi) Bierhaus am Rhein
- (0.02 mi) Brauhaus Sunner im Walfisch
- (0.02 mi) Steakhouse Ponchos