Hopfen+Malz Beer Shop — Restaurant in Aachen

If there's any more fitting reason for beer diversity in the land of "lager hell " I'd like to know. A line of ten people at the cash register at 2 pm. And having an ipa or triple is so special that almost all customers were requesting a gift wrap.

Living in the Seattle area, I'm spoiled by hundreds of local breweries, each with 10 or more styles. I like a lager occasionally, but seeing a can of the Swiss national beer: feldschlossen embossed with "lager hell" seemed an apt description of the beer situation, as well as the style.

Hopfen and Malz has dozens of beers from around the world, including some from Germany. And about 6-8 on tap, with a happy hour during the week. I'm aware of craft beers in Berlin getting around the strict reinheinsgebot law by simply calling themselves something other than beer. Hoping more do so! And that we see more...

Lovely beer spot right in the center of Aachen. 24 taps, mix of German Classics, some Belgian commercial classics and plenty craft beers from Germany, Europe and USA. Lots of different beer styles to try, even possible in 10cl glasses. Even bigger selection in bottles and cans, just choose from the shelves or fridges.

Tips for the place: we did not know there are some small bites, only upon hearing when we were about to leave. Maybe make it available on a menu or the online menu (we did not notice on the online menu). There is a big fridge available, maybe put all those tasty hoppy beers in cans in the fridge. Hops fade fast, they love...

This bar has a large selection of 350 beers you can choose from. You can scan a QR code on your table to check the extensive list of beer or you can ask the helpful barman (who spoke excellent english as well) for a recommendation. You have to option to taste in 0,1 cl glasses and drink 0,3 or 0,5 litters for you normal consumption. The bar is very clean and that goes for the toilets as well. Most space is inside, you can't really sit outside which is a pitty when it's good weather, that's about the only complaint I have. Prices are not cheap but normal for a city...