Essen
12 Bars and Pubs in Essen for After-Work Drinks

Are you looking for a good bar in Essen for relaxed after-work drinks? The Ruhr metropolis offers a wide choice of drinking spots, from cocktail bars in the city centre and places in Rüttenscheid to classic pubs. In this guide we introduce twelve recommended places from our list of the best.
Bars in the City Centre
Around Kettwiger Straße, Salzmarkt and Kastanienallee you will find several bars that are well suited to an evening after work.
Temple Bar
You will find Temple Bar at Salzmarkt 1.
gentleM
The bar gentleM is at Kettwiger Straße 60.
Daktari
Daktari is located at Juliusstraße 4.
TIGER Bar
TIGER Bar is at Kastanienallee 93.
GLOW - Cocktailbar
You will find GLOW - Cocktailbar at Segerothstraße 119.
💡 Tip: At weekends, popular bars often fill up early. If you want to be sure of a spot, ask about a reservation beforehand.
Bars in Rüttenscheid
Rüttenscheid is considered one of Essen's most popular districts for going out. Along Rüttenscheider Straße, many places sit close together, so you can easily move from one to the next.
SAUSALITOS
SAUSALITOS is at Rüttenscheider Straße 91.
Die Kokille
You will find the bar Die Kokille at Rüttenscheider Straße 134.
Gin & Jagger
Gin & Jagger is located at Rüttenscheider Straße 181.
Menehune Cocktailbar
Menehune Cocktailbar is at Wehmenkamp 3.
School of Drinking
You will find School of Drinking at Witteringstraße 77.
You can find more bars in our list of the best bars in Essen.
Cosy Pubs
Not every evening has to end in a cocktail bar. If you prefer a beer in a quiet group, you will find suitable places in our pub list.
WIRTSHAUS RÜ
WIRTSHAUS RÜ is at Rüttenscheider Straße 81.
Holsterhauser Bierstube
You will find Holsterhauser Bierstube at Holsterhauser Straße 61.
You can find all the pubs in the city in our list of the best pubs in Essen.
Practical Tips for Your Bar Visit
Getting there: Parking spaces are scarce in the city centre and in Rüttenscheid. The underground and tram will get you there and back comfortably.
Peak times: Friday and Saturday evenings and match days are especially busy. Come early or book.
Payment: Not every place accepts cards. It therefore makes sense to carry some cash.
Opening hours: These change frequently. It is worth checking the venue's website before you go.
📍 Discover more: Explore more recommendations for Essen on our city page.
Conclusion: Discovering Bars in Essen
Whether it is a cocktail bar in the city centre, an evening in Rüttenscheid or a classic pub, Essen has the right place for every taste. Plan your next after-work drinks at one of these addresses and discover the drinking culture of the Ruhr metropolis.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bars in Essen
Where can I find bars in Essen?
Many bars are in the city centre, for example at Salzmarkt or on Kettwiger Straße, and in Rüttenscheid along Rüttenscheider Straße.
Are there bars with cocktails?
Yes, our list includes, for example, GLOW - Cocktailbar and Menehune Cocktailbar.
Where can I have a beer in a quiet atmosphere?
Pubs such as Holsterhauser Bierstube are a good choice.
Should I reserve a table?
At weekends and at peak times, a reservation is recommended if the venue offers one.

Felix Baumgartner
Felix ist ausgebildeter Sportwissenschaftler und schreibt über Fitnessstudios, Vereine, Kletterhallen und Laufstrecken. Er interessiert sich weniger für Trends als für Qualität der Betreuung — und dafür, ob ein Angebot auch für Einsteiger funktioniert.