Hattingen
Bars in Hattingen: Tips for Your Evening

Hattingen an der Ruhr is a town with an old town well worth seeing. If you want to go out in the evening, you will find pubs, bars and restaurants here to suit different tastes. As offerings, menus and opening hours change all the time, this guide names no individual addresses but gives you orientation: what to look out for and how to plan your evening well.
Pub, Bar or Cocktail Bar?
The line between a pub and a bar is blurred. A look at the differences still helps with the choice.
Cosy Pubs
In a pub, the focus is on a draught beer, a chat at the bar and an easy-going mood. Many pubs have regulars, but visitors usually get chatting quickly. If you like it relaxed, the pub is a good choice.
Cocktail Bars
If you are looking for carefully mixed drinks, look for a manageable menu and bar staff who are happy to advise. Classics such as the Negroni, Old Fashioned or Mojito quickly show how carefully the bar works. Simply name your favourite spirit or flavour and ask for a suitable drink to be recommended.
💡 Tip: Reserve a seat in good time if you want to be sure of finding space in a smaller bar.
Wine and Beer for Connoisseurs
If you would rather have a good glass of wine or a special beer, you will usually find a calmer atmosphere in wine bars and inns serving regional beers. Ask about the current selection.
Out and About in the Old Town in the Evening
The distances in the old town are short. That means you can start the evening in one place and move on to another later. One possible plan:
- Start early in the evening with an aperitif or a meal.
- Then strike up a conversation over a drink in a pub or bar.
- Finish with a nightcap at a quieter bar.
💡 Tip: Allow enough time between stops and drink some water in between. That way you enjoy the evening for longer.
Live Music and Events
Some venues offer live music, quiz nights or other events. Programmes change, however. So check the venue's website or social media pages beforehand to see whether something is on for your chosen evening.
Celebrations and Special Occasions
For birthdays, company parties or anniversaries, many venues accept group reservations. Ask in good time about free dates and options. The earlier you ask, the better your wishes can be accommodated.
Prices
Cocktails generally cost more than a beer or a glass of wine, and pubs are usually cheaper than bars with elaborate drinks. Current prices are on the drinks menu. Ask whether card payment is possible, as cash is sometimes the norm, especially in smaller pubs.
Good to Know
- Opening hours and closing days differ from venue to venue. Check them beforehand.
- At weekends, a reservation or at least an enquiry is advisable.
- Plan your journey home in advance. If you drink alcohol, you should not drive yourself afterwards. Use local public transport or a taxi.
- Take an ID with you in case it is asked for.
📍 Discover more: Explore further recommendations for Hattingen on our city page.
Conclusion
If you think beforehand about what kind of evening you want, it is easier to find the right venue in Hattingen. Check current opening hours, reserve if necessary and ask for advice on the spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to reserve in bars? At weekends and for larger groups, a reservation is advisable. On weekdays, you can often find a seat spontaneously.
Is there live music in bars? Some venues offer live music. Programmes change, so it is worth checking the venue's website.
Can you also eat in bars? Some venues offer small dishes, while others concentrate on drinks. Ask beforehand.
How do I find out prices and opening hours? The most reliable sources are the website or social media pages of the venue, as well as a quick phone call.
Lukas Krüger