Exile on Main Street
Visitors often praise the friendly bartenders and the fun atmosphere with a good mix of music and events. However, a common complaint is about the sticky floor and the smoke machine being too strong, making it difficult to breathe at times. Some also mention issues with outdated music selections and poor service at the bar.
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via Stay22About this place Exile on Main Street
Exile on Main Street, on Schaafenstraße, is one of the busiest gay bars in Cologne, pulling in locals and visitors alike. It’s a good place to start a night out, or to just hang around and meet people.
You’ll find two bars inside, which helps keep the wait for a drink short even when it’s packed. On weekend nights, a DJ plays music, keeping the place lively. It’s a bright, friendly spot, good for a casual drink or a big night out.
Cologne’s gay scene generally feels easygoing and welcoming, and Exile on Main Street fits right in. If you’re looking for a comfortable, established LGBTQ+ spot to spend an evening, this is it. Check their website, exile-cologne.de, for what’s on and when they’re open.
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Unfortunately, right from the opening, the floor was disgustingly sticky and smelled like the mop hadn't been changed in months. The smoke machine is nice for parties, but it had been used so much that you couldn't see or breathe properly at times. It's also a real shame that there was a DJ who just played music without actually using the mixing console, and when he did mix something, it was very poorly done and a complete jumble of songs. It's a pity because the equipment was certainly more than adequate for a good DJ.
Unfortunately, we were not satisfied with our visit last night. The DJ's music selection seemed poorly prepared and outdated. Furthermore, the floor had an unpleasant smell of an old mop, which detracted from the overall experience. On a positive note, we would like to commend the bartender, who was very friendly and attentive.
The music seems to consist of the same playlist of old songs every night. A bit more current music would be nice, and not just pop – a little house music would definitely do the place good. The floor was already extremely sticky at the beginning of the evening, when there were hardly any guests. This doesn't exactly give a well-maintained impression. It's a shame, because the venue actually has potential. With a better music selection and a bit more attention to cleanliness, it could be so much better.
The music was really bad and completely outdated. The floor was so sticky that it was almost impossible to dance. On top of that, the smoke machine was way too strong; at times it was hard to breathe properly.
It’s a fun bar; a local friend brought me here. They have a bingo night on Wednesdays. Hanging out with locals is the best way to experience the culture.
Always full of good cheer and people. The service was super dedicated and friendly. Thanks to the whole team at Schaafenstrasse!
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Last updated on 3 August 2026