M-One

M-One on Johannes-Rau-Allee sits in Gelsenkirchen's harbor district and offers something rare in this city: a bar with a view of the water. The canal-side location makes the venue particularly attractive in summer when the terrace opens up and the view extends across the waterway. The interior is modern and well-maintained, a notable contrast to the industrial surroundings.

The drinks menu offers a mix of cocktails, long drinks, and a selection of beers and wines. The quality of the drinks is solid and a step above the standard pub fare in the area. The crowd is mixed and tends to skew slightly older than in the neighborhood pubs — people come here to spend an evening with a touch of style without having to drive to Essen or Duesseldorf.

By Gelsenkirchen standards, M-One is an upscale address that shows the city can offer more than just football and corner pubs. The harbor district location is easily accessible and provides ample parking. On warm summer evenings, arriving early is advisable as the terrace seats fill up fast.