Review: Hofbräuhaus, Munich, Germany

In the land of beer and bratwurst, there is no better place to convene and enjoy these gustatory treats than in the world’s most famous beer hall. Classified by some as slightly touristy, Munich´s Hofbräuhaus is everything you would expect a traditional German beer hall to be.

Long tables, overflowing pints and a central courtyard set the scene for a raucous and memorable experience. On select nights, the Hofbräuhaus even has live polka musicians whose traditional Bavarian tunes greet you as you enter the cavernous hall.

Beers are served only by the half-liter or liter (costing $4.80 and $9.20, respectively), so prepare your stomach adequately with the filling meal of goulash or schnitzel. Tables fill just as quickly as the pints, so try to get there as early as possible in the evening or visit during off-peak times in the afternoon or at lunch.

Hofbräuhaus regulars have reserved days and times for specific tables throughout the hall so pay attention to signs alerting visitors to this regulation. There are also beer stein safes in which regulars can keep their beloved drinking vessels between visits to the Hofbräuhaus.

The famous beer hall also serves classic German fare from pretzels to Bavarian suckling pig to Alpine ox, with a dessert of homemade apple strudel. With seating room for more than 1,300 beer lovers, the Hofbräuhaus is where patrons come to drink, mingle and share in the joys of German culture. Prost!

Hofbräuhaus am Platzl

Platzl 9

München, Germany 80331

49 89 2901 36100