A trip to Munich is not complete without a visit to the Hofbräuhaus am Platzl. You must stop in for a beer in one of their legendary 1-liter steins. While it may be one of the busiest and loudest beer halls in Munich…The Hofbräuhaus must be experienced!
This world-famous tavern is located in the center of the city and was built almost 500 years ago and exudes character which you will note while walking inside under the painted arched ceiling and wooden beams.
The boisterous music from the traditional Oompah Band and the voices of the tavern patrons floods the venue. The Hofbräuhaus draws both locals and tourists who are looking for good beer, food, and fun.
Hofbräuhaus Seating
Most of the indoor space is dedicated to restaurant use spread amongst the ground, second and third floors. The Schwemme located on the ground floor is the largest section of the tavern with a capacity of 1300 seats on the long communal wooden tables and benches.
Go ahead and get yourself a seat, as you will be sharing your experience with people from around the world. We met a couple visiting from France the last time we visited. The rest of our table was filled with a multi-generational family that had brought their own beer steins with them.
While we picked up a few words and phrases in German throughout our travels, for some easy communication with local Bavarians just say “Próst!” (cheers) with your beer and make sure to look your fellow tablemates in the eye when doing so.
Several rooms on the upstairs floors can be used for private functions. The most spacious being the Festaal (festival hall) that can host gatherings of 700 people. There is also an outdoor beer garden behind the tavern.
Great Beer!
The Hofbräuhaus brews its’ own beer just outside of Munich’s city limits which are both sold at the tavern and exported worldwide. Along with their famous Hofbräu original draft (Helles), the Dunkles (dark) and Münchner Weisse beer (wheat beer) is also on tap and many more. The cost of a 1-liter original beer at the Haufbräuhaus Munch is €9.20.
You will see groups of regular patrons who either arrive with their own stein or their server brings one with their drink order. There are safes onsite for regular patrons to store their personal steins. You may also notice some of these regulars paying for their beer using gold coin tokens instead of actual currency. The saying ‘membership has its privileges’ is evident here.
Bavarian Feast!
You will notice some servers are dressed in Bavarian Lederhosen coming to your table to take your order and adding to the atmosphere!
Once you have ordered your stein it’s time to decide on what to eat. The Hofbräuhaus menu features traditional Bavarian cuisine, which is hearty and homemade prepared by their bakery and butchery. The Brezn (soft pretzels) Obatzda (cheese dip), Bratwurst and Weisswurst sausages, and of course schnitzel are traditional favorites.
Vegetarian options include; Käsespätzle egg noodles in butter and cheese, mushrooms in cream sauce, various salads and cheese plates.
The whole roast pork knuckle is another impressive menu item and favorite. The pork is slow roasted giving the skin a crispy and salty taste however the meat inside is tender and juicy. As with all meals here the vegetable sides include potato, cabbage, and cucumber salad. This entree portion is quite generous so arrive hungry or plan to share!
With great beer, delicious Bavarian cuisine, and a jovial atmosphere, it feels like Oktoberfest is every day at the Hofbräuhaus am Platzl! Make sure to put it on your list of must-visit places in the great city of Munich.
We hope you enjoyed our review of the Hofbräuhaus! If you have any comments please leave them below. “Próst!”
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