by ch2001

Chicago, Illinois

April 8, 2012

Best of IgoUgo Hofbräuhaus is one of Munich's most famous sites, and perhaps its most famous restaurant. We were a bit apprehensive to visit the Hofbräuhaus given its high place on the tourist map, but as it was one of the only affordable places open on Christmas ...Read more Hofbräuhaus is one of Munich's most famous sites, and perhaps its most famous restaurant. We were a bit apprehensive to visit the Hofbräuhaus given its high place on the tourist map, but as it was one of the only affordable places open on Christmas Eve we had no choice.

We made a reservation a month before - which in theory was a good idea since the restaurant was absolutely packed. However, we had no idea what to do when we arrived so we asked a waiter who told us to find ‘the waitress in blue.’ After 15 minutes of looking for her we nearly gave up, walked outside and in through a different door. We found a gentleman wearing a vest who looked at our printed reservation, smiled, and called someone. A couple minutes later the elusive women in blue arrived and said she'd try to find us a table even though we were 20 minutes late. We had no energy to argue so we followed. We were seated on one of the annexes at a table with three travelers from the UK. Service was a bit slow - we had to wave down the waitress more than once to place our drink and food orders.

We ordered the bread basket to start. The customary Bavarian pretzel was accompanied by a couple roles and a slice of rye bread - nothing too special.

No trip to the Hofbräuhaus would be complete without a couple mugs of their famous beer. The dark and light beers were available in .5L and 1L, and both sizes were reasonably priced.

For our entrees we both ordered the Sauerbraten. The two large cuts of beef were tender, but slightly overdone. Often Sauerbraten can be overly sweet, but this sauce had a good balance between sweet and savory. The two medium sized dumplings were just as good - soft, salty and hot. With some difficulty, I was able to eat every last bite.

If you want the large, impersonal beer hall then this is your place. But, of you are looking for a more cozy meal where you can actually hear your fellow diners, I'd recommend skipping the Hofbräuhaus.
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by LenR

Townsville, Queensland, Australia

November 17, 2006

Best of IgoUgo This is the most popular beer hall in Munich and it has become a major tourist attraction. The food is very average, the service is slow but the band, the atmosphere and the beer make up for everything. If you are in Munich, you need to go here at ...Read more This is the most popular beer hall in Munich and it has become a major tourist attraction. The food is very average, the service is slow but the band, the atmosphere and the beer make up for everything. If you are in Munich, you need to go here at least once.

Wilhelm V., Duke of Bavaria, was unhappy with the beer brewed in Munich so, beer had to be imported from the city of Einbeck in Lower Saxony. Wilhelm ordered his royal court to come up with an answer to this problem and the idea was: why not build our own brewery?

Originally established as a court brewery in 1589 it was originally housed in Alter Hof, but it moved to its present location in 1654. The neo-Renaissance form of the present building dates from 1896. The historic beer hall on the ground floor of the building is considered the heart of the Hofbräuhaus. Here you can sit at tables, some of which have been here since 1897 as testified by the many initials, names and comments engraved on them. Walking in and trying to find a place to sit was a little unnerving - many locals do not want you to sit with them at their table – but after you get settled it’s great to drink and listen to the oom-pa-pa music in this convivial atmosphere.

The completely rebuilt and renovated Bräustüberl is located on the first floor of the Hofbräuhaus, complete with its bay window overlooking Platzl square. Featuring a blend of stylish Bavarian ambiance and turn-of-the century flair, it offers a more cultured hospitality. This level has a barrel-shaped vaulted ceiling and can hold over 1000 people. In summer, the beer garden in the courtyard surrounded by chestnut trees is very popular.

While here, check out the two racks of beer stein safes. These practical storage units were installed in 1970. Encouraged by some of the regular guests who wanted a safe and separate storage space for their personal - and in some cases, very valuable - beer steins, the HB landlord at the time installed a steel rack with lockers for up to 424 stoneware and glass mugs. I’m told the wrangling among the regulars to secure one of these boxes with high status-symbol value was - and still continues to be - intense.

You go to the Hofbrahaus for the beer, the music and atmosphere. You will probably end up eating something while there. The food in the beer hall is fairly basic and not great value. You can get 2 original Weisswürste (veal sausages) with a pretzel for € 4,20, or perhaps 2 HOFBRÄUHAUS grill-sausages with sauerkraut and mashed potatoes for € 6,40. There are several other choices of fish and meat at much higher prices. I must say the apple strudel with vanilla sauce and whipped cream (€ 3,60) was good. A litre of beer will cost € 6,20. The food upstairs in the Bräustüberl is better and the menu more extensive. Close

by myrdal

Valencia, Spain

September 6, 2006

Hofbräuhaus is the most famous and old place for drinking beer in Munich. It is also a restaurant with a good balance between quality and price. At Christmas time is crowded and I don't remember if reservation is possible.Anyway I recommend to book ...Read more Hofbräuhaus is the most famous and old place for drinking beer in Munich. It is also a restaurant with a good balance between quality and price. At Christmas time is crowded and I don't remember if reservation is possible.

Anyway I recommend to book table in any restaurant of Munich you choose, in Christmas time, especially at nights in the weekend. If not, it is possible not find any place to have dinner. Munich's restaurants in general are not expensive and you can eat and drink for a moderate price.  Close

by panda2

California, California

February 27, 2005

Hofbräuhaus, Munich’s most famous huge, noisy, smoky beer hall serving Bavarian beer since the 1890s, was built by Duke Wilhelm V to supply his court with beer. Seating is available with the Schwemme lounge, the Beer Garden, or the Festival Hall. ...Read more Hofbräuhaus, Munich’s most famous huge, noisy, smoky beer hall serving Bavarian beer since the 1890s, was built by Duke Wilhelm V to supply his court with beer. Seating is available with the Schwemme lounge, the Beer Garden, or the Festival Hall. Some have their own steins locked away to be used when they come. The people here smoke almost everywhere, so we found an area that didn't have many customers. The food here is good, not great. There's live entertainment and bands, and our waiter, Herr Antholzner, was friendly and helpful. We were too full to try the dessert sampler plate.

Hitler once made a speech early in his career here.

Open daily from 9am to midnight.

Email:

U-Bahn S-Bahn Marienplatz

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by cocacola1050

Sylvania Township, Ohio

April 15, 2004

More than you would ever expect from a German beer hall. It’s like stepping into a stereotype. The food was wonderful, the music was driving, and the beer was like no other. The prices were good; I got a huge soft pretzel and 2 Weisswurst (Brats) ...Read more More than you would ever expect from a German beer hall. It’s like stepping into a stereotype. The food was wonderful, the music was driving, and the beer was like no other. The prices were good; I got a huge soft pretzel and 2 Weisswurst (Brats) for around 5 euro. The beer comes in full liter mugs, and go for around 6 euro. A must for any traveler who wishes to visit traditional Germany at its best! Close

by becks

Mexico City, Mexico

May 20, 2003

Best of IgoUgo The Hofbräuhaus is considered to be the most famous sight in Munich. The name translates into Brewery of the Court as it was founded by Duke William V of Bavaria in 1589 to reduce the cost of supplying the 600 court servants. The Hofbräuhaus has ...Read more

The Hofbräuhaus is considered to be the most famous sight in Munich. The name translates into Brewery of the Court as it was founded by Duke William V of Bavaria in 1589 to reduce the cost of supplying the 600 court servants.

The Hofbräuhaus has three levels: a vast pillar free room with a stage and seating for up to a 1000 guests on the top floor, a traditional and quite upscale Bavarian restaurant on the first floor and the heart of the house, the bar at ground level with seating space for 1300. We chose this lively area for lunch. Never sit a table with a Stammtisch sign - these tables are reserved for members of the specified fraternity or organization.

It is noisy here, as you would expect of any beer hall worthy of the name. The oompah band strikes up well-known tunes and there is some singing, arm linking and swaying. Expect particularly loud cheering when a waiter drops a beer glass - it is hard to tell whether the patrons or the other waiters enjoy that the most!

Our waitress dressed in traditional Bavarian costume was rather petite and I wondered how she managed the reputed test of being able to carry five full tankards in each hand. She did come by once with four in one hand and food in the other without breaking a sweat. The table opposite us had one of the more famous larger and older Bavarian waitresses: when they say “Zahlen!” even Jay Leno will pay up rather than try a witticism.

Although soft drinks actually made it onto the menu, which varies daily, the main reason to come here is of course to drink beer and Hofbräu in various forms is the only brand. If you order a beer without specifying you’ll get a Mass of Hofbräu Original - a one liter glass of a refreshing beer with an alcohol content of 5,1%. For a half-liter ask for a Halbe. (I think you can also get 250 ml but can you face all the raised eyebrows?)

Although the menu is fairly extensive we all went for a selection of sausages ranging from the local specialty, Weisswurst, to more familiar Bratwurst and Wiener-like sausages accompanied by potatoes and sauerkraut. A special pretzel man comes by with baskets of pretzels - Euro 3 for a really big one. The portions were not particularly big, or maybe just looked small compared to the size of the beer but not taking any chances we rather opted for a flawless second Mass than risk overpaying for the food.

The beer goes for around Euro 6 per liter and food range from Euro 4 to 20.

Open from 9 am - 12 pm and yes, you can order a beer straight away, here as elsewhere in Munich nobody bats an eyelid if you prefer beer with your breakfast.

Am Platzl 9, 80311 Munich Tel: 089-892901360

www.hofbraeuhaus.de

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by sarameon

Astoria, New York

June 5, 2002

When I first visited Munich in 1998, I begged my friend Rainer, who lives there, to take me to the Hofbrauhaus. He replied disdainfully, "when friends come to visit me in Munich, I take them through the front door of the Hofbrauhaus and right out ...Read more When I first visited Munich in 1998, I begged my friend Rainer, who lives there, to take me to the Hofbrauhaus. He replied disdainfully, "when friends come to visit me in Munich, I take them through the front door of the Hofbrauhaus and right out through the back." While this venerable old beer hall is indeed a tourist trap, the very kitschiness is what demands a visit. Upon my second trip to Munich, where my traveling companions were less intent upon eating and drinking like the locals, the fifteen of us plunked ourselves down at a Hofbrauhaus table for a beer. A Bavarian pipe band was playing in the corner. Said pipe band wasn't exactly performing the most traditional of German music, opting instead for John Denver. I promise you, you haven't lived until you've heard "Country road, take me home..." sung in a heavy German accent. The beer, while not the best I had in Germany, was certainly better than most stuff brewed Stateside. After you've had a Mass (a liter-sized glass) you can check your level of intoxication with the coin-operated breathalyzers conveniently located next to the bathroom.  Close

by Globe

Salt Lake City, Utah

February 2, 2002

The Hofbrauhaus is a favorite tourist destination in Munich. The atmosphere is strictly Bavarian, from the decor to the waiters' uniforms to the bands that play throughout the day and night. Although this may not be the best place to mingle with ...Read more The Hofbrauhaus is a favorite tourist destination in Munich. The atmosphere is strictly Bavarian, from the decor to the waiters' uniforms to the bands that play throughout the day and night. Although this may not be the best place to mingle with locals, it is a fun spot to spend a few hours.

Of course, Munich is famous for its beer, which flows freely at the Hofbrauhaus. Waitresses constantly carry huge mugs of beer to their thirsty patrons. The menu is composed of local specialities, mainly different types of sausages. However, there are other options for people with different tastes. Vegetarians may have a difficult time at typical restaurants in Munich, so check menus before entering.

The tables in the Hofbrauhaus are quite long and hold several parties. Thus, you may be sitting across from strangers, and this is an easy way to meet some fellow tourists-if you are lucky enough to speak the same language!

Once you have finished your meal, you may enjoy watching the rest of the rowdy crowd. If you sit long enough to become hungry again, buy a pretzel from the man who carries them through the restaurant.

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by michilo

munich, Germany

May 8, 2001

A typical Hofbräuhaus delicacy, homemade sausages, grilled, and served with Kraut and tasty creamed potatoes. This white sausage is the house speciality, homemade of course, and always fresh from the cooking pot. Together with a crispy Brezen ...Read more A typical Hofbräuhaus delicacy, homemade sausages, grilled, and served with Kraut and tasty creamed potatoes. This white sausage is the house speciality, homemade of course, and always fresh from the cooking pot. Together with a crispy Brezen (Bavarian salted bread roll), sweet mustard made to a secret recipe and a foaming HB beer, this is the ideal way to bring a small hunger to a delicious end.  Close

by Kontesssa

Vancouver, British Columbia

September 2, 2000

The Hofbrauhaus is Munich's most famous beer hall. It's a huge place, packed full of tourists and more tourists. The inside is lined with long tables and benches, and people sit around drinking beer, munching on pretzels, and singing German or ...Read more The Hofbrauhaus is Munich's most famous beer hall. It's a huge place, packed full of tourists and more tourists. The inside is lined with long tables and benches, and people sit around drinking beer, munching on pretzels, and singing German or American folk songs. Once every while, you'd hear shouts of 'prost' accompanied by loud thunks of glass on the wooden tables. The beer was very good (had a pale ale one), the pretzels soft and infinitely munchable. At first, I thought everything was rather cheezy. But after a couple of gulps, I was singing along like the rest of them. It's a friendly place, where your seatmates become instant bestfriends. Loud, raucous atmosphere - had to shout to be heard, but it's fun and a must-do in Munich.  Close