Hofbrauhaus Munich: a place of general merriment!
The Hofbrauhaus is a flurry of activity from open to close. Come enjoy a liter of beer while taking in the fun-loving atmosphere of this German beer hall.
Bustling about you are beer maidens with uncanny strong hands -- watch as they carry up to 6 liters of beer in each hand! Oompah bands play traditional Bavarian music on the center stage, and men in lederhosen chat at the table next to you.
Sop up the experience, and the beer, with a giant soft pretzel.
Sure, it’s touristy, but that seems only to add to the excitement here. The long wooden tables and bench seating means you invariably have to meet, greet and then squeeze by your neighbors to get to your seat, which makes for a great ice-breaker. Chances are you’ll find some common ground with your table-mates. After all, everyone comes with a similar goal in mind: general merriment.
And, mixed in with the tourists are definite regulars. You’ll spot them singing along to the music.
There are four seating areas, each with a distinctive personality. The Schwemme is loud and chaotic. The main entrance leads you here, and this is where most people end up. Venture out the glass doors and you’ll be in the outdoor beer garden. This is the quietest of all the seating areas and is shaded by thick, chestnut trees, making it a great place to sit on warm, sunny days.
The Braustuberl seating area is near the kitchen. Sit here if you are looking for a good meal and conversation. Instead of a band, a two person ensemble plays live music.
Finally, the Festival Hall is located on the second floor. It is a large rectangular space, with a stage at one end. Various bands, singers and dancers take turns on the stage, entertaining guests all day. Generally, this is where tour buses take their groups.
The beer can be filling, but if you have room, the traditional Bavarian fare served here is also excellent.
HelloMetro Tip: For a refreshing beer twist, try a Radler, which is part beer, part lemonade.
Posted by Ginny Nadolny
