The Pocket Guide to Munich Beer, Beer Gardens & Breweries is a your one stop primer on the beers to seek out & the most traditional places to enjoy them. The unofficial birthplace of lager, Munich is of historical brewing importance. As home to the largest beer garden culture, it’s also one of the most fun places to enjoy a beer. While Craft Beer has made inroads in otherwise super beer conservative Munich, the town remains largely one full of the traditional lagers they developed. As a Munich resident since 2010, I have a local’s pulse on not only the Munich beer scene but also the best beer gardens and beer halls to enjoy them in. Note: Munich Beer Map provides contact location/contact info/websites.
Munich Beer Map
Munich Beer Styles
The beer in Munich can appear overly simple to the newcomer. While the styles available are limited, they are world classics. Dunkles is the original Munich lager but sadly declining in popularity. This dark roasty treat goes perfectly with the pork dishes the town is famous for. Helles is by far the most popular and a quick look around any beer garden will show an array of golden hued brews served in big mugs. It’s understandable, especially for warm weather visitors who enjoy its malty palate and easy moreish finish. Weissbier is the lone top fermented beer in the Munich bunch and is quite popular, especially in summer when its fruity thirst-quenching flavor comes to the fore. Aside from seasonal beers like Festbier for Oktoberfest and Doppleboks for Starkbierzeit which thankfully is segueing into a resurgence in Maibocks, that’s pretty much it.
Munich Beer Gardens are the best
As a Munich local since 2010 and visitor since 1978, I am often asked what is the essential thing to do in Munich. Friends and clients alike are surprised to hear me say to go to the beer garden. While visiting castles and concentration camps are tops on their lists, I can assure you that going to a beer garden is not only a more Munich thing to do, it’s a lot more fun. They’re great even if you don’t like beer. If the weather is nice, please go to a beer garden. Biergartenwetter is when it’s not raining and it’s above 70F. It’s also seasonal so if some freaky day occurs in February or November, beer gardens are closed. Thankfully, more and more beer garden websites say whether they are open that particular day. It pays to check.
Bring your own food to a beer garden
It’s a local tradition to bring food which makes them handy for birthday parties, where each person can bring a dish. They also have self-service food from cold snacks to hot meals. We always bring at least salad items even if buying half a rotisserie chicken. Grab a liter of Helles and sit under the leafy trees. There’s no better way to beat the heat in summer. Please note, if you want to sit in the actual beer garden with self-service, look for tables without a table cloth. The ones that are done up are part of the restaurant. A server will take food and drink orders. You cannot bring your own food. In the beer garden area, you can bring food but you must purchase all beverages at the self-service areas (Selbsbedienung).
Munich breweries
The Guide to Munich Beer, Beer Gardens & Breweries is organized by brewery. Within each, you fill find various venues which fit into the beer garden, beer hall or restaurant categories. Check the map at the bottom for location, address and contact information. Some breweries may look over-represented but that’s due to better beer and places to enjoy them. One of the things to look for in the Munich beer scene is gravity dispense wooden barrels. There are a lot of fake ones out there but the real McCoy is something to seek out. The beer is much less fizzy. Augustiner is noted for it.
Augustiner-Bräu, the king of gravity dispense
As Munich’s oldest brewery, one of few remaining privately owned ones, Augustiner is clearly the locals’ favorite. It’s not even close. Without any advertising, their market share is astounding. Viewed as the most traditional brewery, one of their strong points is Holzfass beer and they are blessed with the some of the best and most historical places to drink. They also brew a Doppelbock for Lent called Maximator and a Hellerbock in spring.
Augustiner Keller
Dating back to the early 1800s, Augustiner Keller is the brewery’s flagship venue. As one of the original beer storage facilities before refrigeration, it’s important in the development of lager and beer garden culture. It’s an atmospheric old beer hall inside so it’s a great stop any time of year. They have the full range of Augustiner beers, mostly on tap including the underrated Dunkles. Their big draw is Augustiner Edelstoff from the wooden barrel. Please note, that Edelstoff is only available in liter mugs in the self-service area after 17:00 weekdays and all weekend. You can share one if that sounds like too much. It isn’t.
Hirschgarten
The Hirschgarten is one of Munich’s oldest eateries inside and out. Its claim to fame is being the biggest beer garden in the world, seating about 8000 people. It also has a huge enclosure holding a herd of deer, hence the name (Hirsch is deer in German). This the closest place to where we live and our personal favorite. Though listed here under Augustiner, it is not tied to the brewery. In addition to having Augustiner Helles from the wooden barrel, it has Kaltenberg Dunkles, Weissbier and Tegernsee Hell. The dark beer is a treat and small rarity in town but with barrel Augustiner Helles, you don’t see many people drinking it. The best beer in town.
The deer are a real draw and people feed them through the fence. Please stick to vegetables and refrain from giving them pieces of pretzels. One unusual custom is the mugs are in a wooden closet. You take one out and rinse it in cold water provided at the metal sinks. Before COVID, the sinks were full of cold water with mugs submerged. You’d bring one from the closet and exchange it for one of the cold ones. Bring it up to any dispensary except Schanke 3. The latter has other drinks including the non-Augustiner beer. Along with the usual beer garden fare, they have some of the best Steckerlfisch from Fischer Vroni. This is literally fish on a stick and a must try when in town.
Menterschwaige
On the edge of one of Munich’s most exclusive neighborhoods, Menterschwaige has a long history which appeared at its end until a recent renovation. It was noted as sitting next to the Lola Montez house, the dancer mistress of King Ludwig I. The one-time Löwenbräu outlet has been gorgeously done up by Augustiner so now features their lovely Helles from the real wooden barrel. This is a majorly improved beer garden and we’ve put it back on the regular rotation. They have the full array of Augustiner beers on tap. The gravity dispense beer is sometimes not available, but it’s easy to see if the barrel is in place. In that case, it is replaced with regular tap Edelstoff. The inside is tastefully traditional. My guess is they are doing well.
Augustiner Bräustuben
This is the brewery tap and worth going just to see the massive red-brick brewery resplendent with chimney. It also has the cheapest Augustiner Helles from the barrel and the food is good value. As you might imagine, it’s always crowded but they’ll squeeze you in somewhere. This is a true beer hall with a beyond bustling atmosphere. If you’re looking for a quiet date night spot, this ain’t it. They have the full range of Augustiner beers on regular tap. The barrel beer comes on at 19:00. You’ll hear them sound a bell. Make sure your server knows you want it.
Nürnberger Bratwurst Glöckl am Dom
This is the standout amongst the cluster of eateries surrounding the Frauenkirche, Munich’s signature skyline twin-towered church. It features Nürnberger Bratwurst, about the size of breakfast sausages. They also have Augustiner Helles from gravity dispense. If you aren’t hungry and want a quick one, you can nip in the side entrance. Back in the day, you could stand outside and drink it but now you are relegated to the small hallway area where you get the beer. It’s got quite a nice interior so it’s worth sitting inside, especially if the weather’s not so great.
Schneider
Weisses Bräuhaus (Schneider Weisse Brauhaus)
Schneider Weisse is special in the world of Weissbier. They reportedly “rescued” the style when it became unpopular in the 1970s by saying it was healthy due to the yeast. It sounds corny but it worked. It’s now the second most popular style in Munich. Originally in Munich, brewing was moved to Lower Bavaria but the tap house remains in the Weisses Bräuhaus. It’s a gorgeous old pub with a beer hall bustle to it. They have seven wheat beers on tap and even brew their own Helles now. Tap 7 is their original and many consider it the best Weissbier in town. There’s not a more atmospheric place for the quintessential Munich meal, Weisswürstfrühstück. This white sausage Munich specialty is only served until 11:30 am. Try their Aventinus for dessert, the first Weizenbock ever brewed and the prototype for those that followed.
Hofbräu
From the Royal Brewery to State owned and open to the public, Hofbräu has an intriguing past and stands today as one of the most known worldwide. The brewery itself is no longer in the town center but it has no shortage of renowned outlets there. Along with the usual suspects, they brew a fair array of seasonal beers. Their Winter Zwickel, Maibock and Delicator are worth seeking out if here at the right time.
Hofbräu Haus
The Hofbräu Haus is surely the number one beer destination in town. As perhaps the most famous beer hall in the world, it is also one of Munich’s top tourist attractions. Reportedly, Hitler announced the Nazi official program here to some 2000 followers. Aside from that dark history, it is a very jovial place and if you missed your timing for Oktoberfest, going here will give you a good idea. As a local, you have to bring your visiting friends. Despite all the touristy trappings, it’s quite the hall to behold, the food is better than you might expect and they have decent beer. The little outside inner courtyard is actually quite charming. It’s a good place to look for seasonal beers as tourists are more likely to try them than the average Munich local.
Hofbräukeller
When the Hofbräu Haus became too small for its notoriety, the brewing process was moved here. This was also where there beers would have been lagered prior to refrigeration. Brewing has since moved to an even larger facility outside the town center but the Hofbräukeller remains a very popular eatery. Their beer garden is one of the very nicest with many horse chestnut trees. It’s also a good place to seek out seasonal beers. I recently found their Delicator, from a self-service tap no less.
Aumeister
Aumeister is consistently a top contender for prettiest beer garden in Munich. It’s surely popular with the locals who flock there for a shady oasis, excellent food and a wide variety of Hofbräu beers on tap. It’s at the far end of the northern sector of the English Garden so you don’t see a lot of tourists. We love walking there through the far less busy part of the park. It’s one place you even see locals drinking Maibock. It’s another good place to try Steckerlfisch.
Chinese Tower Biegarten
The Chinese Tower is up there with the Hofbräu Haus for beer tourist destinations. Set right in the English Garden, this sprawling beer garden has a Chinese Tower as its centerpiece. Add to that, on weekends, a Bavarian oompah band play from one of its landings! Yes, its touristy but still popular enough with locals to make weekends very crowded. In fact, if coming on the weekend, consider bringing your own food or be ready to stand in lines.
Hacker-Pschorr
One of the theoretical Big 6 Munich Breweries and a good example of brewery mergers and takeovers. Hacker and Pschorr were once independent breweries when Munich was blessed with many. They merged before merging with Paulaner. That was before being partially gobbled up by Heineken. All that said, it’s my third favorite of the big Munich breweries. Their Dunkles is quite good if you can find it on tap. Sadly, most Munich residents are not fans and it’s one of the breweries underrepresented in the center.
Der Pschorr
Der Pschorr is a large somewhat upscale Hacker outlet with a convenient location right on the Viktualienmarkt. It’s a big bustling place but not really a beer hall. They’ve sadly started serving Paulaner Dunkles rather than the superior Hacker Pschorr one. That’s what mergers do. The reason to go there is to drink their Edel Hell from the wooden barrel. It’s pricey but you won’t find it much of anywhere else. They ring a bell when a new barrel is tapped, a Pavlovian effect if I’ve ever seen one.
Gasthof Hinterbühl am See
Alert: This is now an Ausgustiner outlet as of March 2026. I love Augustiner but there are so few Hacker outlets. I’ll return soon to update. This lovely old inn sits back a little from the small lake. It’s more of an upscale restaurant with a countryside feel and varied menu. The terrace has about as close to a lake view as you’ll get. The little attached self-service beer garden has a cozy feel to it and they still have Hacker Dunkles. The last time I went, it was just from the bottle so I got the Helles. It was early in the season so hopefully when it’s busier, it’s back on tap. Its a convenient stop on the way from the Zoo to Waldwirtschaft. The little lake is one of the highlights of the walk.
Spaten
Spaten is another Big 6er who merged with Löwenbräu and has been gobbled up by Anheiser-Busch-InBev. It’s one of the town’s least favorites but I like it more than Paulaner and its sister brewery. It’s one of the better tents at the Oktoberfest but their biggest asset is the lovely beer garden on the Isar river.
Waldwirtschaft
WaWi as it’s known to locals has a lovely raised position from the Isar and a reputation for attracting the upper crust. There’s an old wooden gazebo from which a jazz band plays on weekends. It’s got a laid back feel that the music somehow fits to. The food is quite good with very tasty teriyaki wings a standout. Though pricey, the quality is there and the beer pours are full. They always seem to get the seasonal beers and a Maibock I’ve not seen at any other Spaten outlet. With the newly done up Menterschwaige across the river, this Isar Biergarten walk is back to full strength.
Paulaner
Paulaner is the other part of the Hacker-Pschorr duo owned largely by Heineken. It’s popular enough with locals but I’m not a fan aside from their Doppelbock, Salvator.
Paulaner am Nockherberg
Am Nockherberg is most noted as home to the biggest Starkbierzeit Fest in Munich. These are much like mini Oktoberfests except Doppelbock is served, in liter mugs no less. It used to be great but rule changes ruined it for us. It’s still more popular than ever and don’t be deterred by my evaluation largely compared to the past. The old restaurant burned down over 20 years ago and though it’s spiffy, it never seemed the same. The beer garden is popular and of enough historical value that the city has not allowed it to be knocked down and sold off as the valuable real estate it is. I have good memories but don’t go much anymore.
Seehaus
The Seehaus has a great setting on the Kleinhesseloher See. The small lake draws them in on warm summer days when the seats right on it fill up quickly. If Lent falls late enough for the beer garden to be open, you might get lucky and Salvator on tap. We got to do it a few times and there’s little better than bringing some strong cheese to go with their strong dark beer. Otherwise, you’re stuck with the bland Helles. The Seehaus is so nice I often do just that.
Lowenbräu
Löwenbräu is probably the least favorite of the Munich breweries with locals. They used to have a good Dunkles but on recently resampling, it’s no longer much better than their Helles. You wouldn’t seek it out unless the venue you’ve chosen happened to serve it.
Löwenbräukeller
This is the brewery’s premier venue and a gorgeous building it is. It’s worth walking over just to see it. The upper beer hall is only open for events now. That’s where they hold their popular Starkbierzeit Fest. Unfortunately, they moved the regular restaurant downstairs to an admittedly well done traditional Bräustüberl. It’s nice but lacks the grandeur. The little beer garden is pretty with a row of chestnut trees.
Hirschau
This is another English Garden beer garden just over the bridge from Seehaus in the northern sector of the park. It’s on the way to Aumeister and worth peeking in if thirsty. They have live music on weekends and dancing is not uncommon.
Viktualienmarkt Biergarten
The beer garden in the center of the Viktualienmarkt offers a great opportunity to sample any number of local delicacies. Pick up something from a butcher or cheese shop, bakery or produce stand. Karnoll’s has some of the best pretzels in the city. There’s also food stands offering warm dishes. Get what you want, grab a beer and seat. Interestingly, the beer changes every six weeks amongst the Big Six breweries.
How to visit the Oktoberfest?
The Wiesn as locals call it is the biggest beer festival in the world. Big as in amount of people and beer consumed, not in variety of beers. The Big Six show their beer Mafia muscle and exclude any brewery trying to join the Munich beer party. When clients ask for advice, I tell them go during the week and during the day. Avoid evenings on the weekends at all costs. A couple or even four people will have little problem finding space on a table if they follow those rules. Just walk up to a table that has space and ask if it’s free. I like Augustiner and Hobräu best when it comes to the Festbiers. Spaten and Hacker are decent as well. I avoid the other two though often their tents are fun. Be careful, beer only in liter mugs and around 5.6-6%.
Oide Wiesn
The first Old Wiesn was the 200th anniversary of the Oktoberfest, but was such a hit, it’s remained a staple. Recreating what it looked like back in the 1800s, it has an entirely different atmosphere. Though they charge a small fee to enter, it’s worth it and is generally less crowded. Rides for the kids are more reasonable too. The beer is always gravity dispense and better. The earthen Krugs are a nice touch as well.
Giesinger Stehausschank Viktualienmarkt
Giesinger Bräu is the oldest of the new Munich breweries. They have been working feverishly to get into the Oktoberfest to no avail. Every hoop they jump through, another appears. There are some experimental beers in their lineup but the best stuff is traditional. The brewpub is in the Giesing neighborhood. You can easily reach it by public transportation but they now have Stehausschanke dotted around town. These are places for a stand up beer but they have some seating generally out front. The one at the Viktualienmarkt is quite handy. Their Märzen is lovely.
How to get around Munich
If the beer in Munich isn’t enough, there’s plenty nearby. Blessed with amazing public transportation, getting to places in town and out is no problem. Generally Day Passes are great value and if traveling in groups, look into those offers. Get the MVV App. Below are a few favorites.
Forschungsbrauerei
This “experimental” brewery was once upon a time probably the best in the area. They went through a change of ownership and the quality slipped. It tasted the same but just not as robust. Now, it seems to be back on track and even at a reduced level, their Pilsissimus is one fine brew. It was one of my first out of town excursions in Munich back in 1997 so it always holds a special place for me. Worth checking out if you have time.
Ayinger Bräutüberl
Ayinger is popular enough with tourists that there’s a pub in the town center. Sadly, locals don’t think much of it. Locals do love the Bräustüberl Biergarten in Aying however. A trip to Aying on the S-Bahn is a nice lunch excursion. Prices are much better than in town and it’s a lovely place. Their Helles is from Holzfass but only after 17:00. Their Dunkles is one of the best and they have excellent seasonal beers too.
Maisacher Bräustüberl
The Maisacher Brauerei is a good example of how regional beer is in Germany. Though only 30 km west of Munich, you’re hard-pressed to find the beer anywhere in town. Their beer is excellent across the board and the Dunkles is a dream. The traditional food is a bonus and out in the very back, behind the actual brewery is a little beer garden that’s self-service. You won’t regret the 40 minute S-Bahn trip.
Best Bavarian Countryside Breweries?
Munich beer, beer gardens & breweries will more than keep you busy but Bavaria is blessed with an amazing landscape full of mountains, lakes and forests. Hiking trails are abundant as are breweries. These are just a handful of such destinations which I offer guided tours to.
Kloster Andechs
Murnau
Tegernsee
Kloster Reutberg
Kloster Irsee
Mittenwald
Munich Beer Map:
I hope The Pocket Guide to Munich Beer, Beer Gardens & Breweries makes your visit a thirst-quenching one. If it’s helped you find some new places, please consider buying me a beer 🍺!
Do it with a local.
You need to add HIGGINS Ale Works to your guide of Munich. They are an American craft beer brewery located behind Spaten and not far from the AUGUSTINER Keller. Paul Higgins and his team brew mostly ales (as in the name you would expect), but they also do colabs with other German craft breweries like YANKEE & KRAUT.
I’ll try to get over there, Hank. It’s been on my list for years. I was big into Craft Beer in the late 80s up to when I moved to Germany in early 2000s. My tastes now are for lagers. The guide was meant mostly for people coming to Munich as tourists and giving them cues for traditional styles and venues. That said, I do need to stop in. A friend has been urging me for some time now. Thanks for the reminder.