Munich Beer Halls – Ranked

Back in June I had the pleasure of making a quick trip down to Munich for a tradeshow while on a work trip in Copenhagen. I was in the city for 40 hours and with the little free time I had I tried to visit a few of the famous beer halls.

Here’s my ranking from best to…not as good as the best (?) of the 6 beer halls I visited:

#1 – Hofbräuhaus

Is it a tourist trap? Yes.

Are there other, less busy, beer halls right down the street? Yes.

Is it still worth it? YES!

How can a beer lover go to Munich and not visit the legendary Hofbräuhaus? Located right near the city centre this legendary beer hall is one of the #1 tourist stops in Munich but it’s still definitely worth the visit. As soon as you open the doors you see just how massive this place is. Art adorning the walls and ceiling, live music from a traditional Bavarian brass band, people yelling over each other, beer being spilled from over aggressive cheersing and 1 litre steins littering the wooden bench seating throughout the hall.

It’s as close to what I imagine a beer hall would’ve looked like 200 years ago and this experience is why Hofbräuhaus gets my top pick.

#2 – Löwenbräukeller Biergarten

Yes, Löwenbräukeller is owned by Anheuser-Busch InBev but the beer was still great and the food was just as good (order the currywurst). The staff was friendly and their outdoor beer garden area is full of trees and plant life and it’s a beautiful spot to sit on a nice day. Which is exactly what I did.

#3 – Augustiner Keller

I went to Augustiner Keller at night….on a Monday, so I can’t say the traditional vibrant beer garden vibe was all there but I could tell just by being at this space that it’s the place to go if you want to have a good time. The party aura was strong here (whatever that means?) and the outdoor beer garden was never ending. There are multiple spots to order and a countless amount of places to sit and enjoy your giant beer.

#4 – Paulaner Bräuhaus

As with Augustiner, I was here on a Monday night so it wasn’t the same experience I got from visiting beer halls on a weekend but Paulaner Bräuhaus was still a cool spot nonetheless. You had to enter through the main building and walk down a series of hallways to get to the beer garden in the back. It’s a smaller spot than some of the other beer gardens but it’s also a little more private and intimate.

#5 – Schneider Bräuhaus

No photos!

That’s right, the dirndl adorning staff at Schneider Bräuhaus does not like it when you try to snap a photo so make sure you’re stealthy like me (don’t rat me out, narc!).

This spot seemed a little more brewpub and less traditional beer garden. But what they have going for them is that they’re right down the street from Hofbräuhaus but way less busy. So if you don’t like the crowds and noise of a traditional biergarten, just spazieren gehen your lederhosen down the street and order up a pint of Aventinus straight from draught.

#6 – Ayinger am Platzl

This was more of a restaurant than any kind of beer hall and the service left a lot to be desired. Same goes with the stale pretzel and watery soup.

Do I need to go back if I’m in Munich? No. But I am happy to say I was able to visit an Ayinger brewery. Celebrator is one of my favs!

I probably missed some good spots in Munich because of the short time I had to spend there so I’d love to hear from you in the comments where I should visit next time I’m there.

Prost!