Munich Beer Halls: The 11 Most Beautiful Brewhouses to Visit

Hofbräuhaus

The Hofbräuhaus is famous all over the world — not least because of the Oktoberfest in Munich. So be prepared for plenty of tourists. The atmosphere, however, is one of a kind — definitely not everyone’s cup of tea, but absolutely worth experiencing. The Hofbräuhaus can seat 3,500 people, and every day 400 of the best pork knuckles are served here.

If you like it lively, grab a spot in the Schwemme (the historic festival hall). You’ll quickly connect with people from all over the world, and the vibe is always boisterous and festive. If you’d prefer something a bit quieter, we recommend heading to the upper floors.

Our tip: Make sure to reserve a spot in advance! Otherwise you’ll have to wait a long time — or you might not get in at all.

The Hofbräuhaus is also a popular stop on the beer and food tour through Munich — you can find more about it in our article on city tours in Munich.

Löwenbräukeller

The Löwenbräukeller at Stiglmaierplatz is a true institution. Inside you’ll find the historic Schwemme — a large festival hall — and a proper restaurant. Both are seriously worth your time; the crispy roast pork with dumplings alone is reason enough to visit.

We love the beer garden even more, where on sunny days you can sit outside right in the middle of the city. You’re welcome to bring your own food to the beer garden — that’s been the law in Bavaria for a long time. Or you can grab food and freshly tapped beer at the bar.

Our tip: In winter, you can even play Eisstockschießen — an old Bavarian game similar to bocce, but played on ice.

The old town is also a fantastic area to base yourself. You can find the perfect place to stay in our Munich hotel tips and in our article on boutique hotels in Munich.

Augustiner und Andechser Dom

Just a short walk from the Frauenkirche — one of the top sights in Munich — you’ll find the Augustiner and the Andechser am Dom. Both rank among the most well-known beer halls in Munich.

At both spots you can sit outside in the beer garden and watch the city buzz by. At Andechser, the bratwurst is a must-try, and at Augustiner we really recommend the Caesar salad with strips of chicken breast.

One more thing: Augustiner beer is simply the beer in Munich. A taste test is an absolute must.

Gasthaus Weinbauer

Our personal favorite traditional beer hall in Munich: the Gasthaus Weinbauer is rustic, traditional, and thoroughly Bavarian! The tavern sits in Schwabing near the Münchner Freiheit subway station and makes a great stop after a stroll through the English Garden.

We especially recommend the Kaiserschnitzel — the crispy pretzel crust is out of this world! Vegetarians are also well taken care of with a celery schnitzel version.

Zur Brez'n

Just a few steps from Gasthaus Weinbauer, you’ll find a considerably larger restaurant that we also love: Zur Brez’n. The Käsespätzle (cheese spaetzle) are simply fantastic — and of course the pretzels that gave this Munich brewhouse its name.

In winter, you sit in the vaulted cellar, which is wonderfully cozy. In summer, there are also seats outside. You’re right on Leopoldstraße — Munich’s grand boulevard — so you can watch the busy comings and goings of the city while you eat.

Trumpf oder Kritisch

Trumpf oder Kritisch is located right next to the English Garden. Unlike many other spots, here you’re welcome to pull out a deck of cards and just hang out over a beer. If you want something to eat, the roast pork is super crispy and not to be missed.

We really love the vibe here: it’s younger and hipper than most Munich beer halls, and there are cocktails on offer too, not just beer. You’re right on Feilitzschstraße, Munich’s entertainment strip — so if you feel like it, you can easily move on to other bars afterward.

Max Emanuel Brauerei

The Max Emanuel Brauerei is perfect if you’re after classic Bavarian cuisine in a cozy tavern atmosphere. The menu features hearty classics like roast pork, schnitzel, and dumplings, but also vegan dishes — so every table is happy.

Especially lovely: the shady beer garden is a real local favorite away from the main tourist crowds. It’s a genuinely relaxed spot for Bavarian food and beer without the chaos.

Bodhi

Bodhi is one of the most unique spots in Munich: it’s Bavaria’s first vegan brewhouse! The menu offers all the typical Bavarian classics — just plant-based. For longtime Bavarians that might sound like heresy, but honestly, it works.

The style is equally unconventional: punk rock meets traditional Bavarian tavern culture.

We’re still dreaming about the vegan buffalo wings, by the way.

Wirtshaus zum Straubinger

The Wirtshaus zum Straubinger is just around the corner from the Viktualienmarkt. Stroll through the market first, and when all those delicious sights make you hungry, head straight over to the tavern.

When the weather is nice, the beer garden opens up and you can sit under dense chestnut trees. Be sure to try the homemade Topfen-Spätzle — they’re absolutely divine!

If you want to keep the evening going, it’s an easy walk over to the Glockenbachviertel, where you’ll find plenty of bars.

Xavers

Xavers sits in the center of Munich and is a family-run restaurant with a consistently great atmosphere. That makes it ideal when you’re exploring Munich with kids — no one minds if things get a little loud. There’s outdoor seating too.

Xavers places a strong emphasis on organic quality — and you can really taste the difference. One more thing: whatever you do, don’t skip the Kaiserschmarrn!

Der alte Wirt

This Munich brewhouse is one of the oldest taverns in the city and looks exactly like you’d picture a traditional Bavarian beer hall: dark wood paneling, checkered tablecloths, and a beer garden under chestnut trees.

You’ll find Der alte Wirt in Moosach in northern Munich, right around the corner from the Olympic Park — one of Munich’s most popular attractions.

Our tip: Be sure to try the quartered farm-raised duck in orange sauce. Absolutely delicious!