Why beer gardens matter in Munich
Beer gardens are woven into everyday life in Munich. On warm days, office workers, families and students head to the long communal tables under chestnut trees to eat, drink and talk for hours. The atmosphere is relaxed and sociable rather than rowdy, and children are welcome.
The season generally runs from spring into early autumn, with gardens opening whenever the weather is good enough to sit outside.
The unwritten rules
In many traditional beer gardens you are allowed to bring your own food, a custom that goes back a long way. Tables without tablecloths are usually for self-service guests, while those with cloths are reserved for table service. Drinks, however, should be bought on site.
Beer is typically served by the litre, in a heavy glass mug called a Mass. If that sounds like too much, ask for a smaller measure or a Radler, beer mixed with lemonade. Many places charge a deposit on glasses, refunded when you return them.
What to eat
Classic beer garden food includes giant soft pretzels, Obatzda (a spiced cheese spread), radish sliced into spirals, roast chicken, grilled fish on a stick and pork knuckle. Sharing a few plates is the best way to try a little of everything.
Where to go
The Chinese Tower in the English Garden is one of the largest and best known, with a brass band on some days. The beer garden at the Hirschgarten park is enormous and popular with families, while smaller gardens tucked into neighbourhoods such as Haidhausen and Schwabing feel more local. Riverside spots along the Isar make a good end to a walk or bike ride.
Beer gardens for non-drinkers
You do not need to drink beer to enjoy the experience. Most gardens serve soft drinks, apple spritzers, juices and alcohol-free beer, which is widely available and popular in Bavaria. Many families visit simply for the food, the shade and the playgrounds that some larger gardens provide.
Cycling between gardens is a pleasant way to spend a summer day, as several sit along the Isar and in the parks. If you do drink, leave the bike behind afterwards and take the U-Bahn home instead.
Good to know
- Arrive before the after-work rush on sunny weekdays to get a table.
- Bring cash; not every kiosk accepts cards.
- Pack a light jacket, as evenings cool quickly under the trees.