Munich

Travelers' Takes

Rates and Deals

Bratwurstherzl

More Photos
flyingscot4
flyingscot4
First Reviewer
5 out of 5
Avg. Member Rating
1
Review
2
Photos
Editor Pick

Bratwurstherzl

  • March 20, 2008
  • Rated 5 of 5 by flyingscot4 from Madison, Wisconsin
Bratwurstherzl

This wonderful restaurant is located just behind the Victualiensmarkt at Dreifaltigkeitsplatz 1. Historically, the present building of this "Bratwursthaus" has been a gasthaus since 1633, and became the home of Bratwurstherzl in 1901. The current owner, Herr Walter Berringer, has 5 restaurants, this being the only one in Munich. The others are located in Nürnberg and all specialize in Nürnberg Bratwurst. These delicious finger-like sausages, made in the city after which they are named, are brought in daily from Nürnberg (if the sausage is not made in Nürnberg, it cannot be called "Nürnberger"). Freshly grilled over a beechwood fire, the sausages are served with a large helping of sauerkraut or potato salad. You can order 6-8-10 or more with prices starting around €6.60 for six.

Bratwurstherzl is a Bavarian restaurant and looks it. From the outside the restaurant appears to be quite small, but there are a number of dining rooms, and it is larger than it looks. Upon entering, a feeling of "hominess" envelops the visitor like a warm blanket. The rustic brick walls with vaulted ceiling and arches throughout add to the intense but tranquil feeling of "gemütlichleit" (see below).

Although the specialty is Nürnberg Bratwurst, the full menu is not limited to bratwurst. Besides the usual Bavarian fare, because of the Nürnberg connection, there is a good range of Franken specialties (even though Nürnberg is in today's Bavaria, Nürnberger's still consider themselves Franconian). Anyway, salads, cheese plates, oxtail soup, potato soup, roast pork ("Schweinsbraten"), sauerbraten, turkey, pork, and veal schnitzels are all available and freshly made. The menu is quite extensive. Whatever one orders will be very good and the prices are reasonable (for those on the Euro standard).

The photograph of the dining room is typical of Bavarian dining rooms. They are very comfortable although sometimes a bit noisy. If you are looking for a super restaurant, filled with "gemütlichkeit" (see below) and great food, try Bratwurstherzl in Munich.

German Restaurants in General (especially Bavarian)

First, good local restaurants are everywhere. Ask at your hotel for a restaurant in the neighborhood that is very good, but not a tourist place. These are guaranteed to be better and less expensive than those restaurants that cater to tourists. After finding the recommended Gasthaus, just enter by the front door, and walk around and look for a table. It is customary to seat yourself. If there are no single tables to be had, find a table with enough empty chairs for however many you are, and ask if you may sit there, "Konnen wir bitte heir sitzen?" ("May we please sit here?"). Then wait till your server comes. He or she will usually ask what the diner(s) want to drink. The most common phraseology is, "Was zu trinken" or just "zu trinken." Most restaurants have two sizes of glasses of draught beer: "ein halbe" (half liter) or "ein kleines" ("quarter liter"). If you want a "pilsner" or "lager," "halbe" or "kleines" is all you have to say. "Dunkel" is the word for "dark" if you want a bock or double bock beer. If you want an English menu, ask for a "Speisekarte auf English, bitte." After you order, just sit back and relax with that good German beer or glass of wine, and look around the dining room. Mostly, you will see local people or at least German visitors. Try to ignore the smoke (it's everywhere) and relax in the lovely, and comfortable setting. There is even a word for it in the German language, "gemütlich," which means "comfortable or cozy," and "gemütlichkeit" is the word describing that feeling.

About waiters and waitresses. In most German restaurants the service staff is paid for being fast and efficient. I have read reviews that say the German wait staff are rude. From my years of experience, it is not rudeness but professional efficiency. Restaurant management wants the orders taken quickly and the meals served hot with as little distraction for the diners as possible. Management is not looking for quick table turn-around (you can stay as long as you like), just fast, efficient service. If you look like you have finished your meal, the wait staff will clear your plate. If you are not finished, just say, "noch nicht, bitte" (not yet, please).

Generally rolls and butter are NOT INCLUDED in the price of the meal. Just because they are on the table does not mean that they are free (you will have to request butter from your server). Both will appear on the check as will the nice big pretzels.

Another thing to remember is that in most German restaurants, the meal is served when it is ready. Meals for a group frequently do not come out of the kitchen at the same time. It's just the way it is. Also, your server will not bring the check until it is requested. Many's the American tourist who sits waiting for the check and thinking that the service is exceptionally slow. Meanwhile a waiter is wondering when the hell the party is going to ask for the check. All you have to do is to get the server's attention and say "Zahlen, bitte" ("pay please") or "Die Rechnung, bitte" ("the check please"). Taxes and tip are usually included. Look for the phrase on the bottom of the menu or check that says, "Alle Preise inklusive Bedienung und Steuern. Preise in Euro." which means "All prices include gratuity and tax. Prices are expressed in Euros." When the check is presented, it is customary, but not necessary, to "round up" to the next higher Euro. For example, if your check comes to €17.55, just say "eighteen," and the server will give you two euros back from a twenty euro bill. If your have received outstanding service you can certainly increase your tip, but give it directly to the server (just leaving it on the table will undoubtedly help the next diner pay for his meal).

Dining in German restaurants can be a wonderful experience. Some of the customs can be different from what you are used to, but just make it an "adventure." Look for the customs that make the dining experience different (like having the napkins and flatware in glasses in the center of the table). I sure that you will enjoy the experience.


Website:
http://www.die-nuernberger-bratwurst.de (in German only)

From journal Munich - A City For Everyone

Compare Munich Rates

1. Enter travel information

City

2. Select websites to compare rates

Each selected website will open a new window.

Munich Travel Deals