Two nights ago in a pub in Edinburgh's new town, while sitting with three friends, the topic of world wide beers came up, (as is often the case when you are sitting around a table full of local beer with an American, a Scot, an Englishman and an Australian.) And, as is also often the case, eventually the subject turned to beers of Germany. The conversation ranged as it usually does, from imported beers, to the ones we all remembered from our time there and whether or not it lived up to the hype. But for me, the beer I remember from Germany is all wrapped up into one big experience, and that experience was the Hofbrauhaus.
Several of the people I made this particular trip to Germany with were still not legal to drink in the United States, which lent the idea of arriving in Germany a certain amount of excitement before the beer was even tasted, but even so the night spent (or actually, the several nights) at the Hofbrauhaus shaped forever the way I would think of a good night out. If you’re looking for good solid German beer, and the uproarious atmosphere to go with it, then you need look no further.
The Hofbrauhaus was founded in 1589 and it still retains much of the same style and integrity to remind you of when it was founded. Not only it is now a world famous bar and restaurant experience, but is also one of Munich’s greatest tourist attractions. This place isn't just good, it's fantastic. We came into the duskily lit, but open plan space of the 'haus and sat at a large picnic style table in the back across from a large and very loud group of German footballers, an equally large and loud group of Australians, and a thoroughly and happily inebriated table of monks. You can not beat the atmosphere here, and the beer is something really special, too. The flavour is deeply rich and is unlike any beer I've ever had anywhere else.
It’s well situated, just behind the Marienplatz and looks the part as well. The waitresses are all in traditional German attire, happily bringing you giant, over-sized beer. They serve traditional food as well which makes for an over all fantastic experience.
My friends and I spent our last night in Germany, all having an large beer or two amongst other fun loving travellers and Germans and I remember that night as one of the very best moments of my entire time in Europe. Of all the things to do in Munich, this is one that should really not be missed. Be sure to stop in if at all possible.