Microbrewery in Munich and other Munich, Germany Restaurant Reviews

Restaurant Name: Forschungsbrauerei

Great Bavarian fare with excellent beer served in traditional clay mugs. Any form of payment accepted, so long as it's cash. Menus and service in Bavarian; German spoken on request. Tourists, foreign weirdos, and even Prussians are welcome -- but might be given a good-natured hard time, depending on the Kellnerin's mood.

Open Tuesday-Saturday, 11AM-11PM, Sundays and holidays 10AM-10PM. Closed Mondays. Forschungsbrauerei is open early March - mid-October only.

Favorite Dish: My favorite meal is the 1/2 grillhendl (rotisserie chicken). It's always fresh and juicy . Note: because it's cooked fresh for you, it will take an hour from ordering. Order soup, salad, or some Obatzd'n (Bavarian cream cheese) while you're waiting for your chicken.

Beer comes in 2 varieties: Pilsissimus ("helles" lager) and St. Jakobus Blonder Bock (sweet and very strong -- 7.5% alcohol!). Beer is served in traditional liter mugs, so driving is basically out of the question. Take the S-Bahn.

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Theme: Pub/Brewery
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$11-20  » Currency Converter
Phone: +49 (0)89 670 1169
Address: Unterhachingerstrasse 76 D-81737 Muenchen-Perlach
Directions: Take the S Bahn (S-6, direction Kreuzstrasse) to Perlach. Turn left on the path to Sebastian Brauer Strasse. Turn left across the tracks. Turn right on Weidenerstrasse, then right again on Unterhachingerstrasse, crossing the tracks again.
Website: http://www.forschungsbrauerei.de/english.html

Restaurant Name: Isarbräu

Lots of train stations have pubs. But in this case, the train station IS a pub. A microbrewery, to be precise. The old Großhesselohe train station in the Pullach section of town has been converted into a clean, modern, and tasty destination in and of itself. You can sit inside at tables, or outside in the courtyard if the weather is good. The menu dishes range from traditional beer hall fare to Italian food to vegetarian dishes. And if you are a fan of weizen (wheat) beer, you have the opportunity to sample some brewed on the premises. Best of all, with an S-Bahn stop literally outside the brewery's back door, you don't have to worry about driving or finding the place.

Favorite Dish: I tried the Bierbratl and potato salad, while Sara had the vegetarian lasagne. Portions were quite large and prices were reasonable. For me, though, the star of the show was the Isargold weizen beer. I enjoyed the fresh and tasty brew very much. Isarbräu also makes a Belgian style "saison" beer on the premises. For those who prefer more traditional beer, you have the choice of pils, hell (light lager), and dunkel (dark lager) produced by Hofbräuhaus Traunstein (the "court brewery" of the Bavarian town of Traunstein -- not to be confused with Munich's Hofbräuhaus).

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Theme: Pub/Brewery
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$11-20  » Currency Converter
Phone: +49 (0) 8979-8961
Address: Kreuzeckstraße 23b, D-82049 Großhesselohe
Directions: Take the S-7 to Großhesselohe Isartalbahnhof. Restaurant is in the old station building adjacent to the tracks.
Website: http://www.isarbraeu.de

Restaurant Name: Seehaus im Englischen Garten

There are few better places to spend a summer afternoon than at the Seehaus beer garden, ideally situated by the Kleinhesseloher Lake in the Englischer Garten. The setting couldn't be nicer, with tables for the taking all the way to the lake shore. Watch the rowboats and paddleboats go by, or commune with the ducks and swans as they beg for your food.

Favorite Dish: Beer garden fare is self-service and good. The chicken and spare ribs are tasty.

Paulaner is the beer of choice at this establishment. A half-liter glass of Paulaner Weissbier goes quite well with the setting.

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Theme: Local
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$11-20  » Currency Converter
Phone: +49.89. 381 613-0
Address: Kleinhesselhohe 3, D-80802 Muenchen
Directions: 1) U6 to Dietlindenstrasse. Walk east on Isarring until you see signs for the Seehaus on the right.

2) From the Pagoda, walk across the road and follow the path up the stream until you reach the lake.
Website: http://www.kuffler-gastronomie.de/seehaus.html (German only)
Other Contact: seehaus(at)kuffler(dot)de

Restaurant Name: Hirschgarten

Here is an experience that is quintessentially Munich. This massive beer garden on the west side of town can be described as the neighborhood's living room. Enjoy a warm evening here, and you won't regret it. This place also has the advantage of being right on the main S-Bahn line at the "Laim" stop. Any S-Bahn (except S-7, S-20, or S-27) will get you here. This is definitely a viable place to enjoy your final hours in Munich before catching a night train from the Hauptbahnhof (3 S-Bahn stops away).

Favorite Dish: There are several food stands to choose from, with choices ranging from chicken to pork to fish. As for beer, the three varieties of beer on tap are Augustiner, Kaltenberger, and Tegernseer Hofbräu. The latter brew is tasty and refreshing -- quite a find even among the excellent beers in Munich. You can find the Tegernseer brew at Schänke 5.

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Theme: Local
Comparison: less expensive than average
Prices: US$11-20  » Currency Converter
Phone: +49 89 1799 9119
Address: Hirschgarten 1, D-80639 München
Directions: S-Bahn to Laim. Then turn left from the exit through the pedestrian tunnel. Turn right out of the tunnel, then left at the first road. From there, follow signs to the Hirschgarten.
Website: http://www.hirschgarten.de (German)

Restaurant Name: Kloster Andechs

"Genuss für Leib und Seele" (Enjoyment for Body and Soul) is the motto of the Andechs Monastery's "Bräustuberl." While not as much of a secret as it was when I first came here 15 years ago (that long??), it is certainly worth the effort to get here. My favorite way to get here is to hike (about 1 hour light hiking) from Herrsching. While I encourage you to visit the church, this tip is about the Bavarian food and heavenly beer.

When you enter the hall, you order food and beer in separate lines. There are actually three lines for food -- one for deli (cold cuts and cheeses), one for hot food (roast meat, sauerkraut, etc), and one for cafe food (tarts, cakes, coffee, and schnapps). Once you have your food and drink, it's open seating inside and outside (though there are a few tables in the main hall reserved for regulars). Note also that you're allowed to pack a picnic and eat outside as long as you buy your beverages.

The brewery opens daily at 10AM. Last call is at 8PM, but guests are allowed to take their time finishing their beer after last call. Table reservations are possible for groups of 20 or more; check the website for details. The Bräustuberl is closed Good Friday, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.

Favorite Dish: I love the Schweinshaxe (grilled hamhock), although you're required to purchase an ENTIRE hamhock (2 pounds or more!). Sharing is allowed, but if your travel partner doesn't like pork, you're out of luck. Leaving food uneaten is considered very bad form by the locals. As a result, I normally order a few slices of "rollbraten" (roast pork), which is sold by the more manageable 100-gram unit.

Beer is plentiful, inexpensive, served straight from the barrel, and absolutely delicious. My favorite is the "Doppelbock Dunkel," a potent and sweet dark beer. Unfortunately, this wonderful beer is not always served; the Doppelock is often replaced by "Spezial Dunkel," a slightly less sweet, less flavorful, and considerably less potent dark beer. The monks also brew Helles (golden lager) and Weissbier (beer brewed with wheat). Beer is thankfully served in 1/2 liter glasses as well as the traditional 1-liter "masskrug."

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Theme: Pub/Brewery
Comparison: less expensive than average
Prices: US$11-20  » Currency Converter
Phone: +49 8152 376 261
Address: Bergstrasse 2, D-82346 Andechs
Directions: Take the S-5 to Herrsching. From there, you can either take an MVV bus, a private bus (Ammersee Reisen, EUR 2.20 each way), or walk through the town and take the walking trail (follow the crowd, then follow the "Fußweg nach Andechs" signs).
Website: www.andechs.de/englisch/essen/braeustueberl/index.html

Restaurant Name: Augustiner Keller

This is an old favorite I was more than happy to re-visit. Delicious beer within walking distance (or a short tram or S-Bahn ride) from the Hauptbahnhof, this was THE place for me to enjoy my final hours in Munich before departing on a night train to just about anywhere during my single days. Sara patiently allowed me a trip down Memory Lane, and approved a visit here before we turned in for the night.

In addition to being one of the best biergartens in all of Munich (if not the best), it is also right next to the Bayerischer Rundfunk Studios. As a result, it has a disproportionate number of "Stammtisches" (reserved tables) in the full-service area. Because of this, I advise you to make your way to the "Selbstbedienung" (self-service) area in the back. Unless, of course, you are a fan of Bavarian TV and would like to mingle with the stars.

Favorite Dish: While you can attempt to get a seat in the full-service section (good luck...), your best bet is to make your way to the rear of the biergarten and choose from the self-service bar at the back. Just about everything there is quite tasty, plus you get to pick up a 1-liter "Masskrug" of Augustiner Edelstoff, arguably the best beer in all of Bavaria. Take everything to the cashier and he or she will total up the bill for you. A minor warning: if you look foreign and/or tipsy, an occasional less-than-honest cashier might try to pad the bill a bit. Keep your wits about you and try to keep in your head at least an approximate running total of what you've ordered.

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Theme: Pub/Brewery
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$11-20  » Currency Converter
Phone: +49 (0)8959-4393
Address: Arnulfstrasse 52, D-80335 München
Directions: (1) Tram 16 or 17 to Hopfenstrasse; (2) S-Bahn to Hackerbrücke, with your back to downtown, turn right and cross the bridge. Cross Arnulfstrasse and turn right again. Entrance will be on your left.
Website: http://www.augustinerkeller.de/english/index.html

Restaurant Name: Hofbräuhaus am Platzl

Is there anyone who HASN'T heard of this place? Certainly it's the place that comes to mind for most when Munich is mentioned. It's crowded, loud, raucous, chaotic, full of drunk tourists... and an absolute blast! If you enjoy beer and want to party Bavarian style, I strongly recommend you come here at least once. Note: If your travel companion is not much into beer or loud antics, you probably should consider visiting here when your companion is otherwise occupied (e.g. shopping or visiting a museum).

Favorite Dish: They serve food? :)

Seriously, the food is OK, but better elsewhere. Maybe order some "wurst mit kraut" or a large pretzel to keep something besides beer in your stomach.

The beer is delicious, normally coming in "Helles" (golden lager) or "Dunkeles" (dark beer). If you don't want to drink an entire liter of beer, consider ordering a "Weissbier" (beer brewed with wheat instead of barley), which comes in 1/2 liter glasses.

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Theme: Pub/Brewery
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$21-30  » Currency Converter
Phone: +49 89 227 586
Address: Platzl 9, 80331 Muenchen
Directions: From Marienplatz, turn right and go past the toy museum. Turn left on Sparkassenstrasse, right on Ledererstrasse, and left on Orlandostrasse. Or just follow the stream of drunk guys singing and wearing funny hats.
Website: http://www.hofbraeuhaus.de/en/index_en.html

Restaurant Name: Augustiner Bräustuben

A fun place to visit, especially if the weather's bad and beer gardens are out of the question. Upon entry, turn left to the linen tablecloths of a genteel restaurant. Turn right, and find yourself in a woody beerhall, just as you'd imagine it (i.e. crowded, stuffy, smoky, noisy, and a barrel of fun). You'll generally sit on benches at long common tables in the middle of the hall. The tables on the sides are generally "Räsawiead" (reserved). You could call ahead to try and reserve one of these more comfortable tables. Good luck.

Favorite Dish: My favorite dish is the "Bratenpfanderl," a sort of combination hot-plate... a Bavarian Bento, if you will. You get 1/4 of a rotisserie duck, 1/4 of a Schweinshaxe (grilled hamhock), and several slices of roast pork, served with blaukraut and a "knödel" (a ball of bread or potato stuffing). Sara is fond of the "Rahmschwammerl," a bread dumpling smothered in cream-mushroom sauce. Yum!

This place is literally across the street from the Augustiner brewery, so you're not going to get much fresher beer anywhere. The "Edelstoff" is the flagship brand: fragrant, sweet, and slightly more potent than average (just under 6% alcohol). But here, order the ordinary "Helles," which is served directly "vom Holzfass" (from the barrel!)

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Theme: Pub/Brewery
Comparison: less expensive than average
Prices: US$11-20  » Currency Converter
Phone: +49 89 507 047
Address: Landsbergerstrasse 19, D-80339 München
Directions: On the corner of Landsbergerstrasse and Holzapfelstrasse. Take (1) Tram 19 to Holzapfelstrasse, or (2) Any S-Bahn except S-20 or S-27 to Hackerbrücke. With your back to the Hauptbahnhof, turn left across the bridge. Cross the tram tracks and turn right.
Website: http://www.augustiner-restaurant.com/home/augustiner_braestuben.html
Other Contact: mail@augustiner-restaurant.com

Restaurant Name: Hofbräukeller

Nice beer garden just off Max-Weber Platz. Mostly a young, local crowd, enjoying food and drink in a pleasant outdoor atmosphere. Food and beer are self-service -- you work your way down an assembly-line of food and beverage options. You pay at the cashier at the very end.

And hey! The website says the whole place is a wireless hotspot now! Ain't technology wonderful. Just don't spill beer on your laptop -- yikes!

Favorite Dish: Food is above-average and the beer is the same brand you get at the Hofbräuhaus. Try the spare ribs -- they're quite good, as I recall.

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Theme: Local
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$11-20  » Currency Converter
Phone: +49 8945 99250
Address: Innere Wiener Strasse 19, D-81667 Muenchen
Directions: U4 or U5 to Max Weber Platz. Cross Einsteinstrasse and walk down Innere Wiener Strasse. The beer garden will be on your right.
Website: www.hofbraeukeller.de (German only)
Other Contact: info(at)hofbraeukeller(dot)de

Restaurant Name: Chinesischer Turm

This is a wonderful place to be on a nice day. You have the choice of a fancy restaurant or the outdoor beer garden and food stands. This tip is primarily about the latter. It's a convivial place with great scenery and shady relaxation. Don't worry -- you'll find a place at one of the 7,000 seats in the beer garden. On some weekend afternoons, the pagoda doubles as a gazebo, and there's live music.

Favorite Dish: The food is standard beer garden fare -- good, but nothing special. If the "steckerlfisch" stand is open, try some mackerel on a stick -- maybe with a pretzel or "pommes mit mayo."

The beer has recently switched from Löwenbräu to Münchener Hofbräu (the same beer served in the Hofbräuhaus). The new beer is much better, IMO.

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Theme: Local
Comparison: less expensive than average
Prices: US$11-20  » Currency Converter
Phone: +49 89-38 38 73-0
Address: Englischer Garten 3, D-80538 Muenchen
Directions: 1) U3 or U6 to Giselastrasse. Walk, following signs to the Englischer Garten. Enter the park on the main road. Pagoda will be on your right.

2) U3 or U6 to Muenchener Freiheit or U4 to Prinzregenten Platz. Take Bus 54 directly to the pagoda.
Website: http://www.chinaturm.de (German only)
Other Contact: info(at)chinaturm(dot)de