FreshieCraft beer in Munich
Germany · Europe
The scene
Munich is the world's beer hall and biergarten capital. The big six — Augustiner, Hofbräu, Spaten, Paulaner, Löwenbräu, Hacker-Pschorr — define the traditional experience: Hellesbier (pale lager), Weissbier (wheat), Dunkles (dark), and the seasonal Märzen of Oktoberfest. Biergartens range from massive (Augustiner-Keller, Hirschgarten, Chinesischer Turm — 7,000 seats!) to tucked-away neighborhood spots. The craft scene is smaller than Berlin's but growing — BrewsLi, Haderner, and others now offer IPAs, sours, and barrel-aged beers Bavarians traditionally shunned.
Breweries, brewpubs & taprooms
Where to drink in Munich
BrewsLi - Der Biermacher
Brewer Ben's craft bar — multiple reviewers call it "the best beer tasting pub in Munich." Tasting sets of varying sizes let you sample broadly. The alternative to lager-only Bavaria. Snacks could be better; beer makes up for it.
Tue-Sun 5pm/4pm-12am, closed Mon
Haderner Bräu
Organic micro-brewery in western Munich. IPA and Helles both rated outstanding. Pretzel-based pizza is the food signature. Brewery tours available with 4-course lunch. Worth the trip out of center.
Wed-Fri evenings, Sat 10am-4pm, closed Sun/Mon-Tue eve
Augustiner-Keller
Massive Bavarian biergarten + restaurant from Munich's oldest brewery (1328). Multiple dining areas including the historic cellar. The traditional Bavarian setting — chestnut tree shade in summer, beer-jus dishes year-round.
Daily 10am-12am
Hofbräuhaus München
The iconic 16th-century beer hall — touristy and authentic at once. Live oompah music, hearty Bavarian food, packed at peak times. The required Munich beer hall visit even if it's obvious. Order the Helles.
Daily 11am-12am
Brauhaus am Kapuzinerplatz
Neighborhood brewpub near Theresienwiese (Oktoberfest grounds). Their Lager gets specifically called out as the best in town across multiple reviews. Chill vibe, less touristy than the central beer halls. Good Oktoberfest backup.
Daily 11am-11pm/12am
Practical
Getting around & local context
U-Bahn + S-Bahn cover everything. Beer hall culture is sit-where-there's-space (often at communal tables) — say "Ist hier noch frei?" and grab a seat. Liter-sized Maß glasses are standard at beer halls; half-liters at craft bars. Tip 5-10% by rounding up. Most beer halls open 10am and stay until midnight. Oktoberfest (Sept-Oct) overwhelms everything — book months ahead.