Hofbräuhaus München: Authentic Bavarian Beer Hall

After stepping off the train from Salzburg, there was only one place we wanted to be: Hofbräuhaus München. This legendary beer hall has been serving Munich’s residents and visitors since 1589, and walking through its doors felt like stepping into the beating heart of Bavarian culture. Here’s everything you need to know about dining at this Munich institution.

Overview:

• Location: Platzl 9, 80331 München, Germany
• Price Range: $$ (Mid-range, excellent value)
• Our Bill: EUR 34.90 for 2 people (including tips)
• Best For: Traditional Bavarian cuisine, beer hall culture, authentic Munich experience
• Reservations: Not required, but arrive early for lunch/dinner

Table of Contents

1. Why Hofbräuhaus Is a Munich Must-Visit
2. What We Ordered & Full Review
3. Prices & Value for Money
4. Practical Information
5. What to Order: Our Recommendations
6. Final Verdict

Why Hofbräuhaus Is a Munich Must-Visit

Since 1589, Hofbräuhaus has been more than just a restaurant, it’s a living institution of Bavarian culture. Founded by Duke Wilhelm V of Bavaria, this beer hall has survived wars, regime changes, and centuries of history to remain Munich’s most iconic dining destination. This is authentic Bavarian cuisine and beer culture at its finest, not a tourist trap.

The moment you walk in, you’re hit with the energy of hundreds of people eating, drinking, singing, and celebrating together. The massive hall features vaulted ceilings painted with Bavarian motifs, long communal wooden tables, traditional oompah bands playing live music, and servers in dirndls carrying multiple liter steins. This is the Munich beer hall experience that inspired countless imitations worldwide, experience the original.

For me, this was a return to a place I’d fallen in love with back in 2016. Walking through those doors again brought back wonderful memories, and I was eager to share this iconic Munich experience with Valerie.

See our 12-Day Prague, Munich, Salzburg, Vienna & Budapest Itinerary here!

What We Ordered & Full Review

Pork Knuckle (Schweinshaxe) with Dark Beer Sauce & Potato Dumpling ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The absolute highlight, possibly the best pork knuckle I’ve ever had. This was exactly as I remembered from my 2016 visit, which says everything about Hofbräuhaus’s consistency and quality over the years.

The pork knuckle arrived looking like a medieval feast, a massive, golden-brown roasted piece of meat that could easily feed two people. The skin was perfectly crackling crispy, shattering under the knife with an audible crunch, while the meat underneath was fall-off-the-bone tender and incredibly juicy. The potato dumpling (Kartoffelknödel) was dense, hearty, and perfect for soaking up every bit of that delicious sauce. This is quintessential Bavarian comfort food executed to perfection.

Pro Tip: Come hungry! This portion is MASSIVE. We shared one between two people and were completely satisfied.

Hofbräu Oktoberfest Beer (1L Maß) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The perfect complement to our pork feast. The Hofbräu Oktoberfest beer is brewed specifically for the Oktoberfest season, a special Märzen-style lager that’s slightly stronger (6.3% ABV) and maltier than standard lagers, served in the traditional 1-liter glass stein (Maß).

Prices & Value for Money

Our Total Bill: EUR 34.90 (Approximately SGD 51) including tips

Hofbräuhaus offers exceptional value for money considering you’re dining at Munich’s most famous beer hall, enjoying top-quality traditional Bavarian cuisine, and experiencing authentic beer hall culture with live music. The portion sizes are incredibly generous, one pork knuckle easily feeds two people. Perfect for budget-conscious travelers who still want an authentic, memorable Munich experience.

Practical Information

Pro Tip: Arrive slightly before or after peak meal times (12-1 PM for lunch, 7-8 PM for dinner) to avoid long waits for tables. The beer hall operates on communal seating, don’t be shy about sharing tables with other diners, it’s part of the authentic experience!

Seating Areas:

• A: Schwemme (Main Beer Hall), The iconic hall with live music, communal tables, and maximum atmosphere
• B: Bräustüberl, Quieter side rooms for more relaxed dining
• Beer Garden: Open-air courtyard seating (seasonal, weather dependent)

What to Order: Our Recommendations

Hofbräuhaus is legendary for traditional Bavarian dishes that have been perfected over centuries. Here’s what to order:

Recommended Items:

1. Schweinshaxe (Pork Knuckle) – We tried this, absolutely unmissable! The signature dish of Munich beer halls, fall-off-the-bone tender with crispy crackling skin
2. Hendl (Half Roasted Chicken) – Bavarian roasted chicken, crispy and perfectly seasoned, a lighter alternative to the pork knuckle
3. Weißwurst – Traditional Bavarian white sausage made with veal and pork, only served before noon following Bavarian tradition!
4. Brezn (Giant Bavarian Pretzel) – Freshly baked, warm, and perfectly salted, the quintessential beer accompaniment
5. Any Hofbräu Beer – Whether Maß (1L), Halbe (0.5L), or specialty seasonal brews like Oktoberfest, Dunkel (dark lager), or Original

Pro Tip: If you’re visiting during Oktoberfest season (September-October), order the Hofbräu Oktoberfest beer to match your experience at the actual festival! Otherwise, the classic Hofbräu Original or Dunkel (dark lager) are excellent year-round choices.

Sharing Strategy: Order one pork knuckle or chicken between two people, add an appetizer like Obatzda with pretzels, and enjoy liter beers. This gives you the full experience without overordering.

Final Verdict

Overall Rating: 9/10

Hofbräuhaus delivered exactly what we came for and exceeded expectations. The pork knuckle was genuinely exceptional, ranking among the best traditional dishes we had during our entire 12-day Central Europe trip. The beer was crisp and refreshing, the atmosphere was lively and authentic with live oompah music creating infectious energy, and the prices were surprisingly reasonable for such an iconic location.

This wasn’t just a meal; it was a complete cultural experience. Sitting at communal tables with locals and tourists alike, singing along to traditional Bavarian songs, watching servers expertly carry multiple liter steins, and enjoying food that’s been perfected over 400+ years, this is what Munich is all about.

Would we return? Absolutely! And I already have, twice now in 2016 and 2025. Hofbräuhaus is the kind of place you can visit multiple times and always have a great experience. Next time I’d love to try the Hendl (roasted chicken) and experience the beer garden in summer.

Best Time to Visit: We came for lunch during our Munich day trip from Salzburg, which worked perfectly. The atmosphere was already lively with live music, but not overwhelmingly crowded. Evening visits offer even more energy and festivity, while morning visits (9-11 AM) give you a quieter experience and the chance to try traditional Weißwurst before noon.

Have you dined at Hofbräuhaus München? Share your experience in the comments below!

Planning your Munich trip? Bookmark this review and don’t miss this iconic beer hall experience. Hofbräuhaus is worth building your itinerary around!

Found this review helpful? Share it with fellow travelers heading to Munich!