My Favorite Places to Eat & Drink

The English Garden Icon

Munich's second-largest beer garden, right in the heart of the English Garden. 7,000 seats around the wooden pagoda, a brass band playing oompah from the tower on weekends, and the gravel-and-chestnut atmosphere that defines a real Bavarian Biergarten. Bring your own snacks or grab a Hendl from the self-service stalls.

Best for: A sunny weekend afternoon with friends and a Maß in hand

The Beer Garden Classic

If I had to pick one beer garden in Munich, this would be it. 5,000 seats under century-old chestnut trees, gravel underfoot, and the unmistakable hum of locals after work. Bring your own food on the self-service side, or sit down for proper Bavarian fare.

Best for: Warm summer evenings under the chestnut trees

The Salvator Stronghold

Home of the legendary Salvator and the famous Starkbierfest each spring. The beer garden sits on the Nockherberg with one of the best views in Munich, and the restaurant inside is proper Bavarian without feeling touristy. This is where Münchners go when they want Paulaner the way it's meant to be served — at the source.

Best for: Starkbierzeit in March — or any sunny day on the terrace overlooking the city

The Historic Heart

The original Augustiner restaurant in the pedestrian zone, dating back to 1328. Vaulted ceilings, dark wood, and the kind of waiters who've worked there for thirty years. Pricier than the Bräustuben, but the atmosphere is worth every euro.

Best for: A long lunch on a rainy Saturday

The Local Wirtshaus

Right inside the old brewery building — you can literally smell the brewing happening next door. It's loud, it's proper, and it feels like Munich the way it used to be. Tourists rarely make it here, which is exactly why I love it.

Best for: Cold winter nights when you want something hearty

The Craft Newcomer

Munich's craft brewery scene at its best. The Schänke in Giesing has its own little stage, a proper terrace, and the unmistakable Giesinger beers brewed just around the corner. It's where I send friends who think Munich is only about the big six breweries — Giesinger proves there's a new generation worth drinking.

Best for: A Wednesday-to-Saturday evening with live music and a younger crowd