Beer Halls and Beer Gardens with Kids

No problems at all with kids. Beer halls are essentially just very large restaurants, albeit ones that serve copious amounts of beer.

That is what I suspected but just wanted to clarify.

Thanks!

The Hofbrauhaus, in particular, can be a bit of a madhouse. It is full to the ceiling with tourists from all around the world who are there for the first time and have no real idea of what is going on, loud music, and waiters and waitresses carrying lots of beer.

Depending on your kids, some may get a bit overwhelmed, and others who find it impossible to sit down may cause accidents as they run around.

But if your kids are older, ok with organized chaos, and don't run around they should be fine.

Hofbrauhaus is definitely one I would avoid. Nigel is correct in saying it's a madhouse probably because the name Hofbrauhaus is just synonymous with the tourist trade. We've been there several times and the experiences just keep getting worse every time. Last year's visit was the last one for me. Appalling totally rude and pathetic behavior by some of the waiters. I've sat through their appalling behavior several times but last year just was over the top.

Any suggestions for a bit more civilized beer hall experience in Munich if not the Hofbrauhaus?

I have not had the negative experience noted by the above poster over several visits to the Hofbrauhaus. I've enjoyed meeting everyone from Munich regulars, to visitors from other parts of Germany and throughout the world.

But if you want an alternative, try eit her the Spatenhaus (although this has more of a restaurant atmosphere), or the Augustiener (I forget the exact name) on the main shopping strip, near Marienplatz. Neither of these have live music, however.

Any suggestions for a bit more civilized beer hall experience in Munich if not the Hofbrauhaus?

I agree with Tom in that my experiences at Hofbraühaus were always positive (even with children). But for a good family alternative Hofbraükeller is tough to beat especially if you have small children. They have an indoor play area for kids under 8 that is staffed. Friends of ours always liked Paulaner am Nockherberg for thier kids but I think that they usually had them play outside in the Biergarten.

DJ

We hated the Augustiner near Marienplatz and loved the Hofbraukeller, FWIW. :)

Kim

That's why there are so many - different strokes for different folks!!!

You just have to try them all 😎

How about the Chinese Tower in the English Garden??? Live music, good food, plentiful liquid, plenty of shade, plenty of room for the sprogs.

No live music, but the Weihenstefen Brewery, in Freising, near the airport, has a very pleasant outdoor Biergarten, and serves traditional food.

And, BTW, I was at the Hofbräuhaus less than 3 years ago, and it was great. I love the Oktoberfest atmosphere. Spatenhaus an der Oper serves German food at an inflated price and is otherwise nothing special. Zum Augustiner, on Neuhauserstr. is pretty authentic, but has all of the ambiance of a morgue.

I'll agree that the Hofbräuhaus can be madhouse, (maybe that's one reason for going!) It was so crowded the last time I went a few years ago that I couldn't get in, too many "blue" people standing in the doorway. So I left.

I'll agree that the Hofbräuhaus can be madhouse, (maybe that's one reason for going!)

Good point. The Hofbräuhaus, so to speak, has developed over years into a permanent hypostasis of the Octoberfest and is a focal point for all those who like it noisy and rude and don't mind to pay high prices for low quality of food. I'd definitely avoid it with children. You will find a much quieter atmosphere in, e.g. Weisses Bräuhaus (im Tal, run by one of the best Weissbier breweries in Bavaria) or in the Hackerhaus (Sendlingerstrasse).

As others have mentioned, Kids are fine, I might not plan on a late night in the halls in Munich, but during the day and for dinner...not a problem. Most of the discussion has been on Munich, but in Berlin the scene changes a bit. Beer gardens are pretty much the same, Beer halls are even more just restaurants, so no issue, but you might run into places that are basically bars, probably still no problem, but you might be more comfortable elsewhere.

I will add that if you happen to be in Berlin on Sunday, the Haufbrauhaus (Basically their chain restaurant sites) has a great buffet with basically their whole menu and more, good chance to taste a wide variety of dishes.

I agree with Nigel to check out the Chinese Tower in the English Garden. Be sure to stop and see the "surfers" on the way!

Hi IWN- just another comment re the Hofbrauhaus in Munich. In my umpteen years of going to this bierhall I have never seen any children there. And I have been there on different occasions for 2-4 hours at a time starting from noon to 10 PM. But maybe I wasn't looking for children....

Have a great trip!!!

Be sure to stop and see the "surfers" on the way!

And try not to stare at the "naturists". If there's even a glimmer of sunlight piercing through the clouds and the temperatures are mild, they'll be there. "Out and about", as it were...

By all means if you can go to an outdoor biergarten rather than a place like the Hofbrauhaus then definitely go that directions. Chinese Turm in the English Garden or the Viktualienmarkt just next to Marienplatz is definitely a fun and laid back atmosphere. The English Garden also has the advantage of other venues of entertainment like bike paths, paddle boats in the lake, etc.

Park Cafe, near the main train station, was a good one too. My kid loved it.