Oktoberfest recommendations

Also, I've heard transportation to and from Oktoberfest can be harried.

Don't know what to make of that statement. There is a U-Bahn stop right at the Theresienwiese, the Oktoberfest grounds.

As far as best food, it is pretty much the same at all the tents. Best beer? What do like? Paulaner? Hacker Pschorr? Loewenbraeu?

We stayed at a BnB quite close to the Oktoberfest grounds (not during Oktoberfest). Are you staying in Munich? The grounds are about 15-20 minute walk from the town center and the train station.

I agree, no problem getting there by U-Bahn. For food, don't know if any stand out. My wife and I like the Festzeit Tradition (Oide Weizen) tent, at the far end from the main entrance. It's a little less hectic and crazy. Good traditional music. More old-timey. As for beer, I love Hefeweizen, and they are all good there.

I recommend Biergarten am Viktualienmarkt for the food. well worth it. I was there in 2023, cash only then, no problem for me but s be prepared if that still is.

There is simply no correct answer here. Each tent is different, and maybe you will have a hankering for fair food instead. Transport is easy--just take the U-Bahn. During the week, middle of the day it should be no problem.

Have fun!

We lived in Augsburg and would just take the train to Munich and walk to the fest from the train station.
Loved the Spatenbrau tent.

Thank you all for taking the time to respond and the wonderful suggestions. My daughter and family lived in Köln for several years so I'm somewhat familiar with the trains and buses but I had heard conflicting information regarding Oktoberfest. Since it is on my bucket list, I'd hate to be over there and not partake. Being raised in Milwaukee, spending much of my childhood at the Bavarian Inn and with the maiden name of Erlichman, I want the full on German beer and brat experience! No wine and cheese tent for me. :) Again, thank you all so very much. I appreciate you!

what do you mean by "beer and brat experience"?

Are you expecting flat bratwurst patties, Milwaukee style (or 40 years ago Milwaukee style when I was there)?

Or Currywurst - the current fave?

Or little finger sized Nürnberger wurst, 3 in Semmel?

Or long Bratwurst over coals with senf? White or red?

Or are you looking for an oom pa band? Maybe a modern slager band wearing kilts like die Lauser?

So many choices....

oh, with the beer be sure to get a bretzl. And a huge gingerbread heart with an icing inscription...

Milwaukee Style Bratwurst patties?? My dad grew up in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, proclaimed to be the bratwurst capital of the U.S (home to Johnsonville Brats). My dad made bratwurst and had all the equipment to make it. By that, I mean, he ground it, added spices, and stuffed it into casings. Sheboygan is an hour north of Milwaukee. In all my trips to Milwaukee area, including to Milwaukee's Summerfest, I've never seen bratwurst patties. In fact, the only time I've seen a bratwurst patty is when we would get to the end of bratwurst making and there was a bit of meat left over, not enough to stuff in the casing.

Robinjaye, there's a Bavarian Inn in Milwaukee? Interesting. Next month I'll be at the Bavarian Inn in Frankenmuth, Michigan for the Frankenmuth Bavarian Fest. Great town, very German. And we go to their Oktoberfest as well. A good percentage of us wear lederhosen. And we do drink hefeweizen (although it's just Hofbrau brand). My wife and I really need to visit your Bavarian Inn when we go to Wisconsin.

Check out Biergarten am Viktualienmarkt above to see if it fits your imagination where a genuine Munich beer garden experience is possible. Much better and authentic than going to the Hofbräushaus, re: the prices and quality of food served.

I want German beer and German bratwurst. Not German wine. Not German cheese. Not curry wurst. Not brat patties. Beer and brats with sauerkraut. Guess I wasn't specific enough. And yes...there is a Bavarian Inn in Glendale, Wisconsin. It's been a staple for decades. I lived in the Milwaukee area for 52 years. My husband worked for Kohler and the plant he ran was in Sheboygan, right down from Whistling Straits, so I am very familiar with Sheboygan. Great town.

Speaking of Milwaukee and beer and brats:

I LOVE TO GO WHERE THE COW PIES GROW
AND SMELL THAT DAIRY AIR
PARTY IN MILWAUKEE
CAUSE THE BEER TASTES BETTER THERE
BEER AND BRATS AND A BREWERS GAME
IT'S A PARTY NIGHT AND DAY
NOW I'M WALKING ACROSS WISCONSIN
TRYING TO FIND MY CHEVROLET

- da Yoopers

@OMGosh Robin! My grandfather worked his entire life at Kohler and my dad worked there while in college. I have such fond memories of Sheboygan.
@Nigel, According to co-pilot, apparently, there is such a thing a thing as brat patties, often called brat burgers. Personally, I've never heard of them. I stand corrected, but I'm pretty sure dad and grandpa would say that the existence of brat burgers is a travesty. ;)

Small world. We lived in Port Washington to give us a little space from everything Kohler. Herb's son, David, is now running the company and our friend, who is traveling to Germany with us with his wife, retired from Kohler after 35 years. There are such things as brat patties and some restaurants served a burger and brat, all in one, using the brat patty. Might have been the original smash burger concept.