Oktoberfest Beer Tent Reservations

You really need a reservation for a group. Without a reservation, you will be spread all over the place. If you haven't heard, you should call. I usually do better by picking up the phone anyway. As far as crowds, it seems there is the morning shift - who arrive first thing and stay until they are carted out (because they drank without eating) - and the evening shift - who arrive early evening and stay until closing. I've never been with a large group but usually have luck eating an early dinner (say 3pm) and heading to the tents when the early shift is being carried out but before the evening shift has arrived in full force. If you're biking until 1:30 (remember that's 1330 in Europe), I'd recommend planning a meal outside the tent first so reserve for 3 pm (1500) or later to give yourself plenty of time. The whole thing is shut tight by 10:30 at night. You can either make an early night of it or go to a night club afterwards.

Thanks for the tips. There are five of us...do you think we will still be split up?

Five people isn't a really huge group. You should be able to wedge in together, unless it is just wildly crammed. And as I recall, a weekday in the mid day isn't the wildest Oktoberfest gets. You might also ask if folks would mind switching sides of the table or bodging up together, if you do it ultra-politely. Have fun!

You have to have a party of 10 or more to get a reservation. That is probably why you haven't heard anything back. They get so many requests, I am sure they just don't reply because quite frankly they don't have to. For a group of 5 - you should be able to find a "no reservation" table on a weekday without to much trouble. We got there at noon and it was wide open. But it does fill in quickly so the earlier the better. Also, some of the "reserved tables" don't actually start the reservations until 6pm. So look at the signs on the end of the table. If it is free until 6pm, have a seat, but you will be kicked off that table in a matter of hours. The no reservations tables are best you can stay as long as you like.

You should definitely be able to get a seat outside...You can try inside, too - just squeeze yourself in with everyone else at a table if they'll let you, because only seated guests can order beer!!! One tent (don't remember which one) has a standing-room only area, but at 2pm on a Wed you won't need that.

We went at about 2:00 on a Wednesday and it was pretty crowded. We were able to sit at a table that was reserved, but the reservation started at 4:00 or so. About 30 minutes before the groups were supposed to show up at their tables the beer maids started setting them up. We just hung out at the table until they kicked us out.

What's the ratio of reserved to non-reserved tables?

My best guess is that about 1/8 of the seats are the non-reserved tables. The reserved tables far outweigh the non. Hacker Pshorr tent and Lowenbrau are my favorite.

From what I've seen most seats aren't reserved. Yes, reservations are only available for groups of ten or more - probably why you didn't hear back. Five people should be able to sit together without too much trouble. The crowds determine how long you will have to wait in line. I've probably only been in half the tents. The experience was essentially the same in each. An oompah band in the center with long community tables and benches rather than tables and chairs. The beer is served by the Mass, the giant glasses we equate with Germany (although most beer around the country is served in tall, skinny glasses or stemware). Hofbrauhaus is the most crowded tent (and most touristy), personally I'd choose a different tent. I like Lowenbrau, but many say that's a touristy one too. Big things to remember: Don't drink on an empty stomach, whether in the tent or before you enter, be sure to eat a good meal. You can only order a beer when you are seated. Oktoberfest is strict about that. Don't wear anything you wouldn't want beer spilt on. It's not like a food fight but it's more likely you will get some beer on you than not. Do talk to the people around you when you sit down. Your neighbors can make or break your experience. Get on good terms early and you will have a great time. The place closes at 10:30pm, so be prepared to be booted from your seats around 10.

We are a group of 4 (plus 2 more people that we know are going to be there) that are going to Oktoberfest for the first time. We are actually going to be there on the 1st weekend Sept. 17-19 and I was wondering if anyone has any recommendations on what's the best way to get in the big tents, especially on Saturday and Sunday. I tried making reservations but they have been sold out for a while. Any advice on how to get in and get seats would be greatly appreciated.
If I need to get there early to wait in lines, what time and what tents should I try for? Also, I have been learning some German so I can, at least, try to make friends with the locals in an attempt to get seats. Thanks.

any other folks out there that didn't have reservations for the tents and still got in in the afternoon? We'll be there in six weeks and I'm still concerned about not getting a seat for the five of us on a Wed. Thanks.

If the tent is full then there's usually a waiting queue in front with security manning it. At least in the evenings. Usually in the afternoon they aren't so busy that a group of 5 can't squeeze in somewhere. You'd be surprised how many people they can really cram into one of those tents, it's kinda scary! You should be fine.