Munich’s tavern culture has been thriving at Löwenbräukeller (Löwenbräu Beer Cellar) on Stiglmaierplatz square for over 130 years.
Marked by the distinctive lion sitting above its main entrance and the large tower with its green copper spire, Löwenbräukeller is just a few minutes away from Munich Hauptbahnhof (central station) by foot.
This traditional tavern houses a rustic restaurant, a historic beer hall (or Schwemme as it is known here) and an authentic beer garden where you can bring your own Brotzeit (a traditional snack of meat, bread and cheese) as is the custom in Munich. The people of Munich have their first monarch, King Max I Joseph of Bavaria, to thank for this rule. His “Beer Garden Decree” from 1812 is still in place to this day. However, visitors must purchase their drinks when in a beer garden.
If you don't fancy bringing your picnic basket, you can order a traditional Bavarian speciality like Brezn (pretzel), Obazda (a cheese delicacy), Hendl (roast chicken) or Radi (radishes) from the self-service counters at Löwenbräukeller beer garden. The menu also features dishes like spare ribs, steaks, burgers and Flammkuchen (a very thin pizza baked in a wood oven).
If you visit Löwenbräukeller beer garden in the winter, you can enjoy a mulled wine instead of beer and even watch a game of curling amongst the pine trees.
Tip: The Löwenbräu brewery is not far from the beer cellar. If you go down Nymphenburger Strasse to the corner of Sandstrasse, you can peer through the glass front for a glimpse of the enormous brewing kettles.
Also interesting: There is nowhere better to enjoy the sunshine than in a beer garden – provided that you are familiar with the local customs. Ten survival tips.