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GERMANY | Best Beer Gardens & Beer Halls of Munich, Germany Travel Guide
Tuesday, April 16, 2024
Beer Drinking and Beer Etiquette
Impressionist Edouard Manet's depiction of a beer hall
Beer Drinking, Beer Food and Beer Etiquette in Munich's Beer Halls
For those venturing into Munich's beer gardens and beer halls for the first time, here's a primer for sampling local beer, beer food, and the established beer etiquette in the city's beer halls and beer gardens.
Beer Garden Etiquette
Ordering Beer
Beer is usually served by Mass (one liter) or, if requested, by Halb (half-liter). Ordering anything smaller will raise eyebrows. Colas are available in some beer gardens, but non-drinkers will not be sniggered at when asking for an Apfelschaftschorle – apple juice and soda water mix. It is much healthier and more refreshing than cola. A Radler (literally “cyclist”) is half-beer, half-lemonade.
Beer Food
The typical food in beer gardens is large, soft pretzels and sausages in all forms, served with potatoes and sauerkraut. A Munich favorite is Weißwurst (white sausage). It is traditionally only served in the morning and correct etiquette is not to eat the skin and to eat it by hand. It goes well with sweet Bavarian mustard, and, of course, beer. Payment is usually due at delivery. In most beer gardens, it is permissable to bring your own food, but never your own drink.
Seating in a Beer Hall
It is common to share tables with strangers in busy restaurants; beer gardens with their long tables and bench seats are no exception. Simply ask if there is free space – Ist das platz frei, bitte? However, never sit down at a Stammtisch even if it is completely empty. This is a table reserved for members of a society or group and sitting there is by membership or invitation only.
Last updated December 16, 2010
Posted in Germany | Best Beer Gardens & Beer Halls of Munich
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