How to „Beer garden“ – 5 tips for newcomers

Cozy, inviting, hospitable: What would Munich be without its beer gardens? The following tips will help you prepare for your beer garden visit in Munich:

1. Choose the appropriate beer garden area

In the self-service area with beer tables and benches you have to get your food and drink yourself. You can even bring your own snacks from home. Drinks, however, must be purchased in the beer garden. If you prefer a cozy atmosphere you can sit at smaller, set table in the serviced area where waiters will bring you food and drinks.

2. Can you reserve seats?

Reserving seats in the beer garden is generally allowed, provided your friends arrive in large numbers and on time. However, the “Stammtisch” is always reserved for regular guests.

3. The range of drinks

Beer is usually only available in the “large format” out of the “Maßkrug” (1 Liter beer mug). Soft drinks, on the other hand, are available in smaller 0.5L glasses. The “Noagerl”, i.e. the dregs of the beer, should remain in the mug when the waiter clears it. Bavarians prefer freshly tapped beer.
Insider tip: Bavarians never pour the dregs of the previous beer into their new beer.

4. What to eat

At the bar you can order lots of delicacies such as snack plates or classic regional dishes. Don’t be surprised if the Steckerlfisch (a smoked mackerel) comes without cutlery, as it is traditionally eaten by hand.

5. The beer garden rules

“Beer gardens have important social and communicative functions” read the Beer Garden Rules. This means: you make room for others, you talk to your neighbors, call each other by your first name and say “Prost!”

Here is an overview of Munich’s beer gardens.