The world's most famous beer hall and restaurant, serving traditional Bavarian dishes in a 3,500-seat historic setting since 1589. The Schwemme (ground floor) serves the classic menu of Schweinshaxe, Weisswurst, Obatzda, pretzels, and roast chicken alongside HB's own beers brewed on-site. A brass band plays traditional Bavarian music throughout the day.
The Hofbräuhaus am Platzl is Munich's most famous beer hall, tracing its history back to a royal brewery founded in 1589, and today it is a full working restaurant spread across several rooms plus a courtyard, seating roughly 3,500 people at once. The kitchen serves the classic Bavarian repertoire rather than chef-driven cuisine: Schweinshaxe (roast pork knuckle), Weisswurst with sweet mustard, Obatzda cheese spread, giant soft pretzels, and roast chicken, all built to pair with the house HB beers brewed on site. The Schwemme, the ground-floor hall, is the most atmospheric room — long communal wooden tables, a brass oompah band playing traditional Bavarian music through the afternoon and evening, and a loud, convivial, tourist-and-local mix that is unmistakably Munich. Upper floors are quieter and better suited to groups wanting a reservation. The beverage programme is straightforward and beer-first: HB Hofbräu Original, dark lager, and seasonal Maibock and Oktoberfest beers served by the litre Maß. There is no dress code and no need to book for the Schwemme, though upper rooms take reservations for groups, and the hall gets extremely busy during Oktoberfest and peak tourist season, when arriving early is the only reliable way to get a table.
| Price | €€ |
|---|---|
| Hours | 9 AM–11:30 PM daily |
| Reservations | Walk-in only for Schwemme; reservations available for upper floors |
| Address | Platzl 9, 80331 München |
Location
Platzl 9, 80331 München
Highlights
- Munich's most famous beer hall, tracing its roots to a royal brewery founded in 1589
- Classic Bavarian menu: Schweinshaxe, Weisswurst, Obatzda, pretzels, roast chicken
- Live brass band playing traditional Bavarian music in the Schwemme hall
- Seats roughly 3,500 across multiple rooms and a courtyard
- House HB beers served by the litre Maß, including seasonal Oktoberfest brews
Tips for visiting
- Order the Weisswurst before noon (the traditional Munich cut-off time for eating Weisswurst)
- Sit in the Schwemme for the most authentic atmosphere
Accessibility
The Hofbräuhaus has step-free entry from Platzl and elevator access to upper floors; the busy communal-table layout can be tight for wheelchair users, so arriving outside peak hours helps.
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Frequently asked questions
Do visitors need a reservation at Hofbräuhaus?
The ground-floor Schwemme is walk-in only, but reservations are available for the upper floors, especially useful for groups.
What is the traditional time to eat Weisswurst?
Local custom is to eat Weisswurst before noon, a rule the Hofbräuhaus still observes on its menu.
How busy does it get?
Extremely busy during Oktoberfest and peak summer tourist season; arriving early or reserving ahead in the upper rooms helps secure a table.
Is there live music?
Yes, a brass band plays traditional Bavarian music in the Schwemme through much of the day and evening.