TOPIC:

We're heading over to Munich tomorrow for the weekend and I'm wondering if anyone knows of any microbreweries in the area? I've bought a beer guide book to the city but it only covers the large breweries and I'd be really keen to see what/if any! microbrews there may be on offer. Thanks.

In my limited experience of Germany you're better sticking with the bigger local brands. The only micro I know of in Munich (Unions-Bräu-Haidhausen[/url:1mprf59h] brewpub, owned by A-B InBev, I believe) doesn't do great beer.

I'd recommend visiting one of the Augustiner beer halls, not a micro but in my opinion they brew best of the local beers and their beerhalls are a nicer experience than the Hofbrauhaus. I think the main one is just off Marienplatz - it's been a while since I visited. I'm sure someone has been there more recently who can give a more accurate location.

<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="www.europeanbeerguide.net/munipubs.htm">www.europeanbeerguide.net/munipubs.htm
Ron Pattinson maybe a bit out of date but fairly good.

If it was me, I would forget any thoughts of microbreweries and just go and enjoy Munich for what it is; a great place for drinking solid beer, without there being a huge variety. Visit the aforementioned Augustiner halls (there are 4 or 5 - I like the one on Arnulfstrasse walking away from the city centre). Also Weisses Brauhaus (an essential), Lowenbraukeller (near the Pinakotek) etc.

Note that many places focus on both food and beer, so can be crowded at weekend nights. This can mean not having any tables available and disappointment.

Enjoy your trip!

There's an English Language beer tour or two that pickup at the Glockenspiel and take you around to several breweries for many tastings. I can't remember all of the stops as it was many years ago, but Paulaner, Schneiderweiss, and the Hofbrauhaus are definitely on the tour.

All About Beer's "150 Places to Have a Beer" lists:
Augistinerkeller, Spatenhaus an der Oper (opposite the Opera House; good spot for food), & the Hofbrauhaus.

I'm definitely a fan of Schneider's Weisshaus & Ayinger (opposite the Hofbrauhaus).

If you want to get out of the city for a bit and head to see Castle Neuschwanstein (will pretty much take a day), I would highly recommend stopping in Aying along the way and heading to the Ayinger brewery (I regret not doing this). Andechs Monastary is supposed to an absolutely fantastic visit and is 26 miles outside of the city (train, then bus).


Adam