Bavarian beer garden tips
Beer gardens in Bavaria are “an expression of the Bavarian way of life”
According to the Bavarian Beer Garden Ordinance, beer gardens are "considered an expression of the Bavarian way of life"—whether they can also exist beyond the state borders is something the regulations don't address. Trying it out is the best way to find out, for example at Kiel's "Forstbaumschule," the "Prater Biergarten" in Berlin's Prenzlauer Berg district, "Hellers" at the Volksgarten pond in Cologne, or "Schrebers Biergarten" in Leipzig.
This is how you can recognize a Bavarian beer garden.
Gravel and horse chestnut trees are essential elements of a Bavarian beer garden – the crushed stone and shallow-rooted trees used to cool the beer cellars below. Those who choose to sit in the shade often have a choice: table service or self-service. The former is easily recognizable by its tablecloths and menus.
On hot days, all of Munich gathers under the chestnut trees of the Hofbräukeller. Here are a few beer garden tips: Arrive early and, as a matter of courtesy, ask at a table if you can join them. It's perfectly acceptable to use first names; a beer bench always conveys goodwill. However, the regulars' table is off-limits when choosing a seat, no matter how crowded it is all around.
How do you defend yourself against unpleasant table neighbors in a beer garden?
The strongest socially acceptable rejection in Bavaria is a only mildly regretful: "There'll be two more!" If that doesn't work, warn them about the wasps...
How do you drink the Maß (liter of beer)?
Arriving at the Bavarian beer garden, it's time to order drinks. A Maß (liter of beer) it is, but how does one drink properly in a Bavarian beer garden? Ideally, quickly; after half an hour, the Maß will be stale. A toast is part of every sip; ten toasts per Maß is a good average. The last bit always stays in the glass – anyone who drinks it is considered a stingy "Noagerlzuzla" (sipper).
A pint of beer takes strength!
Don't overestimate your strength – a full beer stein weighs a good two kilos. Therefore, it's best not to grab the handle when carrying it, but rather to grasp the stein through the handle. In the words of the cabaret artist and Bavarian expert Harry G: "You shake the stein's hand in a friendly manner and say: 'Farmer, greetings!'"
Chicken, light beer, oompah...
For many visitors to Munich, these things go hand in hand. Anyone who can't stand the ponderous marching band playing at the "Chinese Tower" would be better off going to Sepp Krätz's jazzy "Waldwirtschaft" or to the oldies dance in the "Hopfengarten" in Westpark.
Bavarian beer garden regions for amateur cooks and self-caterers
Upper Bavaria and Franconia, in particular, are ideal regions for amateur cooks and self-caterers: Here, you can always bring your own picnic. However, Foodora drivers and other delivery services are prohibited, as is Thai food purchased on the go.
Absolutely unacceptable behavior in a Bavarian beer garden
White sausage with ketchup (correctly: sweet mustard) and rye bread with Obazda – after all, what are pretzels for? Anyone who asks for fish cutlery for their Steckerlfisch (grilled fish on a stick) in a beer garden is making a fool of themselves.
Beer garden regulations: When it's over, it's over!
The beer garden regulations also govern the protection of residents and opening hours (no later than 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.). The music stops one hour before closing, and half an hour later a bell rings to signal the end of service. Complaining about the supposed provincialism won't change that.
