10 Best Breweries in Munich

Paulaner Brauhaus is widely known as the largest brewery in Bavaria. This popular Munich brewery was named after Francis of Paolo, the founder of the Paulaner monastery order. An interesting fact is that back in the old days, beer from this monastery was usually served to the monks. The only time when the public could enjoy this brew was during festivals and celebrations.

Today, Paulaner is one of the best-selling German beers in the world. Pay a visit to the Paulaner Brauhaus Munich brewery, bar, and restaurant in Munich-Langwied and enjoy different brands of Weissbier. Try the bottom-fermented Salvator Doppelbock beer with some authentic German dishes. Beer tastings and brewing tours are also available.

Augustiner Keller dates back to the 14th century, making it the oldest brewery in Munich. No list of the best breweries in the city would be complete without mentioning this iconic venue. You will find Augustiner Keller beers with their distinctive monk’s logo at many pubs and beer gardens in Munich.

However, the original brewery building is on Neuhauser Strasse in the Old Town. The lovely 5,000-seater beer garden (complete with fairy lights) is a great setting for enjoying a pint of Augustiner Lagerbier Hell or Augustiner Edelstoff. Indoor seating options include a traditional beer hall and a red-brick cellar.

Spaten-Franziskaner-Bräu was founded by a brewer named Hans Welser in 1397. You can find it on Marsstrasse, around 900 metres northwest of the Alter Botanischer Garten. This Munich brewery is known for its Spaten Helles, the original Helles brew from Munich. It also offers popular brews like Franziskaner Weissbier, Doppelbock Optimator, and Münchner Hell.

Spaten-Franziskaner-Bräu is one of Munich's 6 major beer brands. If you are visiting the city during Oktoberfest, make your way to the Marstall tent where you will find its iconic Spaten Oktoberfestbier.

Hofbräuhaus houses one of the most famous beer cellars in the world. Nearly 500 years old, this historic beer hall features high-ceilinged frescoes, arched windows, and wooden tables. It’s also a great place to try Bavarian food specialities like pork knuckles and white sausages with Hofbräuhaus signature beers. Standouts include Hofbrau Original, Hofbrau Muncher Weisse, Hofbrau Dunkel, and HB Pure.

Densely packed with tourists and locals alike, Hofbräuhaus’s beer hall offers a lively vibe with live music and waitresses dressed in traditional lederhosen and dirndls.

Löwenbräukeller is a lovely beer garden near the Löwenbräu brewery in the centre of Munich. With a distinctive lion sitting above its entrance and old chestnut streets providing plenty of shade during the summer season, it looks spectacular and can accommodate up to 1,000 guests.

Enjoy a pint of freshly brewed Löwenbräu or refreshing apple spritzer. In the mood for authentic Bavarian dishes? Try obatzda (a Bavarian cheese delicacy), have a slice of flammkuchen (Bavarian pizza) or order a portion of roasted chicken (hendl). This traditional beer garden also lets you bring in your own meals.

Schneider Weisse is a popular wheat beer brewery in Munich. With wood-panelled walls and a bunch of tastefully decorated parlour rooms, its Schneider Bräuhaus tavern is a great place to enjoy signature brews such as Hefeweizen, Russ’n, and Schneider Weisse.

Along with 9 types of wheat beers, the tavern offers both Munich’s classic kronfleisch (skirt steak with onion rings and rye bread) and international dishes. Schneider Weisse is within a short walk of several gothic churches, including Heiliggeistkirche and Peterskirche.

Richelbräu serves a variety of CasaNova beers, which taste similar to Pilsner. Founded by Günter Baumann, it’s actually the first house brewery in the Munich-Neuhausen district. In fact, it’s still run out of a house basement. Although the brewery is not allowed to serve beer from its tiny production room, guests can call ahead to book donation-based tastings.

Richelbräu is more of a cultural community space than just your average brewery. They organise many interesting activities, from film screenings and brewing courses to brewery cycling tours. The residential building where the brewery operates from is quite easy to spot, thanks to its yellow exterior.

Higgins Ale Works is a small craft brewery in Munich. The man behind the project is Paul, an American who moved to Germany back in 2013 and decided to start his own craft beer brewery. Paul’s recipes are heavily influenced by American beer tradition, so you’ll be able to enjoy unique brews during your visit.

Made in small batches, beers at Higgins Ale Works range from pale ales to IPAs. Go for the Eclipse Black IPA or try the limited edition Spruce Juice. Keep in mind that you need to make an appointment before visiting this modest Munich brewery.

Hacker-Pschorr Bräu GmbH is a charming brewery, bar, and restaurant near Crown Park, Am Nockherberg. Founded in 1972, it’s an amalgamation of 2 breweries once known as Pschorr and Hacker. The brewery produces about 13 different brands of beer in quirky swing-top bottles.

A must-try is its signature honey gold-coloured Hacker-Pschorr Weissbier. You should also sample the popular Hacker-Pschorr Kellerbier and the malty Munchner Gold beer. This Munich brewery also offers a wide range of traditional Bavarian dishes like pork knuckle and obatzda (cheese spread).

Tilmans Biere (Büro) is a modest craft brewery by Tilman Ludwig, a German brewmaster who studied the art of beer brewing at Munich's Technical University. After graduation, Tilman went to work at Hass Braui in Switzerland as a brewmaster. In 2014, he decided to start his own venture and open Tilmans Biere (Büro) right here in Munich. 

You will find several brews at Tilman Bierfe, from brown and pale ale to pilsner and das Helles. Each bottle has its own colourful design! Although you can find Tilmans Biere (Büro) at most Munich beer shops, head over to Tilman’s own Frisches Bier to enjoy his unique beers on tap.