The Beer Capital of the World

Welcome to Hofbrauhaus, the unofficial Beer Capital of the World!  

All (except one) of their beers will only be served in the 1 Liter Mug.  

If there was an SAT Question that went like this: Tuscany is to Wine what ______ is to Beer, the answer would undoubtedly be MUNICH.

Munich is THE Beer Capital of the world, with a history of breweries that goes back centuries and a population that downs it as if it was water, typically in packed halls or on shaded patios.  Keeping with our "When in Rome..." philosophy, we felt it our duty to explore this distinction by paying a visit to the HOFBRAUHAUS AM PLATZ - the world's most famous Beer Garden and Brewery.  

Hofbrauhaus also boasts perhaps the best-looking Tuba player in the world - although I think it would be a stretch to find a close second (or even another one who was female!)  

According to WIKIPEDIA: During regular hours, traditional Bavarian music is played. The Hofbräuhaus song, composed in 1935 by Wilhelm 'Wiga' Gabriel, goes: "In München steht ein Hofbräuhaus, eins, zwei, g'suffa!" ("There's a Hofbräuhaus in Munich—one, two, drink!"). 

Christie, who has never been a "beer drinker" opted instead for a Strawberry Daiquiri our first night at Hard Rock.

The legacy of the brewery is very historic: The "HOF" in Hofbrauhaus comes from the word 'court,' as it is the Royal Brewery of the Land of Bavaria, and the brewery itself is owned by the German State.  (Could you imagine the US Government running Budweiser?)  Only in Germany would the government run a brewery! 

It was originally built in 1607 by the Duke Maximillian I (any relation to Dale MacMillan?) and at its inception only served Royalty.  

The general public was allowed to enter beginning in 1828, thanks to Ludwig I, and was later the site of HITLER'S FIRST PUBLIC SPEECH, where he outlined the beginning of the Nazi Party.  I knew they were drunk when they thought of that...

We attempted to visit the Hofbrauhaus on our first night in Munich, however were turned away at 11:30pm as they closed at Midnight.  (We went next door to the American Embassy, Hard Rock Cafe!)  We returned the next day and had a fantastic time, enjoying authentic Bavarian food (Bratwurst, Sausage, Sauerkraut, Mashed Potatoes, and Pretzel!) and one large beer apiece. 

Choose a Caption:

1) They Start 'em young here in Bavaria.

2) The Rookie.

3) Brandon Bennett, age 5.

Christie, posing with a pretzel that is described in the menu as, "Bigger than a Steering Wheel..."

You can visit Hofbrauhaus in Munich at: Platzl 9, 80331 Munich (just behind MarianPlatz)... or if you are not headed anytime soon to Europe, visit one of the many worldwide and US Locations (Franchising is Good!) such as LAS VEGAS or MIAMI BEACH!

To Learn More, visit the OFFICIAL SITE or the Wikipedia Article.

Also,

~ J. Twice