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BavarianAltstadt Lehel
Augustiner Klosterwirt sits under the towers of Munich's Frauenkirche in the Altstadt; the gasthaus pours Augustiner Helles vom Holzfass to 400 indoor seats.
OrderThe Schweinshaxe with dumplings; pair with Augustiner Helles tapped from the wooden cask.
TipDaily 09:30 to midnight; the open-air terrace is the spot in summer with Frauenkirche views.
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BavarianAltstadt Lehel
Hofbräuhaus on Platzl has poured Hofbräu beer in Munich's Altstadt since 1589; the ground-floor Schwemme hall seats 1,000, the upstairs Festsaal handles.
OrderMass of Hofbräu Original (one litre) with Schweinshaxe and a pretzel.
TipThe ground-floor Schwemme is walk-in only; reserve the Bräustüberl upstairs for parties of four or more.
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BavarianAu Giesing
Wirtshaus in der Au on Munich's Lilienstrasse, between Deutsches Museum and Gasteig, cooks Bavarian; the room is best known for its Knödel and dumpling.
OrderThe Knödel sampler: spinach, semmel and a sweet plum for dessert.
TipWalk to it after the Deutsches Museum; book Friday and Saturday two weeks ahead.
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BavarianAu Giesing
Paulaner am Nockherberg above the Isar in Munich's Au is the birthplace of Paulaner beer; this is where the Salvator Doppelbock tapping kicks off Lent.
OrderThe Salvator Doppelbock with Schweinshaxe and a soft pretzel.
TipStarkbierfest runs the last week of February through mid-March; the rest of the year is calmer.
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BavarianHaidhausen
Hofbräukeller on Wiener Platz in Munich Haidhausen is the calmer Hofbräu room: the city's locals come here instead of the Hofbräuhaus tourist hall.
OrderA Mass of Hofbräu Helles with the Schweinsbraten and dark gravy.
TipThe beer garden on Wiener Platz is one of the city's most family-friendly; bring a picnic for the self-service section.
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BavarianAltstadt Lehel
Wirtshaus Ayinger am Platzl is the Ayinger Privatbrauerei flagship across from Hofbräuhaus in Munich's Altstadt; eight draught beers run on tap year-round.
OrderA half-litre of Bräu-Helles with the Schweinsbraten and a soft pretzel; weekday lunch sets are the bargain.
TipQuieter than its Hofbräuhaus neighbour; the upstairs is the spot for parties of six or more.