Augustiner-Keller in Munich: Tradition, enjoyment and Bavarian coziness

The Augustiner-Keller in Munich is an institution of Bavarian beer culture, a place where history, enjoyment and conviviality come together. Whether locals or tourists, the Augustiner Keller casts a spell over everyone.

But what makes this place so special? We were there and took a look at the beer garden – and had a beer, of course.

A beer garden with tradition

The history of the Augustiner Keller is closely linked to the history of the Augustiner brewery, which is considered the oldest brewery in Munich. The brewery was founded in 1328 by the Augustinian monks, which at the time was located within Munich’s city walls. The monks initially brewed their beer exclusively for their own consumption and for ecclesiastical purposes.

However, the beer soon became known and appreciated beyond the monastery walls. With secularization in 1803, when monasteries in Bavaria were dissolved and their properties nationalized, the Augustinian brewery also passed into secular hands. It was initially privatized and finally taken over by the Wagner family, who still run it today.

In the 19th century, storing beer was a technical challenge. As there were no refrigeration systems or modern preservation methods at the time, breweries had to store their beer in cool cellars dug deep into the ground. The Augustiner cellar, which took its name from these beer warehouses, was one of these places.

To lower the temperature in the cellars even further, chestnut trees were planted above the underground storage rooms. The dense leaves not only provided shade, but also prevented the earth from heating up too much. These chestnut trees still characterize the image of the beer garden today and are a symbol of Bavarian beer culture.

Over the course of the 19th century, the Augustiner Keller became a popular meeting place for Munich’s citizens. Beer gardens became an integral part of public life, especially after King Maximilian I Joseph issued a decree allowing breweries not only to serve beer in their cellars, but also to offer simple meals.

During the Second World War, the Augustiner cellar also suffered damage. After the end of the war, the beer garden was rebuilt and quickly regained its former importance.

In the 1950s and 1960s, when prosperity increased again in the post-war period, the beer garden once again became a popular place for celebrations and social gatherings. To this day, the Augustiner Keller is a symbol of Munich’s tradition and joie de vivre. This is appreciated by Munich locals and tourists alike.

Location: Central and yet idyllic

The Augustiner-Keller is located on Arnulfstrasse, just a few minutes’ walk from Munich Central Station. You step through a small gate from the street into a green oasis. You can hardly hear the traffic here and I immediately feel at home.

The beer garden has over 5,000 seats at long tables and offers enough space to enjoy Bavarian hospitality to the full. Some seats are in the so-called service area, but most seats are in the self-service area. You don’t have to reserve a seat here, you simply sit at a table. There are 154 regulars’ tables in the service area, where fixed groups of regulars meet. If you look closely, you will see that each regulars’ table has its own individually designed table top.

I particularly like the many chestnut trees. They provide plenty of shade and create a pleasant microclimate even when it’s very hot.

When choosing a seat, you should also be aware that a brass band often plays in the beer garden. Hearty music that is lively and loud. So if you want to have a chat, you should look for a table a little further away.

The beer: Augustiner – a Munich original

What would a visit to the Augustiner cellar be without a freshly tapped beer? Of course, the beer comes directly from the Augustiner brewery, which is known for its traditional brewing methods and exceptional quality. If you sit in the self-service area, you pay a little less than in the service area. Of course, we also got ourselves a beer and I have to admit that a full beer mug is quite heavy, so I had to lift it with two hands.

The Augustiner Edelstoff is sold here in 1-liter mugs and comes straight from the wooden barrel. The beer from the wooden barrel has a slightly lower carbon dioxide content and flows fresh and cool from the barrel into the glass slowly and only under the pressure of its own weight. This beer is a classic and is popular because it tastes soft, sparkling and fresh.

Augustiner Pils, a mild, drinkable beer characterized by its balanced taste, is particularly popular with guests. The foamy, sparkling beer with a fine hint of hops is brewed in the original Pilsen style using only the finest malt and the finest aromatic hops.

Augustiner wheat beer is particularly popular with many guests in warm temperatures. The amber-colored wheat beer is brewed using a tried and tested process. Stored in bottle fermentation in the brewery’s vaulted cellars until fully matured and carefully cared for, this beer acquires its delicately spicy taste.

Food: Bavarian delicacies and more

In addition to excellent beer, the Augustiner Keller also offers a large selection of Bavarian specialties. From crispy pork knuckles and tender Obatzda to homemade pretzels – everyone will find something to their taste here. The grilled chicken, which comes fresh and juicy straight from the kitchen, is particularly popular.

We shared a knuckle of pork with sauce and dumpling. The price was very good and I haven’t eaten such good meat in a beer garden for a long time.

If you would like to bring your own food – no problem! This is possible in the self-service area. You only have to buy your drinks on site.

We really liked the beer garden. As it’s quite centrally located, we didn’t have far to go to the train station or the hotel. The atmosphere was great, the beer even better – if that’s not a good reason to go there again.

Visitor information

Address

Augustiner-Keller
Arnulfstraße 52
80335 München
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