I should say in my review of Hofbrauhaus that I do not like beer, I am not fond of Munich, or Munchen the locals call it, and I am also not a lover of Oompah Bands.

However, having said all that, the Hofbrauhaus wears an important mantle in Germany, and for the tourist trap that it has become, it meets expectations. Plump frauleins clasp as many as 8 steins in each of their meaty hands and steer confidently between large tables crammed with tourists eating wursts and swaying to the loud brass band.

It is an icon, and worth a visit, but if you don't like beer and don't like wurst, it is an exercise in anthropology only.

Oh, and I have been to its 'twin' in Las Vegas, which was decidedly lacking in any kind of atmosphere. The schnitzel was excellent, but for a complete German beer hall experience, my pick would be the one in Munich! Vegas has better things to offer.

Munich 's most famous beer-hall is home to Oom-Pah-Pah bands, frankfurts, sauerkraut plenty of great beer, opposite is the Hard Rock Café nearby is the Bayern Munich Supporters store.

This place is SO much fun!! It holds about 4500 people at capacity, and it fills it! Great food, great bier, great lively music, and best of all, awesome people from all over the word.

Great atmosphere and people watching. Like the living room of Munich. Great way to meet the local people. Whether or not you like beer, this is a must visit in Munich.

One of our favorites. My hubby drinks the giant beer and we eat baked spaetzle covered in cheese or the dampf nudel with vanilla sauce. A must visit while in Munich.