Wirtshaus am Bavariapark

Theresienhohe 15
80339 Munich
(089) 45211691; FAX (089) 45211692

One of the best things to happen in the Munich beer garden scene is the arrival of Am Wirtshaus am Bavariapark in 2011. Everything we look for in a beer garden or beerhall is here. It's incredibly easy to get to, only a short U-Bahn ride from the Hauptbahnhof, followed by a three-minute walk. It's large, spacious and full of shaded atmosphere. And finally, when everything still isn't enough, the beer here is Augustiner. The location is across the street from the Wies'n, the Oktoberfest grounds. The park area goes back centuries, but in more recent times it's been used to stage major exhibitions, beginning with the 1908 Munich Exposition. Today, the beer garden restaurant is housed in the old Kongresshalle, built in the 1950s.

A Wirt couple -- Philip and Sabine Sedgwick -- operate Bavariapark. Originally from Britain, Herr Sedgwick has earned his culinary stripes with experience running restaurants in Asia for 12 years prior to taking over Bavariapark. Sedgwick makes good use of his experience and expertise, and exotic dishes are now a part of the expansive menu, along with plenty of traditional Bavarian fare.

This is a great place with plenty of neo-tradition, despite its tender young age. It's a main reason that Bavariapark gets a top 5-beer rating.

Briefly:

Beer: Augustinerbräu

Seating: 1400 Beer Garden; 880 Kongresshalle and Stuben

Hours: 10 a.m. to 12 midnight

Web Presence: www.wirtshaus-am-bavariapark.com

Rating: 5 Beers