Hofbräu Wirtshaus Berlin

Hofbräu Wirtshaus Berlin: Munich Inn at Alexanderplatz

The Hofbräu Wirtshaus Berlin is housed in a building that was a canteen during GDR times and was popularly known as “Fresswürfel” (eating cube). Today, 6,500 square meters of guest area are spread throughout, and the establishment thus describes itself as the largest inn in Europe. The location could hardly be more central: Alexanderplatz is right outside the door, and tram lines M4, M5, and M6 stop at Marienkirche practically at the entrance. Outside, there’s a beer garden whose tables cannot be reserved in advance; inside, guests sit at long wooden tables amidst deliberately cliché Bavarian decor. A show band provides live music, and those who want to stay after dinner will find a separate bar with later opening hours in the “Stüberl”. Dogs are expressly welcome in the restaurant area; larger groups of 17 people or more should register through the events department. Those coming by car should plan to use the parking garages at Alexanderplatz. Payment can be made in cash, by credit card, with Girocard, and even via Alipay, which one might not necessarily expect from a Bavarian inn.

Variety of Pork Knuckles, Brizza, and Hofbräu Original from the Liter Mug

Original Hofbräu from Munich is served on tap, including not only the Helles (lager) but also Dunkles (dark beer), Münchner Weisse (wheat beer), Radler (shandy), and Russ’n (wheat beer shandy), all at the same price. A liter mug costs 13.50 Euros. The menu has its own section for “Haxen” (pork knuckles): The crispy giant pork knuckle comes with a raw weight of approximately 1,500 grams, coleslaw, and gravy for 34.90 Euros; those who can’t manage that much can take the half portion with two potato dumplings. However, the house specialty is something different, namely the Brizza, a Bavarian pizza on pretzel dough, available with Weißwurst (white sausage), with Obazda (cheese spread) and bacon cubes, or vegetarian. Noteworthy for an inn of this size is the vegan line with “Leberkäs” (meatloaf), Schnitzel, and burgers without meat. Additionally, there are “Brotzeitbretter” (snack platters), a butcher’s plate, Tyrolean “Kässpätzle” (cheese noodles), Austrian delicacies, and a Bavarian brunch with its own children’s menu. For Oktoberfest, the Hofbräu Wirtshaus Berlin hosts its own festival with weekly barrel tapping and ticket sales; in November, the establishment celebrates its fifteenth anniversary.