The Löwenbräukeller was opened to the public in 1883 as a restaurant and pub. Prior to that, for centuries the site had been used strictly for brewing. Today, the Löwenbräu brand is well known around the world as a producer of authentic German beer.
Löwenbräu has a special connection to Munich’s famous Oktoberfest. Its beer has been served during the festival every year since 1810, and its special Oktoberfest brew (Oktoberfestbier) is available for tasting. Nowadays, Löwenbräu sponsors two large tents at the Oktoberfest, and the Löwenbräu name continues to be closely associated with Munich’s proud brewing tradition.
The Löwenbräu brewery and pub offers many different areas for patrons to enjoy. One of its most popular features is the enormous beer garden, which can hold up to a thousand people at a time. In the warmer months, locals in traditional Lederhosen and Dirndl will come out here to relax with a cool drink under the trees. At any time of year, the restaurant offers a comfortable locale for the sampling of Bavarian cuisine. For a commanding view of the beer garden, head up for a drink or a meal on the roof terrace.
The original Löwenbräu beer is produced in accordance with the Reinheitsgebot, a German beer purity law that was instated in 1516. Designed to keep cheap and often unhealthy ingredients such as mushrooms and rushes out of beer, this ruling is said to be the oldest food safety law in the world. Bavarian breweries are proud to take part in this tradition, and many still take the law seriously today.
The Löwenbräu is open every day of the week. It is only 10 minutes’ walk from downtown, but responsible visitors who have been drinking will use the streetcars that stop directly outside.
