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| - Drinking actual Hofbräu Oktoberfestbier imported from Munich in a 1 liter mug accompanied by traditional Bavarian food and music -- now that is the way to have lunch!
The beer was really good. It was obviously pure and smooth (German laws demand as much), but it also possessed a nice flavor that paired wonderfully with the food.
I started off with the creamy Bavarian potato soup. Rich and creamy, I was impressed with the natural flavors that commingled so nicely in the soup. Carrots added sweetness, fresh chives added soul, and the addition of sausage and croutons made it heartier but not overly so. Great beginning.
For the main course I had the Wurstplatte which was a plate of 4 sausages served over mashed potatoes and sauerkraut with a side of spicy mustard. The sauerkraut was served with caraway seeds (Bavarian style) and was very nicely done, full of flavor and not particularly sour. The Vienna sausages were good, the pork sausage was incredible, and the chicken sausage was just okay. This dish was noticeably heavy towards the end, but the lighter beer helped considerably. Nonetheless, I really enjoyed this selection. The side of pretzel was fresh and tasty as well. The mustard really made it come alive.
Service was very attentive, and the girl was so pleasant and friendly. The ambience was great. Large, open, really cavernous space with picnic table seating and music pouring through the space. They really captured the beer hall atmosphere of Germany here.
I understand trying to copy the real Hofbrauhaus could be a disastrous undertaking. 400 years of tradition shouldn't be reduced to a marketing gimmick, but I think they did a nice job in the reproduction without sacrificing too much in the way of tradition. In a world where gastropubs are coming into their own and are even being rewarded Michelin stars, I think places like the Hofbrauhaus will always prove to be a smarter alternative. Highly recommend this side of Munich.
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