A tour of Munich beer gardens

Hofbräuhaus

Among the best-known and most aesthetically pleasing of Munich's beer halls is the Hofbräuhaus, famous as much for its beer as for its over-the-top Bavarian atmosphere.

Visitors cannot leave Munich without a stop at this touristy testament to Bavarian beer, located in the heart of the city's pedestrian zone. The huge beer hall is suffused with so much character that most others pale in comparison. A Bavarian band plays folk tunes while jolly visitors swill liters of beer and munch on large, crunchy pretzels.

You'll run into few Germans at the Hofbräuhaus, but you will meet people from all over the world and be able to join in on some arm-in-arm table rocking.

In addition to its tangy brews, the Hofbräuhaus serves up a hearty history. Founded in 1589, Hofbräuhaus beer was initially available only to royals. By 1610, people from all walks of life could imbibe the brew.

After extensive damage in World War II, the beer hall underwent major renovations in 1966 to achieve its present appearance. It now has the distinction of being one of Munich's most attractive and recognizable landmarks.

Foodwise, the Hofbräuhaus offers rather conventional Bavarian cuisine, from beer-basted roasted suckling pig with dumplings and salad, to mixed cheese platters to the strictly Bavarian Leberkäs, a baked loaf of ground beef and bacon, and zesty cucumber salad. In 1989, the Hofbräuhaus celebrated its 400th birthday.

Augustiner Keller

The Augustiner Keller, home of the smooth, savory and slightly sweet Augustiner beer, is not far from Hofbräuhaus. Originally an Augustinian monastery dating back to 1294, it first began brewing beer in 1328. Eventually, the brewery was moved to its present location on Neuhauserstrasse in the center of Munich.

The rich beer and boisterous atmosphere of Augustiner Keller make up for the sometimes less than attentive staff. The cavernous hall is strictly Bavarian, as is the food. Guests can chow down on the traditional Weisswürst with potato salad, while the more daring can have a taste of the jellied ox-mouth with garnishes. The beer served here is, of course, Augustiner.

Sankt Emmerams Mühle

For those willing to venture further out of the city, the intimate Sankt Emmerams Mühle offers an upscale version of the traditional beer garden.

Nestled on the edge of the Englischen Garten, a few steps away from the picturesque Isar River, this rustic, cozy beer garden serves the hearty, heavy Bavarian meals found in most beer gardens as well as a more pricey take on Bavarian fare. Feast on the crispy, juicy roast duck with potato dumplings (Kartoffelknšdel), or sink your teeth into baked pork cutlets and the incomparably rich Bavarian potato salad (Kartoffelsalat).

Originally a mill, the building dates back to the 1400s.

Despite its distance from the city center, many of Munich's wealthiest and most glamorous residents flock to Sankt Emmerams Mühle. Although the place has a rustic, cozy feel to it, don't be deceived -- the clientele is far more refined in dress and demeanor than at most of Munich's other beer gardens. Spaten is the beer on tap.

Aumeister

On the northern end of the Englischen Garten lies Aumeister, the "master of the meadow." Formerly a royal hunting lodge, Aumeister combines the tranquility of the park with a lively family atmosphere.

Parents bring their children and pets to this beer garden, while inline skaters and bikers cruise by -- everyone seems to have a jolly old time.

Nestled under a thick thatch of trees, Aumeister boasts a savory medley of Bavarian cuisine along with plenty of Hofbräuhaus brews. The enchanting garden setting, replete with greenery and open fields, is a haven from the grind of city life.

The Aumeister restaurant, located directly across from the beer garden, serves up truly delicious Bavarian cuisine.

Donna Freydkin is an associate producer in the CNN Interactive newsroom. Having lived in Munich for more than 10 years, she likes to consider herself a native "Münchener." And like a true native, beer is her beverage of choice.