Oktoberfest alternative, with class
Want all the thrills of the Oktoberfest without the over-crowding and extortionate beer prices? Then you need to find Lady Bavaria. If, when at the fest, you can see the massive Bavarian statue (a giant lady with a lion, not easy to either miss nor forget), then you are only a minute away from the Wirtshaus am Bavariapark. This is a wonderful meeting point for young and old alike, with a joyful, festival atmosphere and is the ideal place to experience the Bavarian lifestyle - this is a real insider's tip from those who live in Munich and know the area. It has a beer garden and in-door seating.
So, when the Oktoberfest is getting too overcrowded, or you want to warm up before heading to the fest, then check it out. It serves Augustiner, which is arguably Munich's greatest beer and includes the specially-prepared Oktoberfest brew. Another top tip is that the brew is sold at a much more reasonable price than at the Wies'n (this is the local name for the Oktoberfest) - just 7,60 euro in the self service area and 7,80 euro in the restaurant. You can start to see why this place is a popular alternative for festival goers.
Oompah bands are wonderful, but so is variety. During the Oktoberfest on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, starting at 5 pm there is the "Wies'n Gaudi", which is an Oktoberfest party with Bavarian live music from "The Harthausern". On Sundays, to get you started and fight that hangover, is the "Frühschoppen" (Bavarian breakfast with music) also with Bavarian live music from "Stoiber Buam". With so much happening at Wirthaus am Bavariapark, it really pays, in more ways than one, to check it out either before, after or instead of the obligatory tent hop.
However, maybe you want more? OK, directly adjacent to the Wirtshaus and beer garden, you'll find the Kongress Bar. This is a classic 50's style cocktail bar. It has an unusual retro design, elegant wood panelling, perfectly designed furniture and plays a cool jazz music background. It creates a relaxed and stylish ambiance, one in which any dress sense fits in. The Kongress Bar is a place for individuals with an appreciation for aesthetic looks and for people who value quality and understatement. It's a trendy alternative to the beer-guzzling one can expect in Munich during this period. There is a weekly changing music program which varies from 50's music to live Jazz & Funk and it really is the perfect antidote to the Oktoberfest, especially if you want a small break from the overcrowded revelling. Here you can enjoy a great, classic cocktail or a long drink, in addition to the Augustiner beer.
Note that on Saturday, the 27th of September starting at 21h00, there will be a monthly jam session - organised by Adriano Prestel & his band, where young artists from Munich and beyond also get on stage. If you are tempted to join and demonstrate your skills, might be best to do so before downing the fest brews.
To stay in touch with the Kongress Bar and get all the news in time follow them on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kongress-Bar/199375116770595?ref=hl
Wirtshaus am Bavariapark
Theresienhöhe 15
80339 München
089.452 116 91
info@wirtshaus-am-bavariapark.com
www.wirtshaus-am-bavariapark.com
Kongress Bar
089.452 117 00
info@kongressbar.de
www.kongressbar.de
U4/U5 Direction Laimer Platz - Stop: Schwanthalerhöhe - Exit direction of Oktoberfest/Verkehrsmuseum
