Beer garden

Beer gardens originated in Bavaria, of which Munich is the capital city, in the 19th century, and remain common in Southern Germany.

Hence, the first "Biergarten" in the strict sense of the term and of the decree of 1812 by the Kingdom of Bavaria developed at the beginning of 19th century in Munich.

While it is unknown which brewery was first, it was likely one of Munich's big six: Löwenbräu, Hofbräuhaus, Augustinerbräu, Paulaner, Hacker-Pschorr and Spaten.

In response, large breweries dug cellars in the banks of the River Isar to keep their beer cool during storage.

Food service followed, aggrieving smaller breweries that found it difficult to compete, and they petitioned Maximilian I to forbid it.

Equally important to the beer garden is an atmosphere of Gemütlichkeit,[3] conveying a feeling of warmth, friendliness, and belonging.

[5] The term Biergarten is not otherwise restricted, and anyone can call any kind of open-air restaurant by that name,[citation needed] but purists[who?]

distinguish between a Wirtsgarten,[2] in which only the brewery's food is sold (such as the outdoor tables at the Hofbräuhaus am Platzl),[6] and a Biergarten, in which patrons may bring their own.

The characteristics of a traditional beer garden include trees, wooden benches, a gravel bed, and freshly prepared meals.

They became particularly popular with smokers in the late 20th and early 21st century as smoking was prohibited in public indoor spaces, however as of 2025 such bans have been expanded in most jurisdictions to cover licensed patios as well.

Canadian alcohol laws generally forbid drinking in unlicensed public places, although in recent years such policies have been relaxed in some jurisdictions.

Eligibility for the specific license needed to operate such an event varies by jurisdiction, and is often effectively limited to non-profit organizations.

[11][12] The words ‘beer garden’ derive from the German ‘Biergarten’, they are still a very common cultural aspect throughout Germany, where some of the world’s oldest breweries are still active.

1041) has its beer garden next to its brewing facility and the Technical University of Munich, where a brewmaster degree is offered.

[22] American liquor laws condition how beer gardens can operate in each state (legal drinking age is 21).