Beer garden

A beer garden (a loan translation from the German Biergarten) is an outdoor area in which beer and local food are served, typically at shared tables. Common entertainments include music, song, and games, enjoyed in an atmosphere of Gemütlichkeit.

Beer gardens originated in Munich, the capital of the German state of Bavaria, in the 19th century, and remain common in Southern Germany. They are usually attached to a beer hall, pub, or restaurant, with a distinction being made between a Wirtsgarten where only food sold by the venue is allowed and a traditional Biergarten where patrons may also bring their own.

Beer garden popularity is increasing worldwide in the 21st century.

History

It is unknown which Munich brewery opened the first Bavarian Biergärten as the concept evolved over time, but it was likely one of Munich's big six: Löwenbräu, Hofbräuhaus, Augustinerbräu, Paulaner, Hacker-Pschorr and Spaten. What is known is that they developed in Germany in the then kingdom in the 19th century.