Hofbrau Munchen Brewery
Hofbrau Munchen is a famous German brewery that dates back to 1589. The brewery brews a variety of beers featuring Hefeweizen, Dunkel, Original Lager, Oktoberfest and more. The brewery also owns the Hofbrauhaus in Munich, possibly the most famous beer hall in the world. Hofbrau has franchised Hofbrauhaus locations around the world. Hofbrauhaus Locations in the United States include Las Vegas, Cleveland and Newport, Kentucky.
Hofbrauhaus Las Vegas
Hofbrauhaus Las Vegas is an exact replica of the original Hofbrauhaus in Munich. It is located at 4510 Paradise Road, about 1.5 to 2 miles from the Las Vegas strip. The menu features traditional Bavarian dishes and communal tables. There is live entertainment every evening. Hofbrauhaus Las Vegas “is the first German/Bavarian beer hall and restaurant in Las Vegas which creates a true Bavarian beer hall experience that is even more than a dining adventure. No ordinary restaurant, Hofbräuhaus Las Vegas is an energetic party daily, with boisterous sing-alongs, dancing in the aisles and on the benches, and premium Hofbräu beer. From its hand-painted ceilings to its imported beer and delicious food, Bavarian hospitality abounds. Guests can savor schnitzel, sausages, sauerbraten, pretzels and so much more.”
Our Review of Hofbrauhaus Las Vegas
What I liked about Hofbrauhaus Las Vegas
Atmosphere
This seemed like a fun place to go when it is busy. They do everything they can to replicate the Munich experience, right down to the servers’ outfits. Unfortunately I was there at about 6 pm on a Thursday when it was pretty empty and devoid of any excitement. The live band playing “Classic Bavarian Tunes” was fun. I recognized one song from a scene in Groundhog Day. Occasionally they stopped and had everyone lift their beer steins and recite “Ziggy zaggy, ziggy zaggy, oi oi oi,” which is shouted at Oktoberfest (and also in every episode of the now maligned “The Man Show” from 25 years ago.) We were there at the wrong time, but I can imagine this being a fun place on a weekend night, Oktoberfest or any big event.
Food
I had the Geflugelbratwurst (chicken sausages) with sauerkraut, mashed potatoes and onion mustard. Everything was very good and the mustard was particularly good. I didn’t see that they were selling it, but I might have bought a few jars if they were.
Beer
I previously tried three Hofbrau beers, Hofbrau Original, Hofbrau Hefeweizen and Hofbrau Dunkel, and all have been very good. The Dunkel in particular is outstanding. This was my first opportunity to try one on tap. I had a half liter of the Dunkel, which was of course excellent.
What I didn’t like about Hofbrauhaus Las Vegas
Location
Hofbrauhaus Las Vegas is off the Strip, and the only way to get there is by car, Uber, Lyft or taxi. This will add about $30 round trip to the cost, and traffic can be very bad at times.
Prices
I understand that there is free live entertainment and this is Las Vegas, which is no longer a cheap destination, but I still found the meal a bit pricey. Maybe $23.50 for my chicken sausages is in the ballpark of other similar culinary options, but $13.50 for a half liter beer (a bit more than a pint) is a lot. In contrast, I paid $7.99 for another German Dunkel pint on tap at The Yard House at The Linq Promenade the same weekend. A liter at Hofbrauhaus is $23.50, but I couldn’t see drinking that much with dinner or spending $23.50 on beer.
Beer
I love Hofbrau beer, but I was disappointed in the options at Hofbrauhaus Las Vegas. They had only four beers on tap, three of which I already had. The fourth was Maibock, an amber lager that I am sure I would have liked. But with the only options being a half liter or more, I didn’t want to chance it knowing how much I liked the Dunkel. I wish they offered smaller sizes or a sampler to try new beers.
The Bottom Line
I was glad that I went to the Hofbrauhaus las Vegas. The food was good; the beer was good, and it is a unique and interesting place. But I wouldn’t rush back unless it is during Oktoberfest or another festive occasion. If you like German beer and want a fun time, I recommend going during a busier time.
