Kicking it back with the Locals: Chinesische Turm
Although April weather may be rather unpredictable, for example in the past 3 days we've had gorgeous and warm sunny weather, rain and snow, it is the time when Munich's infamous beer gardens are shaking off those winter blues and opening their doors, as well as beer taps, to the public. If you find yourself in Munich on a sunny day, whether spring or summer, head on over to one of the more famous beer gardens: Die Chinesische Turm or in English, The Chinese Tower. With the English Gardens all around, the Chinesische Turm makes for a perfect lazy day of soaking up the sun and enjoying some great beer.
This beer garden is landmarked by the very large, Chinese inspired tower that stands in the middle, surrounded by benches and tables. So, grab a seat wherever you see space, don't be shy, just sit down wherever. In addition to the overflowing beer, the Chinesische Turm serves up tasty, traditional Bavarian food, might I suggest a halbes hünchen, which is literally half a chicken. Delish! Or an obatzda teller which is a mixture of camembert, brie, butter and other cheeses that tastes like heaven when spread on one of the enormous Bavarian soft-pretzels. Personally, the country potatoes with saur-rahm dip is my favorite.
So, get up and grab a few liter sized maß of beer but note that you have to pay a 1€ deposit or "phand". When getting your beers you recieve a little plastic coin that you can return later when returning your glasses. Just a little insurance on their part as you can imagine how many maß glasses go missing. Other than that, sit back, listen to the live band playing Bavarian classics, and relax as the garden is open until about 10pm.
While this may be a beer garden, it is not anywhere near being on the same level or atmosphere as the Hofbräuhaus, so, please avoid dancing and standing on tables, or getting out of hand with singing, pouring beer everywhere etc. You'll upset the locals and have the police called on you. Not fun.
Got Fido with you? Bring him along! Dogs are more than welcomed here as long as they don't run amuck. I know my roommate's dog loves Chinesiche Turm days.