Beer garden (a loan translation from the German "Biergarten") is an open-air area where beer, other drinks and local food (see German cuisine) are served. The concept originates from and is most common in Southern Germany (especially Bavaria). It is usually attached to a drinking establishment such as a public house or a beer hall.
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Beer gardens in Germany developed in the kingdom of Bavaria in the 19th century, during which dark lager beer was predominant. According to a decree by King [Maximilian I Joseph of Bavaria|Maximilian I Joseph]], this had to be brewed during the cold months, since fermentation had to take place at temperatures between 4 and 8 °C. To provide this beer during the summer, large breweries dug cellars in the banks of the River Isar for the storage of beer, to keep it cool. To further reduce the cellar temperature, they covered the banks in gravel and planted chestnut trees, the leaves of which provided shade in summer.
Soon after, the beer cellars were used not only to store but also to serve the beer. Simple tables and benches were set up among the trees, creating "beer gardens", and soon they were a popular venue for the citizens of Munich. This aggrieved the smaller breweries that remained in Munich. To prevent further loss of customers, they petitioned Maximilian I to forbid the beer cellars surrounding Munich to serve food. Consequently, in riposte, the beer gardens allowed their patrons to bring their own food - and this is still common practice.
This decree is no longer in force, and many beer gardens do serve food today. But according to the current Bayerische Biergartenverordnung (Bavarian beer garden decree) of 1999, beer gardens that still allow their patrons to bring their own food are privileged in regard to a later closing hour and noise limits.
An important part of life for many citizens, the Bavarian Biergärten usually serve common Bavarian cuisine such as Radi (radish), Brezen, Obatzda, halbes Hendl (half a grilled chicken), Hax'n (knuckle of pork) and Steckerlfisch (grilled fish).
The term "beer garden" (Biergarten) has become a generic term for open-air establishments where beer is served. Many countries have such establishments. The characteristics of a traditional beer garden include trees (no sun umbrellas), wooden benches (no plastic garden chairs), gravel bed (no street pavement), and solid meals (no fast food).
The largest traditional beer garden in the world is the Hirschgarten in Munich, which seats 8,000.[1]
In Austria, the beer garden is called Gastgarten (guest garden). They serve food such as "ein Paar Würstel" (a pair of the German Bratwurst) or "Schweinsbraten" (German pot roasted pork Schweinebraten). When ordering beer the choices are usually a "Pfiff " (0.2 liter), a "Seidel" (0.3 liter), a "Krügerl" (1/2 liter).
The Hirschgarten is a restaurant in Munich that is noted for its beer garden, which is possibly the largest in the world. It has seating for over 8000 people.[2]
The restaurant dates back to 1791.
Beer gardens are popular in Japan. Many are located on the roofs of department stores and hotels.
In the UK, a beer garden is normally an outdoor area joined onto a pub. They have become more popular since smoking became illegal in indoor public areas and are often crowded during the summer months. They now usually have a covered area to accommodate smokers during inclement weather. They are typically characterized by lawn furniture and retain none of the traditional elements of German Biergartens.
In the United States one of the earliest, and most popular, beer gardens was Castle Garden at The Battery on the southern tip of Manhattan Island in New York. It had previously been a fort, and subsequently became a theater, the first immigration station (predating Ellis Island), a very popular public aquarium, and finally a national monument.
Completed in 1919, the Beer Garden at Bohemian Hall is the oldest beer garden in New York City. Located on 24th Avenue in Astoria, Queens, it is operated as part of the Bohemian Citizens' Benevolent Society, along with a bar and catering hall. The Beer Garden at Bohemian Hall officially seats 800, though often entertains more during festivals and other events.
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