Many people call this restaurant a tourist trap. We do not necessarily think so. A tourist trap is a site or practice whence one does not receive a quality exchange for one’s money, where there is no or little value attached to the location or service, and whence one feels like an oaf for being taken for a ride. However, if a particular place is favoured by tourists but still deliver a good value for the money, then we do not think it should be labelled a tourist trap. This 107-year-old Hofbräuhaus can fit over 2000 guests inside its three halls, and when weather permits, tables are set outside in the garden to accumulate another 400 guests. In peak season, all seats are filled and the line is wrapped around the block. Even with that much of business, mostly from tourists, Hofbräuhaus still maintains the true practice of a traditional German beer hall with good food, good beer, and efficient service. Beer comes in one-litre steins; giant pretzels soak up rich sauce from platters of food. The hall opens from 9AM until midnight (2AM on Fridays and Saturdays). The evidence that this place is still a favorite local hangout can be seen by the hundreds of locked-up private steins and the “reserved” signs on Stammtische (tables reserved for regulars). We always enjoy being here each time we come to Munich. We like the huge serving of good food and good beer in the fun atmosphere, and on top of that, the price is hard to beat.The Schweinsbraten mit Kruste (roasted pork with crust) was excellent. The Resch gebratene Schweinshaxn (roasted pork knuckle) was huge. I didn’t think even two people could finish it, but Nathalie managed it well with her appetite (our waiter was impressed). The Speckkrautsalat (bacon cabbage salad) was delicious. Seeing that both of our salads were mopped up, our waiter brought out two more plates free of charge. Whether this was a usual practice or he was just being nice, we were not sure. The apple strudel with vanilla sauce was exactly the way my grandmother used to make, good to the last crumb.