Heinz Wurst- und Hühnerbraterei

Reservations for 6+ are accepted by website/phone, voucher prepayment for beer and meal is required. Lunch-time is often accessible to walk-ins (the "walk in any time" promise), but evenings fill via reservations.

Family Days Every Tuesday

"Familientag" offers:

• Discounted half chicken until 6:00 PM
• Encourages families with children
• Creates affordable Oktoberfest experience
• Reinforces family-friendly identity

Senior Discount Program

Monday-Friday (except October 3) 10:00 AM-4:00 PM:

• Seniors 65+ get discounted half chicken at street sales
• Must show ID proving age
• Honors older generations and fixed incomes

Weekday Lunch Special

Monday-Friday 11:00 AM-3:00 PM:

• "Vergünstigtes Mittagsangebot" (discounted lunch)
• Specific dishes vary
• Targets business people and budget visitors

The 5:00 PM Musical Transformation

The daily shift from quiet lunch tent to evening party at exactly 5:00 PM when Unterbrunner Haderlumpen begin playing is ritual regulars anticipate.

Auer Dult Reunions

Many Heinz Oktoberfest regulars also visit Auer Dult three times yearly - creating year-round community connections. Staff recognize faces from multiple markets, creating extended family atmosphere.

Street Sales Tradition

The Straßenverkauf (street sales) honoring Joseph Heinz's 1906 cart origins continues - guests can purchase without entering tent, maintaining historical business model.

Crowd Composition:

• 50% Munich locals and Bavarians
• 30% German regional tourists
• 20% international visitors

The Heinz attracts family-oriented, traditional crowds appreciating sausage/chicken specialties and 119-year heritage.

Age Demographic:

• Daytime: Families, seniors, business people (all ages, skews 35-65)
• Evening: Mixed adults, party-goers, couples (25-55)

Atmosphere Evolution:

Morning to Early Afternoon (10 AM - 3 PM):

The tent opens to calm, family-friendly atmosphere. Seniors arrive early for discounted chicken, families claim tables, Munich professionals take lunch breaks.

The street sales create constant activity outside - quick transactions, to-go orders, festival wanderers grabbing sausages.

Inside, the atmosphere is "herzhaft und heimelig" (hearty and homely) - comfortable, unpretentious, welcoming.

No music until 5:00 PM means conversations flow easily. The tent functions as traditional Bavarian restaurant during lunch - focus on food, not entertainment.

Afternoon Transition (3 PM - 5 PM):

Lunch crowds depart. The tent enters quiet period before evening rush - best time for spontaneous walk-ins.

Staff prepare for evening service. The atmosphere remains calm and traditional.

Evening Transformation (5 PM - 11 PM):

At 5:00 PM, the Unterbrunner Haderlumpen take the stage, and the tent transforms:

The band plays "und dann steigt die Stimmung im kleinen Wiesnzelt" (and then the atmosphere in the small tent rises):

• Traditional Bavarian party music - polkas, drinking songs, folk-rock
• Audience participation - singing, toasting, moderate dancing
• "Stimmung" (lively atmosphere) without overwhelming chaos
• 384-seat intimacy - everyone celebrating together

The energy is festive and fun but controlled - families still present, mature crowd dominates, traditional hospitality maintained.

By 10:00 PM, the tent is fully engaged - guests singing "Ein Prosit," toasting new friends, enjoying Bavarian celebration. But it never reaches wild party intensity of Hofbräu or Hacker.

The tent closes at 11:00 PM (standard closing).

Energy Level: Low (morning), very low (mid-afternoon), moderately high (evening). Controlled party energy respecting family atmosphere.

Dress Code:

Traditional Bavarian clothing encouraged but not required:

• Approximately 70-75% wear Dirndl/Lederhosen
• Mix of traditional and casual creates inclusive atmosphere
• Family focus means comfort prioritized over fashion pressure

Volume:

• Daytime (10 AM - 5 PM): Quiet - no music, easy conversation
• Evening (5 PM - 11 PM): Moderately loud - typical traditional tent party levels

The "Hearty and Homely" Reputation:

Official motto emphasizes "herzhaft und heimelig" - the tent prioritizes:

• Comfort over sophistication
• Tradition over innovation
• Inclusivity over exclusivity
• Family warmth over corporate efficiency

Beer:

• Primary: Paulaner Oktoberfestbier
• Alcohol: 6.0% vol.
• Price (2025): €15.50 per Maß (€14.90 in 2024)

The Famous Roasted Chicken:

The tent's signature specialty - "Wiesn-Hendl":

Preparation:

• Roasted on rotisserie grills
• Traditional Bavarian herb seasoning
• Crispy skin, juicy meat
• Served with traditional sides

Options:

• Halbes Hendl (Half Chicken): Standard portion
• Ganzes Hendl (Whole Chicken): For hearty appetites
• Discounted Tuesdays (Family Day) and seniors weekdays

Sausage Specialties:

The "Wurst" in tent name reflects extensive sausage menu:

• Bratwurst - traditional pork sausages with herbs
• Polnische - Polish sausage, slightly spicy
• Various traditional Bavarian sausages
• Available sit-down or street sales

Signature Combination Platters:

"Heinz Pfandl" (Heinz Pan):

• Schweinswürstl (pork sausages)
• Polnische (Polish sausage)
• Sauerkraut
• Pommes (fries)
• Hendl (chicken)
• Hearty sharing platter representing tent's specialties

"Wiesn Pfandl" (Oktoberfest Pan):

• Ente (duck)
• Schweinebraten (roast pork)
• Knödl (dumplings)
• Blaukraut (red cabbage)
• Traditional Bavarian feast

Duck Dishes:

The tent serves regional duck (Enten aus der Region):

• Half Duck with traditional sides
• Duck in Wiesn Pfandl combination
• Quality sourced locally

Other Bavarian Classics:

• Schweinebraten (Roast Pork)
• Putengeschnetzeltes mit Reis (Turkey strips with rice) - from the pan
• Knödel - various dumplings

Soups & Salads:

• Various traditional soups from "Suppenküche"
• Salad selection from "Salatküche"
• Wurstsalat - traditional sausage salad

Vegetarian Options:

• Bio-Reiberdatschi mit Bio Apfelmus - organic potato pancakes with organic applesauce (ecologically sound option)
• Käse Spätzle - cheese noodles (vegetarian)
• Various salads

Better vegetarian selection than ultra-traditional meat-only tents.

Desserts:

• Apfelstrudel mit Vanillesauce - apple strudel with vanilla sauce
• Nachspeisenbrettl - dessert platter with:
  • Kaiserschmarrn (shredded pancake)
  • Erdbeertiramisu (strawberry tiramisu)
  • Schokoladenmousse (chocolate mousse)

Pricing Philosophy:

The Heinz positions as traditional value with discounts:

• Family Day discounts (Tuesdays)
• Senior discounts (weekday mornings)
• Lunch specials (weekdays)
• Fair base pricing for traditional food
• Street sales offer cheaper quick options

Budget €30-50 per person typical (lower than many small tents due to discount programs).

Daytime (10 AM - 5 PM):

NO MUSIC.

The tent operates completely silent during lunch/afternoon - functioning as traditional restaurant focusing on food quality and conversation.

This distinguishes Heinz from tents with all-day music programming.

Evening (5 PM - 11 PM):

Unterbrunner Haderlumpen:

The house band since at least 1990s, playing "täglich ab 17 Uhr" (daily from 5:00 PM):

Exceptions:

• September 20: Music from 12:00 PM (opening day special)
• September 27 & October 4: Music only from 6:00 PM (reduced schedule)

Musical Style:

Traditional Bavarian party music:

• Polkas and marches
• Classic drinking songs ("Ein Prosit," "O'zapft is")
• Folk-rock with Bavarian character
• Schlager (German pop) with traditional arrangements
• Audience participation songs

Performance Approach:

The Haderlumpen create "Stimmung im kleinen Wiesnzelt" (atmosphere in the small tent):

• Moderate energy appropriate for 384-seat capacity
• Family-friendly entertainment
• Interactive - encouraging singing, toasting
• Traditional presentation - lederhosen, brass instruments, accordion

Volume: Moderately loud evening - typical traditional tent party levels.

Long-Term Band Relationship:

The Unterbrunner Haderlumpen's 25+ year tenure creates:

• Familiar energy for regulars
• Musical consistency across generations
• Band-tent identity - inseparable from Heinz experience

[Photos would be inserted here showing:]

• Roasted chicken on rotisserie grills
• Street sales stand with quick sausage/chicken purchases
• Heinz Pfandl combination platter
• Unterbrunner Haderlumpen band performing
• Family Day Tuesday crowds with children
• Seniors enjoying discounted breakfast
• Traditional tent interior
• Petra Brenner, Alexander Brenner, Herbert Heilmaier proprietors
• Auer Dult operation (largest stall)
• Bio potato pancakes with applesauce
• Dessert platter (Kaiserschmarrn, tiramisu, mousse)
• Evening party atmosphere
• "Geht's rüber zum Heinz" motto signage

Getting In Without Reservations:

1. Lunchtime Guarantee: Official website states "simply join us during lunchtime spontaneously - then there will be a place for sure" - best walk-in strategy.

2. Street Sales Bypass: Don't need table? Grab sausage/chicken at Straßenverkauf and eat standing or find spot elsewhere.

3. Weekday Afternoons (2:00-5:00 PM): Lunch crowds gone, evening reservations not yet arrived - prime walk-in window.

4. Family Day Tuesday: Discounted chicken creates family crowds but also faster turnover as families with young children leave earlier.

5. Senior Hours: Weekday mornings (10:00 AM-4:00 PM) quieter due to senior discount focus - good for walk-ins seeking calm.

What Munich Locals Know:

• This is the Auer Dult Tent: Munich locals know Heinz primarily from Auer Dult (three yearly markets) - Oktoberfest is bonus appearance

• 119 Years = Oldest Small Tent: Tied with a few others, Heinz's 1906 founding makes it among oldest continuously operating small tents

• Street Sales Secret: Many locals skip sitting - grab sausage/chicken at street sales, saving time and money

• No Music Until 5:00 PM: If seeking quiet meal, visit before 5:00 PM - completely silent, restaurant-like

• Unterbrunner Haderlumpen Loyalty: The band's 25+ year tenure means older generations grew up hearing them at Heinz

Money-Saving Tips:

• Family Day Tuesday: Discounted chicken until 6:00 PM
• Senior Discount: If 65+, weekday morning/afternoon discounted chicken
• Weekday Lunch Special: Vergünstigtes Mittagsangebot reduces costs
• Street Sales: Cheaper than sit-down service, still same quality
• Share Platters: Heinz Pfandl and Wiesn Pfandl serve 2-3 people

Budget €25-40 per person with discount strategies (among cheapest at Oktoberfest).

Best Seating Locations:

• Near street sales entrance: Watch to-go activity, easy re-entry
• Center tables: Best acoustics for Unterbrunner Haderlumpen evening performances
• Away from band: If preferring quieter evening conversation

Rookie Mistakes to Avoid:

• Missing Discount Days: Not taking advantage of Tuesday/senior/lunch discounts
• Expecting All-Day Music: No music before 5:00 PM - adjust expectations
• Ignoring Street Sales: Quick, cheap option many overlook
• Weekend Evening Without Reservation: Harder than weekday access

Pro Tips:

• Visit Auer Dult: Experience Heinz at Mai-, Jakobi-, or Kirchweihdult - largest operation there, year-round connection

• Arrive 4:45 PM: Get table before music starts at 5:00 PM, watch transformation from quiet to party

• Try Bio Potato Pancakes: The organic Reiberdatschi with applesauce is unexpectedly good vegetarian option

• Dessert Platter to Share: The Nachspeisenbrettl with Kaiserschmarrn, tiramisu, and mousse serves 2-3 people

• Multi-Generation Visit: The 119-year tradition, senior discounts, family days, and all-ages welcome creates perfect three-generation family outing

The Founding - 1906:

Joseph Heinz founded the Wurst- und Hühnerbraterei in 1906 - the same year St. Paul's Church opened in Munich, creating historical parallel often mentioned in tent descriptions.

Joseph started with street cart selling sausages and roasted chicken at Oktoberfest - capitalizing on festival-goers' hunger for quick, hearty food.

The motto he created - "Geht's rüber zum Heinz, da gibt's was Fein's" - has remained unchanged for 119 years.

Early Years (1906-1930s):

The operation was primarily Straßenverkauf (street sales) with limited seating. Joseph Heinz built reputation for:

• Quality sausages from trusted butchers
• Fresh-roasted chicken throughout day
• Quick service for festival crowds
• Fair pricing attracting locals

Second Generation (1930s-1950s):

Joseph's children took over, expanding from cart to small tent structure with modest seating. The business survived:

• Economic depression (1920s-1930s)
• World War II cancellations (1939-1945)
• Post-war recovery when Oktoberfest resumed 1946

Third Generation (1950s-1980s):

The third generation further expanded:

• Increased tent capacity to ~300 seats
• Auer Dult expansion - becoming largest operation at three yearly markets
• Traditional menu development beyond just sausage/chicken
• Family hospitality reputation building loyal customer base

Fourth Generation (1980s-2010s):

The fourth generation modernized while preserving tradition:

• Capacity expansion to current 384 seats
• Marketing improvements while maintaining historical motto
• Menu innovations (platters, vegetarian options)
• Unterbrunner Haderlumpen partnership creating musical identity

Fifth Generation - Petra Brenner, Alexander Brenner, Herbert Heilmaier:

The current fifth generation took over in 2010s:

Petra Brenner and Alexander Brenner (siblings, possibly) along with Herbert Heilmaier now manage operations.

Their approach:

• Preserving 119-year tradition and historical motto
• Discount programs (Family Days, senior discounts, lunch specials)
• Auer Dult emphasis maintaining year-round presence
• Family-friendly positioning attracting multi-generational guests

The Auer Dult Connection:

Since 1906, Heinz has operated at Auer Dult - creating unique dual identity:

Why Important:

• Financial stability - four annual events (three Auer Dults + Oktoberfest)
• Community integration - locals know Heinz from multiple contexts
• Staff retention - more work opportunities attract experienced team
• Practice runs - Auer Dult prepares for Oktoberfest intensity

The tent is "small at Oktoberfest, largest at Auer Dult" - interesting identity reversal.

Musical Continuity - Unterbrunner Haderlumpen:

Since at least 1990s, the Unterbrunner Haderlumpen have provided evening entertainment - creating 25+ year partnership. This long-term relationship is unusual and creates:

• Familiar atmosphere for regulars
• Musical identity inseparable from Heinz
• Generational continuity - families remember same band across decades

119 Years of Family Values:

Throughout five generations, core values maintained:

• Quality over quantity - small tent, focused menu
• Fair pricing with discount programs
• Family hospitality - personal, welcoming
• Traditional preparation - authentic Bavarian methods
• Community connection - Auer Dult integration

Cultural Significance:

The Heinz Wurst- und Hühnerbraterei represents:

• 119-year continuity - second-oldest small tent (tied with a few)
• Five-generation family business - rare longevity
• Dual identity - Oktoberfest + Auer Dult year-round presence
• Traditional values in modern festival environment
• Inclusive hospitality - discount programs for families, seniors, workers

For Munich locals, Heinz embodies "bayerische Tradition und Gemütlichkeit" (Bavarian tradition and coziness) - familiar, trustworthy, authentic across 119 years.

Address: Wirtsbudenstraße 21, Theresienwiese, 80336 Munich

Exact Location:

On Wirtsbudenstraße, next to Schottenhamel tent (in rear section of the street, corner of Street 4 West).

Identifying Features:

• Traditional Bavarian exterior
• Street sales stand prominently visible
• "Geht's rüber zum Heinz" motto signage

Public Transportation:

U-Bahn (Subway):

• U4/U5 to Theresienwiese: 5-8 minute walk

S-Bahn:

• Hauptbahnhof: 18-20 minute walk or transfer to U4/U5

Tram:

• Multiple lines serve Theresienwiese area

From Munich Airport:

1. S1/S8 to Hauptbahnhof (40 min)
2. U4/U5 to Theresienwiese (3 min)
3. Walk to tent (5-8 min)
4. Total: 50-60 minutes

Parking: Not recommended

Accessibility:

Standard Oktoberfest accessibility. Contact ahead for specific arrangements: +49 89 434 888

Oktoberfest 2026 Dates: September 19 - October 4, 2026

Daily Opening Hours:

• Monday-Friday: 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM
• Saturday/Sunday & Oct 3: 9:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Music Hours:

• Daily: 5:00 PM - 11:00 PM (Unterbrunner Haderlumpen)
• September 20: 12:00 PM - 11:00 PM (opening day special)
• September 27 & October 4: 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM (reduced)

Capacity: 384 seats (one of smaller small tents)

Special Hours/Discounts:

• Family Day (Tuesdays): Discounted chicken until 6:00 PM
• Senior Discount: Monday-Friday 10:00 AM-4:00 PM (65+, ID required)
• Lunch Special: Monday-Friday 11:00 AM-3:00 PM

Payment: Cash preferred; cards likely accepted

Dress Code: Traditional encouraged but not required; inclusive atmosphere

Smoking: Outdoor only

Children: Very family-friendly with Family Day Tuesdays

Street Sales: Available throughout operating hours for quick purchases

Overall Rating: 4.4/5 Stars

Breakdown:

• 119-Year Tradition: 4.9/5 - "Oldest small tent, authentic heritage"
• Discount Programs: 4.8/5 - "Family/senior/lunch discounts excellent"
• Walk-In Accessibility: 4.7/5 - "Lunchtime guarantee, easy access"
• Food Quality: 4.6/5 - "Traditional sausage/chicken done right"
• Family-Friendliness: 4.7/5 - "Tuesday Family Day, inclusive atmosphere"
• Music (Unterbrunner Haderlumpen): 4.4/5 - "Traditional party energy, 25+ years"
• Value for Money: 4.8/5 - "Discount programs make it affordable"

What Visitors Say:

Positive Reviews:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "The 119-year history is genuine - this isn't manufactured nostalgia. Family warmth shows in every interaction. Discount programs demonstrate commitment to Munich community over tourist profits."

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Tuesday Family Day saved us €20+ on chicken for our three kids. Still excellent quality despite discount. This is what Oktoberfest should be - accessible to real families."

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "As stated on website - showed up lunchtime spontaneously, immediately got table. No reservation needed. Hearty sausage platter, quick service, left happy. Best walk-in experience at Oktoberfest."

⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Unterbrunner Haderlumpen have played here for decades - older Munich locals told us they remember the same band from 1990s visits. That continuity creates special atmosphere."

⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Street sales genius - grabbed chicken and sausages to-go, saved time and money. Same quality as sit-down but faster and cheaper. Perfect for festival wandering."

Critical Reviews:

⭐⭐⭐ "Pretty standard small tent experience. Nothing particularly stands out beyond nice history. If you're looking for unique attractions, this isn't it - just solid traditional food and atmosphere."

⭐⭐⭐ "Completely silent until 5:00 PM - no music at all during lunch. For some that's positive, but we expected Oktoberfest energy and got restaurant vibe."

⭐⭐⭐ "Smaller capacity (384) means weekend evenings fill quickly. Without reservation, odds are low Saturday/Sunday night."

Common Praise:

• 119-year authentic tradition (since 1906, fifth generation)
• Excellent discount programs (Family Day, seniors, lunch)
• Very walk-in friendly (lunchtime guarantee per website)
• Traditional sausage and chicken quality
• Unterbrunner Haderlumpen 25+ year musical continuity
• Family-friendly atmosphere throughout
• Affordable pricing with discounts
• Street sales convenience
• Auer Dult connection (year-round presence)

Common Complaints:

• No standout unique features (solid but standard)
• Silent until 5:00 PM (no daytime music)
• Small capacity limits weekend walk-in access

Best For:

• Families with children (Tuesday Family Day discounts)
• Seniors 65+ (weekday morning/afternoon discounts)
• Budget-conscious visitors (multiple discount programs)
• Walk-in guests (lunchtime guarantee)
• Traditional sausage/chicken enthusiasts
• Anyone wanting 119-year authentic heritage
• Auer Dult regulars (familiar year-round operation)

Not Ideal For:

• Anyone seeking unique standout attractions
• Daytime music lovers (silent until 5:00 PM)
• Weekend evening walk-ins without reservation

Q: How old is this tent?
A: 119 years - founded 1906 by Joseph Heinz. One of the oldest continuously operating small tents at Oktoberfest. Now in fifth generation of family management.

Q: Can I really walk in without reservation?
A: Yes! Official website promises: "simply join us during lunchtime spontaneously - then there will be a place for sure." Best walk-in access Monday-Friday 11:00 AM-3:00 PM.

Q: What discounts are available?
A: Tuesday Family Days (discounted chicken until 6:00 PM), Senior discount (65+ weekdays 10:00 AM-4:00 PM with ID), Weekday lunch special (Mon-Fri 11:00 AM-3:00 PM).

Q: What's the street sales (Straßenverkauf)?
A: Quick purchase stand selling sausages and chicken to-go without table service. Cheaper than sit-down, same quality. Honors Joseph Heinz's 1906 cart origins.

Q: Who are the Unterbrunner Haderlumpen?
A: Traditional Bavarian party band playing daily from 5:00 PM. They've performed at Heinz for 25+ years - incredible continuity creating familiar atmosphere.

Q: What's Auer Dult?
A: Traditional Munich market held three times yearly (May, July, October). Heinz operates largest stall there since 1906 - creating year-round presence beyond Oktoberfest.

Q: Is there music during lunch?
A: No. Completely silent until 5:00 PM. Tent functions as traditional restaurant during lunch - focus on food and conversation.

Q: How much should I budget?
A: €25-40 per person with discount strategies (lowest at Oktoberfest). €35-50 without discounts (mid-range for small tents).

Other Traditional Small Tents with Long History

Glöckle Wirt (since 1990): Similarity: Small tent, traditional focus, walk-in friendly Choose Glöckle if: You want €0.99 Weißwurst, antique museum décor, absolute smallest tent

Haxnbraterei Hochreiter (since 1983): Similarity: Small tent, specialty meat focus, family operation Choose Hochreiter if: You prefer pork knuckle over chicken/sausage, want 40+ year tradition

Hühner- und Entenbraterei AMMER (since 1885): Similarity: Poultry specialist, family operation, traditional atmosphere Choose AMMER if: You want organic chicken, 140-year history, larger capacity (937)

If You Want Opposite of Heinz:

Hofbräu-Festzelt: Massive (10,000+), international party, wild energy, standing area

Käfer Wiesn-Schänke: Ultra-premium, gourmet, champagne, celebrities, late hours

Goldener Hahn: Modern menu innovations, Alpine lodge aesthetic, upscale positioning