[Rick Lee]

I flew back from three weeks in Germany, Austria and Switzerland yesterday, so this is fresh in my mind.

Last time I was at Oktoberfest was about eight yrs. ago. A 1l Maßkrug of Augustiner was €12 then. That will get you a buzz. 3-4 will get you vomiting, which you will see plenty of there. It's probably about the same price now outside of Oktoberfest, more inside. I usually get the 500mL glasses at the bars and beer gardens. It's getting more expensive now. During Oktoberfest you will see huge crowds walking around Munich in festive attire - Lederhosen and Dirndls. Honestly, the smaller beer gardens are much better than the insanity at Theresienwiese. But everyone should go see it once. The Augustinerbräukeller around Marienplatz is really the best place there is for authentic Munich beer and food, it's crowded and the staff are (in)famous for their rudeness. But you can't get a bad beer or meal there. I think they have another location near Westfriedhof, but am not sure. I was there long ago, just can't remember if it was an official branch. If you must succumb to the lure of the Hofbräuhaus, jusy know the only Germans there are the staff. If you're looking for the Bürgerbräukeller from the 1923 Putsch, it's long gone.