What makes for a great Biergarten?

Great beer matters, although I don't think having a massive variety does. Most of my favorite biergartens have only had 2-5 selections. Helles, weiss, dunkel, seasonal, strong is about as far as anyone usually takes it. For American styles I can see similar groupings for blonde, brown, stout, IPA, wild/sour, and strong.
I think it's more about the atmosphere, view, comfort, and even convenience. Having great food and snacks doesn't hurt, too. In some ways there's an X-factor I'd label something along the lines of "community" although I'm not sure that's the best word for it.

 

That's where I'm guessing it is, too. There's an area near the south entrance to the Englischer Garten where people surf. The way the water is channeled into a small area, it surprisingly works. Never seen anyone wearing dirndls, though!

 

Maybe "Gemütlichkeit"?

 

good food + great bier = gemutlichkiet

 

Yes it was on the Isar!

 

PERFECT!! Absolutely perfect!! (A 5-smile winner.) Where is that one?

 

This is the best Beer Garden in St. Louis. It's just too bad they only serve Anheuser Busch products.

https://jamesmilson.files.wordpress...rants-farm-3-stables-and-hospitality-area.jpg

 

Chinesisicher Turm in the Englischer Garten Munich circa 2007. Radler in my right hand. Russ'n in my left, Brezi in my mouth. I have the wurst platter and my friend has the leberkase.