While studying abroad during college in Vienna, Munich was just a short train ride for me across the border into Germany. I fell in love with the city on my first visit. The impression I got as I learned firsthand of the beer capital of the world’s Big Six breweries, the excellent food, the good people, and the electric atmosphere of the Munich football stadium is something that keeps calling me back—even from 9,000 km (5,600 mi) away.
After years of missing that experience while living in Japan, I found it just down the street. Hailing from Munich, the world famous FC Bayern football team sponsors this new food and entertainment mulitplex, exporting a genuine German oasis to the capital of Kyushu. Located in a quiet neighborhood just down the street from the Hawks Town Mall and the baseball stadium, as well as Ohori Park, this is Fukuoka’s finest authentic German establishment.
Bayern is the perfect place in Fukuoka to enjoy Paulaner and other premium German beer on tap—a find extraordinarily uncommon in western Japan. They have an extensive collection of bottled German brews to boot. The kitchen also serves up dozens of fine German dishes like sausages, Wiener Schnitzel, goulash, sauerkraut, and more. Fresh bread is made daily, along with cakes and other sweets in the bakery section of the restaurant. The bread is authentic and available all day and evening.
Being owned and designed by a sports team has advantages. There are very few sports bars in Kyushu, and this one provides the ideal atmosphere for catching the big game. The bar is spacious enough for large groups and has a festive air. Large-screen TVs can be seen from any seat. FC Bayern fan goods are well-supplied here, too.
Even if you aren’t particularly interested in sports or German food, Bayern also opens at 8 am and serves gourmet coffee, cakes, and sandwiches. You can also buy packaged sausage and cheese to take home. Furthermore, this is one of the very few major restaurants in western Japan that is entirely non-smoking. The outside seating is pleasant, too, and parking is available.
