Trader Vic's — Restaurant in Munich

As a cocktail enthusiast I have obviously heard and read about the legendary tiki pioneer Trader Vic and his tiki chain and accordingly my expectations were very high. My excitement was immeasurable as I discovered during my stay in Munich that one of the legendary Trader Vic's tiki bars is in this city and it was even very close to my current location! My friends and I immediately made our way to the Hotel Bayerischer Hof where the bar is located.

My eyes widened in wonder as we approached the entrance and I have to say the place looks fabulous. 5*+ for the ambiance. It truly looks the part and very "tiki". Unfortunately that's where my excitement started to take a nose dive...

We sat at the bar and were greeted by two bartenders that looked like they didn't even want to be there. The prices were very high but I was so eager to try one of drinks that it didn't bother me too much.

The first drink I ordered obviously had to be the original Mai Tai, which admittedly was very decent but I have to say I did not approve of the use of Myers rum in my almost 16 euro cocktail. For the price I was expecting at least an Appleton Estate or even Hamilton. :( Unfortunately that was only my first foray into disappointment city... My next order was another iconic tiki classic. The Navy Grog. My heart sank as I watched the bartender take out a carton of grapefruit juice and mix it in... I'm sorry, but for a cocktail that almost costs 18!! Euros I expect fresh juices to be used. And of course the Myers rum came into play once again combined with two rhum agricoles?, which as far as I'm aware do not belong in a Navy Grog. I was also expecting the traditional ice cone garnish but as you can already tell that was absent also...

What an absolute shame. I have had better cocktails at home and at other bars for half the price! What an insult to Trader Vic and most of all to my wallet... My disappointment was immeasurable and my day...

We drove over 12 hours to visit this last remaining Trader Vic’s on European soil. Our highly anticipated visit turned into an absolute disappointment.

Firstly, the ambiance of this venue is absolutely great. It’s modern escapism in its finest form. The table setting is a bit dated but this adds to the nostalgic atmosphere in my opinion. The people were friendly and service was quite alright.

Secondly, the menu is diverse. ‘Okay’ meals and portions but a bit overpriced.

Last but not least. The cocktailmenu was really extensive in this birthplace of tiki cocktails. We went for the original Mai Tai (obviously), the Koana Puffer, Tiki Puka Puka and Vic’s Itch.

Our enthusiasm took a complete nosedive the moment the cocktails were delivered to the table. The overall presentation of the drinks was disappointing. If there even was a garnish, they used canned fruits and weak mint sprigs.

One ‘miss’ is completely possible and probably personal, but all four cocktails were badly balanced and bland. Quite frankly these were some of the worst cocktails we’ve ever had. During our stay in Munich we’ve had better cocktails in other, ‘lesser’ bars. Tiki drinks that were well-balanced, flavourful and well-presented. In all honesty I think old Vic would turn around in his grave knowing what is going on in the Munich branche.

I’ve seen that the venue is currently undergoing renovation. I hope they take this time to review their menu and bring back honour to...

It is not our goal to smear a restaurant, this needs to be said, but this was our second time at this location, and it was not at all to our satisfaction. A very slow Saturday evening (so no room or excuse for error or laziness). Hostess was the highlight of this evening. Very welcoming and friendly. That was where this experience ended. In the area of service, we were not asked for beverages until after 10 minutes after being seated. The appetizers were what we were looking most forward to, but they were for both of us, mediocre at best. Main course dishes were as another reviewer here mentioned.:Underwhelming. Serving a dish of shrimp with vegetables and rice has never been served up so boring. Lack of flavor, no good use of spices..utterly disappointing. Being full aware that this is a known franchise is what brings you here, but you need all the elements from the waitstaff to the chefs careful execution of dishes to bring this to fruition. I can go anywhere and be served up amazing cocktails in Munich, so this for me is not worth the mention for my review. The quality of service and food is what I’m addressing here. I’ve been to restaurants who have been in business way longer than this and consistency brings me back. Trader Vic’s in Munich have some serious hurdles...