If you’ve hung around New Braunfels for any length of time, you know about the classic lure of this historic town. You’ve probably floated the crystal-clear waters of the Comal and popped in for a bite at the Gristmill. You’ve most likely tasted your way through Wurstfest and shown off your moves at Gruene Hall. But what if you’re looking for a new favorite experience in the New Braunfels area? We’ve scouted the area for local favorites, from restaurants to entertainment to outdoor activities.
1. Freiheit Country Store
Image courtesy of Yelp
Though its name may lead you to believe otherwise, Freiheit Country Store (2157 FM1101) isn’t your average “General Store”. Instead, this unique establishment beckons music fans and foodies alike to attend a New Braunfels experience like no other. Open since 1889, Freiheit is famous for good old-fashioned comfort food like hamburgers, fries, chicken fried steak, and homemade pie. Musical guests include beloved country artists like Gene Watson, as well as local talent. Don’t miss karaoke, which is also a favorite at Freiheit’s!
2. Rita's Natural Food Market
Image courtesy of Rita's Food Market
Many people mistakenly believe that moving to the country is synonymous with leaving the convenience of health food. Not so in New Braunfels! Rita’s Natural Food Market (111 Interstate I-35 Business) has been open since 2009, yet still somehow has remained hidden to much of the public eye since then. The loyal clientele is growing, but this family operation still retains the “mom and pop” feel that locals know and love. The owners boast impeccable taste when it comes to brands, yet somehow manage to keep savvy prices that many of the larger stores can’t beat. Rita’s offers non-GMO and organic groceries, including gluten-free and vegan options. From coffee to kombucha to chicken and beef, this is your one-stop shop for health food!
3. 2Tarts Bakery
Located in the heart of downtown, 2Tarts is a quirky, classic, delicious bakery whose self-proclaimed love for butter makes everything better. Stop in for a pastry, whimsy custom cake, espresso drink, or slice 'o pie!
4. Stars & Stripes Drive-In
Image courtesy of Trip Advisor
Though nothing screams “classic entertainment” like a drive-in movie theatre, reputable and high-quality venues of this nature can be hard to find in the south Texas area. Thankfully Stars and Stripes Drive-in (1178 Kroesche Ln) has maintained excellence in outdoor entertainment for over 10 years! A bit of a family business, Stars and Stripes offers a piece of classic “slice of Americana” you can’t find anywhere else. According to their website, Stars and Stripes aims to help “reclaim this unique part of American history and to serve you a better way to watch a movie.” So whether you’re having a family night or a unique date night, we highly recommend skipping the usual popcorn-and-cinema experience and trying the 50’s-style food under the stars.
5. Dunlap Lake
Image courtesy of LakeDunlap.org
If you’re interested in fishing in the New Braunfels area, you might check out Dunlap Lake, a large reservoir on the Guadalupe near city limits. Known statewide for an abundance of large fish, Dunlap is the perfect place to test out your line. Both experienced and novice fishers will enjoy the placid waters and variety of aquatic life. If you’re in need of gear, New Braunfels also has you covered! Gruene Outfitters is a locally owned and operated store offering a variety of outdoor gear. You shouldn’t have a problem getting yourself out on the water!
6. The Buttermilk Cafe
Image courtesy of The Buttermilk Cafe
If culinary excellence and family values are your thing, you’ll love The Buttermilk Cafe (1324 Common St), a local eatery in New Braunfels. Certified Executive Chef Carol Irwin fell in love with New Braunfels while on a family vacation to the area. The historic town of Gruene particularly captured her attention...as well as her culinary imagination! After opening The Buttermilk Cafe and the River House Tea Room, Chef Irwin has been recognized as Texas Chef of the Year, among other awards. Offering market-fresh ingredients and upscale comfort food, The Buttermilk Cafe is a must-visit in the New Braunfels area!
7. Gruene River Grill
Image courtesy of Yelp
Usually overshadowed by its famous counterpart The Gristmill, Gruene River Grill (1259 Gruene Rd) is an underdog worth checking out! This establishment offers both delicious meals and a charming environment. From shrimp wontons to homemade strawberry shortcake and creme brulee, all recipes are made from scratch daily. Equipped with an extensive wine list and a full-service bar, Gruene River Grill also offers seating on the patio or the more private “wine room”.
8. Fickle Pickles
Image courtesy of TexasHillCountry.com
Have you ever heard of the class pairing of pickles and antiques? Before setting foot in Fickle Pickles (1720 Hunter Road), we hadn’t either...a local store as unique and quirky as it is delicious. Founded in 1987 by Mrs. Shaw herself, Fickle Pickles has become a local favorite for shopping and munching!
Over the last ten years, New Braunfels has grown exponentially. With the increasing popularity of San Antonio and the south Texas area, you would expect the New Braunfels ethos and culture to be swallowed up in the urban sprawl. Not so! Gruene and New Braunfels retain the small-town beauty and charm that made us fall in love with this Hill Country town to begin with. Be sure to check out these hidden gems of the area...and stay tuned for more New Braunfels news on the blog.
9. Local Festivals
Image courtesy of PR Newswire
Like many south Texas towns, New Braunfels has its fair share of festivals and specialty weekends. If you’ve visited New Braunfels, you’ve likely also heard of its most famous festival: Wurstfest, a 10-day tribute to the town’s German heritage and its famous food and brews. But did you also know that New Braunfels offers a slew of unique, fun festivals throughout the year? Included on the calendar are the Gruene Wine & Music Festival, the Crawfish Festival of New Braunfels, Folkfest, the Wein & Saengerfest, and the Texas Clay Festival, among others!
Over the last ten years, New Braunfels has grown exponentially. With the increasing popularity of San Antonio and the south Texas area, you would expect the New Braunfels ethos and culture to be swallowed up in the urban sprawl. Not so! Gruene and New Braunfels retain the small-town beauty and charm that made us fall in love with this Hill Country town to begin with. Be sure to check out these hidden gems of the area...and stay tuned for more New Braunfels news on the blog.