As our restaurant and entertainment culture has become increasingly dependent on the Internet, user reviews have become indispensable to anyone looking for the best taco stands, pizza joints, and bowling alleys.
If you’ve ever had the urge to search for “Things to Do in New Braunfels,” your search engine of choice has probably yielded plenty of Yelp results, a website dedicated to putting out reviews by the people, for the people. This website is one of the most trusted platforms for the user experience...so, naturally, we wanted to know what folks have been saying about New Braunfels.
The following guide is a compilation of the best-rated and most-reviewed places in town!
Restaurants
Gristmill River Restaurant - 4 Stars (970 Reviews)
Image courtesy of tripadvisor.com
The Gristmill River Restaurant is one of the more famous places to eat in town, and it definitely holds up to the renown. The chicken fried steak and mashed potatoes are not only my favorite, but also a favorite on most Yelp reviews. One reviewer said it best: “This place is perfect if you want some comfort food intertwined with a Southern ‘home sweet home’ kind of feeling.”
Gruene River Grill - 4 Stars (352 Reviews)
In the same area, the Gruene River Grill is a fantastic restaurant with an atmosphere that has people feeling just fine as they devour delicious meals. Always start with the shrimp wontons, and be sure to ask your wait staff for recommendations. Michael from Yelp says, “Good for parties, good variety of food, good view, and good parking situation.”
The Buttermilk Cafe - 4 Stars (326 Reviews)
Image courtesy of thebuttermilkcafe.com
Known for its unbeatable breakfast food, The Buttermilk Cafe is one of the top-rated restaurants in New Braunfels, a favorite for residents and tourists alike. It goes without saying that you should get the buttermilk pancakes (and, if you’re really feeling hungry, upgrade it to a full country meal!). Even though there is a line out the door most times, you’ll be relieved to find out you can have a cup of coffee while you’re waiting for the next table. Across the board of Yelp, people are saying, “It’s worth the wait!”
Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Q - 3.5 Stars (277 Reviews)
Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Q is some of the best barbecue in all of the Hill Country, and the Yelp reviews back up that claim. Yelp reviewers are talking about how the self-service is a great idea, and the big family tables are great for sharing meals. There isn’t a bad meat that Cooper’s serves, and it is tempting to pick them all...but Yelp is saying the brisket is, “melt in your mouth delicious.”
Huisache Grill - 4 Stars (281 Reviews)
Image courtesy of huisache.com
Huisache Grill is a fantastic restaurant immediately recognized for its great atmosphere, outdoor seating, and a clean, modern look. With upscale dishes like bleu cheese sirloin, quail, and duck, there are plenty of great eats. Andrew on Yelp says, “[We’ve been here] 15 to 20 times and [have] never had a bad experience.” We would recommend Huisache as a date night spot!
2Rivers Coffee - 4 Stars (25 Reviews)
2Rivers Coffee has everything you could want in a coffee shop according to Yelp reviewer Daryll: “Original art, music, hip baristas, plenty of comfortable intimate seating, and lattes that are smooth, strong, and have hints of earthy goodness.” This coffee oasis is quickly garnering a reputation as some of the best coffee in New Braunfels.
Nightlife and Music Venues
Gruene Hall - 4.5 Stars (157 Reviews)
Image courtesy of gruenehall.com
The Historic Gruene Hall obviously claims a top spot in the Yelp reviews because everyone across the country has heard of this iconic venue! Wooden floors and the feel of the rustic country summer nights will sweep you off your feet each time you attend a concert.
Faust Brewing Company - 4 Stars (136 Reviews)
Faust Brewing Company continues the German culture tradition in New Braunfels of making good beers and having a good time with neighbors. The bar’s atmosphere is distinctly “vintage hotel,” but with a down-to-earth vibe. With beers like the Altered States, Walter’s Pale Ale, Alex Meixner Polka Pils, and the Orange Honey Wheat, Yelp reviewers suggest that you “get a flight” of all kinds of Faust brews!
The Tobacco Haus Cigar Lounge - 5 Stars (11 Reviews)
Image courtesy of tobaccohaus.com
According to their website, The Tobacco Haus Cigar Lounge is the only full-service bar and cigar shop between Houston and Dallas. If you have been looking for a good cigar shop, this is the place for you. A 650 square foot walk-in humidor, over forty beers, a wide range of liquors to pair with your smokes, and more are waiting for you here. Most Yelpers are saying this is their new go-to place for cigars and that the staff is “kind, enthusiastic, and knowledgeable.”
The Pour Haus - 4 Stars (44 Reviews)
The Pour Haus is a great outdoor pub for you and your friends to sit outside, enjoy the weather, and have a few cold ones. With whimsical outdoor swing seating and fun games (washers, corn hole, hack sack, and more), you can spend the evening chatting with friends or listening to live music or laughing.
Tavern in the Gruene - 4 Stars (21 Reviews)
Image courtesy of yelp.com
If you are looking for more to do at a bar than just have a drink, then the Tavern in the Gruene is just for you! Get in on games like ping-pong, shuffleboard, darts, billiards, washers, and corn hole while sipping on some cold beers or a nice cocktail. My favorite Yelp review of this place comes from Kris: “Best happy hour in New Braunfels with the greatest staff and best live music. Not only did I meet my husband here we got married here.”