Located between San Antonio and Austin, New Braunfels is a hub of outdoor fun and a long-time favorite summer getaway in Central Texas. From its crystal clear Comal River to one of the best waterparks in the U.S., travelers come for a dip in its spring-fed waters. After splashing in the water all day, most head to one of its bakeries or a German Biergarten. Here are the best Restaurants in New Braunfels.
Best Restaurants in New Braunfels
2tarts Bakery
Buttermilk Cafe
Union Station Diner
Naegelin’s Bakery
Muck and Fuss
Krause’s Biergarten and Cafe
Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar
Gruene Hall
Inferno’s Pizza
Mozie’s
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2tarts Bakery
For a quick breakfast, 2tarts Bakery offers a blend of savory and sweet baked goods. From its cinnamon rolls to scones, diners choose from several sweet options. It also serves a daily quiche, frittata and pigs in a poncho (pig in a blanket).
For snacks later in the day, 2tarts Bakery sells assorted scratch cookies, such as Almond Thumbprints, Drop Cookies, like Chocolate Chip, and Macarons. Its cupcakes are swoon-worthy, and they come in lots of flavors, including vegan options.
This is a go-to for a cake on the go for birthday parties and other celebrations.
Located at 139 N. Castell Ave. #300 in New Braunfels. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (midnight on Friday and Saturday).
Buttermilk Cafe
For hearty portions of family favorites, Buttermilk Cafe is another top place for breakfast in New Braunfels. Its egg dishes, like its Migas (scrambled eggs with tortilla chips) and Strata, are tops on the menu. The Buttermilk Cafe’s biscuits and pancakes are tender and soft.
It also serves lunch, including large salads and serious sandwiches. Its menu also includes lunch entrees that eat like dinner, like liver and onions or chicken dumplings.
Located at 1324 East Common Street. Open Monday to Saturday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., serving breakfast all day.
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Union Station Diner
With its train memorabilia decorating the walls, this local favorite is a must for a leisurely breakfast. It serves American breakfast favorites, like pancakes as big as the plate. Its menu features one page dedicated to its omelets.
For lunch, the Union Station Diner serves sandwiches, burgers and lunch specials, like chicken-fried steaks. It also offers a kids’ menu for both breakfast and lunch.
Located at 512 E San Antonio St. in New Braunfels. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Expect a wait on busy weekends.
Naegelin’s Bakery
This German bakery, which opened in 1868, was owned and operated by the Naegelin Family until the 1980s. The Granzin Family bought the bakery and has continued operating in the original location.
This is the best place for German baked goods , like Sausage Kolaches and Sweet German pretzels. It also bakes coffee cakes and assorted cookies.
Located at 129 S. Seguin Ave. Open Monday to Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Saturday from 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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After a day in the water, a burger and beer are a great way to end it.
Muck and Fuss
Located next to the Prince Solms Inn, Muck and Fuss makes the best burgers and fries in town. During my visit, we started with its truffle fries, perfect fries with lemon aioli, Parmesan cheese and green onions. If not your jam, it offers several versions of its signature fries.
Most come to Muck and Fuss for its burgers. It serves a half-pound patty made with Dean & Peeler Ranch beef. During my visit, my kids had the All-American Burger. I sampled the Havarti Jam, which has caramelized onions and bacon jam.
Other top items include its signature shakes, served kid-friendly and boozy. For adults, its selection of craft brews is excellent.
Located at 295 E. San Antonio. Open Sunday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
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Krause’s Biergarten and Cafe
After a day of sliding and splashing, diners can sit at a long table in a traditional German Biergarten. Krause’s Biergarten features a hall with soaring ceilings draped with flags. Grab a spot at one of the endless long tables, and the attentive staff will help you navigate the beer menu.
With a wall of beer tabs featuring local, seasonal or traditional German brews, deciding isn’t easy. The menu offers German classics paired with Texas favorites, like burgers and schnitzel. For those looking for a lighter meal, it offers salads. There are lots of appetizers for those who would like to snack and sample the beer selection.
Outside the hall, find an outdoor space with a stage for frequent live music. For those needing to escape the heat, Krause’s offers an indoor space. However, I dined in the middle of summer and loved the outdoor space.
Located at 148 S. Castell Ave, Open Sunday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
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Gruene Hall
Originally built in 1878, Gruene Hall is the oldest continually operating dance hall in Texas. The building is still cooled by opening up the windows. Not much has changed at the bar in the front along the stage, dance floor and pool tables in the back.
With live music most nights, visitors will find everything from a local act to household names. Willie Nelson, George Strait, Garth Brooks and Lyle Lovett have all played on its stage. The venue offers an outdoor area with a stage too.
Located at Gruene Road. Open nightly.
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Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar
In the shadow of the Gruene Water Tower, the Grist Mill Restaurant sits on a bluff overlooking the Guadalupe River. As the remnants of an 1878 cotton gin, this open-air restaurant opened in 1977.
Most diners request a table on its shaded multi-level patio. Though a few tables are inside.
Its menu focuses on American classics, so find salads and sandwiches, along with fish, chicken and beef entrees. Though my family always gravitates to the burgers and the Grist Mill onion rings.
Located at 1287 Gruene Road. Open Sunday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Inferno’s Pizza
For a pizza and a cold beer, head to Inferno’s Pizza. Diners can choose between an indoor and shaded outdoor space. Diners will have a hard time choosing a favorite pizza.
During my visit, I had a mixed group of young and older people. We ordered the Margherita Pizza, The Big One (Inferno’s Supreme), and its signature, Inferno’s Scorpio Pepper Pizza. The latter was definitely spicy. My 15-year-old enjoyed it, and my 20-year-old thought it was too hot.
In addition to pizzas, Inferno’s Pizza features salads, sandwiches, and appetizers. It offers a line of beers along with cocktails.
Located at 1198 Gruene Rd. Open Sunday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Mozie’s
In a sliver of a storefront, Mozie’s is across the street from Gruene Hall. Part bar, part restaurant, the menu features options like sliders and salads along with a kids’ favorite, a Grown-Up Grilled Cheese. Additional entrées tempt diners with options like pasta, chicken, and steak.
Located at 1601-A Hunter Road. Open Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to midnight.
Disclosure:
This article was created after a press trip. Consideration for brands mentioned.
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