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16 Best Restaurants in New Braunfels, TX

Rj Sotelo

Nov 1, 2022 • 10 min read

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New Braunfels is a bustling city in Texas located between the major cities of San Antonio and Austin.

Because it’s in Texas, you can expect a lot of delicious barbecue and grilled cuisines in New Braunfels.

The city also has several diners with varying cuisines to appease its booming local populace.

There are also plenty of restaurants along parks and rivers, providing a scenic dining experience.

Here are the best restaurants in New Braunfels, Texas to get you started in your food adventure.

Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar

Serving food for several decades now, Gristmill River Restaurant and Bar is easily one of the most iconic dining establishments in the historic district of Gruene along Gruene Road.

It’s located under the city’s landmark water tower, part of a cotton factory ruin dating back to the 1870s.

Besides its uncanny location, Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar is also along the scenic Guadalupe River—giving the restaurant a rustic ambiance.

Their food, of course, is something that will make you want to come back.

They serve classic American appetizers, salads, and soups, while their entrees feature fish, beef, chicken, and pork dishes.

If you’re looking to celebrate a special occasion or impress someone on a date, a few options in the city offer the ambiance and all-around great food as that of Gristmill River Restaurant and Bar.

Gruene Grill

Another great place to dine in New Braunfels’ Gruene district is Gruene Grill, just a few walks away from Gristmill River Restaurant.

Like its neighboring restaurant, Gruene Grill offers beautiful views of the Guadalupe River.

Some of the best entrees of Gruene Grill are its balsamic ribeye, smoked pork tenderloin, and chicken guadalupe—chicken breast served with pico de gallo, mixed cheeses, and salsa topped on mashed potatoes.

They also have a variety of seafood, such as their shrimp wonton appetizer, pan-fried redfish, and their main entree, salmon picatta.

Gruene Grill also has a variety of drinks, from wines and craft beers to frozen margaritas.

A homey but festive restaurant, Gruene Grill is a great place for special occasions with friends and family.

McAdoo's Seafood Company

While not located in Gruene District, McAdoo's Seafood Company is another restaurant in a historic site of New Braunfels.

At the heart of the city along North Castell Avenue, McAdoo's Seafood Company stands at a former 1915 post office building.

While already restored, the restaurant's facade retains its post office look—you wonn’t realize it’s a restaurant at first glance!

Specializing in Cajun-style seafood, the restaurant also serves as an oyster bar with various alcoholic beverages.

Try their blackened trout, lobster bisque, grilled Rockefeller, and shrimp & cheese grits when dining here.

You’ll have full access to all kinds of seafood here, so be sure to come with an empty stomach!

Huisache Grill

Huisache Grill is another dining icon of the city, located along West San Antonio Street in Downtown New Braunfels.

Geared to provide a casual but elegant dining experience, Huisache Grill offers a cozy and rustic ambiance.

The restaurant serves a variety of sandwiches, salads, main courses, and appetizers.

Huisache Grill is also well-known for its extensive wines and craft beers.

When dining here, try their chicken tortilla soup, fried oysters, trout entrees, and blue cheese steak.

The Downtowner

If you want to have a proper meal in the middle of the day, few options are as good as The Downtowner.

Just a few walks from Huisache Grill along South Castell Avenue, The Downtowner is a straightforward American restaurant that can satisfy your burger and slider cravings.

Their Nashville chicken slider is a winner, along with their steak and eggs.

If you want something lighter, they also serve a variety of toast, pancakes, and omelets.

To have the best dining experience here, order their juicy meat dishes with their brunch-time cocktails.

Sample their interesting drinks too, such as Bartender’s Coffee, The Green Hat, and Champurrado.

Black’s Barbecue

While Black’s Barbecue is not exclusive to New Braunfels, it’s a must-visit if you’re looking for an authentic Texan barbecue experience.

Serving for almost a century now, it’s the oldest barbecue joint in Texas.

You’ll get a proper cowboy meal here, as Black’s Barbecue has it all for you—beef brisket, pork belly, baby back ribs, smoked turkey, and chicken.

Of course, no barbecue is complete without various sides like beans, chips, coleslaw, and mac and cheese.

Entering their establishment will immediately make your mouth water, as you can instantly smell their smokers.

Visit Black’s Barbecue in New Braunfels along East Common Street.

Gourmage

If you’re not in the mood for something heavy, Gourmage is a quaint and romantic place to have cheese and wine, located along West San Antonio Street.

Gourmage has a lot of artisan European items on its menu—cheeses, wine, truffles, and cold cuts like salami and prosciutto.

It also offers sides like fruits, nuts, and French baguettes.

Their most famous item is the Charcuterie or cheese platter, where you can request a chef’s recommendation called “Cheesemonger’s Choice.”

With their exquisite wine, you’ll have a delectable time at Gourmage with your special someone or close friends.

Union Station Diner

At the end of East San Antonio Street lies Union Station Diner, a go-to place for a cozy family meal in New Braunfels.

This family restaurant is an all-rounder, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

What Union Station Diner is most famous for, however, is its all-day breakfast.

The restaurant offers a mouthwatering variety of omelets, toasts, and waffles paired with sausages and hams.

You can mix and match many of their ingredients to create your own, if you’re feeling adventurous.

Other well-rated items are fried chicken steak, biscuits and gravy, and hash browns.

Sea Island Shrimp House

Sea Island Shrimp House only has a few branches on the West Coast, and New Braunfels is one of the lucky cities to have them.

Originally based in San Antonio, Sea Island Shrimp House is a haven for seafood lovers looking to enjoy a platter of deep-fried shrimp.

Their deep-fried platters are a must-try—featuring shrimps, oysters, and white fish fillets.

They also have several seafood entrees here, such as seafood tacos and their famous charbroiled shrimp.

If you’re dining with someone allergic to seafood, angus burgers and chicken platters are available.

Sea Island Shrimp House is on the outskirts of New Braunfels, along Creekside Crossing.

Avery’s Kitchen

Just a few miles from Sea Island Shrimp House lies Avery’s Kitchen, located at Central Plaza Suite.

Avery’s Kitchen is a mom-and-pop-style restaurant serving classic American meals.

Their breakfast menu consists of omelets, egg platters, and steaks.

If you’re looking for something heavier, they’re also famous for their fried chicken steak and gumbo.

Other dishes you may want to try here are their Po’ Boy, burgers, calamari, and hushpuppies.

Overall, Avery’s Kitchen offers a soulful dining experience like no other!

Texas Bistro Park View

If you’re looking for a more gastronomically enticing experience, Texas Bistro Park View’s executive chefs have you covered.

Their menu shows the restaurant's culinary expertise, which will satisfy your palate.

The restaurant provides a twist to classic dishes, adding creativity.

Try their stuffed poblano, pecan-crusted chicken, and “Tostada Tower” when you visit.

Texas Bistro Park View is located along South Seguin Avenue.

Adobe Cafe

A trip to Texas isn’t complete without having a proper Tex-Mex meal.

Located along Elliot Knox Boulevard, Adobe Cafe is one of the best restaurants to try a load of Tex-Mex dishes like tortilla soup, poblano, enchiladas, and more.

One of their most filling meals includes grande burritos and enchiladas that come in wide varieties.

If you want a no-brainer choice for your meal, their Tex-Mex platters are the way to go.

With each platter featuring a generous combination of enchiladas, tacos, rice, and queso, you’ll have no problem satisfying your Tex-Mex cravings.

Clear Springs Restaurant

Clear Springs Restaurant is a Texas classic specializing in deep-fried food.

Whether you like shrimp, onion rings, or fried chicken, this place has it all for you and more.

They’re best known for their onion rings, while their deep-fried mushrooms, catfish, and pickles also get rave reviews.

Of course, deep-fried food is best paired with delicious sauce and gravy—something Clear Springs Restaurant is also known for.

When you’re feeling the urge to crunch on some savory finger food, visit the restaurant along Texas Highway 46.

Jason’s Deli

Want a break from all the sinful deep-fried food and mouthwatering barbecues in Texas?

Jason’s Deli is a great option for you.

The deli caters to those looking for healthy meal options.

It offers vegetarian, gluten-free, and nutrition-sensitive meals.

It's also famous for its vegetarian soups and veggie sandwiches like its Texado Toast.

You can also build your own sandwiches here with various fresh garden ingredients.

Jason’s Deli has been serving customers for decades.

The restaurant is easily accessible along Kuehler Avenue and Interstate Highway 35 South.

Noli’s Vite

Italian cuisine is also famous in New Braunfels, and Noli’s Vite embodies the city’s Italian culinary excellence.

Noli Vite’s head chef and owner trained in Sicily for several years, learning the intricacies of Mediterranean and Italian cuisine.

Today, Noli’s Vite is one of the most popular family Italian restaurants specializing in pasta and pizzas.

Some of the restaurant's standout dishes include the mussels marinara, seafood pasta, and their specialty pizza consisting of bacon, burger, onions, mushrooms, and vegetables.

The restaurant is also famous for its freshly baked desserts featuring a variety of cheesecakes and its crowd-favorite tiramisu.

Located along East Common Street, Noli’s Vite is a fantastic place for families and couples.

Mozie’s

Few places offer an awesome nighttime dining experience like Mozie’s.

It’s a great place to have some beer with friends deep into the night.

You can also watch your favorite sports team here, as the restaurant has television sets in its bar station.

Of course, besides the ambiance, Mozie’s has a stacked menu that makes customers return.

You’ll enjoy their sliders, anticuchos (shish kabobs), and pasta, highlighted by their panko parmesan chicken.

They also have an extensive selection of beer, whiskey, and wine.

Located along Hunter Road, Mozie’s is across the historic district of Gruene, in a corner of the city with vibrant nightlife.

Final Thoughts

New Braunfels is teeming with Texan delicacies that will make any traveler salivate.

The city has loads of Texas barbecue and Tex-Mex options and various other interesting restaurants with unique approaches and twists to their dishes.

Best of all, because of New Braunfels' rich history and topography, many dining establishments here feature a distinct ambiance.

So what are you waiting for?

Use this list of the best restaurants in New Braunfels, Texas to kickstart your Texan culinary adventure!

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