If you think that tubing the Guadalupe River and eating sausage during Wurstfest are the only ways that New Braunfels locals have fun, then you’re sorely mistaken.
Given the killer margaritas that a lot of bars offer, there’s no denying that this Hill County city knows how to have a good time!
From classic lime margaritas made with fresh-squeezed juice to creative twists featuring jalapeños, bell peppers, and prickly pear, the margarita scene here delivers quality drinks at reasonable prices.
This guide covers the top margarita spots in town and some signature drinks you need to try—you’re welcome.
Dos Rios Mexican Bar & Grill
Location: 1281 N. Academy Ave., New Braunfels, TX 78130
Phone: (830) 609-9556
Hours: Closed Mondays | Tuesday–Saturday: 11 AM – 9 PM |Sunday: 11 AM – 8 PM
Happy Hour: Weekdays from opening until 6:30 PM
The Margaritas
Dos Rios offers visitors delicious margaritas, tequila, and whiskey alongside Mexican cuisine. The bar is a scratch kitchen that takes pride in quality ingredients, and that philosophy extends to their drink program.
Some of their best sellers include their signature drink, the Dos Rios Rita ($13). It’s made with Blanco tequila, Cointreau, simple syrup, and fresh lime juice. It’s straightforward but done right.
Another must-try is their Grande Mango Margarita ($16). It’s their signature grande served up frozen and features classic Mexican flavors such as Tajin and chamoy, served with a tamarind straw.
They also have Flavored Ritas available starting at 11 AM, for days when you can’t wait long enough for happy hour to arrive. Flavor options include original, mango, strawberry, prickly pear, and peach. Price point is fair at $6.50-$14.50.
Gruene River Grill
Location: 1259 Gruene Rd., New Braunfels, TX 78130 (Gruene Historic District)
Phone: (830) 624-2300
Hours: Monday–Thursday: 11 AM – 9 PM |Friday & Saturday: 11 AM – 10 PM | Sunday: 11 AM – 9 PM
The Margaritas
Their bar serves various drinks, such as their signature Mexican Martini ($13), which consists of Herradura Tequila, Grand Marnier, fresh lime juice, and a salted rim. But the true star of the show is their margarita selection, of course.
You have to try their Italian Margarita ($10). It’s a frozen concoction swirled with a touch of amaretto for that subtle kick.
They also have a Cucumber Margarita ($11) made with Herradura Tequila, Cointreau, cucumber puree, serrano pepper, fresh lime juice, and a Tajin salted rim. Truly a Tex-Mex delight!
Insider Tip: Arrive during earlier evening hours for better seating, especially on weekends when Gruene gets crowded. Happy hour here starts at 3 PM on weekdays, where you can get their classic margaritas for only $5!
Casa Garcia’s
Location: 1691 State Hwy 46 W, Suite 335, New Braunfels, TX 78130
Hours: Sunday: 7 AM – 8 PM | Monday–Thursday: 7 AM – 9 PM | Friday & Saturday: 7 AM – 10 PM
The Margaritas
One of their best sellers is the unique mix called Jalapeño Rita ($11). It’s made with LALO Silver tequila, jalapeño concentrate, honey syrup, and fresh lime juice. If you like heat with your tequila, there’s no doubt that this is your margarita.
If spicy isn’t your thing, here’s a more refreshing offer: La Flaca ($10). This is their take on a skinny margarita, consisting of El Jimador Silver, lime juice, agave nectar, and club soda. A truly lowkey sweet and cool drink.
Can’t decide which flavor to try? They got just the right item for you. Order their Margarita Sampler ($12). The sampler lets you taste multiple margarita varieties in smaller portions. You can choose 3 margarita flavors to include in your order.
Lupe Tortilla
Location: 2975 Town Center Dr., New Braunfels, TX 78130
Phone: (512) 975-2440
Hours: Open every day from 11 AM – 9 PM
The Margaritas
Lupe Tortilla offers straightforward hand-shaken margaritas served on the rocks. Their signature drink is called the Lupe’s “Perfect” Margarita, which only has Carabuena Tequila and lime. Price starts at $15.95 for blanco, $17.50 for reposado, and $19.95 for anejo.
They also have a huge, and I mean huge, selection of liquor that you can order by the shot or as a margarita. Shots start at $6, while margaritas are at $10.95 a pop.
Don’t forget to try their Margarita Flight ($19.95). Lupe Tortilla rotates seasonal margarita flavors. For this Christmas season, they have the Orange Cranberry Margarita.
Bonus Tips for Margarita Lovers
Frozen vs. On the Rocks: Most spots offer both options. Frozen margaritas are sweeter and more dessert-like. On the rocks lets you taste the tequila quality more clearly and is generally preferred by margarita purists. Ask for your preference when ordering.
Happy Hour Strategy: Check happy hour times before you go. Early afternoon deals (like Dos Rios’ weekday 11 AM – 6:30 PM happy hour) can save significant money. La Cosecha’s happy hour is bar and patio only—important to know if you want the discount.
Try Signature Twists: Instead of ordering the standard margarita everywhere, try each restaurant’s unique offering. Have fun with your drinks!
Pair with Tex-Mex: Margaritas and fajitas are a classic combination for good reason. The salt and citrus in a margarita cut through the richness of cheese and meat perfectly. Chips and salsa with a cold margarita is also a winning combo.
Cheers from New Braunfels!
Whatever your margarita style—bold and spicy, smooth and classic, frozen or on the rocks, budget-friendly or premium—New Braunfels has a spot waiting for you.
The best margarita is the one you’re drinking while soaking in the Hill Country atmosphere, whether that’s on a patio overlooking the Guadalupe River, in historic Gruene after exploring the district, or at a lively cantina surrounded by friends and good vibes.
Now go find your perfect margarita. Salud!
Featured image credit: Roman Odinstov via Pexels