Gruene Restaurants: Where to Eat in the Gruene District
The Historic Gruene District concentrates diverse dining options within a compact walkable area where riverside locations, preserved historic buildings, and proximity to Gruene Hall create a one-of-a-kind dining experience.
Here, guests can choose from iconic Texas eateries serving comfort-food classics, riverside dining spaces where Guadalupe River views enhance meals, and specialty bars offering craft cocktails all day long.
In this guide, we’ve listed some of the best restaurants in Gruene that you shouldn’t miss!
1. Cantina del Rio
Cantina del Rio serves Tex-Mex favorites in a colorful, relaxed riverside setting where outdoor patio dining with string lights and picnic-style tables creates festive atmospheres, particularly appealing during pleasant weather.
The restaurant occupies prime Guadalupe River frontage, with patio seating providing views of the water and of tubers floating past during summer months when river recreation peaks.
Location: 1299 Gruene Road, New Braunfels
Contact Details: 830-515-1950 | [email protected]
Hours: Sunday – Thursday: 11 AM to 9 PM | Friday & Saturday: 11 AM to 10 PM
Must-Try Menu Items
Cantina del Rio delivers bold Tex-Mex flavors with generous portions and plenty of customizable options. If you’re hungry, start with their Fajitas, one of the restaurant’s signature dishes.
Fajitas for One come in three choices: Beef for $18.99, Chicken for $17.99, or a Mixed plate for $18.49.
Feeding two? The Fajitas for Two offer the same options at a great value: Beef for $35.99, Chicken for $33.99, or Mixed for $34.99.
For taco lovers, both crispy and soft options are covered. The Crispy Taco Plate includes your choice of beef picadillo for $13.49 or shredded chicken for $12.49, topped simply with lettuce, tomato, and cheese, plus a side of guacamole.
Cantina del Rio Specialties
The El Rey Platter ($14.99) takes the restaurant’s popular El Rey Burger and reimagines it without the bun: a half-pound beef patty stacked with melted cheddar, sliced avocado, pickled jalapeños, and house ranchero sauce.
Another standout is the Carne Guisada Plate ($13.49). This is a tender South Texas-style beef tips simmered in a spicy gravy, paired with rice, beans, and warm tortillas (flour or corn).
Drinks to Try
The margarita lineup alone makes Cantina del Rio worth a visit. The El Rey Margarita ($14.00) blends Casa Noble Reposado with Cointreau, agave, lime juice, and a touch of orange bitters for a smooth, elevated take on the classic.
If you want something fruitier and a little indulgent, the La Reina Margarita ($15.00) mixes Código Blanco tequila with Cointreau, blackberry brandy, agave, and fresh lime, finished with a sugar rim.
For something more playful (and perfect on a hot day), grab a Frozen Margarita for $8.00. Choose from traditional lime, mango, strawberry, or the colorful sangria swirl.
2. The Gruene Grove
The Gruene Grove is the perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploring, offering an upstairs patio bar with beer on tap, a strong wine list, signature cocktails, and icy margaritas.
Head downstairs to the hidden speakeasy for top-shelf pours, then stick around for live music, German bratwurst, and homemade ice cream that turn this cozy hideout into a full Hill Country experience.
Location: 1263 Gruene Road, New Braunfels
Contact Details: [email protected]
Hours: Monday – Saturday: Noon to Midnight | Sunday: Noon to 10 PM
Wurst in Gruene Menu (Food Truck)
The Gruene Grove’s Wurst in Gruene food truck dishes out hearty, flavor-packed sausages served on warm pretzel buns, each loaded with its own distinct toppings.
Try the German ($12) with house kraut, house mustard, sautéed onions, and curry ketchup, or go for the Italian ($11) topped with grilled peppers, onions, and house mustard.
Classic lovers will appreciate the American ($11) all-beef dog with ketchup, mustard, dill relish, and diced onions, while heat-seekers gravitate toward the Tejas ($13) stacked with chili, cheddar, onions, and fried jalapeños.
Rounding out the menu are comfort favorites like Chili Cheese Fries ($8.75) and Pulled Pork Nachos ($13)—perfect for sharing or pairing with a cold drink.
Upstairs Patio Bar
The upstairs patio bar keeps things bright and refreshing with a lineup of easy-sipping cocktails ideal for warm Hill Country afternoons.
The Lemonade Stand blends San Antonio-made Ranch Vodka with homemade lemonade for a crisp, citrusy cooler, while the Texas Mule mixes TX Blended Whiskey, ginger beer, and fresh lemon juice for a smooth, spicy kick.
A house favorite, The Gruene Grove Rita, combines house tequila, orange liqueur, and freshly squeezed lime and lemon juice, served with a salted rim for that classic Texas margarita touch.
Underground Speakeasy
Downstairs, the underground speakeasy shifts to richer, more refined flavors with handcrafted cocktails built around high-quality spirits and thoughtful house-made syrups.
The Goodwins Old Fashioned layers Four Roses Bourbon with honey simple syrup and a blend of Angostura and orange bitters, offering a balanced and aromatic sip.
Those craving something decadent can try the Pecan Praline, which features TX Blended Whiskey and a pecan-roasted brown sugar syrup finished with chocolate bitters.
Traditionalists will love the Vieux Carré—a complex mix of rye, cognac, vermouth, and Benedictine—or the silky Whiskey Sour made with bourbon, fresh lemon, simple syrup, and fluffy egg whites for a classic speakeasy experience.
3. Gruene Coffee Haus
Gruene Coffee Haus functions as a cozy local coffee shop that residents frequent regularly and that visitors adopt temporarily as their Gruene caffeine source.
The rustic charm includes exposed wood, vintage décor, comfortable seating arrangements with mismatched furniture, and the local coffee shop vibe where regulars greet staff by name.
Location: 1720 Hunter Road, New Braunfels
Contact Details and Hours:
Coffee Shop: 830-625-5527 (7 AM to 7 PM daily)
Roastery: 830-481-9344 (Monday – Friday 8 AM to 4 PM)
Drinks to Try
Gruene Coffee keeps caffeine lovers well taken care of with a full lineup of espresso drinks and handcrafted specialties.
If you prefer something bold and straightforward, the Americano runs from $3.70 (12oz) to $4.90 (20oz), while the Cappuccino and Latte start at $4.90 for a 12oz cup, topping out at $6.20 for the largest size.
For a sweeter sip, their Flavored Lattes—available in options like vanilla, caramel, toasted marshmallow, butterscotch, and dozens more—range from $5.55 to $6.75, depending on size.
Beyond coffee, the menu branches out with chai, matcha, iced tea, lemonade, and hot cocoa, giving non-coffee drinkers plenty to love.
Coffee Blends
If you want to bring Gruene Coffee’s flavors home, their curated selection of beans is worth exploring. Signature blends start around $16.50, including favorites like Gingerbread Latte, Cinnamon Hazelnut, and Texas Pecan.
Single-origin offerings such as Ethiopia Yirgacheffe (from $18), Brazil Oberon Ayabas (from $16.95), and Sumatra Mandheling (from $18) appeal to those who enjoy more distinct regional profiles.
And before you head out, don’t miss their locally sourced pastries—perfect for pairing with any drink, whether hot, iced, or blended.
4. Mozie’s
Mozie’s operates as a comfortable bar-and-grill located across from Gruene Hall, where the proximity to Texas’s oldest dance hall creates natural traffic from concert attendees wanting pre-show meals or post-show drinks.
The casual American menu with Texas twists includes burgers, sandwiches, bar food classics, and German-influenced items reflecting New Braunfels’ heritage.
Location: 1601 Hunter Road, New Braunfels
Contact Details: (830) 515-1281
Hours: Sunday: 11 AM to 10 PM | Monday – Thursday: 11 AM to 11 PM | Friday: 11 AM to 12 AM | Saturday: 11 AM to 1 AM
Popular Menu Items
Mozie’s keeps things casual, flavorful, and satisfying with a menu built around comfort-food favorites done right.
The Sliders ($16) remain a top pick—three juicy mini burgers layered with mayo and cheddar cheese, perfect for sharing or enjoying solo.
If you’re craving something heartier, the Steak Chimichurri ($29) delivers three tender 3-oz steak medallions topped with housemade chimichurri, paired with crispy onion rings and a fresh house salad.
For classic American flavor with a twist, The Big Dog ($10) offers a quarter-pound all-beef hot dog dressed in jalapeño mustard, dill relish, and sauerkraut, served with your choice of housemade chips, skinny fries, or cole slaw.
Specialty Drinks
Mozie’s drink menu offers bold flavors and refreshing twists that pair perfectly with their hearty food. The Batman & Robin ($13)—a spicy Bloody Mary served alongside a cold beer—is a crowd favorite for those who love a savory kick.
For something icy and tangy, the Frozen Tamarind Margarita ($10) combines El Jimador tequila with blended tamarind, tajín, and chamoy for a sweet-and-spicy treat.
If you prefer something bright and botanical, the Lavender Lemonade ($10) mixes fresh-squeezed lemon, lavender syrup, and Tito’s Vodka into a fragrant refresher.
And for drinkers who enjoy deeper, warmer notes, the Maple Bourbon Sour ($11) blends Knob Creek whiskey with lemon, rosemary, and maple syrup for a smooth, aromatic finish.
No Hungry Tummys at Gruene District
With all the fantastic cafés, restaurants, shops, and tasting rooms listed here, we’re sure you’ll never run out of places to explore on your next visit to Gruene.
Whether you’re craving a full meal, hunting for unique gifts, or simply looking for a spot to relax with a drink in hand, Gruene’s vibrant local scene makes it easy to fill an entire day—if not an entire weekend—without ever repeating an experience.
And this list is just the tip of the iceberg!
Gruene is packed with even more hidden gems, quirky boutiques, historic treasures, and delicious eateries waiting to be discovered. Wander down any street, and you’re bound to find another shop worth browsing or a menu worth sampling.
So take your time, enjoy the journey, and let your curiosity lead the way—you never know what new favorite spot you’ll stumble upon next.
