Finding a bar in New Braunfels is simple. But not every watering hole deserves your precious time—just because a place serves drinks doesn’t mean you’ll get an experience better than sipping from a flask in your driveway. These establishments, however, truly deliver.
Riley’s Tavern
$ | (512) 392-3132 | WEBSITE
Riley’s Tavern is the only bar with a sprawling outdoor area featuring games, and it has a rich Texas history dating back decades. The cold beer and live music won’t blow your mind, but you’re not here for the drinks—you’re here to soak in the old-school Texas charm and reminisce about the days when you could hop on a bike and cruise through Hunter, Texas, just off I-35 between Austin and San Antonio.
The Palms Lounge
$ | (830) 214-6724 | WEBSITE
A trip to this popular adult hangout in New Braunfels is never a bad move for easy drinks or lively nights full of their well-mixed cocktails. But you should stick around sometimes, post up on their spacious outdoor patio out front, and take time to enjoy their reasonable beer prices that come with a friendly crowd, as well as the diverse entertainment options like pool tables and live music.
The Daiquiri Depot
$ | (830) 632-5888 | WEBSITE
The Daiquiri Depot sits along a busy stretch in New Braunfels. On any afternoon, you’ll find the drive-thru lane full of families heading to the river, couples grabbing a quick refreshment, and friend groups stopping by before tubing down the Guadalupe. There’s typically no issue getting your River Road daiquiri or New Braunfels Sunset margarita from the quick-service window, but if the line’s long, you can always pull into a parking spot and walk up to order.
Pour Haus Patio Bar
$$ | (830) 214-6033 | WEBSITE
When you’re midway through your weekend and need to unwind with a cold beer and some live tunes, Pour Haus is here for you. The vibrant spot does entertainment most days on their spacious patio, with activities like cornhole, giant Jenga, and fire pits. They also have indoor games, if you want to fulfill your fun quota when the Texas heat is a bit higher.
The Villa | Cool Tunes · Cold Drinks · Good Company
$ | (830) 625-9463 | WEBSITE
The upside to grabbing a seat on the patio at this upscale-ish bar: you’re in prime band-viewing position, so you can watch local musicians strum and sing under the Texas sky. Adding to the charm of the Gruene patio are string lights and the smell of pizza from Infernos, setting the stage for amazing drinks mixed by bartenders like Zach, a life-changing game of corn hole, and live-to-order tunes that keep the vibrant atmosphere flowing.
The Weighted Plate
$$ | (830) 214-5700 | WEBSITE
This speakeasy-style stage stop is the perfect spot for anyone in New Braunfels looking for great cocktails and a lively place to hang out. The outdoor venue has a rustic-chic feel with a playground for kids and puppies, food trucks, and a stage for live music—it gets the job done, especially if you need to decompress in the late afternoon over solid brick oven pizza, delicious cocktails like the smoked old fashioned and raspberry sour, and some truly gold-standard mingling with locals.
Lass Café & Cocktails
$ | (830) 500-0598 | WEBSITE
Lass Café & Cocktails is the go-to unwind spot. They have Thursday night karaoke that’s a total blast, friendly bartenders who remember your drink, and the best ranch water in New Braunfels. While it’s perfect for winding down after work, they also have pool tables, darts, and a welcoming crowd that makes everyone feel included. Oh, and the owners, who are sisters, are always around greeting regulars with that personalized service.
Come for a solo drink at the bar, a group hangout with games, or any time you need some karaoke therapy and are OK with a pool cue stepping in as conversation starter.
Lucy Cooper’s Ice House
$ | (830) 837-5172 | WEBSITE
Yes, this New Braunfels ice house is a massive sports bar with TVs everywhere. But that just means you have ample screen space to spontaneously cheer thanks to their incredible Fried Deviled Eggs, Wings, and juicy Lucy burgers that strike the perfect crispy-to-juicy ratio. Roll up with a big crew, make sure everyone’s ready for games, hop in the fast-moving yet friendly service line, and prepare for a buzzing feast with Mango Cart Summer Craft Beer.
Goodwin’s Speakeasy
$ | (830) 765-0300 | WEBSITE
When you want to slip back in time like a time traveler, a visit to Goodwin’s Speakeasy is essential. The underground bar in Gruene has a cozy interior and an even more intimate prohibition-era atmosphere with limited seating and a hidden portal. Sip on one of their beautifully-crafted cocktails or a classic whisky sour, and enjoy something from their creative drink menu including passionfruit tiki with gin and pecan praline.
The knowledgeable bartender Logan makes each drink special, and the attentive service keeps the experience delightful. While the space is small, the quality of the drinks and the speakeasy setting make Goodwin’s a must-visit destination.
The Hoity Toit Beer Joint
$ | (830) 327-1201 | WEBSITE
The Hoity Toit Beer Joint is a New Braunfels spot specializing in, obviously, cold beer. The incredibly reasonable drinks here are perfectly chilled, and available as beer, wine, or mixers. Grab one of each and find a seat on their shaded back patio. It’s filled with picnic tables, shade overhead, and a pool table nearby. Take your time and soak in the ambient sounds of rock and roll and country music.
Gruene Grove
$ | (830) 765-0300 | WEBSITE
Gruene Grove is a lively, all-evening spot that doubles as an outdoor music venue. They also have a sprawling back patio. You have to walk through the main area before emerging into the yard with string lights, gravel-covered ground, and picnic tables just waiting for frosty beers, crisp seltzers, and satisfying apps and wurst from the airstream food truck. The atmosphere is always welcoming, with live music regularly, and the staff here are friendly and kind.
It’s a great spot for a no-frills night out, close to home, with a fun and lively vibe. The place can get pretty packed on a weekend, so it is recommended to get there early. They allow dogs and the outdoor patio is thoroughly enjoyed.
Off the Clock NB
$$ | (830) 627-4727 | WEBSITE
Settling into a patio chair with your pup at Off the Clock NB is how lazy afternoons should be spent. The welcoming neighborhood spot in New Braunfels makes the most of their dog-friendly space, with ample seating and a relaxed vibe. Go all in on their friendly service and drink recommendations, especially the local craft beers and signature cocktails.
Our Lady Bar & Patio
$ | (830) 358-7545 | WEBSITE
If you’re looking for margaritas, pizza, and jalapeño cheesecake in New Braunfels, head to this indoor-outdoor bar and patio. The popular spot does crowd-pleasing cocktails and dishes in a space adorned with thrifted decor, lots of charm, and hanging string lights. Plus, it’s one of the easiest places in town to bring your dog or catch live music on Thursdays and Fridays.
Lone Star Lounge
$ | (830) 627-9604 | WEBSITE
Lone Star Lounge is the perfect spot to let a “quick drink” inevitably turn into an hours-long hangout. The cozy interior at this New Braunfels bar could fit a small army of regulars. It’s filled with well-worn leather stools, warm lighting, and just enough space for friends to treat the place like their personal living room. They also have excellent cold drinks and live music on tap.
Scores Sports Bar & Grill
$ | (830) 620-9091 | WEBSITE
There’s something undeniably American about the sports memorabilia that covers every wall of this bustling bar. Expect enthusiastic game-watching, a steady stream of cheers erupting thanks to multiple big-screen TVs, and cold beers that inspire high-fives and friendly banter with fellow fans. Opting for a seat at the bar also means getting service much quicker, especially during major events, since the dining area can get crowded and loud.
Go for the standout club sandwich, and whatever wing flavor is on special that day.
Moonshine & Ale
$ | (830) 608-0087 | WEBSITE
Moonshine & Ale is the ultimate casual hangout spot in downtown New Braunfels. The courtyard is bright and inviting, with circle tables and chairs scattered across the lawn where you can play games or just soak up the fresh air. Their outdoor area channels the same relaxed vibe with lawn games and plenty of space for gathering with friends. You can also sing along to classic tunes during their dueling piano nights, where the piano bar comes alive with energy.
Also know that a weekend here isn’t complete without grabbing pizza rolls from Calahans next door and enjoying them with one of their strong cocktails or beers from the large selection. The staff, including Kim and Katy, keep the service excellent and the atmosphere lively, making it perfect for bar crawls or fun nights out.
Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar
$$ | (830) 625-0684 | WEBSITE
Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar sits right along the Guadalupe River. Their sprawling patio has front-row views of the water flowing through the Texas Hill Country. Big enough to host a family reunion, the umbrella-covered area is an ideal spot to kick back with a margarita in a mason jar and chicken fried chicken while plotting your next river float trip.
Lone Star Lounge Creekside
$ | (512) 644-6844 | WEBSITE
Lone Star Lounge Creekside is a bar by evening and an entertainment hub by night. While you could and should sip a dirty Martini or an old fashioned inside, we sometimes prefer lounging in the outside area. It’s a nice space featuring live local music. You’ll find it easy to linger for long conversations with friends, or a solo outing with some beers and the trivia night you’re powering through for fun.