
Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar
Dine in a historic 1878 cotton gin on the Guadalupe River, enjoying classic Texas fare and scenic views.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Dine in a historic 1878 cotton gin on the Guadalupe River, enjoying classic Texas fare and scenic views.
Opt for the Patio
For scenic views of the Guadalupe River, choose outdoor seating. Patio heaters add comfort.
Beat the Crowds
Visit during off-peak hours to avoid potential long waits and enjoy a more relaxed experience.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
American
Price
Mid-range
Phone
(830) 625-0684
Address
1287 Gruene Rd, New Braunfels, TX 78130, USA
Website
gristmillrestaurant.com/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Cotton Gin Ambiance
Dine in a charming 1878 cotton gin with river views. Rich history meets rustic Texas charm for a unique atmosphere.

Scenic Riverfront Patio
Relax on the outdoor patio with cozy heaters, overlooking the Guadalupe River. Perfect for sunset dinners.

Classic Texas Comfort Food
Indulge in hearty American dishes like chicken-fried steak, ribs, and legendary onion rings.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Opt for the Patio
For scenic views of the Guadalupe River, choose outdoor seating. Patio heaters add comfort.
Beat the Crowds
Visit during off-peak hours to avoid potential long waits and enjoy a more relaxed experience.
Don't Miss the Onion Rings
These Texas-sized, crispy onion rings are a must-try appetizer, often hailed as the best.
Try the Tortilla Soup
A standout dish, this soup is often praised for its flavor and is highly recommended.
Tips
from all over the internet
Opt for the Patio
For scenic views of the Guadalupe River, choose outdoor seating. Patio heaters add comfort.
Beat the Crowds
Visit during off-peak hours to avoid potential long waits and enjoy a more relaxed experience.
Don't Miss the Onion Rings
These Texas-sized, crispy onion rings are a must-try appetizer, often hailed as the best.
Try the Tortilla Soup
A standout dish, this soup is often praised for its flavor and is highly recommended.
Strong Margaritas
Their margaritas are known to be potent yet delicious, perfect for a Texas evening.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar is celebrated for its unique historic ambiance and stunning river views, making it a must-visit in Gruene. Diners rave about classic American comfort foods like chicken-fried steak and legendary onion rings, though some note that the open-air, non-air-conditioned environment can be warm in summer Texas heat. Service is generally praised for its friendliness and attentiveness, though occasional sporadic food delivery has been mentioned.
"Ambiance: Rustic and hill-country charming restaurant offering gorgeous views of the river and area! We enjoyed sitting on the patio around sunset for dinner and drinks. Fast and friendly service. The pasta salad was refreshing and on the spicy side - unique for sure! All of their appetizers and side dishes were shareable and tasted great.
Street and paid parking nearby - Does get crowded! Great spot for tourists, birthdays, celebrations, or just enjoying a day by the river. Walking distance to several other shops/bars/spots. Dog friendly!"
MeetWithMacey
"Great food, they offer a big selection so there should be something for everyone. Everything we ordered was delicious. The location is beautiful. Just be aware it is not air-conditioned. They do have fans, and the fresh air flows through the open windows, but with the summer Texas heat it's still warm. The open air views do make for great atmosphere. Overall we enjoyed our visit, and will return, but maybe in the fall/ winter months."
chellea007
"We had a really great time here! The food was absolutely delicious and the service was excellent. The only downside was how hot it was during our 6pm visit. It would be wonderful if they could add misters or some cooling option for guests dining in the heat (through out not just certain spaces). That said, we’ll definitely be back once the weather cools down a bit, because the food and hospitality make it worth it!"
TopFoodieReview
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The Gristmill is housed in a historic 1878 cotton gin boiler room, offering a unique rustic ambiance and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Yes, the restaurant features a large patio with cozy heaters, offering picturesque views of the Guadalupe River.
Popular favorites include the chicken-fried steak, ribs, tortilla soup, and the legendary, Texas-sized onion rings.
The Gristmill is an open-air restaurant and does not have air conditioning, which can make it warm during hot Texas summers.
Yes, it's considered a very family-friendly restaurant, with a broad menu selection and a great atmosphere.
Absolutely! They serve classic margaritas, which are noted for being strong and delicious.
While the menu is meat-heavy, there are salads available, and the spinach dip is a popular appetizer option.
Yes, The Gristmill is located right next door to Gruene Hall, the oldest dance hall in Texas.
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The Gristmill is a New Braunfels institution, founded in 1977, overlooking the Guadalupe River in the Gruene Historic District. The building itself is on the National Register of Historic Places — it’s the old boiler room, and all that’s left of the Gruene Cotton Mill. The restaurant has served celebrities like John Travolta, when he was filming Michael in Gruene, and several state senators and governors of Texas.
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Gruene is home to The Gristmill, a former cotton gin that is today one of America's Most Popular Family-Friendly Restaurants, as named by Urbanspoon. The restaurant is right next door to the famed Gruene Hall, the oldest dance hall in Texas where some of the world’s most famous musical acts continue to play. Other can’t-miss spots in Gruene include: The Grapevine, featuring one of the largest selections of Texas wines; Cantina Del Rio, voted Best Margarita for six years; and Gruene General Store, one of the top 40 places to visit in Texas (and some of the best homemade fudge you’ll ever eat!).
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Celebrating 45 years since their 1977 opening, with a location that combines history and turn of the century architecture as well as views of the Guadalupe River, this is one of the best New Braunfels restaurants and a lovely step back in time, with multi-levels, indoor and outdoor seating, native stone fireplaces, a beer garden and store. It’s also just a downright beautiful place and one of New Braunfels’ best restaurants to enjoy a delicious, hearty American style meal. Many notable guests have eaten here, and it’s on the National Register of Historic Places as well.
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Its home is the three-story boiler room of a cotton gin next to the Guadalupe River that burned in the early 1920s, and the food rates among the best in the Texas Hill Country. Opened in 1977, Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar has carved out a reputation as an outstanding steakhouse in New Braunfels. With a menu featuring grilled chicken, pulled pork, and a Gruene club sandwich (with avocado) as well as entrees, such as chicken-fried chicken, fried shrimp, and deep-fried catfish, you’re sure to enjoy some good “down home” Texas dishes.
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With a scenic location overlooking the Guadalupe River, The Gristmill in New Braunfels is an icon on the hill country food scene. Steaks, burgers, and popular South Texas fare such as chicken fried steak, fried catfish, a selection of fresh homemade sandwiches, and tomatillo chicken. Complete your meal with one of their famous desserts like Fudge pie, strawberry shortcake, and their signature Jack Daniel’s Pecan Pie at The Gristmill, one of the most popular restaurants in the Texas Hill Country.
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Positioned on a bluff overlooking the Guadalupe River, this spectacular restaurant nestled under the shade of towering oak trees has been the perfect getaway for a unique casual dining experience for three decades. The multi-level restaurant features outdoor and indoor dining with sweeping views of the river, special dining rooms with native stone fireplaces, an indoor bar with a waiting area and wood burning stove, and a relaxing beer garden.
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Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar is famed for its truly enticing location beneath the swaying treetops of the Gruene Historic District, where guests can enjoy the wide menu of all-American classics in the presence of New Braunfels’ oldest and most interesting architecture. The dishes are quite meat-heavy, and the Gristmill is known for its offerings of steaks and seafood, while there also a number of salads on offer for the vegetarian eater.
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Situated in a historic building overlooking the Guadalupe River, Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar is an iconic dining destination in New Braunfels. This establishment has served up fantastic flavors since 1977, seamlessly merging rustic charm with modern culinary expertise. Guests can savor Southern-inspired dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, creating a farm-to-table experience that reflects the very essence of Texas cuisine.
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What was once a three-story brick broiler room from a cotton gin built in 1878 is now the Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar—an iconic restaurant in New Braunfels and the entire Lone Star State. When you dine here, you get more than a delicious meal; you get an experience. There is no bad seat at the Gristmill, but if you can snag a seat outside, you will have scenic views of the Guadalupe River while savoring classic Texas cuisine.
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No trip to New Braunfels would be complete without a trip to the famous Gristmill Restaurant in the Gruene Historic District. Their menu features an eclectic mix of home-cooked Texas favorites like chicken fried steak, fried catfish, bacon wrapped filet, and mouth-watering burgers. The thing that sets this restaurant apart is not the amazing food selection, but the gorgeous oak trees and sweeping views of the Guadalupe River.
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Gristmill River Restaurant - Located beneath the water tower in the Historic Gruene District, the Gristmill is situated under the shade of towering oak trees on a bluff overlooking the Guadalupe River. The menu features thick steaks and large hamburgers, chicken fried steak, fried catfish, grilled chicken, enormous sandwiches, fresh fish and special dishes like tomatillo chicken and bronzed catfish.
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The only thing you’ll love more than the turn-of-the-century architecture at Gristmill River Restaurant is the food. With fresh American classics at the forefront of this menu, you’ll enjoy a satiating lunch or dinner meal complete with delicious proteins, flavorful sides, and tasty desserts. Don’t forget to order one of their fresh-squeezed margaritas or piña coladas from the full bar!
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If you’re looking for a meal complete with scenic charm, check out Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar. Nestled along the Guadalupe River in a converted cotton gin from the 1800s, this dining experience will have you coming back for more mouthwatering American dishes in no time!. Gristmill is known for its delicious steaks, burgers, and incredible made-from-scratch dishes and sides.
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Located in nearby Gruene, Gristmill River Restaurant and Bar is one of the most unique (and popular!) dining spots near New Braunfels. Located in a historic cotton gin building, the restaurant offers a cool dining experience with a beautiful view of the Guadalupe River. The restaurant's atmosphere is rustic and cozy, with wooden interiors and a spacious outdoor patio.
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A unique stop for dining is Gristmill River Restaurant and Bar, located in a 100-year-old cotton gin that offers indoor and outdoor seating. On a hot summer day, sit outdoors on a shaded patio surrounded by towering trees while overlooking the Guadalupe River. You’ll enjoy everything from burgers to fried catfish, bbq ribs, chicken fried-steaks among other Texas fare.
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In Gruene, the Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar, 1287 Gruene Rd. (tel. 830/625-0684; www.gristmillrestaurant.com), a converted 100-year-old cotton gin, includes burgers and chicken-fried steak as well as healthful salads on its Texas-casual menu. Kick back on one of its multiple decks and gaze out at the Guadalupe River. Lunch and dinner daily; prices are moderate.
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The Gristmill Restaurant represents a bit of the town’s later history. Built 1977, the current structure is a replication of the original Gruene cotton gin which was in operation until it was destroyed by fire in 1922. This restaurant is now as famous for it's stunning tiered patio along the Guadalupe River as for its mouthwatering burgers and chicken fried steak.
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Located just a few steps away from Gruene Dance Hall, don't skip out on a meal at The Gristmill Restaurant, which is perched under Gruene’s iconic water tower in 19th-century cotton gin ruins. Make sure to get the famed onion ring tower and chicken-fried steak, and select outdoor seating even offers direct viewing of people floating down the Guadalupe River.
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Overlooking the Guadalupe River in the Gruene Historic District, the Gristmill Restaurant is housed in a building that was constructed as a cotton gin back in 1878. The stone structure was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975 and provides a unique atmosphere where it can be hard to tell at times whether you’re inside or outside.
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Located in the historic Gruene District, this iconic restaurant offers stunning views of the Guadalupe River. The Gristmill is famed for its rustic charm and an expansive menu featuring Texas staples like chicken fried steak and juicy burgers. The outdoor seating area, shaded by towering oak trees, makes it a perfect spot for a relaxing meal.
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Perched on a hill above the Guadalupe River, Gristmill is a sprawling restaurant built out of the remains of a historic mill. The multi-level eatery has breathtaking views of the river from indoor and outdoor seating. Burgers and steaks are the restaurant’s main attractions, but they also have chicken-fried steak, catfish and decadent pies.
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Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar: The Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar, located at 1287 Gruene Rd, stands out among restaurants New Braunfels boasts for its enchanting ambiance by the Guadalupe River. Imagine dining amidst the rustic charm of an 1878 cotton gin, offering both cozy indoor settings and scenic patios that overlook the water.
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The first mercantile store (now Gruene General Store) was built in 1878 and a cotton gin (now Gristmill River Restaurant and Bar) powered by the Guadalupe River was added soon after. Further construction during this profitable time included a dance hall and saloon (Gruene Hall), which became the center of the community's social life.
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Popular spots include: Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar, Clear Springs Restaurant, Myron's and Gruene River Grill. There's also the Alpine Haus Restaurant, McAdoo's Seafood Company, El Nopalito and Fork & Spoon. Plus, there's a number of craft breweries and wineries near the city for travelers passing through to take advantage of.
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Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar in Gruene has been serving classic Hill Country flavor since 1977. Housed in the brick boiler room from an 1878 cotton gin, this place skips the chain vibe and goes full-on river bluff charm. Whether you’re there for lunch or dinner, the view of the Guadalupe River just steps away seals the deal.
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The Gritsmill is one of the best restaurants in New Braunfels, for those wanting a true Texas dining experience overlooking the Guadalupe river. Since 1977 they have been known for serving fresh fish, steak and chicken using the freshest ingredients with a large bar menu. There is live music in the gardens Friday though Sunday.
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Gristmill River Restaurant and Bar is a popular hill country restaurant found in Gruene, near New Braunfels. The view from the Gristmill River Restaurant is absolutely stunning since this establishment overlooks the Guadalupe River. Outdoor seating is magical here, as the restaurant is found under the shade of large oak trees.
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Why we love it: The location for this restaurant is in a three-story boiler room of a cotton gin next door to the Guadalupe River. Gristmill River Restaurant has a reputation as an outstanding steakhouse. The menu: The menu features grilled chicken, pulled pork, and a delicious Gruene sandwich with the addition of avocado.
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Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar – This unique restaurant is not only famous for its amazing food, but also for its location. Located in the ruins of a 100-year-old cotton gin beneath the water tower on the banks of the Guadalupe River, foodies can enjoy great steaks, chicken, burgers, fish, desserts and much more!
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One of the best restaurants in New Braunfels sits under the Gruene water tower. Live music plays in the beer garden, folks can grab a $12.99 chicken poblano quesadilla, a $12.99 grilled chicken sandwich or a 10 oz $29.99 top sirloin. The Gristmill has been serving the community since 1977.
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The Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar: Housed in a 19th-century cotton gin, The Gristmill is a popular restaurant located in the nearby Gruene Historic District. Visitors can enjoy dishes like chicken fried steak, burgers, and seafood, as well as an extensive cocktail menu.
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The Gristmill is one of the most popular places to eat in New Braunfels. Located in Gruene, right on the Guadalupe River, the enormous space includes a tree-covered patio overlooking the water. The restaurant is in the ruins of an old cotton gin that was built in 1878.
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Upon arrival, I was immediately struck by the restaurant's unique atmosphere. The historic building and beautiful outdoor seating area overlooking the river made me feel like I had been transported back in time to the Old West. But let's get down to business: the food.
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Stay in one of the luxurious suites above this iconic restaurant, overlooking the picturesque Guadalupe River. Guests can enjoy fine dining, live music, and stunning views. The Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar offers a unique and unforgettable experience.
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Upon arriving at Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar, I was immediately impressed by the nice open waiting area. It was spacious and inviting, giving me a taste of what was to come. As I entered the restaurant, I was greeted with a great food and atmosphere.
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Gristmill is the biggest and most obvious restaurant in Gruene but there’s also Gruene River Grill or the Gruene Door as far as nice dinner date spots. During the day there are tons of antique shops and a general store to explore in Gruene as well.
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At Gristmill, it’s time to wrestle with one of life’s big questions: Is a side of onion rings worth more than a cheeseburger?. I’m talking an order of six for $12.99. Here on the terraced decks overlooking the Guadalupe River, the answer is yes.
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I spent my days floating blissfully on the river or exploring the historical sights like the charming Gristmill River Restaurant and the iconic Schlitterbahn Waterpark, allowing a perfect infusion of relaxation and thrill.matic meaning
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Nestled in live oak trees overlooking the Guadalupe River, Gristmill is housed in the historic cotton mill that was used by the Gruene family to process cotton from Gruene Estate. Our venue is directly tied to this historic location!
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The Gristmill is one of my favorite restaurants in New Braunfels. Whether you have Texas torpedoes, bacon wrapped filet or ahi tuna, the food is fantastic. I love eating outside in the trees by the river.
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1287 Gruene RoadNew Braunfels, TX 78130(830) 625-0684 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. Gristmill is an American restaurant and bar with patio views overlooking the Guadalupe River.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit