The Gristmill

Situated on a bluff overlooking the Guadalupe River, this unmistakable restaurant is a great getaway for a unique casual dining experience.

The Gristmill Restaurant

Situated on the banks of the Guadalupe River in New Braunfels between Austin and San Antonio, the Gruene cotton gin processed crops raised by area farmers until the wooden structure burned to the ground in 1922.  All that remains of the water-powered mill today is the three story brick boiler room – now the Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar.

Located in the historic district of Gruene just beneath the famous Gruene water tower, this restaurant opened in 1977, serving steaks and hamburgers from a tiny kitchen in the corner of the building.  The menu features thick steaks and large hamburgers, but the restaurant also serves up popular South Texas fare like chicken fried steak, fried catfish, grilled chicken, enormous sandwiches, fresh fish and special dishes like tomatillo chicken and bronzed catfish.  Fudge pie, the enormous strawberry shortcake and a signature Jack Daniel’s Pecan Pie are famous desserts.  A full bar with a good wine list and fresh squeezed lime margaritas are also big hits.

This 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 waiting area and wood burning stove, a relaxing beer garden and a merchandise store.  The River Grove, added in 1998, is a refreshing open air, bricked patio nestled in a grove of trees overlooking the river.