From the traditional to the gourmet, juicy burgers in New Braunfels hit the spot
Few foods are more iconic or American than the beloved hamburger and hot dog. If a day of playing in New Braunfels gives you a hankering for a juicy burger, a plump dog and classic sides like hand-cut fries and onion rings, head for one of the city’s can’t-miss burger joints.
Mozie’s Bar and Grill
At Mozie’s Bar and Grill in the Gruene Historic District, their tagline sums up their specialties: “Sliders, Dogs and Whisky.” The long antique bar and wood and brick interior create the vibe of a friendly hometown pub. While all-sports TVs and a full bar with 124 liquors make for a lively bar scene, the food is the real star.
Sliders are their signature dish. “The appeal of these cheesy, juicy mini-burgers isn’t complicated,” said Mozie’s General Manager Marcus Vanderlin. “It’s probably the simplicity of mayo, cheddar cheese, ground beef and a buttered bun,” he said. “We source the highest quality ground beef and shop multiple vendors. They’re not premade patties. They’re handmade every day.”
Mozie’s also stands out for its hot dogs. Fans come in specifically for Mozie’s 100% all-beef quarter-pound hot dog, topped with relish, jalapeno mustard and sauerkraut. The bar strives for American comfort food with sophisticated options, including salads, steaks and its famous anticuchos, which are pieces of tenderloin beef marinated in-house for 24 hours, then grilled on a skewer with chunks of red bell pepper and onion. They’re served alongside french fries, onion rings, tortilla chips or on top of salad.
“We wanted to have that bar scene but give it that upscale feel and restaurant atmosphere,” Vanderlin said. It’s a formula that brings in plenty of locals and visitors alike, from families to music fans grabbing a bite before a show at Gruene Hall, just across the street.
Pat’s Place
After a day of floating the Comal or sliding through Schlitterbahn Waterpark, you can’t go wrong with hearty comfort food in a homey atmosphere. That’s what you’ll get at Pat’s Place, where cheeseburgers, meatloaf, chicken fried steak, enchiladas, chili and homemade carrot cake are just a few of the menu items that keep customers coming back.
Pat’s Place offers a classic selection of burgers with a few Texas-style twists, such as the Chili Cheeseburger (topped with house-made chili, queso and jalapenos) and the Chicken-Fried Steak Burger, a steak flank hand-breaded, fried and served with a side of house-made cream gravy.
This New Braunfels landmark has served up American-style favorites to hungry tubers, waterpark visitors and locals since 1977. Located with a view of Prince Solms Park on the Comal River, Pat’s Place focuses on recipes that taste homemade, using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
Tin Top Burger Shop
At the Tin Top Burger Shop, you’ll find fresh takes on the traditional bun and patty. For example, a recent “Burger of the Month” special called the Schlitter-Banh Mi featured a house patty with Swiss cheese, pickled onions, pickled carrots, cucumbers, fresh jalapenos and cilantro aioli.
Other unique approaches to this culinary staple include the Bayou Burger, with grilled bell pepper and Cajun Tiger sauce, and the Rueben Burger, with pastrami, grilled sauerkraut and Russian dressing.
This charming historic home-turned-dining room is located near both Schlitterbahn and the Comal River tubing exit, making it a great place to end the day with a delicious meal in a fun, casual setting. Dine inside or out, where a play area keeps the kids entertained.
Be sure to wash your burger down with one of Tin Top’s rotating selections of craft beer, including Texas brews, ciders and more.
Muck & Fuss Craft Beer and Burgers
For chef-inspired burgers with a side of craft beer and live music, head for Muck & Fuss, located in the heart of the downtown historic district. The eatery’s sandwiches, tacos and salads all satisfy, but the burgers steal the show. Each one starts with a half-pound certified Akaushi Wagyu beef patty, served on a fresh-baked bun from hometown bakery Naegelin’s.
From there, let your imagination run wild, from the Spicy Juicy Lucy (blackened double patties, pimento cheese, jalapeno bacon, pepper jack cheese, honey chili sauce on a jalapeno cheddar bun) to the Cubano (a patty topped with pulled pork, dill pickles, shaved red onions, ham, Swiss cheese and Dijon mustard aioli). Muck & Fuss offers 26 craft beers on tap, with beer from local and national breweries for the perfect accompaniment to your meal.
Spud Ranch
This laid-back environment is a comfortable spot to settle in with one of their famous Texas-sized baked potatoes with your choice of topping. If you’re thinking butter and bacon bits, think bigger. The menu at Spud Ranch offers a Texas-sized menu of creative spud toppers, including chicken-fried steak and country gravy, Philly cheesesteak, and even a chicken enchilada topping.
But don’t overlook their acclaimed burgers, with juicy beef served on thick slabs of Texas toast. You’ll find down-home classics like the Texas burger, with a juicy patty, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles and sauteed onions, or the Chili Cheeseburger, topped with chili, cheddar cheese and sauteed onions. The Texas Brisket Sandwich features smoked chopped brisket with BBQ sauce, pickles and fresh onions on Texas toast.
Come hungry – Spud Ranch is famous for its generous portions.
Freiheit Country Store
Honky-tonking is hungry work. That’s why in addition to great live music, you’ll find a hearty menu of Texas classics at the historic Freiheit Country Store, from country-fried steak to Frito chili pie, wraps, sandwiches and salads. But the ½ pound burger basket steals the show. Each big, juicy burger patty rests on a sweet Hawaiian bun, with several creative options to satisfy any palate.
Vic’s Famous Freiheit Extreme is a bacon cheeseburger loaded with grilled onions, jalapenos and mushrooms. The 1889 Burger is a sloppy cheeseburger piled with Freiheit’s signature Pedernales chili, onions, pickles, lettuce, tomato, mayo and mustard (and extra napkins). The Funyun takes the classic cheeseburger to the next level by piling it high with homemade onion rings.
With proper fuel from the Freiheit kitchen, you’ll be ready for a night of live music and fun at this rustic venue, where people have gathered since 1889.
Iron Horse Bar & Grill
Relaxed, family-friendly, family-owned Iron Horse Bar & Grill in downtown New Braunfels prides itself on authentic Lone Star cuisine, with an inventive burger menu that offers a fresh twist on Texas’ favorite flavors.
There’s the Texas Heat Habanero Burger, which turns the temperature up with habanero sauce. The Avocado Ranch burger combines fresh sliced avocado, pepper jack cheese and ranch dressing. The Queso Burger adds a blast of melted cheese sauce to a fresh burger patty, while the Bacon Popper Burger is piled high with jalapeno poppers, pepper-jack and bacon. All are served with lettuce, tomato, pickles and onion atop a freshly toasted bun from Naegelin’s Bakery.
When you’ve tried all the burger options, the menu also features Tex-Mex favorites, salads, sandwiches and wraps, and entrees, including fish and chips, steak tips and chicken fried steak.
Come hungry!
Satisfy your craving for a mouthwatering burger on your next trip and experience the juicy deliciousness firsthand! Come for the food, stay for the fun #InNewBraunfels. Start planning at https://www.visitnbtx.com/.