New Braunfels was founded in 1845, by, no joke, a German prince looking to start a colony in what was at that time the Republic of Texas. Despite the fact that “New Germany” never came to be, New Braunfels stood the test of time. Today, it represents one of the most authentic German-American communities in the US!

Being the craft beer lovers we were, New Braunfels’ beer scene and its heavy German influence was more than enough to get us pumped for a fun weekend trip.

When the Germans were colonizing in America, central Texas was a hot destination and provided all the necessities to set up new towns.

Even today, New Braunfels is a ‘hot’ destination with adventures and fun for every type of tourist. Being right between San Antonio and Austin, it’s a short drive for those coming from either city.

German Beer in New Braunfels

Huge-ass German beer mug at Krause’s Cafe in New Braunfels

Located 30 minutes north of San Antonio, New Braunfels with a population of 65,000 has a unique place in the history of Texas. In contrast to most settlements in Texas, the city was founded by a German prince in 1845 and was populated by mainly German-speaking settlers during the early years.

This is one area where the German heritage remains strong throughout the city’s brewing culture of New Braunfels.

Despite its size, the city boasts three breweries that carry on the traditions of its heritage. PLUS, plenty of spots to grab an authentic German meal and a large mug of German bier.

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Breweries in New Braunfels

New Braunfels Brewing Company

Brewing beer since 1915, New Braunfels Brewing Company is one of the original New Braunfels’ breweries.

Thanks to Prohibition the brewery shuttered its doors in 1925.

Then in 2010, when local entrepreneurs resurrected the name and opened a new brewery under the New Braunfels Brewing Company moniker.

During our visit to New Braunfels Brewing Company, we had quite the adventure sampling all 8 beers of the beers that were available.

Two of the offerings, a pickle Berlinerweiss and a variation with fresh jalapenos were quite unique. But I was totally digging the two, especially in the hot weather.

It seems that each weekend the brewery brings out a special bottle and offers limited tastings.

We sampled the Cosmic Dancer, which spent 4 months in oak barrels with NBBC’s house culture to create a roasty, smoothly sour beer.  Refermented with a mix of residual and added sugars, I loved it so much I had to take a bottle home with me! :)

Located in historic downtown New Braunfels, the brewery is famous for its the Das Lokal tap room. The company ships their beer throughout Texas though, so look for some NBBC on your next beer run!

Faust Hotel & Brewpub

Situated in the historic Faust Hotel located in downtown New Braunfels, the Faust Brewing Company has been a part of the New Braunfels beer scene since 1998.

Featuring 16 taps of beer with several being their own brews, the Faust Brewing Company also has an expansive food menu complementing their beer selection.

This is one of the few brewpubs that you can also stay in! We decided to stay in the historic Faust Hotel which houses the brewery. The hotel has a unique flavor of it’s own. It’s said to be haunted and the hotels antique interior adds to the spookiness.

Faust Brewing

To facilitate the increase in production going on at the Faust Hotel and Brewpub, there was a recent upgrade and a new location was built.

Faust Brewing recently upgraded their equipment, enhancing the existing 200-gallon brewing system for their signature line, and adding a new 20-gallon system for their seasonal line.

Each batch of beer on the main brewing system produces 7 barrels, equivalent to 14 kegs. The complete process takes from 2 to 8 weeks, depending on the variety.

In addition to drinking at the new taproom and beergarden , the beers of Faust Brewing are also available to take home.

Guadalupe Brewing

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New Braunfels Beer Gardens

When you think of Texas eats, tacos and BBQ are the two that come to mind first.! In New Braunfels however, the food scene offers more than your typical Texan cuisine. The town is host to several authentic German restaurants that give locals and tourists alike a break from standard American food and beer.

Authenticity is common among the most well known German restaurants in New Braunfels. Expect the same authenticity in the beer. I had never experienced getting to know German beer like this, but the whole weekend nearly felt as if we had traveled to Europe.

The German roots go back far in this town but the city has very much held onto many of the traditions. Luckily, they are able to import German beer in many of the restaurants, so a weekend to New Braunfels is a fresh change of pace for many craft beer lovers.

READ THIS: Craft Beer and the Best BBQ in Fort Worth

Krause’s Cafe

Gruene Hall

Officially within the New Braunfels city limits, Gruene is a small town within a small town. A designated Texas Historic Landmark, the area boasts the impressive Gruene Mansion Inn, the ‘famous’ Gristmill restaurant, and the beloved Gruene Hall, (as well as a wide array of adorable shops, restaurants, and local business).

Cold Shiner + Live Music at Gruene Hall

Friesenhaus Restaurant and Bakery

Friesenhaus is the most authentic German food and beer experience you will get in New Bruanfels. Open seven days a week, Friesnhaus opens at 8:00 am to start your day off with a hearty German breakfast.

For lunch and dinner, entrees include the most popular German dish, schnitzel. Offering over ten different kinds of schnitzel, the Friesnhaus is famously-known for it’s selection of Germany’s signature dishes.

This restaurant also offers a variety of classic imported German beer on tap. Don’t ask the bartender, “What’s good?” He’ll tell you everything in his bar is great, and he isn’t lying!

148 S. Castell Street New Braunfels, TX 78130 | WEBSITE

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Have you ever had German beer? What’s your favorite style? Let me know in the comments!

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