Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar

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.

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!

We love this restaurant and we come every time we visit the area. It’s a really cool building situated right by the river in a fun area, so the vibes are great. We had a very kind and attentive server and we were well taken care of. Lots of delicious options on the menu. We would definitely recommend the onion rings, they are the best!

An Unforgettable Texas Getaway My family and I, along with close friends and their families, visited around Thanksgiving—and what an experience it was. From the moment we arrived, we were swept into an atmosphere of true Texas rustic charm. The weather couldn’t have been more perfect, setting the stage for a weekend that felt both peaceful and wild, just like the Lone Star State itself. The service was nothing short of exceptional—warm, attentive, and genuinely welcoming. Every bite of food was a celebration, but the real standout? The Guadalupe Chopped Steak—a masterpiece! And of course I couldn't resist the Texas-sized onion rings—crispy, golden, and just glorious! But what truly stole the show were the views, the river. Absolutely breathtaking! This wasn’t just a trip. It was a memory in the making—a perfect blend of family, friendship, food, and the untamed beauty of Texas. I'm definitely planning on coming back!

It’s always worth the wait! The jalapeño poppers are amazing! The large onion rings have become a staple for me. I ordered the cheeseburger, and it was perfect—tasty, with great vegetables! On the other hand, the asparagus was a bit disappointing and not worth the price tag, if you ask me. But then again, maybe you didn’t ask, haha! Oh well! The view from this place is always fantastic. I also tried the Old Fashioned, and it did not disappoint! It had the perfect taste and flavor, with just the right cherries. We have been coming here for years and will always return! The servers are always super polite and respectful. The entire establishment is clean and well-kept. I really appreciate the look and feel of the dining area! The rustic floors and walls are fantastic and make me smile every time.

The food was absolutely delicious, and the service was excellent, friendly, attentive, and quick. The view was breathtaking, making it a perfect spot to relax and enjoy a meal. It was a bit hot since there’s no AC, but the fans kept the air moving, and even on a warm day, it was surprisingly comfortable. Honestly, the beautiful scenery more than made up for the heat, and I’d definitely come back again!

I don't get to visit these places from my childhood often but we decided to see the natural bridge caverns then head to Greune for dinner. Boy it was crazy packed but it was also a Friday night. We managed to get a seat overlooking the Guadalupe and it was so beautiful. The food was amazing and we walked out stuffed! Our server was amazing just like the food.

Hands down one of the best chicken fried steaks I’ve ever had. The homemade potatoes chips were hit or miss. The service here was top notch with speed and attention. Their gravy was pretty good, but seriously get the chicken fried steak as it was so freaking good. Overall if you’re looking for an amazing meal this is the place to visit.

Thank you for a great lunch! I grew up up in San Antonio and have eaten at the restaurant before when visiting old friends. This time i brought an out-of-town friend with me and thank you for a great afternoon! We came during the week on a cool drizzly day, shopped a bit in Gruene, then settled in for lunch. We got a great table overlooking the river. Everyone was so nice. the ambiance is so homey. Our waiter was so friendly and shared some great stories with us. Since we have light appetites, we thought sharing an appetiser and a couple of sides would be about right. Holy moly! We could only eat half the pasta salad and bean sides. Both were delicious, well seasoned, and satifying, but when paired with the sausage appetiser... we were out matched. "Falls City, Texas Polish Wedding Sausage with Gristmill BBQ sauce." It must have been nearly 3 pounds of sliced sausage with onions and sauce and something else... i was overwhelmed. The sausage is crazy good and reminds me that the settlers in this part of Texas came from sausage-making traditions in Europe. I no longer live in Texas and miss its sausages!! Plan to spend a bit of time here soaking up the chill atmosphere.

My family and I found this little gem in New Braunfels, TX. It has great potential, but the kitchen needs some work. Ambiance: The ambiance was quite nice. The building and general area have history. The huge fireplaces and taxidermied animals adorning the walls make it feel like you are in an upscale hunting lodge. We went during the cold season, around Christmas time. When you check in, you are taken down long halls and through various seating areas. The halls were quite drafty, as the raging fireplaces wrestle with wide open doors in an attempt to regulate the temperature. Oddly enough, it adds to the rustic charm. The seating area itself was comfortable and not drafty at all. The waitress was very nice and helpful, albeit a little frumpy in appearance, looking more like a waitress you would encounter in a roadside diner than a restaurant that was attempting to offer an elevated dining experience. For my order, I wanted something light. I ordered their, "award winning" tortilla soup. The waitress suggested a side of garlic bread. I'm glad she did. The garlic bread was absolutely delicious and quite possibly the best garlic bread I've ever eaten. The menu didn't state what award(s) the soup won, but if it was the same soup I was served, then I can only imagine it won an award for being the most bland soup in Texas, and/ or possibly the most confused soup. Mind you, I am scrutinizing the food with a chef's eye. Firstly, the soup had absolutely no seasoning whatsoever. On top of the soup were big, clunky, bland chunks of avocado, tortilla strips stuck in where they could fit them; the presentation was a mess. This soup could be award winning if they just change a few things. Flavorless raw avocado does nothing for a flavorless soup. If they season the soup properly, and rather than throwing chunky slices of avocado on top, make a guacamole purée out of it. A dollop of the purée next to a dollop of crème fraiche with tortilla strips placed with a bit of finesse and some seasoning in the soup itself would transform that soup. Then it might actually win some awards. My adult children ordered steaks. One medium, one medium rare. Medium was cooked fine, but the medium rare is something that average restaurants very rarely cook properly; the better establishments know how to properly cook their proteins. This is not a better establishment. The waitress offered to take it back and get a new one cooked. Having worked in the culinary world for as long as I have and seen the things I've seen, me and my family have a rule that we never send food back. The steak was at least not dry, but did not have the flavor or texture you get with a proper mid-rare cook. Then there were the "original round cut fries." These are thin-ish slices of potato. They were all different sizes and thicknesses. This of course meant that they all had different cook times. As a result, smaller thinner pieces were burnt to a crisp and the thicker ones were soft and had as much flavor as chewing on a piece of styrofoam. What does this place have against seasoning? If they coated these in a light, seasoned batter and cut them uniformly then they would have a good product. As they are, they simply taste like they don't care. My son said that the mashed potatoes were good. My wife ordered a cheeseburger with the same, unsatisfying round fries. There was nothing good or bad to say about the burger; it was your basic cheeseburger. Beer is all bottled; nothing on draft. Pricing isn't bad. If they can improve on the quality of the food they could really be great.

Ambiance is great but food was ok. I think this place is over rated. I visited here twice but both time food wast that great. I wish they had more seafood selection too. Ordered soup and soup was cold so had to tell them to make it hotter. It's a fun place tho to visit tho.

Always amazing. I love getting away to this historic little town. This restaurant sits in the river with beautiful views. The staff is is very friendly, and accommodatingas well; I asked for the heater to be on, and without skipping a beat our waiter had the heat lamp keep us warm. The food is always amazing as well. Big portions, fresh and reasonable prices. If you want to visit a historic little town, and get away for all of the noise, visit Gruene, and stop in to the Gristmill restaurant. You will not be disappointed

Great location for food and good ambiance. The chicken fried steak had nice texture and was tasty but somewhat chewy. The fries were crisp and seasoned well. Vast amount of items on their menu. Plenty of indoor and outside seating. Service can be slow given how busy this place is. It took around 15 minutes to receive our food. Staff are super friendly.

I've been to this historic restaurant twice, and it has not disappointed. The restaurant is beautiful, and I love walking around to admire the decorations and the ambiance. The menu offers a wide selection--more like elevated bar food--and everything I've tried has been tasty. The service has always been great, from the host to the server. We will definitely keep coming back and bringing visitors to enjoy the experience. It's a perfect spot to spend time on the weekend!

Everything was excellent! The service was great and very friendly from everyone, the area is so cute and I can imagine it's lovely for night life. We went for a Thursday lunch on our way to Austin. My fiance got the chicken fried chicken and enjoyed it- he said typically at other places the chicken is dry but not here. I got the chicken fried steak- it was delicious. The green beans were just okay- nothing to hoot and holler over. Overall was delicious!

Gristmill is a historic cotton gin! It's classic with rustic charm and hearty, flavorful dishes made the lunch experience worthwhile. We couldn't resist trying the Big Crispy Onion Rings! The batter was light, flaky, and seasoned just right, keeping the onion inside tender without getting greasy. They were served golden-brown, providing a satisfying crunch with each bite. Perfect for sharing or indulging on your own. Next was the Caesar Salad, topped with pico de gallo. The crisp romaine, grated Parmesan, and creamy dressing made for a fresh and satisfying bite. The addition of pico added a unique blend of tang and spice, which gave a nice kick but didn't overwhelm the classic Caesar flavors. Due to limited vegetarian options, I opted for the Mushroom Spinach Quesadillas. The quesadillas were packed with sautéed mushrooms and spinach, creating a warm, savory filling with the perfect hint of earthy flavors. The tortilla was nicely crisped, making each bite a delicious. Overall, Gristmill is a fantastic spot to enjoy good food and soak in the Texas Hill Country ambiance. Definitely worth a visit if you're in New Braunfels!

Went here for a date. And this place is really pretty. There's a ton of seating! I mean a ton. When we first got seated it was on their outside patio. But I personally was too cold to sit outside. So we asked to be moved. The waitress took us through multiple different areas and gave us a new table. It was such a nice table too. By the window overlooking the river. The set up alone had me falling in love. Then the food. The food was good. The only downfall was the cheese on the salad as I do not eat cheese. And I wasn't expecting that at all. But it's no biggie. The rest of my food was so good. Parking is a bit hard to come by especially on a Friday night. But when you can find it give this place a try.

We reserved 2 tables of 8 each for our party in advance. It was a Thursday and not crowded around 530. We were seated right away. Free parking across the street. Our tables were served fairly quick and we had a bunch of food. My favorite was the appetizer ranch rattlers. I ordered chicken fried chicken with mashed potatoes and gravy. Food was good and plentiful. My group ordered a variety of food from grilled tuna to chopped steak. We also ordered dessert of cheesecake. Good food at a good price. If you come here, don't wear high heels or dressy clothes. It's super casual and outdoors.

I really enjoyed this restaurant. The hostesses and waitress were very friendly. Our server recommended me the tomatillo chicken which I really enjoyed and the blackberry bourbon was amazing. My bf really loved his cheeseburger and fries (fried potato chip style). We can't wait to come back and try other things on the menu. My only complaint is that we were sat at a table outside... no one asked us whether we would prefer to be sat inside (I would have bc it was pretty cold). Also, it was not raining nor had it rained at all today and for some reason there was plastic tarp strung up on the wall right next to us which looked pretty tacky and really took me out of the otherwise somewhat upscale feel of the venue.

Never dissatisfied here. Sit out in the open area to have drinks and order food from the bar with great live music. You can do this while waiting to get into actual restaurant or stay in this area and their bar. Onion rings i saw ordered by someone else were onions on steroids lol...huge. Great food and great staff. Always the first, second or last stop when here in the great town of Gruene Texas.

Surprisingly good food!! Before visiting I already knew that the Gristmill was popular due to its location in an old 1878 cotton gin overlooking the Guadalupe River, but I was shocked at how much we enjoyed eating here. This restaurant is HUGE - it felt like the hostess was dropping us off in a maze when she led us to our table. The menu is maybe even bigger, boasting everything from tortilla soup to chicken fried steak. We opted for the spinach artichoke dip and gringo pico to start, the beef tenderloin salad, and a rack of ribs with homemade mashed potatoes and Gruene beans (get it?). This was plenty for three people, and we had leftovers to take home. The spinach artichoke dip was cheesy, and the accompanying tortilla chips tasted homemade. The gringo pico had just the right amount of spice. We loved the salad, and even the homemade creamy vinaigrette dressing was a treat. Their ribs actually fell off the bone and were both sweet and smoky. Each item was uniquely delicious, and I'd order all of it again. The best part of our meal was our table's location on the deck, overlooking the sparkling Guadalupe. I'd come back any time and hope for another table with such a gorgeous view!

Lovely setting, great service and good food. Would go back just for the vibe !! The onion rings were delicious and the chips with 3 sauces was tasty!

So I have known about the Gristmill for many years and never had the opportunity to eat there. We had a wedding in the area and spent the weekend so finally I had my chance. I wasn't sure what to expect because some say that it's not as good as its hype or has declined over the years, but I wanted to see for myself. Well. Those people are wrong. The space is very rustic and overlooks the river. There is plenty of seating. They do not take reservations so we went early (about 5 pm) and were seated right away. The legendary onion rings are not to be missed. A small order was plenty for the two of us. I had the tomatillo chicken which was delicious. The sauce is very bright and fresh and has just enough heat. My husband had the chicken fried steak which he said was very good. All in all the food was excellent. I take off one star due to the lack of air conditioning. You'll want to consider this if you want to visit in hot weather. Some may find it charming and in line with the rustic vibe but it can be uncomfortable. (I had recently had surgery and the doctor had warned me not to get sweaty if I could possibly help it, so this isn't me just being precious here). Overall, well worth a visit and I hope to return.

We came here last year and left because we couldn't bring in our dog to the outside patio...now they are Dog friendly! We came back with a BOGO and found a new restaurant to return to. I had the Beef tenderloin salad. It looks small, but was filling with lots of meat. But, the tenderloin was well-done even after I ordered it cooked medium. They Claim to be the busiest restaurant in New Braunfels and we believe it. Even so, service was on par. This is a good spot to eat.

Never a bad dining experience at Gristmill River Restaurant... or what we all call it, "The Gristmill." Live music while you wait on the patio (or the bar) and riverfront dining in a historic building. I've tried a a few things on the menu over the past decade: chicken and pasta salad, chicken fried chicken, grilled fish, but the one dish that truly tops them all is the fried shrimp plate. It comes with 12 perfectly cooked (and battered) fried jumbo shrimp, tartar sauce, and THE BEST cocktail sauce with a lovely dose of horseradish mixed in. It also comes with two sides. I got the green beans (sans bacon) and mashed potatoes with a regular ice tea. Beau started with a root beer float and the cold plate pasta with added chicken. Know that the Gristmill doesn't have any ac anywhere, except the outdoor restrooms, so it's always hot. Good thing the drinks are always cold!

I've been here twice with my family and everybody loves it. Our favorites are the onion rings, gristburger, chicken fried chicken, chicken fried steak, green beans, and mashed potatoes. Also the German chocolate cake that comes with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The servers are always friendly and timely, and they have a large staff. The restaurant is well managed. Go online to make a reservation if you can. It's also very easy to join and track the waitlist online if you're on the way or walking around Gruene. When we went on a busy Saturday evening, the waitlist was super fast. If you have elderly or handicapped people in your party - There's a brick road path that leads to the restaurant that can be a bit difficult for walking and wheels. I would also recommend asking for a table closer to the entrance when you check in or when you join the waitlist online.

One of many great options in the area. Cool waiting area as there's often a band outside to listen to with decent alc and non alc drinks (ours felt watered down) and tasty chips and queso/salsa. The fans w/ misters are a great way to cool down but very hard to find seating as this place gets very crowded. Be sure to join the queue online early! (You can join before reaching the location) We were seated outside so be mindful that there can be bugs in the area. If you sit outside, you can see the river during the day. Food: Unfortunately missed out on the quickly sold out and popular chicken but the ribs, onion rings, chopped steak, mashed potatoes, "greune beans" and torpedos are delicious! Drinks: espresso martini 4/5 Blackberry Smash 4.5/5 Great service and amazing staff. Will definitely be back.

Gristmill is a beautiful venue in New Braunfels / Gruene with ample space both indoors and out. If you are seated outdoors, you'll enjoy a stunning natural setting, and if you're lucky, you might get a spot by the river. Reservations are not required, even with a large party of 15. Service: Although most of the staff are young and a bit inexperienced, they surprisingly did a great job handling orders for such a large group. I'd suggest improving their service by clearing empty plates more promptly. Food: The menu features classic Texas Southern dishes like Chicken Fried Steak/Chicken, bacon-wrapped jalapeños, and deep-fried catfish just to name a few. I opted for the Chicken Fried Chicken, and in true Texas fashion, the size did not disappoint. The food was pretty decent, and I will definitely bring out of town guests if I'm ever back for them to experience a slice of Gruene.

I can't be near here without stopping. The views are perfect. Food is so good and our server did a great job. We started w the onion rings and they are huge. 6 is plenty but they come in larger sizes if you have a big group. My son got The kids grilled chicken and it was seasoned perfectly for him. The potatoes come out sliced so i made them look like fries by cutting them because my kid is picky. I got the tomatillo chicken. It was spicy and had a good flavor but I wish i had gotten the grilled chicken after having some of my sons. It needed no help it was already good. I got loaded mashed potatoes and they were some of the best i have ever had. We will be back every time we are here in the area.

This restaurant is right next to the Gruene Hall. It is pet friendly in the outdoor seating area. It has excellent service and great food and drinks. We went on a cloudy day and it started raining the servers did really well at accommodating everyone because of the rainy weather they tried to sit everyone inside and even brought us an umbrella (we couldn't move inside because we had a pup with us.) We ordered the Spinach Artichoke Dip! The dip and the chips it came with were really good! We ordered the fresh lime margarita which tasted like fresh limeade and also ordered the Blackberry Bourbon Smash I dont normally drink Bourbon but surprisingly I really enjoyed this drink. We ordered the Gristmill award winning tortilla soup and it didn't disappoint. The beef tenderloin was a cooked a little more than I would have liked but it was also really great! The dessert topped it off! The German Chocolate cake with ice cream was so good! The environment was very nice with the river and all the greenery I would visit here again.

A low-key restaurant with amazing views of the Guadalupe river, which is located in a historic building with a mountain lodge feel. We came here on a Saturday afternoon for late lunch, and got onto their online waitlist. While the waitlist was long, it moved quickly and because it was online, we could use the time to explore the shops in the historic Gruene town center. When it was our turn, we could check in at one of the outdoor bars at Gristmill. The staff seated us quickly (I was surprised how many empty tables there were given the long waitlist, but I assume they were staff-constrained). The menu features a lot of local specialties and traditional American food; and all the food is very reasonably priced. I had the chicken fried steak with round cut fries, and we shared the artichoke and spinach dip. The dip was amazing: very cheese and yummy, and perfectly balanced with the salty tortilla chips. The steak was huge (definitely Texas sized ), but disappointingly dry. The round cut fries were too salty for my taste. Overall, it was a nice meal. The service was excellent and friendly. Our server in fact suggested the dip that I loved. I'll definitely be coming back to try more of the menu.

Such a wonderful place to enjoy a delicious lunch with a wonderful view! We absolutely love going here whenever we are in the area, and it's almost criminal not to. The views are beautiful and the service is good. It did take a little bit of time to get the check, but these guys are almost always busy so it wasn't a huge ordeal. We have taken my in laws here and they both enjoyed it! I believe the menu says Texas Sized Onion Rings, and y'all these are huge and live up to their name. We even got a small order of it, and they just come out barely fitting on the plate. I guess it's a good problem to have though. WE have also had the Texas Torpedos, and they were good too. We have tried the Grilled Chicken Pasta Poblano Salad. So refreshing especially during the TX summers! Quite a bit of food too, so there were leftovers. We have also had the Chicken Fried Steak with Mashed Potatoes, and typical Southern comfort food right here! We had absolutely no complaints about this dish, and we are very particular on our CFS, and this was top notch!

Last minute trip and thought we'd take this route and grab a bite. First time visiting during the week and there was the perfect amount of people (not empty or crowded) Sun was still out so it was a bit warm, but the trees blocking the direct sunlight and the nice breeze coming throughout the building was nice. Our server was great, Peyton just understood the love for loaded mashed potatoes lol For appetizer , we had the Texas Torpedoes: Hand-battered, deep fried bacon wrapped jalapeños stuffed with cheddar, jack and cream cheese. They are served with chipotle ranch. They had the perfect kick of spice! I shared the Chicken Fried Steak: Hand breaded and deep fried. Topped with cream gravy. And LOADED mashed potatoes. I got it with the gravy on the side (prevents my food from getting soggy) Got me a water, then tea, and then opted for the jalapeño margarita. Yum Note: Their tea does not come sweet... I know, I said it... lol but they do have sugar and Splenda. Kiddo had the Guadalupe Chopped Steak: 12 oz. Patty Topped with spicy queso, red onions, fresh avocado, diced tomato, jalapeños and jack cheese. Would I return: YES Keep in mind that if you have a bottle in your person, you cannot bring in to the restaurant (not in or out)

This place is spectacular! Sat outside on a perfect 79° day! We were a large group of 10 and only waited about 15 min! Fire roasted chicken was very spicy, but chicken was cooked perfectly- juicy and very flavorful!!! Mashed potatoes are a definite must! Spinach artichoke dip was so creamy (no pic). But the ambiance are worth the drive! One of my favs

We visited the Gristmill yesterday and thoroughly enjoyed our visit. From the moment we arrived, our Waiter was very courteous and very interactive. We both had BBQ Ribs and they were very tender and moist; basically, fall off the bone delicious! I couldn't have done better myself!

Great river views on the outdoor patio, great service from young pretty college girls, onion rings are amazing and there food is really good too.

We had to try the Gristmill during our night in New Braunfels. It was packed at 9pm but we were seated right away. The staff was on their A game and everything ran smooth as butter! The chicken fried chicken with mash & mac n cheese was super crispy & tasty! Great vibe here, the Christmas decor & the fireplace seating was a nice touch! Cant wait to be back!

Great service and amazing food. We got the fire roasted chicken and it was the best chicken I've ever had. Our waitress Chelsea was awesome!

This is a MUST VISIT when you're in the area. The food was exceptional and the service was quick and friendly. One of the best old fashioned cocktails I've ever had (on the sweeter side, if that interests you)!

We loved our experience! My second time here ( visiting from Nashville) and loved it all over again. Three of us sat outside on the patio enjoying the breeze and atmosphere ( early April 2024) and our server Desiree was very friendly and helpful with recommendations. She kept our tea and sodas coming, and checked in on us regularly. Food was delicious- burgers were good and filling, and the side vegetables were outstanding: sautéed squash, mushrooms, Cole slaw were all delicious. Huge outdoor space accommodations so plenty of space for lots of visitors to Gruene! Restrooms are in a separate building in the back. This is a must try restaurant when you come to visit Gruene. If it's busy I recommend getting your name in early!

We loved it here, we will be back. We had the onion rings as an appetizer and the fried shrimp and country fried steak. The fries were the best but the rest made up for it. We also had the chocolate sheet cake desert to go which was great!! The service was also really good. The only thing is that there was a 45min wait but we walked around the area.

If you get there soon after they open at 11 am, there won't be a wait. Otherwise, be prepared to wait a little while, especially if you have a big group. The wait is worth it though, the restaurant has many different sections inside and on the patio along the river that make the ambiance delightful. Even when it's hot, they've got misters and a lot of shady trees to keep you cool. I always order the chicken fried steak. It's delicious and consistent. My favorite part is the flavor of the gravy, very rich. As an appetizer, I like the brastwurst if I haven't gotten a fix for German food yet while in the area. If you're in Greune, make sure to check out this staple!

This place is overrated in my opinion. This place stays packed and you can always expect to wait at least 30 minutes for a table. Some seats have better views than others. Some tables are so close together it is hard to move in there. All of the waitstaff girls are wearing the shortest tightest shorts ever! Most of the food is just okay, but the onion rings deserve 5 stars. Definitely an experience if you are in the area, but I suggest finding a small diner in the area for a more intimate experience.

I've been going to Gristmill ever since I was a kid. From family outings, to girls day trips, to one on ones, I've always had a great time! You can't beat the experience of having a meal in an open air mill turned restaurant with views that are the best in town. Throw your name into the waiting list and then grab a drink and enjoy some live music while you wait for your table. Once inside the vibes are just as good. In my most recent experience our server and bartender could not have be friendlier, heck, even the table next to us were so friendly we struck up a chat with them! The food offered is southern comfort meets German influence which makes for a hearty and delicious meal no matter what you get. Get yourself to the Gristmill for a good time - no notes!

Seated right away on a recent Thursday night late. I had a half rack of ribs, sauce on the side. This wasn't necessarily a win, as the ribs didn't have much rub on them, they were better with the sauce on (though the sauce was a little spicy.) They were indeed fall-off-the-bone tender, quite good. I had the garden salad (good) and fries (very good, properly salted, crispy at the edges.) We finished by sharing the rich and moist German chocolate cake ... and taking half of it to go! Service was ok.

First time eating here. Very nice atmosphere and great place if you have a group. Chicken fried steak was amazing. Portions are large. We'll be back

Love coming here when I'm in new braunfels! You can join the waitlist ahead of time via their website online which is very convenient because it gets super busy here especially on the weekends. Love getting the onions rings and sitting outdoors facing the Guadalupe

The food is absolutely amazing at the Gristmill! We started off with an appetizer of their famous onion rings. Service was good, a little slow but to their credit, it was a bit busy! The ambience is fabulous. Located on an older mill building the age of the building has not been changed in order to preserve the original structure.

Loved this place and you will too. First off you are invited by a nice outdoor seating area that sits at the bank of the river. There are plenty of seating areas and even sitting near the nice view. There was a live band playing which was a nice touch. Staff was friendly. We had a great experience. We ordered two patron margaritas which were awesome! They definitely know how to make a margarita. Their margaritas are song worthy (give me one margarita...). We ordered some appetizers chips and queso, fries (potato chips) and a Spanish artichoke quesadilla. Everything looked and tasted amazing. I don't say this often but there was not a single complaint about everything I had. I had a great time, surrounded by great company and friendly people. This is a place I would recommend. It's family friendly, date worthy, an overall great place to have a drink and a bite to eat. Another win for this small town. Come here and then do some shopping the way we did. I had a great day. You will love it!

Honestly... I was expecting the food to be really good and it just didn't impress me at all. I was really underwhelmed. The scenery was nice, we ate with a view of the river. But flies flew onto our food right when it was brought over (before we even had our plates passed to us by the waiter). I know the bugs aren't their fault, but it sucks that the flies tasted our food before we did. The service wasn't all that.. I never was asked if I wanted a refill of my drink, and while the waiter did come to refill the water, it was towards the end of the meal. The food tasted really generic. Applebees, Dennys, etc. I got the Side Cesar Salad, and didn't really enjoy it, it had a bit of spice and lacked dressing in my opinion. I also got the Ribs, which were good. And the mashed potatoes and gravy which were just fine. My husband got the country fried steak, which he liked, but said he liked iHops more. My sister got the Chicken Fried Chicken, she felt it was over cooked. She wishes she got a burger instead. My mom got the steak, and also felt it was over cooked. My 10 year old niece got chicken strips, no complaints. The fries were unexpected, since they are potato slices, not really fries. Onion rings were good, the breading tasted like chicken. Overall it's not that the food was bad, it was just not really worth the cost, and this isn't a place I would personally recommend. I think this place is overrated. Maybe I went into this place with too high of expectations? It just isn't a restaurant I would personally come back to. Really wish I would have liked this place :-(

I love this rustic restaurant overlooking the river. There is plenty of seating indoor and outdoor. The food is great and there is plenty of servers to accommodate patrons. The onion rings are my favorite appetizer every time I visit... but everything I've had at the Gristmill is just wonderful.

I have come here several times over the years. The environment is inviting and pleasant. Our servers have always been friendly. Ethan was our server today. He was a pleasure. My son loved the atmosphere! Food has always been consistently good. Good portions for the price.

We had riverfront table, which they dont guarantee. So the view was amazing! The entire place has a rustic rivertown vibe to it. It can be quite hot in the summers, a/c is not a thing at this restaurant but luckily most of the year the weather is delightful and there is shade from the trees. The waiter suggested a Mateo chicken, so I ordered that. The bean sauce that comes under the chicken was spicy and really a good touch. There was plenty of tomatillo gravy on the top. Just wasn't sure about the sides they paired it with. None of the side options seem to really match that dish well. My kids both got the quesadillas with the circle cut fries. Circle cut fries are basically slices of potato that are cooked like a french fry so they're potato rounds basically. One of ours was a little under cooked and still kind of machine soggy, then, another one at the table was a little over done and crunchy with no smoosh on the inside. I say this cuz you if you have picky kids like I do probably don't order the fries! Margarita at the bar and at the table were good and decently priced. You really just can't be the ambience of this place. Its nostalgic and so Gruene!

Food and service was amazing. My friend and I did brunch here and we both thought it felt like you are in a tree house when on the back deck. Pet friendly. All in all we enjoyed the overall vibe of the place. Forgot to take photos but I do recommend the 3 dip & chip and the ribs!

we were in town for the annual clay fest in gruene, tx, and a lady on the shuttle bus recommended this place. we're so glad we followed her advice! despite a seemingly long line at the hostess station, we requested covered outdoor seating and were accommodated immediately. our waitress was a sweetheart, and the food was served in generous portions and was absolutely delicious. my partner especially loved the tortilla soup--so much so that i couldn't even get a picture of it! the bathrooms were clean, and the historic mill location added to the welcoming and picturesque setting. highly recommend!

Food was really good. Location is really nice especially on a nice day. Service was slow but not a big issue.

This review is short and sweet. -Great Views -Fantastic Staff -Delicious Food -Awesome Family Atmosphere -Highly Recommend