Lokal Dives

Check for NBAF specials at each location

New Braunfels isn’t about velvet ropes and valet parking—it’s about lawn chairs in parking lots, bartenders who know your drama, and spots where the walls could tell better stories than your ex.

This is our official, unofficial guide to the places that make NB unforgettable: from grungy barrooms and greasy food shacks to riverside beer gardens and old-school pool halls. These are the Lokal Dives where river rats, barstool philosophers, and unapologetic locals go to stir it up.

And yeah—we convinced some of 'em to whip up an NBAF-only special just for you. Ask for it by name. You’ll get a deal, a nod, or maybe just a solid side-eye. Either way? Worth it.

So rally your crew, support your favorites, and don’t forget—what happens at the Lokal Dive might end up in our feed. Especially if it’s loud, weird, or way too funny not to share.

ALL MISFITS WELCOME

SIP LOKAL • TALK LOUD

Clear Springs Restaurant (Catfish)

📍 1692 S State Highway 46 South, New Braunfels, TX 78130

📞 (830) 629‑3775

🌐 clearspringsrestaurant.com

Originally a grocery store from 1869, this catfish kingdom has been feeding the masses since 1984. Famous for hand-breaded onion rings, firecracker catfish, and portions that laugh in the face of “light bites,” Clear Springs is pure Hill Country comfort. Historic charm, deep-fried goodness, and zero regrets—just the way we like it.

Gruene Hall (Historic)

📍 1281 Gruene Rd, Gruene (New Braunfels), TX

📞 Not publicly listed (ticketing via website)

🌐 gruenehall.com

🏛️ Built in 1878 and still going strong, Gruene Hall is officially the oldest continually operated dance hall in Texas. With its tin roof, wrap‑around shutters, and vintage signage from the 1930s–40s, this place hasn't lost one speck of retro charm. Music legends from Willie Nelson to Lyle Lovett have rocked its stage. Yeah, next time you're two-stepping there, you're stepping on history.

The Hoity Toit Beer Joint

📍 421 E Torrey St, New Braunfels, TX 78130

📞 (830) 327‑1201

🌐 No official website

A true dive bar in every sense, The Hoity Toit Beer Joint is where locals come for cold beer, cash-only drinks, and zero pretense. With a jukebox that might surprise you and a famously labeled “Asshole Section,” this spot keeps it quirky, classic, and 100% authentic. If you want dive bar vibes that don’t quit, this is your spot

Pat’s Place

📍 202 S Union Ave, New Braunfels, TX 78130

📞 (830) 629‑1491

🌐 patsplacenbtx.com

Serving up burgers, nachos, enchiladas, and small-town heart since 1977, Pat’s Place is where New Braunfels locals go when they want to eat like they mean it. The vibe? Comfort food meets karaoke night. The crowd? Everyone from your grandma to your drinking buddy. It’s laid back, full of flavor, and practically family if you walk in more than once.

Phoenix Saloon (Historic Building)

📍 193 W San Antonio St, New Braunfels, TX 78130

📞 (830) 643‑1400

🌐 thephoenixsaloon.com

Originally built in 1871, this is where Texas’s chili‑powder revolution began (thanks to William Gebhardt’s tampico dust). The Saloon was the first bar in Texas to serve women, had badger fights and an alligator pit, and featured a parrot audibly asking “Have you paid your bill?!” in German. Closed during Prohibition and used for multiple commercial purposes, it reopened in 2010 as a live‑music chili‑parlor and burger bar. It's historic, fiery, and downright legendary

The Oyster Bar

📍 203 S Seguin Ave, New Braunfels, TX 78130

📞 (830) 627‑7766

🌐 nboysterbar.com

Serving seafood vibes since 2003, Oyster Bar is the place locals go for oysters, cocktails, live tunes, and those infamous breakfast shot traditions. Celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2023 with street tacos and raffles. Think casual yet buzzy, with bar games, happy-hour specials, and wings folks rave about on Reddit.