The video above takes you on a walking tour of downtown New Braunfels, Texas, capturing the feel of this Hill Country city after dark and highlighting the live music spots scattered around the historic square. Located about 30 miles northeast of San Antonio and 50 miles southwest of Austin, New Braunfels has a population approaching 100,000 but still carries a small-town energy that makes it easy to slow down and enjoy an evening out. The tour also touches on the city's German-Texan heritage, which shaped everything from the local food and architecture to the festivals and music you'll hear around town.
What live music venues are in downtown New Braunfels?
Downtown New Braunfels packs a good number of live music spots into a relatively compact area around the square. Here's what the video walks through:
- Phoenix Saloon — A historic bar that dates back to before Prohibition and claims to be the originator of chili powder. They host cover bands and singer-songwriters, and their chili is worth ordering. Andy Hollman was performing on the day this video was filmed.
- Moonshine & Ale — A piano bar where you can hear the crowd having a good time from the sidewalk outside.
- Poor House — A late-night spot known for a rowdier atmosphere, often featuring country music and live entertainment.
- Water to Wine — A restaurant along the square that pairs really good food with live music.
- Muck & Fuss — A popular burger joint that books acoustic acts. Jess and Dave were playing there on this particular day.
- Sidecar — A downstairs speakeasy-style bar that serves well-crafted cocktails and occasionally features piano bar performances.
- Loner Lounge — A spot that hosts live music in the downtown area.
- Brauntex Theatre — A large historic theater that books concerts and musical events from time to time.
Beyond the downtown square, Gruene is the other major destination for live music in the New Braunfels area, home to the well-known Gruene Hall.
Country music, German heritage, and the Comal River
One thing that stands out about New Braunfels compared to other Texas music towns is how heavily country music is represented. You'll hear it at places like the Poor House, mixed in alongside cover bands at the Phoenix Saloon and piano bar sets elsewhere downtown. That German-Texan influence also runs deep here — you can find it in the local food spots serving sausage and at Wurstfest, the city's big annual festival celebrating that heritage. The Comal River and Schlitterbahn water park bring waves of tourists through town depending on the season, which means the energy downtown shifts throughout the year. The New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung newspaper publishes local live music listings online, and nearby towns like Wimberley and San Marcos have their own music scenes worth checking out if you're exploring the area.