New Braunfels and Gruene are Texas’ top wedding destinations. Guest travel from near and far to experience hill country weddings in our great cities. They offer so much! Gruene Estate is New Braunfels’ premier wedding and event venue. Our brides and brides to be often ask us what the best rehearsal dinner locations are in New Braunfels and Gruene. As life long locals, here are two of our favorite restaurants for a rehearsal dinner in New Braunfels and Gruene. In addition, two off the beaten path post rehearsal dinner party spots.

Rehearsal Dinners New Braunfels

If you are a fan of Cajun seafood then look no further then McAdoo’s in downtown New Braunfels. Located in the old post office, a historic 1900’s building that sat vacant for many years, this restaurant offers: a great atmosphere, large rooms available for reservation, and full cocktail menu!

Diners are greeted by the historic building’s immense classic columns. The menu features Cajun classics like Atchafalaya blackened catfish with crawfish etoufee and shrimp and cheese grits. McAdoo’s offers custom creations, allowing you to choose two or three items from an extensive list to DIY your dream meal. Options include everything from seafood gumbo to jambalaya to brochette shrimp and crab cake sliders.

In addition to top shelf spirits and wine, they also have New Braunfels’ only Bloody Mary Bar. Start out with a glass of Tito’s and add fixings to your heart’s content. It’s practically a buffet on its own. This is the perfect start to your post rehearsal dinner party experience.

The After Party – New Braunfels

The advantage of having your wedding in a destination like New Braunfels and Gruene is the large array of pre and post wedding entertainment options. Our number one recommendation for post rehearsal dinner party drinks, is the Sidecar at Prince Solms Inn. Located in the cellar of the Prince Solms Inn, step back in time by entering a subterranean speakeasy type atmosphere.

If you didn’t know that this venue exist, you would walk right by it. Located in the heart of New Braunfels, this dimly-lit, underground sanctuary is a place where the casual and the professional cocktail connoisseur come to unwind. Every drink is mixed with fresh seasonal ingredients and classic spirits. Sidecar is a unique place to entertain your guests that is not overly crowded and loud.

Rehearsal Dinner Locations Gruene

If you are a bride and groom who are looking to keep your wedding and event in Gruene proper, then there is no doubt that The Gristmill River Restaurant and Bar should be on the top of your list for a rehearsal dinner location.

Nestled in live oak trees overlooking the Guadalupe River, Gristmill is housed in the historic cotton mill that was used by the Gruene family to process cotton from Gruene Estate. Our venue is directly tied to this historic location!

For rehearsal dinners in New Braunfels and Gruene, It’s hard to beat all that the Gristmill has to offer. Private rooms are available for rent and the space can accommodate a large number of guests. For parties, a set dinner menu which is customizable is available for your rehearsal dinner. The Gristmill features an upscale casual dining menu with thick slabs of smoked meat. Don’t forget to enjoy the chicken fried steak, fried catfish, grilled chicken, Texas-sized sandwiches, fresh fish and Gristmill’s secret specialties — tomatillo chicken and bronzed catfish. Fudge pie, enormous strawberry shortcake, and their signature Jack Daniel’s Pecan Pie are popular picks for sweet-toothers.

The After Party – Gruene

Growing up in New Braunfels, there use to be lots of honky tonks, dance halls, and off the beaten path bars that had their own unique vibes. Most of these places have disappeared due to development. While Gruene Hall will always be an amazing place to grab a beer and see some live music, Riley’s Tavern is our top pick for our off the beaten path post rehearsal dinner hang out spot in Gruene.

Located a few miles down Hunter Road, this bar has been open since prohibition and is a true Texas honkytonk and dive bar. Nothing about the bar has changed since the 70’s when the establishment changed ownership. It’s the type place where you can nail a dollar bill on the wall, or write your name in permanent marker and nobody cares. Riley’s Tavern offers live music, pool tables, shuffle board, and on certain days a food menu. It is one of the best kept secrets in all of Comal County.

Rehearsal dinners are a fun pre wedding way to gather with family and friends! There are many rehearsal dinner locations in New Braunfels and Gruene. McAdoo’s and The Gristmill are our top choices for rehearsal dinner locations in New Braunfels and Gruene. They are also close to some post rehearsal dinner night life options that are off the beaten path. If you are looking for a venue for you wedding day, contact Gruene Estate. We would love to hear about what your dream wedding looks like.