Edible News

Historic New Braunfels restaurant and beer garden reopens with cool twist

Krause's Café will reopen with a new beer hall and beer garden this November.

Photo courtesy of Krause's Cafe

The German heritage in the Hill Country town of New Braunfels provides just enough of a cultural getaway to make you feel like you’re not in Texas. Adding to the city’s German flare is Ron Snider — founder of the New Braunfels Farmers Market and the new owner of the historic Krause's Café, which will reopen with a new beer hall and beer garden this November.

The restaurant was originally run from 1938 to 1995, dishing out traditional German fare to many dignitaries and city leaders. The storefront was initially located on New Braunfels’ Plaza and was named Gene’s Place after its first owner, Gene Krause. In 1948, he relocated to Castell Avenue and renamed the spot Krause's Café. Gene’s son, Kermit, ran the family business from 1959 to 1995.

After a 20-year hiatus, Snider is bringing Krause's Café back in the same locale, at 186 S. Castell Ave. He plans for it to be "modern, partially industrial, and laid-back" with a "biergarten," German-centric menu infused with a Texas touch, live music, and a cool atmosphere.

In the 11,000-square-foot space, diners can't miss the domed steel ceiling in the "bierhalle," the tabletops made with reclaimed wood, and more unique details that make the space so special.

"The revealed wood ceilings in the cafe are from both the original wood building and Kermit's many additions," Snider says. "Our bar tops are a large pecan tree slab salvaged from one of our many floods, and the cafe dining counter is made of wood from our Comal County Fairgrounds bleachers, circa 1930."

The menu will include Reuben sandwiches; sausages; house-made biscuits; mushroom hash; and more than 70 beers on tap — local, regional, and international options. Krause's Café will also have cocktails and wines on tap.

"My hope is that Krause’s Café will be a must-stop when visiting the city and will return a longstanding staple to the downtown community," Snider adds. By the sound and looks of it, we know it will be.

An official opening date will be announced soon.

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GRAPE EXPECTATIONS

Hill Country wineries crush summer with grape stomping events

Photo courtesy of Texas Hill Country Wineries

Not all wine stomping is done with the feet.

If you ask Texas Hill Country Wineries, good, clean fun is a tad overrated. The nonprofit’s members are getting messy this summer with a series of grape stomps celebrating harvest season.

Yes, the vast majority of the world’s wines are now made with mechanical destemmers and crushers, but there is no harm in cosplaying as a vendemmiatore hopped up on mezzo vino. As long as you keep the white linen tucked away in the closet.

The main event pays homage to the most famous wine scene in popular culture (unless you count Paul Giamatti guzzling a spit bucket in Sideways). The I Love Lucy Charity Grape Stomp, held August 8-9 at Texas Hills Vineyard, includes live music, a costume contest, freshly made Lucy sangria, and souvenir t-shirts available for purchase. All proceeds benefit area volunteer firefighters.

Meanwhile, other Hill Country wineries are putting their own spin on the harvest tradition. Becker Vineyards will pair its high-stepping event (September 5-6) with cheese and charcuterie from its onsite Verandah Bar. Messina Hof is hosting a raucous harvest festival (August 21-22) with grape picking, and Signor Vineyards will roll out lawn games — just don’t wear cleats into the vat.

Wildseed Farms grape stomp, held every Saturday in August, includes a complimentary glass of wine. Texas Wine Collective adds barbecue and tunes from the Dawson Holland band. Whether two-stepping is the proper technique to release juice from the fruit is up for debate. Maybe try the Boot Scootin’ Boogie.

Whichever event, it might be a good idea to have a good foot scrub waiting at the Airbnb. A full list of grape stomping fun can be found here.

wineries vineyards hill country grape stomping music festivals harvest wine