WTH happened today? Six hours later, I am still trying to decipher what transpired. Frankly, I feel a little confused and violated. Against my better judgement, I should have sought counsel from local, beloved, and highly regarded celebrities, Julie G. and Emeralda G. Missing their expertise, I ordered the two meat plate: brisket, pork loin, beans and green beans. I get my order, look at it and I’m dumbfounded. I look at it again and I’m scratching my head. I sit outside to eat and try the brisket first. I try the pork loin next. I look at the brisket, then turn and look at the pork loin. Look at the brisket, then again at the pork. I must’ve executed this move at least two more times. Both meats were very thinly sliced, and I mean THIN-deli meat thin. Hello? Am I being punk’d? Where’s Ashton? I was expecting at least a decent, thick cut of brisket and pork, not flatworm looking slices. While the brisket and pork were not dry, I can’t say I can tasted smoke or anything else for that matter. Eventually, I caught glimpses of some pepper and SOMETHING*. These meats lacked flavor so much I was unable to differentiate between both meats. This was my WTF moment. I was expecting for the meats to be thicker, juicier, smokier, saltier, peppery — dear sweet, miracle making, baby Jesus, at least some bark. At a minimum, a smoke ring please!!! Substandard BBQ should be a crime punishable by public stoning with briskets and rib racks. *At the time of this printing, the author was still unable to ascertain what the mystery flavor was.
Daryll B.
Rating des Ortes: 3 San Antonio, TX
I’ve eaten their breakfast tacos in the past and they were just North of Mcdonalds 99 cent burritos. I have also had their ribs before and«machine sliced» not carved brisket before and while tender, I have to agree with Greg E, the bbq expert that this food is just North of Bill Millers. I got a link of sausage today and it could have been from Hillshire. It was perfectly uniform with no strings on the end. This company has two great meat markets and make excellent dried German sausage, but apparently they use an outside vendor for the restaurant’s sausage. The link had no smoke on it and was tight inside with no fat. It was a natural casing which had a snap, but no color at all from a smoking process. As Greg mentioned, I think all the meats here are steam baked somehow and spend some time on the smoker for smoke alone and not cooking. That said, the place is always packed and is the only bbq place in the downtown area of New Braunfels, besides mcbees. I would only go again if in the area because of the drive though.
Brian M.
Rating des Ortes: 2 Austin, TX
Just… no. It’s tough to be in the BBQ biz in New Braunfels, so if you’re gonna do it, bring your A game. This place is sitting at a C-/D+. With Cooper’s(and even Rudy’s) nearby, the stakes are high. So thin, tough brisket won’t cut it – no pun intended. Flavor is of the essence, and there isn’t nearly as much as you’ll find in competitors’ meats. The potato salad, though, was killer. Cole slaw was great too. And the service was friendly. But there are too many better options to come here for BBQ.
Jess C.
Rating des Ortes: 5 San Antonio, TX
This place is soo good great size and prices. Everything was DELICIOUS. We live in San Antonio & decided after our way back home from County Fair we’d stop by. No regrets sure wish we lived closer though but definitely will be back soon!
Vanna P.
Rating des Ortes: 4 League City, TX
Came here after a tubing adventure with my family. The place is right by the Comal River so it was a perfect spot to stop by– only a two minute drive or so. The food was delicious. Now I may be a tad bit biased since I was starving from the heat and swimming. I had the spud with brisket. It was great. Meat was nice and juicy– it was large enough to share with others… I also got a taste of the pork ribs, which were also not bad. The food came out rather quickly. Overall it was a good experience. It’s a perfect choice for those of you coming down to New Braunfels for a water activity and stopping by for some good ol’ Texas BBQ.
Anita C.
Rating des Ortes: 4 New Braunfels, TX
They get a 4 for their amazing breakfast tacos!!! They are so so yummy. They also get a 4 for their chicken sandwich. Peach cobbler is pretty good. Hubs loves their sausage. Kids love the turkey. Their tea is probably the best. Fries are great when fresh. All the locals eat here and walk around with Granzin cups full of tea.
Kim L.
Rating des Ortes: 1 New Braunfels, TX
I ordered the brisket today to see if perhaps it had gotten any better. Unfortunately, it has not … At least they’re consistent. The brisket was an odd gray color(almost like it was boiled or steamed), no bark, very bland in flavor with the consistency of the rubber band portion of a sling shot. On the bright side, the service is always fast and friendly. If you are thinking about going, stick with the sausage, if you are looking for good brisket this isn’t the place.
Donny W.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Whitinsville, MA
Nice establishment. Has a drive through if you need to make it quick. Breakfast taco options look tasty. I went with the pulled pork sandwich. Was chopped finely which I like but had just a little too much sauce for my liking giving it somewhat of a sloppy joe sandwich feel. I think the meat could probably stand out on its own with a little less sauce. All in all, I’d be happy to visit here again.
Caleb W.
Rating des Ortes: 4 San Antonio, TX
Probably one of my favorite BBQ joints. Their selection is incredible — probably 20 – 25 different kinds of sandwiches, plates, specials, tacos, and baked potatoes, plus several good sides and decent(but not extraordinary) tea. I got a combo sandwich — sausage, beef, and pork with sauce on a poppy seed bun. Everything was cooked excellently, and it had plenty of each kind of meat(not just cheap sausage). My date got a baked potato, loaded with cheese, butter, cream, and pulled pork(delicious). Their sauce isn’t amazing, but I think they know that and don’t put too much on. Their main focus is their variety of well-cooked meat.
Paul J.
Rating des Ortes: 1 San Antonio, TX
Fist time in this establishment and we will not be returning. Girl at register had a horrible attitude and made it very clear that she did not like her job. Same girl walks into the restroom while my child and wife are in there and begins cussing up a storm right in from of my child and wife about her work gossip to another employee. Before leaving we watched another employee clean tables and immideately restock the ice machine and use his entire arm and dirty hands to spread(even out) the ice in the machine. Majority of employees were not taking sanitary precautions, touching hair, face, sweat, and not wearing gloves in kitchen.
Robert M.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Austin, TX
OMG — you walk in the door and you know you are in a BBQ house. The smells were great. Getting there was the hardest part. The parking lot is tough. It weeds out the unworthy. At lunch it is very busy so go early/late is the best advice. I had the brisket and absolutely loved it. This is definitely a place I will repeat as much as possible if I can get in.
Dwain J.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Georgetown, TX
Came in at lunch. Ordered and sat right down. The food was delivered within minutes of the order. I had a chopped beef sandwich. The sandwich was tasty and plentiful. The potato salad was also good.
Bill K.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Austin, TX
After going to their meat market, we decided to check out their restaurant. I opted for a chopped beef sandwich. It was a little on the salty side. The meat was tender and flavorful. I had wished there were more options for dessert and more side choices. The prices were reasonable. We were able to eat for 2 for under $ 20, which is unheard of these days. I was impressed that we got our food as soon as we sat down at our table. I will definitely be going back to this place. I am not sure what is up with all the negative reviews. Apparently those folks have never had good BBQ.
Brandon H.
Rating des Ortes: 2 New Braunfels, TX
Meh. Just mediocre. Go to Cooper’s old time– you won’t be disappointed.
Jacob M.
Rating des Ortes: 3 Amarillo, TX
The food was okay and the atmosphere was okay too. If you’re looking for a quick fix for bar-b-que, this is the place. If you’re looking for award winning bar-b-quey with a neat atmosphere, this isn’t it.
Mare A.
Rating des Ortes: 1 New Braunfels, TX
We were so disappointed. If you like greasy fatty meat with little flavor THISISYOURPLACE! I used the bread slices to soak up grease. Tea was gross as well. The slaw is good but that’s about it. The place is nice and clean and the music is good. There are better places to spend your money on BBQ in New Braunfels.
Julie G.
Rating des Ortes: 4 San Antonio, TX
Their sliced beef sandwiches and sweet tea are terrific! They also have about every side item you can think of. Growing up a lot of my friends worked here and to this day I still see a lot of young guns running the place. It’s always nice to support a business that not only has wonderful food but hires on a lot of local students. Macaroni salad is a must here!
Courtney S.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Nashville, TN
This place is a cute little locally own BBQ shop. Just getting some of their sweet tea or one of their delicious smoked meat sandwiches, takes me back to high school days and makes me very nostalgic. I usually get the chopped beef sandwich, chopped beef taco, or chicken salad(I know, weird selection at a BBQ place but it’s so yummy!!) I have had their other meats as well and they are usually pretty consistent and smoked to become so tender. The sauce has such a nice BBQ flavor that isn’t overwhelming but adds to the flavor of the BBQ. The potato salad is my favorite side! Some of the other sides are mediocre, but the meat definitely makes up for it. And oh boy, let me tell you about their sweet tea… It’s so good. Sometimes I just swing through the drive through and get a giant cup. It comes in a styrofoam cup which just makes any beverage taste better. The do sell giant plastic mugs and will refill them for a discounted price I believe. Next time you’re in New Braunfels for Wurstfest, Toobing, or Schlitterbahn… try this hidden gem out. You’ll love it.
John T.
Rating des Ortes: 1 San Antonio, TX
Perhaps the worst meat I have ever tried that was considered BBQ! A friend and I drove up from San Antonio to visit their cousins meat market and they directed us to this place. Staff was polite, place seemed clean. But the food on both of our plates was DISGUSTING(photos). The brisket was very dry, chicken was jerky, the pork ribs were ok, not much meat, and the liquid they refer to as sauce ISHORRIBLE. Same some time and eat at the local Valero, they have ribs there that taste better than this crap.
Jean H.
Rating des Ortes: 4 New York, NY
Goodness gracious me. You may find my review skewed, as I will admit… I am a New York City girl. But Granzin was amazing. Also, perhaps my review may also be skewed because we came in here after 5 hours of swimming and river tubing. Hunger is a really great flavor enhancer. this may have been the best macaroni salad I’ve ever had in my life. I will admit the bbq sauce wasnt the best ive ever had as it was lacking a smokey quality and was a little too sweet to my personal taste. However, it was still good. Ribs? falling off the bone goodness. So tender. So sweet. So lovely. Sprinkle on some jalepenos and we’re in business. haha, i’m going to do a little NYC girl gushing now. The restaurant décor is so cute and ‘Texan’! I love how each table has a roll of paper towels on them because they know you’re going to get darn dirty and messy eating bbq! From the new yorker’s perspective, oh how cute! and well, of course, pragmatic.