Nathan and I are not the type of people I’d describe as “bar hoppers”. I’ll start off making that clear for anyone wondering. However, we decided to take one…or three…for the team, in order to review the bars in Gruene, TX. Just a skip, hop, and a stagger from our home in New Braunfels.
We do love Gruene. It’s definitely a frequented choice for date nights with my hubby. There’s so much character in this Historic District and no shortage of things to do, adventures to take. Or, as we’ve found out, drinks to partake.
I’ll be reviewing the six bars in Gruene that we’ve particularly enjoyed, three of which we visited last Saturday night (thank God I had some rationed toddler snacks in my purse). What’s really nice is that these libation locations each offer a uniquely different experience. Depending on whatever mood you’re in when you go out, you can find the right environment to meet your aesthetic needs and desired drinks.
Best Bars in Gruene
In this review, I’ll be covering the following bars in Gruene: Goodwin’s Speakeasy, Grapevine in Gruene, The Villa at Gruene, Gruene Tini’s, Vino en Verde, and Gruene’s Last Call. I’ll share a little of our own experiences at each location. I’ll also discuss the environment, the offerings, the price point, and try to highlight what makes each of these bars in Gruene so uniquely special.
Sip. Savor. Indulge. Imbibe.
Goodwin’s Speakeasy
Want to know right off the bat what makes Goodwin’s so unique? It’s right in the name. Speakeasy. Evocative of dancing flapper girls and 1920’s Prohibition, Goodwin’s sets the tone for a rebelliously good time. You can find the staircase leading down to the underground speakeasy lounge in the Gruene Grove.
Don’t let the Keep Out sign intimidate you. It’s all part of the charming shtick.
Nathan and I have been here more times than I can count. It was the first of the bars in Gruene that we patronized, and it’s kept us coming back for more. For so many different reasons. The drinks. The environment. The people–the bartenders and the other patrons. Just to name a few…
Goodwin’s is not for trendy, modern, experiments of flavor. Goodwin’s is the place that has PERFECTED the classics. The drink selection here is historical and flawless in flavor, with some options dating back to the early 1800s. A couple of the bartenders here know the histories of these recipes frontwards and backwards, and they pour out all of that passion into their classic cocktails.
As one bartender regaled me with the history and rumors surrounding the famous Mint Julep, his passion and knowledge aroused my curiosity. I asked him to make me one. And he knew how! A cocktail that George Washington was rumored to have enjoyed! They know their stuff at Goodwin’s, and it was delicious.
Amazing Acoustics
We’ve been here various days of the week. There are nights, on occasion, when it’s practically standing room only, and you hover, circling like an envious vulture until a seat vacates. People can get rowdy and boisterous when alcohol is involved…who knew?
You know one of the things that I am absolutely possessed by about this place? Its structure. The “good bones” of Goodwin’s, the separating walls in this basement, muffle and dampen so much of the noisy crowds. Nathan and I have shared so many meaningful talks, deep conversations, without having to strain ourselves yelling to each other 6 inches apart.
Even on the most crowded of nights. Which, in our experience, hasn’t actually been that many.
Goodwin’s Speakeasy is the type of place I’d call intimate. The lights are dim, the seating is comfy. Everything is vintage and worn, while still feeling wholly inviting. And the people we’ve met here, the bartenders and the patrons both, have been kind and sincere.
The Price of Perfection
Do you consider yourself a classic cocktail connoisseur? Go up to Goodwin’s and try to tell me that its Old Fashioned or Whiskey Sour, flawlessly finished and perfectly presented, isn’t worth the price tag. Bet. On average, the tasty tipples here run about $15 a pop, and you’d better believe that we haven’t been above dropping $60 for 4 drinks and a wonderful date experience.
The quality is worth the cost. The atmosphere, the wealth of knowledge, the flawless craft of making these cocktails…it’s all worth the cost. GO. TO. GOODWIN’S.
Goodwin’s Speakeasy: Order Up!
Pros:
Awesome aesthetic. Feels like going back in time. PERFECTED classic craft cocktails. The historical offerings make you curious to try everything on the menu. Amazing acoustics, so fairly quiet even when it’s bustling. Intimate and romantic environment for date nights.
Cons:
Perfection is PRICEY. Cocktails are generally $15 per drink. Seating is limited on busy nights. And some of the seating is old and worn enough that it feels like it could break…but it feels pretty in keeping with the nostalgia of the place, so we don’t mind.
Grapevine in Gruene
Sitting out in the open-air courtyard. Feeling the hot, summer breeze caress my face. Looking over at the kinetic, metal yard art at Gruene Gardens. Listening to some ambient music playing. All while sipping on one of the most delightful barrel-aged Cab Savs I’ve tasted.
Grapevine in Gruene is a sensory experience. Sitting on the wooden bench outside, I was struck by how picturesque everything is here. It felt like being in a movie. Even as beautiful as everything felt, it was still time spent outside in Texas nature. Part of the sensory experience here is dealing with the bugs and heat.
Don’t be dismayed, though! Indoors, you’ll find some additional seating to keep you (and your drinks) protected from intrigued insects and scorching temps. There’s also a nice selection of wine-themed, kitschy boutique gifts and bottled wines available for purchase.
Good Tunes and Booze
Of our favorite bars on this list, this is definitely the one for enjoying the outdoors in Downtown Gruene. If you choose to brave the summertime elements, Grapevine hosts many local musicians for complimentary concerts.
Sitting outside under the strings of café lights and shady trees, enjoying the music and your drink selections, it makes for a gorgeous evening date. And there are fans set up outside to combat the heat. They do the best they can, but they’re a poor rival against the triple digits.
Grapevine outdoors would be absolutely ideal for an autumn or early-winter evening date. As if Texas had autumns.
Although this bar specializes in providing Texas-sourced wines, the menu offerings span wines and brews both domestic and imported. There’s something for everyone here.
As soon as we saw the featured Gruene Bourbon Barrel Cabernet Sauvignon, we knew we had to try it. At $10 per serving or $35 per bottle, we likely should have just splurged on the bottle for how much we loved it. To be fair, we’re generally cheap wine-pickers, enjoying $10-$15 value bottle red wine blends once a week.
We’ll definitely be sure to pick up a bottle for our next special occasion, though.
Grapevine in Gruene: Order Up!
Pros:
Wine selection, especially the local wines. They also offer classic and rotating, seasonal brews here if you’re more of a Texas beer fan. Beautiful, idyllic outdoor courtyard. Patio seating as well. Feels like a place you’d have to stop by if you were vacationing in Gruene. Available seating indoors. Offers a great gift selection for wine-lovers. Venue for complimentary, live music from local musicians.
Cons:
Although there is seating indoors, it’s pretty open concept, not intimate. When we visited, there was a pretty boisterous guy speaking with the bartender, and even just that level of noise had us wanting to sit outside. And outside, at least right now, is blazing hot even in the early evenings. And if you don’t like bugs, you won’t want to sit outside. Also, our wine was served in plastic cups. I get why, but meh. You take the bad with the good here, but there’s more good than bad.
The Villa at Gruene
I’ve seen this place driving into Gruene many times. Oh, what a beautiful wedding venue! That’s always been my thought about The Villa, but guys, it’s so much more. We visited this Wednesday night, after a rough day (and week) with work and the toddlers…and the teenager practicing parallel parking. We’ve hit a new level of burnout, to say the least.
We weren’t entirely sure what to expect when we walked up to the patio. We found parking easily, checked around back first to get a glimpse of the beautiful little vineyard, then strolled to the front. Only to realize that the entrance is just a giant, connecting breezeway (that really puts the breeze in breezeway). I’ll get to that in a minute…
We found the door to the inside full bar easily enough, and when we entered, the emptiness was palpable. There were a couple patrons putting in orders at the bar, but apart from them, all indoor seating was vacant. Ordinarily, I feel like this would’ve been a bad sign.
But, in truth, it was a Wednesday night. And all the people hanging out at the Villa on this particular Wednesday night were hanging out outside. That was fine with us. We had a few moments to get our bearings, to look around.
If we had to pick a wedding venue/reception hall, this. place. is. stunning.
It’s rustic, but modern, fresh, clean. Exposed support beams. Stained concrete floors. Everything exceptional and contemporary. It. is. gorgeous. And then there’s the full bar.
Tipples and Tunes
There’s wine, craft cocktails, beer. Really interesting and creative flavor pairings offered as well. I struggled, because I’m a Hendricks Gin girl, and they had some intriguing drinks on the menu with this liquor, like the Jalapeño Paloma or the Morpheus. Ultimately, I opted for the Wo-Manhattan to see how it compared to the one I recently had at Gruene Tini’s. Nathan ordered himself a Gold Fashioned.
Different from Gruene Tini’s Manhattan, but still, altogether stunning. The presentation was pristine, the flavor on point, and those delicious, marinated black cherries, *chef’s kiss*. And I tasted Nathan’s Old Fashioned iteration. We both agree that it was comparable to Goodwin’s, and it was made complete with a signature orange peel twist.
The cocktails were about $12 per, reasonable given the quality, and once we had them in hand, we went outside. There’s a variety of comfortable seating offered, and we set up camp in a vintage, tufted, leather couch to sip on our selections and listen to a local musician, Myles Smith, play. The Villa hosts live music events virtually 5 days a week!
This open-air breezeway, complemented by a large industrial fan, was so comfortable. In spite of the summer heat, the temperature was mild, the breeze was strong, the air was circulating, and everything seemed to encourage a deep breath of peace. We even saw a couple of young deer frolicking in the vineyard. It’s next level, people. Postcard-esque.
Family Friendly and a Hospitable Host
I’d also like to briefly mention two additional things we noticed about The Villa during our Wednesday night outing. Since it’s more of an event venue, it’s actually family (and pet) friendly. Dogs are allowed on the patio outside, and we saw some young kids coming in the bar for some water. Just nice to know that once the toddlers are older, if we want to pop in some place for some fresh air, live music, and a couple of refreshments, we can.
The second notable mention? Kayla, the bartender. Speaking with her for just a few moments, it was apparent how authentic and at ease she is. She was very hospitable and friendly. Bonus: If you ask, she can give you a 15% off coupon for Inferno’s Pizza or Tex’s Hot Chicken! Perfect if you happen to get a little tipsy and need some convenient grub.
The Villa is definitely worth checking out.
The Villa at Gruene: Order Up!
Pros:
Beautiful, peaceful environment. Even with the live music, it probably felt the least stimulating of all the bars in Gruene I’ve mentioned, in a good way. Especially for burnt-out parents needing some wind-down time. At least, that was true for us going on a Wednesday night. Delicious drinks, beautifully presented, daring flavor combinations. Free live music! Pet and family friendly. Food coupons at the bar! Great, personable service.
Cons:
Business hours subject to change due to private event hostings, since it is an event/wedding venue. We loved our experience here, but it does feel more like a venue than a bar, if that makes sense. The family friendliness and intriguing drinks will draw us back, but for us, it just wouldn’t be the first place that would come to mind when planning an intimate bar date night. But that’s just more a matter of preference.
Bars in Gruene Lake Village
These following three Gruene bars are the three that we visited last Saturday. In our defense, we intended only to visit Gruene Tini’s and Vino en Verde; however, we happened to see Last Call right across the street and figured we had better add it to the list since we were there. You know, for the sake of the blog.
I’ll write about these Gruene bars in the order that we visited them. In terms of convenience and closeness to each other, you couldn’t ask for a better bar hopping set up, if that’s something you’re into. Gruene Tini’s and Vino en Verde are directly next door to each other, and from Vino en Verde to Last Call is less than 100 feet away!
Gruene Tini’s
Of the Gruene Lake Village bars, this one feels the hardest to rate without visiting at least once more. To be fair to Gruene Tini’s, we were visiting on a Saturday night. We expected it to be busier, and our expectations were met.
This place is trendy and cute. It puts a great modern twist on mid-century martini bars with its use of poppy art and sleek décor, while still offering a low-key, casual lounge atmosphere. And if martinis are your thing, you won’t find a better selection! But the acoustics are atrocious. And on a hopping Saturday night, that matters.
We were leaning over the table to practically yell in each other’s ears. I don’t entirely blame Gruene Tini’s for our experience there, considering two things. One, there was an obnoxiously boisterous group in the lounge next to us, cackling and carrying on for someone’s birthday. Two, we didn’t notice until we were already leaving that there is ample, vacant seating right outside.
So, here’s why we’re still definitely going back. In spite of how busy it was, we were serviced quickly and hospitably with delicious drinks. There’s a wide variety of creative takes on a martini here: savory and classic, candy and fruity, and dessert-in-a-glass. As well as some classic craft cocktails! And this place is super cute.
Lovely Libations
We tried two that appealed to us: The Perfect Manhattan and a Flirtini. They couldn’t have been more different. Flirtini was crisp and summery, maybe just a tad too light on the flavor for us, but still immensely refreshing. The Perfect Manhattan had a note of herbal spice, almost like warm cinnamon, reminiscent of Christmastime. A spicy punch of flavor with every sip, and we loved it.
With so many options to choose from, we’re definitely curious to go back and try some others. I already know I’ll be trying their classic dirty gin martini. Gruene Tini’s is worth checking out. I’d just recommend not going on a Saturday…unless you are either alone, intending to sit outside, or in the mood to risk losing your voice.
Gruene Tini’s: Order Up!
Pros:
Reasonably priced martinis and cocktails, ~$9-$10 per? Happy Hour specials from 4-7PM every weekday. Delicious and creative drinks, including cocktails, beers, and wine. Comfortable lounge seating indoors, open patio seating outdoors. Cute, chic atmosphere.
Cons:
LOUD. Like, yell-directly-into-your-date’s-ears-for-them-to-hear-you super loud, due to awful acoustics and minimal sound dampening. At least on a Saturday night. We don’t think it should discourage you from giving GT’s a try, ultimately. It’s just something to consider.
Vino en Verde
Vino en Verde was directly next door. We strolled up to the door, excited to see what awaited on the other side. We spotted a sign noting that you have to be 21 or over in order to enter. In retrospect, we think it would have been more apt to say 50+.
We opened the door, and within moments, became acutely aware that we were by far the youngest people there. And honestly? We kind of loved it.
Granted, it’s still Saturday night. It’s still busy. And there’s even live music in the lounge. But the layout of this place offered a major upgrade in acoustics compared to Gruene Tini’s. Indoor live music can be deafening, especially when the musicians are having to play loudly enough for all of the elderly deaf to hear. But the sound was so well-balanced.
Everything felt calmer. There was very limited seating because of how busy the establishment was, but we didn’t mind standing. Had we found seating, we would have ultimately offered up our seating to someone older, anyway.
Relaxation and Refreshments
So, we settled in, standing near the bar, enjoying the musical duo perform some folksy riffs. All the while still being able to speak at a reasonable, conversational level. Perusing the menu, although they do also offer cocktails and beers, we like to tend toward a more “when in Rome” philosophy.
Vino en Verde is a wine bar. So we selected from the wine list. Nathan and I definitely prefer reds, but he actively dislikes most white wines. I was intrigued to try a German Riesling, since we never do opt for whites during the week. Nathan got the red Tempranillo. Superb. Both of them were absolutely delicious; Nathan even tried my Riesling and didn’t hate it. Progress!
Vino en Verde felt calming and cozy and welcoming. Even without seating, we immensely enjoyed ourselves and our refreshments. The demographic here, from our perspectives, was an absolute plus. No one’s rowdy or disruptive. The music and ambient noise is immersive, not over-stimulating.
And the wine is delectable. Not-too-sharp, crisp Riesling and smooth, heavy Tempranillo. Definitely would recommend.
Vino en Verde: Order Up!
Pros:
Go for the wines, stay for the low-key atmosphere that a more mature demographic creates. The wine selection is intriguing and yummy, as well as reasonably priced. Lower-stim, calming acoustics. Live music on Saturday nights, and some Fridays.
Cons:
Limited seating on busy Saturday nights.
Gruene’s Last Call
After giving the wine and Goldfish crackers time to settle and percolate, we made our way across the street to Gruene’s Last Call, having literally no idea what to expect. When I tell you we were in for an extremely pleasant surprise, understand what an understatement that truly is.
We walked through the door and stepped back in time. Like Goodwin’s, Last Call has a very nostalgic speakeasy feel. It’s cozy, inviting, romantic. Nathan and I instantly felt at home here and made ourselves comfortable at the bar. We were attended to quickly to see if we knew what we wanted, but we had to take our time to investigate the menu.
THE MENU…I’ve seen some creative menus, daring flavor combinations, but this selection of scrumptious adventures in taste and senses offered something entirely new and different. Each cocktail description leads with what flavor notes you can expect to experience on your palate with each sip.
I don’t think either of us even saw what liquor was featured in each of the drinks we ordered. We saw the flavor descriptions and dove in with lusty anticipation. I chose Born Reckless, while Nathan selected The Great Escape. This is how the menu described these cocktails:
Born Reckless: “Notes of oak barrel, kiss of peanut, maple, finished with a touch of black walnut. House Peanut Infused Old Forester Rye. “If you ever bump into me, you better see me first!” Allergens: Peanut & Walnut.”
The Great Escape: “Notes of aged pineapple, banana, toasted coconut, bright lime, and tiki spice with a creamy finish. Plantation Pineapple Rum. This cocktail will have you packing your bags and planning your next great escape! Allergens: Full Egg”
The Drinks Delivered
When I tell you I could taste the peanuts in that Born Reckless. Like roasted, sweet-and-salty peanut butter. A kiss of peanut? If it was a French kiss, maybe, and I was absolutely there for it. I also tried a sip of Nathan’s Great Escape, which, with the full egg, was so delightfully frothy, light, creamy. It felt like a decadent dessert with just the right amount of sweetness.
A fellow patron saw my face when I took a sip of Nathan’s drink and immediately told the bartender that she wanted one. It was a genuine, When Harry Met Sally, “I’ll have what she’s having” kind of moment, and it was a prudent choice.
No doubt, we’ll be coming back again and again and again to try everything on offer here. Out of the Gruene bars on the list, it really wins in terms of creativity and accuracy. The flavor notes advertised are exactly what you taste when you order one of the listed libations.
Chemistry, Charm, & Cocktails
There were many notable moments at Gruene’s Last Call. Our service was phenomenal and personable, and we noticed the awesome, professional chemistry and camaraderie that the two bartenders shared. Energetic sincerity, fun personalities, friendly and attentive service. Both bartenders were engaging and more than happy to answer any and all questions we had.
The theatrical presentation of the drinks with frothy eggs, house-made whipped cream, gorgeous smoke domes…every drink we saw served was served with character. Everything was a feast for the eyes. And I want to. try. everything!
Speaking of, the bar was adorned with stunning artwork painted by a local art teacher, Ashley Lynn Martinez. I highly recommend checking out her online gallery. This woman and her art are inspirational. And her Last Call decorative contributions are whimsically vintage. They really provide the décor with invaluable cohesion.
While enjoying our cocktails, we could pick up notes of Rasputin being played quietly, we glimpsed the leg lamp from A Christmas Story in all of it’s sexy, glowy glory on the other side of the bar, we enjoyed the company of the other patrons, and loved Last Call’s motif in its entirety.
Gruene’s Last Call has only been open a year, but they’ve established a presence that I don’t doubt will grace Gruene for years to come.
Gruene’s Last Call: Order Up!
Pros:
Cocktails that prioritize perfectly matched flavor combinations and flawless, theatrical presentation. Artistic, trendy, speakeasy aesthetic. Supportive of local artists. Excellent service from enthusiastic bartenders who put passion into their creations. Great acoustic set-up, enough sound dampening that Last Call feels peaceful. Also offer wines and craft mocktails.
Cons:
Comes down to cost. Higher-end expense for top-notch, top-shelf quality. Gruene’s Last Call offers perfect craft cocktails for about $15 per drink. Ultimately, once you’ve been, you’ll realize it’s a small price to pay for a flawless flavor experience.
Our Favorite of the Gruene Bars
Wow. The Gruene bars all have really delivered. For Nathan and I, it comes down to personal preference in atmosphere and drink selection. It was an incredibly close race, ultimately coming down to a head-to-head between Goodwin’s and Last Call. By an unspeakably slim margin, I’m partial to Last Call. So I saved the best for last…
Last Call is my absolute favorite of the bars in Gruene, but, as I’ve mentioned, there isn’t a single bar mentioned on this list to which we wouldn’t return. Each establishment offers something uniquely different, and there isn’t a bad option on this list of Gruene bars. Check them all out…
Just maybe not all in one night. Drink responsibly, and stay safe.
Cheers!