Heading to the New Braunfels/Gruene area for a 4-day weekend on Thursday. Looking for "must eat" places and maybe wineries/vineyards to visit. Open to all food genres but definitely want to try the local fare.

Undoubtedly don't miss the BBQ brisket! They have an awesome Oktoberfest--probably over unfortunately.

This isn't food or a winery, but check out Gruene Hall (http://www.gruenehall.com/). My life long dream is to see Jerry Jeff Walker in concert there : ) From what I've heard it's a classic venue - it might be fun to go even if you don't know the musician!

The Gristmill
Gruene River Grill

Definitely the Grist Mill--ask to eat outside on the balcony overlooking the river.

Gruene Hall is the "oldest dancehall in Texas". Lots of well known entertainers have performed there over the years. It's where the bar scene from "Micheal" was filmed--starring John Travolta where he is an angel.

The Gristmill is our favorite spot - yummy homemade wine coolers there and good Texas food.

Also like Huisache Grill for something a little more upscale.

I think Wurstfest is going on now, isn't it? Excellent place to grab authentic German food/sausage, etc.

I paid a whole quarter to hear Willie Nelson play at Gruene Hall a few years back . . quite a few years back actually!

Definitely head to the Wurstfest! www.wurstfest.com - Texas' version of Germany's Oktoberfest. Woo-hoo!

We were there last night, and it was rockin! Too bad you'll miss the Alex Meixner Band, as they are, IMO, the highlight. But the Sauerkrauts and Alpenfest will be sure to put a kick in your two-steppin' polka! Lots of good food and, of course, beer by the pitcher.

FYI: The shows during the daytime tend to be quieter, more kids and seniors. Once the sun goes down, though, it definitely kicks up a notch!

Thanks all.....we are staying the Gruene River Inn Thursday so the Gristmill it is. I checked the weather and it appears to be a partly cloudy mid 70's. Perfect weather for sitting outdoors.

The Wurstfest sounds like lots of good food and cold beer and that is definitely up our alley!! Our hotel is actually one mile from the fairgrounds so that worked out perfect. Must look up the German translation for "cheers".....thanks again all!!!

"cheers" in German = "prost"

reds, you'll have a lot of fun - tons of beer, German music, dancing, carnival rides, tons of yummy food that's bad for you - what's not to like?!