WHERE TO EAT AFTER YOU FLOAT A RIVER
It’s a warm summer day. You’ve just finished tubing one of Central Texas’ waterways. You’re sunburned. You’re hungry. You’re thirsty. Where should you go cool off? I polled the Austin American-Statesman newsroom to find out the best post-float hangs near Austin, San Marcos and New Braunfels.
AUSTIN
Tacodeli. There’s one on Spyglass Drive right near the Barton Creek Greenbelt, after all. Just make sure to note the early closing time: 3 p.m. So this might even be a better option pre-float.
Pinthouse Pizza. Now that Pinthouse has a location on South Lamar Boulevard, your favorite local pizza-and-beer joint is now right next to one of the entrances to the Greenbelt. Kerbey Lane Cafe. Open 24 hours, it’s perfect pre- or post-float fuel, and you can order breakfast any time of the day or night.
Red’s Porch. It’s all in the name. Porch sittin’ means you won’t have to worry about looking (or feeling) damp and disheveled, and you can’t go wrong with the all-American eats not far from the Greenbelt. Radio Coffee and Beer. It’s one of the best joints in South Austin for — you guessed it — coffee and beer. Just note that depending on the time of day, you may have trouble finding parking. Hyde Park Bar and Grill. There’s a south location not far from the Greenbelt, and the longtime Austin restaurant still has the best fries in town. Moontower Saloon. If you’re down to venture a little farther south, you can chill out after your long water-logged day with some live music, food trucks and maybe even a little beach volleyball.
SAN MARCOS
Mamacitas. Good, casual TexMex. What more could you want?
Pluckers. Because, as my Statesman web desk colleague Maribel Molina suggested, a patio is essential to all post-float hangs.
Taproom Pub & Grub. Fortytwo beers on tap and nine large flat-screen TVs. You may as well move in. Fuschak’s Pit Bar-B-Q. It doesn’t get more classic than this place, which has been around forever. Herbert’s Taco Hut. Margaritas. Queso. Yes.
Los Vega. A must-visit neighborhood joint, according to breaking news reporter Mark Wilson. He recommends the burrito compuesto. Garcia’s Tex-Mex. It describes itself as a down-to-earth stop, which means the staff won’t even blink seeing some sunburned, sun-drunk river rats eating there.
Grin’s Restaurant. Because, I mean, have you seen those onion rings?
NEW BRAUNFELS/ GRUENE
The Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar. Sure, it’s a little touristy. But if you didn’t go to the
scenic Gristmill, did you really go to Gruene? Gruene River Grill. It’s cozy and offers a deck by the river. Cantina Del Rio. Tacos, burgers and pizza, all washed down with a cold drink.
Mozie’s Bar and Grill. It’s perfect for eating or drinking. Not sure what to order? The New Braunfels restaurant touts its adorable mini sliders.
Krause’s Cafe. It’s a New Braunfels staple that recently reopened as a German beer hall. Prost! Buc-ee’s. Forget everything else we suggested and just go here, honestly.