Guenther House
Historic Art Nouveau home serving delicious American & Tex-Mex fare, with a charming museum and gift shop.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Shorter waits, more relaxed
Guenther House
Best Time
Shorter waits, more relaxed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic Art Nouveau home serving delicious American & Tex-Mex fare, with a charming museum and gift shop.
"This place is really cute and it’s built in an old house, but it’s really kind of a hype thing."
🎯 Arrive Early for Tables
Aim to be there when they open to avoid long waits, especially on weekends. :clock1:
🚶♀️ Explore the Museum
Don't miss wandering through the historic house and gift shop after your meal. :housewithgarden:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Chicken and Waffles
Restaurant
A standout dish that many rave about, offering a perfect blend of savory and sweet.
Historic Home Ambiance
The House
Dine and explore within a beautifully preserved Art Nouveau home, offering a unique atmosphere.
Homemade Pastries
Gift Shop/Restaurant
Indulge in delicious, freshly made treats like coffee cake and cinnamon rolls.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Brunch Rush
Explore Beyond the Plate
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Tables
Aim to be there when they open to avoid long waits, especially on weekends. :clock1:
🚶♀️ Explore the Museum
Don't miss wandering through the historic house and gift shop after your meal.
🚗 Free Street Parking
Parking is readily available on the street and is completely free. :red_car:
📱 Text for Table Updates
They'll text you when your table is ready, so you can explore nearby while you wait. :iphone:
What is the best time to go to the Guenther House to get a table?
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Tables
Aim to be there when they open to avoid long waits, especially on weekends. :clock1:
🚶♀️ Explore the Museum
Don't miss wandering through the historic house and gift shop after your meal.
🚗 Free Street Parking
Parking is readily available on the street and is completely free. :red_car:
📱 Text for Table Updates
They'll text you when your table is ready, so you can explore nearby while you wait. :iphone:
🍰 Don't Skip Pastries
Even if you're full, grab a coffee cake or cinnamon roll from the gift shop. :doughnut:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Guenther House is celebrated for its charming historic atmosphere and delicious, homestyle American and Tex-Mex cuisine, particularly its standout chicken and waffles and homemade pastries. While the food is generally well-loved, some visitors find the wait times to be excessively long for the price point, and service can occasionally be inconsistent.
"This place is really cute and it’s built in an old house, but it’s really kind of a hype thing. We waited about 45 minutes and that was a good day. We tried to come before and it was an hour and a half. No reservations so you just have to get on the list and then be semi close by to come when they text.
The building
The seating is indoor or outdoor, and the outdoor has some cooling effects. You can explore the house and that’s nice. And they have a little gift shop. Also, insanely cute bathrooms
Parking
Parking is all around the street, and it’s free.
Service
The waiter could’ve been nicer. Sometimes he seemed curt whenever we were asking more questions.
Food
The, chicken and waffles were the stand out. They were so good if I went back. That’s what I would go back for. The sandwich with chicken though was pretty basic and Chick-fil-A is better so it’s not something that I would go back for for a brunch, but if I was dying for chicken and waffles, I would go back.
The reason I’m giving it 3 stars is because the food seemed pretty basic for waiting that long and some of it wasn’t even that good An example was the pineapple was not ripe, and it was almost in Inedible. The iced coffee came with one free refill which is a nice bang for your buck."
Jennifer White
"No complaints on this joint. Very neat atmosphere. You’re sitting in a very old house which was really neat. The food was very good, you were not left wishing for more and price seemed on point. Waitress was nice and kept up with us well."
Justin M (FamGuy)
"Amazing place to visit!! Lovely gift shop, delicious food, gorgeous museum, and lovely staff as well! Everything is kept clean inside. I adored the restaurant, the interior is super cute! Definitely would like to try to dine outside on a good day as well! I highly recommend their quiche, though it changes often, hopefully you can try the one with jalapeños, cheese, and chorizo!! I am obsessed with that quiche and want it everyday for breakfast. Would love to try their desserts sometime soon! I want to go back already!"
Daisy Jaimes
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Guenther House is located at 205 E Guenther St, San Antonio, TX. It's easily accessible by car, and free street parking is usually available nearby.
While specific routes can vary, San Antonio has a public bus system that may service the area. It's best to check the VIA Metropolitan Transit website for the most current routes and schedules.
Parking is generally not an issue as there is ample free street parking available around the property.
The restaurant and gift shop areas are generally accessible. However, as it's a historic home, some upper floors or specific areas of the museum might have limited accessibility. It's advisable to call ahead if you have specific accessibility needs.
If you are staying in the downtown San Antonio area, it is a pleasant walk, especially through the King William Historic District. The distance will depend on your starting point.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, you do not need tickets to enter the restaurant, museum, or gift shop. Entry is free, though you'll pay for food and any purchases.
The Guenther House does not accept reservations for its restaurant. You'll need to join the waitlist upon arrival.
The Guenther House typically serves breakfast and lunch. Hours can vary, so it's always best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
Wait times can vary significantly, especially on weekends and holidays. Waits of 45 minutes to over 2 hours are common. Arriving early or on a weekday is recommended.
The museum portion of The Guenther House is free to explore as part of your visit.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
They serve American and Tex-Mex fare, with a strong emphasis on breakfast and brunch items. They use their own Pioneer products and San Antonio River Mill brand flours.
Many visitors rave about the chicken and waffles. The quiche (which changes daily) and homemade pastries like coffee cake and cinnamon rolls are also highly recommended.
Yes, they are known for their famous gluten-free meat pies, which are a popular item.
Expect to spend around $20 per person, especially if you indulge in pastries or multiple courses.
While specific vegetarian dishes can vary, their menu typically includes items like pancakes, waffles, and quiches that can often be made vegetarian. It's best to ask your server for current options.
📸 📸 Photography
Absolutely! The historic architecture, charming interiors, and beautifully presented food make it a very photogenic spot. The bathrooms are also noted as being 'insanely cute.'
The exterior of the historic home, the dining rooms with their vintage decor, and of course, your delicious food are all great photo opportunities. The outdoor seating area also offers a lovely backdrop.
Yes, you are generally welcome to take photos inside the museum and public areas of the house to capture the historic ambiance.
While generally encouraged, it's always good practice to be mindful of other diners and staff. Professional photography sessions might require prior arrangement.
Morning light can be beautiful for capturing the exterior and interior details. If you're focusing on food, any time you get your meal is perfect!
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The free street parking is also a big plus for families traveling by car. However, be prepared for potential wait times, which can be challenging with young children. Consider visiting on a weekday or arriving very early. The gift shop also has items that might appeal to kids.
💰 Budget Travelers
To keep costs down, focus on one main dish and perhaps share a pastry. The portions are generally generous, so you might find you don't need multiple courses.
📸 Instagrammers & Photographers
Don't miss the 'insanely cute' bathrooms, which are a popular backdrop. Aim for morning light to capture the best natural illumination for both interior and exterior shots. The vibrant colors of the dishes and pastries also make for stunning flat lays.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Taste of History: The Guenther House Experience
Visitors can immerse themselves in the traditions and history of the Guenther family and their pioneering spirit. The interior of the house is a visual treat, with intricate details and a charming ambiance that transports you back in time. Many guests find the atmosphere incredibly 'cute' and 'neat,' making it a delightful place to dine and explore.
Beyond the historical significance, the culinary offerings are a major draw. The menu features classic comfort foods, with dishes like chicken and waffles and quiches receiving high praise. The on-site gift shop also offers a selection of their famous flour mixes and other artisanal products, allowing you to take a piece of The Guenther House home with you.
Navigating the Wait: Tips for Dining at The Guenther House
Since reservations are not accepted, the strategy often involves joining the waitlist and being prepared to be patient. Some visitors suggest exploring the surrounding King William Historic District or browsing the gift shop while you wait for your table. The restaurant does offer a text notification system, which is a helpful way to stay informed about your table's status without having to stand in line the entire time.
For those who prefer a more relaxed experience with shorter waits, visiting on a weekday morning is highly recommended. This allows you to enjoy the charming atmosphere and delicious food without the weekend crowds.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit