Cantina del Rio
A lively cantina near the river, serving up award-winning margaritas, hearty Tex-Mex classics, and a surprisingly delicious burger.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Cantina del Rio
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A lively cantina near the river, serving up award-winning margaritas, hearty Tex-Mex classics, and a surprisingly delicious burger.
"Voted Best Margarita for years, this colorful spot offers a vibrant atmosphere and flavorful Tex-Mex delights."
Happy Hour Deals
Score $4 margaritas, swirls, and sangria during happy hour for a refreshing and affordable treat.
Beat the Crowds
Visit early on Saturdays or during weekdays/evenings for shorter wait times and a more relaxed vibe.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Tex-Mex
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Award-Winning Margaritas
Consistently voted the best margaritas in town, their frosty concoctions are a must-try, especially during happy hour.
Vibrant Cantina Ambiance
Dine in a colorful bungalow near the river, with indoor and outdoor seating nestled among shade trees.
Must-Try El Rey Burger
Don't let the Tex-Mex name fool you; this burger, piled high with toppings, is a local favorite.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Happy Hour Deals
Score $4 margaritas, swirls, and sangria during happy hour for a refreshing and affordable treat.
Beat the Crowds
Visit early on Saturdays or during weekdays/evenings for shorter wait times and a more relaxed vibe.
Outdoor Seating Caution
While scenic, outdoor patio seating can be very hot in Texas summers; consider indoor seating during warmer months.
Gluten-Free Options
Dedicated chips and menus with clear instructions make dining easier for those with celiac needs.
Tips
from all over the internet
Happy Hour Deals
Score $4 margaritas, swirls, and sangria during happy hour for a refreshing and affordable treat.
Beat the Crowds
Visit early on Saturdays or during weekdays/evenings for shorter wait times and a more relaxed vibe.
Outdoor Seating Caution
While scenic, outdoor patio seating can be very hot in Texas summers; consider indoor seating during warmer months.
Gluten-Free Options
Dedicated chips and menus with clear instructions make dining easier for those with celiac needs.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Cantina del Rio is praised for its vibrant atmosphere, delicious Tex-Mex fare, and famously award-winning margaritas. Diners rave about the flavorful dishes and friendly service. However, some find the indoor seating cramped and outdoor seating can be uncomfortably hot in the summer, with occasional slow service when busy.
"A cute restaurant with outside and inside seating. They have a small parking lot but there is additional parking near the restaurant where you can walk across the street and be at the restaurant. They have an outside walk up bar. The service was quick, friendly and attentive. We ordered the fajitas and they were awesome! Kids are welcome!"
Lacie K
"I've Always Loved This Lil Colorful Taco Shack 😋 🌮 feel like I've been coming here from Austin, 15yrs or longer.
Nestled in the trees, outdoor and indoor seating options, fans to cool you off, lit up with Christmas lights, amazing killer food for an affordable price.... I'm a sucker for the loaded nachos, done individual homemade crispy chip style just the (San Antonio) way I like. adorable spot to make sweet memories in Gruene."
Holland Young (Holl.and.Wonder)
"Me and my boyfriend and his friends came in recently and had one of the best restaurant experiences ever. First off, the food, oh my god. It was absolutely incredible I had the chicken enchiladas and my boyfriend had the nachos and they were 11/10. Second, our server, Trey, was phenomenal. Very attentive without hovering and was always there when we needed him. (We also thought he was very handsome🥰) Anyway we will definitely be coming back soon!"
Brandon Russell
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Their signature items include award-winning margaritas, fresh chips and salsa, fajitas, enchiladas, and the El Rey Burger.
The restaurant has a small parking lot, but additional public parking is available a block up the street.
For shorter wait times, visit early on Saturdays or opt for a weekday or evening visit.
Yes, they offer dedicated gluten-free chips and menus with specific instructions for dietary needs.
They offer a large covered outdoor seating area and a smaller, air-conditioned indoor dining room.
Yes, happy hour features $4 margaritas, swirls, and sangria.
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Moving to New Braunfels: Food Recommendations : Newbraunfels
My favorites are: The River House, Gruene River Grill, The Gruene Door, Infernos, Mozies, and Cantina Del Rio(for their chips, salsa, and margaritas. Those are all in Gruene. For BBQ, I like Blacks. For burgers and casual food, I like Freiheit Country Store and Lone Star Float House on River Road. Downtown, I like Muck-n-Fuss, The Phoenix Saloon, McAdoos, Huisache(pronounced Wee-satch), Krauses, 188 South, and The Downtowner. Favorite places for beer are Guadalupe Brewing, Five Stones Brewing, and Krauses. For wine, I like The Grapevine, and Dry Comal Creek Winery.
Best places to live in New Braunfels
Other can’t-miss spots in Gruene include: The Grapevine, featuring one of the largest selections of Texas wines; Cantina Del Rio, voted Best Margarita for six years; and Gruene General Store, one of the top 40 places to visit in Texas (and some of the best homemade fudge you’ll ever eat!). You can also see some of the original settler’s homes at Gruene Mansion Inn and Gruene Haus. And don’t forget to come during Gruene Market Days for some great shopping.
The ultimate Tex-Mex guide for hungry New Braunfels visitors
Cantina Del Rio sits right in the heart of the historic Gruene District. A friendly waitress hinted at some best-selling items including the eatery's ever-popular sizzling fajitas, flavorful quesadillas or the seasonally changing specials, like the Carne Asada Beef street tacos featured this month and into August. These tacos come with three mini corn tortillas filled with onion, cilantro and queso fresco, served alongside rice and beans.
The 5 Best Gluten-Free Lunch Spots in Gruene
Normally it's 5 stars across, but from time to time you'll get a waiter/waitress who is working indoor and outdoor and it can be easy for them to forget you a little. Great place for celiacs as they have didcated chips and menus with instructions. The matgaritas do not disappoint, but the cheese dip is velveta, not true queso.
Best Mexican Restaurant in New Braunfels: Our Expert Picks for 2025
Cantina del Rio in New Braunfels is a true gem that combines authentic Mexican cuisine with a playful twist. The vibrant atmosphere and friendly staff make it a must-visit spot for tex-mex lovers. Don't miss their mouthwatering enchiladas, and be sure to indulge in their heavenly salsa verde.
Cantina Del Rio in New Braunfels, Texas: A Culinary Gem
Situated on Gruene Rd, Cantina Del Rio offers a delightful mix of Tex-Mex and Mexican cuisine. The restaurant provides a convenient location for both locals and visitors to the area. The atmosphere is welcoming and vibrant, thus making it a perfect spot for gatherings with friends or family.
The Best Margaritas in New Braunfels
The absolute BEST MARGARITAS IN NEW BRAUNFELS are at Cantina del Rio in Historic Gruene, and that's not just our opinion. For the last 9 years in a row, this hotspot has been voted the best margarita in New Braunfels by readers of the Herald-Zeitung. Why not judge for yourself?.
Best margaritas | | herald-zeitung.com
For six years, Cantina del Rio in Gruene, Texas has been holding the title as the Herald-Zeitung Reader's Choice for best margarita in New Braunfels. That's quite the reputation, and Mason Gann, the general manager, says he feels they have margaritas down to a science.
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