I was all set to put a daisy on the grave of Freiheit Country Store. A year ago, all I could do was mourn how one of my favorite country cafes in New Braunfels had left me like a Tammy Wynette song, seeming to care more about the boots-and-beer culture of live country music than a good burger or a bowl of chili. I’m happy to report a sense of balance has come back to Freiheit, back to the hand-breaded onion rings stacked as high as brass bangles at a street market, back to the gloriously sloppy Freiheit Extreme, a half-pound burger spilling over with mushrooms, grilled onions, jalapeños and bacon on a bun as dense and sweet as a Labrador pup’s personality.

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.

The very definition of a local hidden gem, Freiheit Country Store immediately made it to the top of our list. Besides cheap drinks and an insanely delicious selection of comfort food (think burgers, beer, and buttermilk pie), Freiheit offers a killer atmosphere for live music, weeknight hangs, and everything in between. This repurposed country store acts as a casual, intimate atmosphere for both amateur and professional shows...and yes, by “amateur” we do mean “you and your friends joyously belting karaoke on Thursday nights”.

If a traditional New Braunfels experience is what you’re after, Freiheit Country Store is your place. Featuring burgers that are out of this world, fries that will knock your socks off, and live music, Freiheit is an institution in New Braunfels. It’s the perfect spot to grab dinner and see some live music for an off-the-beaten-path date night or a family-friendly daytime excursion.

You will find pictures of food, German words and a family on the side of Freiheit Store. The Hoity Toit Beer Joint has a cartoon-like mural of a man in an airplane. Painted deer graze quietly in a field on the side of McBee’s BBQ. Planet K has an amazing and colorful NB Postcard on one side and a unique depiction of Botticelli’s “Birth of Venus” on the other (this is my favorite!).

In addition to a classic atmosphere that takes customers back in time, the restaurant crafts its burgers from local sources. They are served on buns from Naegelins Bakery and contain meat from Granzin’s Meat Market. Try the Sloppy Burger that comes smothered in homemade chili, lettuce and tomato or the Zweibel Cheeseburger that is topped with an onion ring.

While he praises the quality of the 600-seat Brauntex and the legendary vibe of Gruene Hall, he also loves smaller venues for live music, such as the Freiheit Country Store (“It’s a really neat half-indoor, half-outdoor venue and just a cool place to hang out”) and Billy’s Ice (“A nice little roadhouse place, never has a cover, always a great time.”)

Walking into Freiheit Country Store, I immediately sensed I had found a hidden gem for reuben sandwich lovers in New Braunfels. The atmosphere was cozy and welcoming, with a rustic charm that added to the overall experience. Now, let's talk about the star of the show—the reuben sandwich.

It's a go-to spot for locals who want burgers, beer, fries, and a good ol' time. There's an open-air indoor portion with a stage, as well as lots of outdoor seating (and a playground for the kids). Burgers are cooked over an open-flame grill, charred to perfection.