Tucked in the heart of New Braunfels, Texas, Krause’s Cafe is a lively German beer garden that has been winning hearts one soft, golden pretzel at a time. With over 7,000 five-star reviews and a menu packed with German-inspired favorites, this spot at 148 S Castell Ave is more than just a restaurant — it’s an experience.
Whether you’re a local or driving in from miles away, the freshly baked pretzels alone are reason enough to make the trip. Here’s everything that makes Krause’s Cafe a must-visit destination in the Lone Star State.
The Legendary Bavarian Pretzel That Started It All
More than one reviewer has called it the best pretzel they’ve ever had in Texas — and that’s not a claim made lightly. The large Bavarian pretzel at Krause’s Cafe arrives warm, golden, and perfectly salted, with a soft, chewy interior that practically melts in your mouth.
What really sets it apart are the three mustard dipping sauces served alongside it. Customers rave especially about the spicy horseradish version, which adds just the right kick.
On Tuesdays, the pretzel is even half-priced, making it an absolute steal.
Whether you share it as a starter or devour it solo, this pretzel is the kind of food that turns a casual outing into a full-on memory. Reviewers keep coming back just for this one item, and honestly, that says everything you need to know.
A Beer Selection That Will Blow Your Mind
Walking up to the tap wall at Krause’s Cafe feels a little like stepping into a dream — if your dream involves over 100 beer options. German classics like Munchen Hofbrau Dunkel and Festbier share space with beloved Texas craft brews, giving everyone something to celebrate.
True to Bavarian tradition, beers are served in either a half-liter or a full liter mug. One reviewer called the pricing “reasonable enough to drink all night,” and that’s the kind of endorsement that speaks volumes.
Happy hour runs Monday through Friday from 4 to 6 PM, and Tuesdays bring half-priced German beers — a deal that has regulars planning their whole week around it. Whether you prefer a smooth dark lager or a crisp local brew, the selection here is genuinely unmatched in the area.
The Bratwurst Pretzel Platter You’ll Want to Share (But Won’t)
Feast mode: activated. The bratwurst pretzel platter at Krause’s is one of those menu items that makes your eyes go wide when it lands on the table.
Loaded with bratwurst, sauerkraut, roasted Brussels sprouts, and a full-sized pretzel with all the sauces, it’s generously portioned enough to feed four hungry adults.
One reviewer described it as a showstopper — and it’s hard to argue when every component is executed so well. The bratwurst is flavorful and well-seasoned, and the roasted Brussels sprouts have earned their own fan club among diners who normally avoid vegetables.
Pairing this platter with a cold liter of German beer is basically a rite of passage at Krause’s. If you’re visiting for the first time and want the full experience, this is the plate that delivers everything the restaurant is known for in one glorious serving.
Texas Schnitzel With Jalapeno Cream Gravy — A Genius Mashup
Only in Texas would someone think to pour jalapeno cream gravy over a perfectly fried schnitzel — and only at Krause’s would it taste this good. The Texas Schnitzel has become one of the restaurant’s most talked-about dishes, blending classic German technique with bold Lone Star flavors.
Reviewers consistently praise the crispy, tender cutlet and describe the jalapeno cream gravy as a “duet of cultural cuisine” that somehow just works. It’s comfort food with a personality, and it pairs beautifully with a cold Festbier or a smooth dunkel.
For anyone who loves both German cooking and Texas-style cooking, this dish feels like it was made specifically for you. The portion size is satisfying without being overwhelming, and the flavor profile is bold enough to keep you thinking about it long after the plate is clean.
Definitely order this one.
Reuben Fries That Deserve Their Own Fan Club
Crispy on the outside, loaded on the top, and absolutely unforgettable — that’s the Reuben fries at Krause’s Cafe in a nutshell. One reviewer described them as “exceptionally crispy” and paired them with a Reuben sandwich that was perfectly tender without being overpowering.
It’s the kind of appetizer that makes the table go quiet for a moment, because everyone is too busy eating to talk. The combination of textures and flavors hits every note you want from a shareable starter, and the portion is generous enough to go around.
If you’re the type of person who judges a restaurant by its fries, Krause’s is about to earn your deepest respect. Order these early, because once the table sees them arrive, they disappear fast.
Pair them with one of the craft beers on tap and you’ve got yourself a seriously satisfying start to the meal.
The Sausage Sampler for the Meat Enthusiast
For the person at the table who simply cannot choose just one sausage, the sausage sampler at Krause’s Cafe is a welcome solution. Featuring flavorful, well-seasoned links that showcase the kitchen’s commitment to quality, it’s a great way to explore the menu before committing to a main course.
One couple enjoyed it so much that they bought four pounds of four different sausage varieties to take home — and reported eating them happily that same evening. That’s the kind of product confidence that only comes from genuinely good food.
While a few guests noted they’d love even more variety in the sampler, the overall reception has been warm and enthusiastic. The sausages pair especially well with the in-house mustard sauces and a cold German beer.
Whether you’re a longtime sausage fan or just curious, this sampler is a solid and satisfying choice.
Breakfast That Makes Saturday Mornings Worth Getting Up For
Saturday mornings at Krause’s hit differently. The restaurant opens at 7:30 AM, and on select weekends, a lively farmers market sets up right outside in the parking lot — making the whole experience feel like a small-town celebration you stumbled into by happy accident.
The breakfast menu features crowd favorites like chocolate chip pancakes, biscuits and gravy, and the hearty Holzmacher skillet. Families return week after week for these dishes, and it’s easy to see why — the portions are filling, the flavors are comforting, and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming even on cold mornings.
One reviewer mentioned that the Bloody Mary during breakfast was “absolutely amazing,” which honestly just adds another reason to show up early. Whether you’re fueling up before a day of exploring New Braunfels or simply enjoying a lazy morning out, breakfast at Krause’s is a genuinely satisfying ritual.
Live Music and a Beer Garden Atmosphere That’s Hard to Beat
Picture this: you’re sitting outside at a long wooden table, cold beer in hand, while a live band plays under the Texas sky. That’s a regular Tuesday — or Saturday, or any day of the week — at Krause’s Cafe.
The beer garden vibe here is authentic, relaxed, and genuinely fun for all ages.
Reviewers have mentioned everything from polka bands playing accordion covers of classic rock songs to weekend performers who keep the crowd energized well into the evening. It’s the kind of atmosphere that makes you want to linger long after the food is gone.
Families with kids, friend groups, and couples all seem equally at home here. The outdoor seating area is spacious, the music adds energy without being overwhelming, and the whole scene captures something rare — a place where everyone is clearly having a good time.
That energy is contagious.
Jalapeño Cheese Venison Burger — Bold, Gourmet, and Totally Texas
Not every German beer garden offers a venison burger, but Krause’s Cafe isn’t every German beer garden. The Jalapeno Cheese Venison Burger has earned serious praise from reviewers who describe it as “gourmet, not gamey” — which is exactly what you want to hear when ordering game meat for the first time.
The burger is bold, hearty, and packed with flavor, with the jalapeno and cheese combo cutting through the richness of the venison in the best possible way. It’s a menu item that feels uniquely Texan while still fitting perfectly into the broader spirit of the restaurant.
For adventurous eaters who want to try something beyond the usual beef burger, this is a standout choice. Pair it with one of the craft Texas beers on tap and you’ve got a meal that’s equal parts local pride and pure deliciousness.
Order it without hesitation.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts So Good They Convert Non-Believers
Nobody expects to fall in love with Brussels sprouts at a German beer hall, and yet here we are. The roasted Brussels sprouts at Krause’s Cafe have developed a devoted following among diners who ordered them skeptically and finished the bowl before anything else on the table.
One reviewer summed it up perfectly: “Way too delicious to be healthy.” That’s high praise in any food language. Ordered on both of their visits, the sprouts clearly left a lasting impression that went beyond just a side dish.
Crispy on the edges, tender in the middle, and seasoned with just the right amount of flavor, these Brussels sprouts are proof that a great kitchen can make anything taste incredible. Whether you order them as a side to the bratwurst platter or on their own, they’re consistently one of the most talked-about bites at the table.
The German Meatball and Reuben — Two Must-Order Classics
Some dishes earn the label “must-have” through years of consistent praise, and both the German Meatball and the Reuben at Krause’s have more than earned that distinction. Reviewers specifically call them out by name as non-negotiable orders, which is a strong signal to first-time visitors.
The Reuben is described as tender without being overwhelming — a balance that’s harder to achieve than it sounds. The German Meatball brings hearty, old-world comfort to the table, reminding you exactly why German cuisine has stood the test of time.
Together, these two dishes represent the best of what Krause’s does well: taking familiar comfort food and executing it with care and quality ingredients. If you’re building your order and can’t decide where to start, let the regulars guide you.
These two items keep loyal customers coming back visit after visit, season after season.
Vegan-Friendly Options That Go the Extra Mile
German beer halls aren’t typically known for their vegan-friendly menus, which makes Krause’s Cafe a genuinely pleasant surprise. The restaurant offers a Beyond Brat sausage option on the sausage plate, giving plant-based diners a satisfying and flavorful alternative without feeling like an afterthought.
One devoted couple drives over an hour each way just to visit Krause’s — and the Beyond Brat is part of why they keep making the trip. At just $4 extra, they describe it as a “delicious treat” that fits seamlessly into the overall dining experience.
In a menu heavy with meats and German classics, having a thoughtful vegan option shows that Krause’s genuinely cares about welcoming everyone to the table. Whether you’re fully plant-based or just looking for a lighter choice, this option proves you don’t have to miss out on the fun.
Every guest deserves a great meal here.
Why Krause’s Cafe Is Worth the Drive From Anywhere in Texas
Some restaurants are worth going out of your way for, and Krause’s Cafe has proven that point over and over again. With a 4.4-star rating built from more than 7,000 reviews, this New Braunfels gem has earned a reputation that stretches well beyond city limits.
People drive from Houston, Austin, San Antonio, and beyond just to sit down with a pretzel and a cold beer.
The combination of great food, an enormous beer selection, live music, a farmers market atmosphere on weekends, and genuinely warm service creates something that’s hard to replicate. Every visit feels like a celebration, whether it’s a birthday, a family Sunday brunch, or a random Tuesday with half-priced pretzels.
Located at 148 S Castell Ave and open seven days a week starting at 7:30 AM, Krause’s Cafe makes it easy to plan your visit. Once you go, you’ll already be planning the next trip before you leave the parking lot.