Greune Texas and Bubba’s Big Deck…

 Gruene, Texas (pronounced Green) is a small town near New Braunfels and practically part of it now.  The town of Gruene was established in the mid-1840’s, is now mostly a tourist spot with lots of souvenir shops, restaurants, boutiques, and even a winery. One of its main attractions is Gruene Hall, the oldest dance hall in Texas.

Gruene Hall is the oldest continually running dance hall in the entire state of Texas!!! Built in 1878 it has had the likes of many great singers and songwriters such as Lyle Lovett, Jerry Jeff Walker and Robert Earl Keen.. Have a cold one a the bar while perusing the nostalgia and the photos of prior musicians on the wall.

Another place to have a frosty beverage is nearby at the Gristmill River Restaurant and Bar. It was converted from a cotton gin and it is located just beneath the water tower bearing the Gruene name. Sit out on the deck on the banks of the river and just enjoy the day.

But the best place to have a cold beverage is just down the road from Gruene Hall. Just across the Guadalupe River bridge and on your right is a small biker bar called Bubba’s Big Deck. This is truly a road treat and it is a great place to stop and have a few cold ones ($2.50 per can). Out back of the open aired bar is a large multileveled deck that takes you right down to the Guadalupe River’s edge. It is great to sit on one of the towering bald cypress roots and take in the sounds of the rapids just upstream of the bar. Watch the “toobers” and kayakers roll by or just have a cold one and dip your toes in the chilly waters of the Guadalupe River…

Hard to beat a nice day on the banks of the Guadalupe while having a cold one in Gruene,Texas…

Road Treats in Bryan/College Station, TX…

Since we once resided in this area and have recently returned I thought I would highlight a few of the spots here in Bryan/College Station that might qualify as road treats.

First I would point out that one of my favorite type of  foods is Tex Mex and although my favorite Tex Mex restaurant in Bryan recently closed there are still quite a few good ones to pick from. My favorite one for cheese enchiladas is Casa Rodriguez. Found in the renovated downtown area, the address is 300 North Bryan Avenue  Bryan, TX. Make sure to go on a Wednesday night for the enchilada specials and you can order my favorite”El Memo” enchilada plate for only $5.99. Along with their complimentary hot sauce and chips you just can’t go wrong.

Now if it is Bar B Q you are after look no further than C&J’s BBQ. Now I admit I like just about everything on their menu and they feature a daily special that helps one try all the various fares. Three meats stand out in their lineup however, ribs, smoked turkey, and their pork tenderloin.Sharon and my daughter Katie, however, really love the brisket. Get a side of their homemade potato salad, ask for few slices of bread (complimentary) and you will then be ready to enjoy your feast.

There are many other great spots that I will just mention along with what we like to order:

Thai food – Pad Thai at Rosie's Phos at 2001 Texas Ave S # 300, College Station, TX

Burgers – The Death Burger at the Chicken Oil Company at 3600 South College Avenue,
Bryan, TX

Wings –Best wings at Fitzwillies Bar and Grill at 303 University Dr. 77840, College Station, TX (they also have a burger challenge called Willies “Big Ass” Burger – 4lbs of beef with 16 slices of cheese and a lb. of fries – not for the light eater)

Mexican Seafood – Gallitos Fish at Los Cucos. One location in College Station and one in Bryan.

There are many other good eateries in the area but the ones mentioned are our personal all time favorites.