Tucked along the beautiful, winding Guadalupe River, a hidden gem of the Hill Country awaits: Gruene (pronounced like the color). In Gruene you'll find the "oldest dancehall in Texas," some really excellent shopping and fly fishing, and arguably the best chicken fried steak in the state. You don't know Texas until you've visited Gruene.
Culture
Gruene Hall, built in 1878, is Texas’ oldest continually operating and most famous dance hall. Not much has changed since the dance hall was first built, and it remains one of Texas’ premier venues in which to enjoy live music.
The Gruene General Store has a unique historic setting and plenty of interesting things to browse and buy. It ranks as one of the top 40 places to visit in Texas, so come get yourself a Coke float and some new Texas swag!
The best little hat house in Texas is located in the Gruene Mercantile Building, just steps away from Gruene Hall. Home of Gruene’s original bank vault, Gruene Hat Co. boasts a wide variety of cowboy hats and other western goods.
Food
The original cotton gin of Gruene opened in 1878 and was used until the wooden parts of the structure burned to the ground in 1922. Luckily, the three-story brick boiler room survived, which is where the Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar was opened in 1977. You won’t find a better chicken fried steak than the one you find here!
Mozie’s prides itself on their sliders, hot dogs, and drinks – and they should! Whether you’re just off the river or need a quick drink before a show at Gruene Hall, Mozie’s is the spot where the air conditioning (or heat, in the winter) is always on and the TVs are always showing sports.
Outdoors
We highly recommend y’all stop by Gruene Outfitters to pick up everything you need to go fly fishing in the Guadalupe! Remember, all rivers in Texas are public property, so long as you find some public access to said river, you’re in the clear.
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Gruene, TX
