Best Tex-Mex in New Braunfels: Pat's Place!
- Terrance Gabbard
- Jul 31, 2023
- 3 min read
If you're not that familiar with 'Tex-Mex', then you haven't been in Texas very long. But just in case you truly don't know how it's defined, Tex-Mex cuisine is an American cuisine that derives from the culinary creations of the Tejano people of Texas. It has spread from border states such as Texas and others in the Southwestern United States to the rest of the country. It is a subtype of Southwestern cuisine found in the American Southwest. So simply put, Tex-Mex IS Texas.
And if you're anywhere near the city of New Braunfels (a city near San Antonio), there's one place I definitely recommend you visit for quality Tex-Mex - Pat's Place. And you would be correct...Pat's Place doesn't sound very 'Texy-Mexy' but that's just the name. Pat's Place was established in 1977 by Pat Cantrell & Carol Guedry, there was one goal in mind, serve great food at a great price. On their own website, they state - "We have seen the kids that came in with their parents turn into parents themselves and now bring their children in to enjoy the wonderful home atmosphere we have been known for, for the last 45 years."
Well, yes, this place is definitely 45 years old and there's clearly a reason this local restaurant has been open for so long and so glad a local recommended it. I can attest to the fact that the food is great, as fresh as you can get in this city and a fantastic menu to boot! My sister and her husband live there so I often stop by Pat's Place to pay it a visit.
Here's a few notable Tex Mex recommendations from my viewpoint:
First, consider starting your first meal with the spicy chicken tortilla soup - Not only is this soup great but there's a tremendous amount of delicious chicken in every spoonful. Seasoned perfectly and the soup size is a great portion.
Second, consider ordering the enchiladas. For years, I was told how great they were. During my most recent visit, a guy sitting next to us at the bar told us he had been waiting two months to get these enchiladas. Therefore I had to order at least one to go! And it was positively fantastic. The cheese and beans are a phenomenal mixture. Trust me when I tell you that the enchiladas are awesome - particularly the cheese enchiladas with tomatillo sauce. They come with chips and salsa...so win-win! I can tell you that I've had enchiladas from all over the San Antonio area and Pat's enchiladas are some of the best I've ever had...and again - they serve it with a good portion of chili and cheese too. If you enjoy green chicken enchiladas, they are awesome as well!
Now, my third recommendation is for those who sit next to the Tex-Mex lovers. My third recommendation is Pat's burgers. First of all, their Swiss burger is on-point as well as with the fried pickles, not a single drop of grease. The fries were superb and reminded me of my mother's homemade fries. Now, if swiss burgers aren't your thing, consider ordering the cheeseburger...and make sure it comes with a large order of fries. And if that doesn't suit your fancy, Pat's Place provides an amazing jalapenõ cheeseburger, too. So...lots of pick from!
This place has a great 'mom and pop' feel to it. It's a wonderful place for family and friends to meet, eat, laugh and enjoy their evening. Pat's Place is country kitchen food at its best. Service is wonderful as well. You can't go wrong.
Five great things to know about Pat's Place:
Beer is provided on tap, a seasonal beer menu and also bottle/canned beers as well. So if you enjoy beer, this is the place for you.
Pat's Place has now added a brunch to their menu. If brunch is your thing, this is yet another reason to stop by.
If you have trouble finding the location, it's located near Prince Solms Park.
You can book Pat's Place for a private party. They do it all the time. Send them an email and provide all the best info you can to get an estimate.
Depending on how busy it can be, parking is a bit weird, so just make sure you don't park in a spot where someone can park behind you.
202 S Union Ave, New Braunfels, TX 78130
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