Quesabirria tacos served at El Norteño Taqueria in New Braunfels, Texas on March 26, 2026.
Nicholas Hernandez/MySA
Tucked on the Westside of New Braunfels, this often-overlooked stretch is defined by a plethora of family-owned and locally operated spots, skipping big-name chains in favor of neighborhood staples and new ventures that continue opening eyes — and appetites — with every plate.
Article continues below this ad
MySA explored several of these businesses, offering a glimpse into what truly defines the hidden gems of New Braunfels.
A chalupa, beef fajita taco and enchilada plate served with rice and beans at Butcher Boy in New Braunfels, Texas, on March 26, 2026.
Nicholas Hernandez/MySA
Butcher Boy Taco House in New Braunfels, Texas.
Nicholas Hernandez/MySA
Butcher Boy Taco House
A revived Westside staple with roots dating back to 1972, Butcher Boy has been reimagined by Jeramie Hernandez and his family as a go-to spot for homemade Tex-Mex done right. No longer a meat market, the space now serves up everything from all-day breakfast tacos and hearty plates like huevos rancheros and migas to lunch favorites including enchiladas, fajitas and carne guisada.
Article continues below this ad
Weekend offerings like barbacoa, menudo and tripas keep longtime traditions alive, while the welcoming, family-driven atmosphere continues to turn first-time visitors into regulars.
Hours: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, with extended Friday hours from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.; closed Monday
Article continues below this ad
Find it: 2031 Spur St., New Braunfels, TX 78130
The front of El Norteno Taqueria, a family-owned Mexican restaurant in New Braunfels, Texas.
Nicholas Hernandez/MySA
El Norteño Taqueria
This cozy, family-owned spot delivers authentic Mexican flavors with a focus on freshness and tradition. Known for its standout birria tacos, mini tacos and comforting classics like menudo and barbacoa, El Norteño pairs bold flavors with a laid-back, friendly atmosphere.
Article continues below this ad
The menu ranges from breakfast tacos to enchiladas verdes, gorditas and puffy tacos, all made with quality ingredients and a homemade touch that reflects the heart of the Westside’s local food scene.
Hours: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday
Find it: 1643 Spur St., New Braunfels, TX 78130
A plate at New Braunfels Tortilleria featuring a barbacoa taco with bacon, potato, and cheese, alongside a small bowl of menudo.
Nicholas Hernandez/MySA
The exterior of New Braunfels Tortilleria, a longtime restaurant serving traditional Mexican fare in New Braunfels, Texas.
Nicholas Hernandez/MySA
New Braunfels Tortilleria
A true cornerstone of the Westside, New Braunfels Tortilleria has been serving the community since 1970, blending decades of tradition with a new generation of local ownership. When Johnny Aguirre took over in 2020, he brought both deep personal ties and a vision to preserve what longtime customers love, while adding new energy to the space.
Article continues below this ad
Classic staples like barbacoa and menudo remain at the heart of the menu, alongside a full lineup of breakfast tacos, Tex-Mex lunch plates and newer additions like birria and the oversized taco “Super Kono,” a nod to Aguirre’s late father. With recipes rooted in family history and a loyal customer base that spans generations, the tortilleria continues to define what it means to be a true New Braunfels hidden gem.
Hours: 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday; 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday through Sunday
Find it: 1681 Spur St., New Braunfels, TX 78130
A mangonada served at El Mango Loko on March 26, 2026 in New Braunfels, Texas. The traditional Mexican frozen drink blends mango, lime juice and ice, and is finished with chamoy sauce, Tajín seasoning, fresh fruit and a tamarind candy straw.
Nicholas Hernandez/MySA
Exterior of El Mango Loco in New Braunfels, Texas on March 26, 2026.
Nicholas Hernandez/MySA
El Mango Loko
Take a break from savory eats and indulge in a sweet, or spicy, treat at El Mango Loko, a fan-favorite snack shop in New Braunfels’ Westside. Its menu bursts with bold, inventive flavors, from Fresas Ferrero — a cup of freshly cut strawberries with homemade sweet cream, Nutella, whipped cream and Ferrero Rochers — to fruit cups layered with tangy spice. For something unexpected, try the Mexican Piccadilly, a tangy-sweet snow cone with shaved ice, cherry syrup, pickles, chamoy, pickle juice and a dash of Tajín for a bold, flavorful kick; or you can always snack on Hot Cheetos with queso. With so many playful options, El Mango Loko offers a little something for every craving.
Article continues below this ad
Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily
Find it: 1627 Spur St., New Braunfels, TX 78130
Exterior view of New City Bakery in New Braunfels, Texas, on March 26, 2026.
Nicholas Hernandez/MySA
Baked goods on display at New City Bakery in New Braunfels, Texas, on March 26, 2026
Nicholas Hernandez/MySA
New City Bakery
For decades, New City Bakery has been a cherished staple in the heart of New Braunfels, serving up freshly made breads, pastries and other baked delights. Its menu includes everything from pan dulce, empanadas and tortillas to donuts, cookies, cakes and strudels, all crafted from scratch each day. The irresistible aroma alone draws you in, whether you’re grabbing a morning treat or stocking up for the family. A true local gem, New City Bakery combines quality, tradition and flavor in every bite.
Article continues below this ad
Hours: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday; 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday
Find it: 1304 W. San Antonio St., New Braunfels, TX 78130
The exterior of Villanova’s Pizza on West San Antonio Street in New Braunfels, Texas.
Nicholas Hernandez/MySA
A freshly baked specialty pizza from Villanova’s, loaded with fresh pepperonis.
Courtesy of Villanova’s Pizza
Villanova’s Pizza
For over a decade, Villanova’s Pizza has been a Westside favorite in New Braunfels. This family-run, grab-and-go spot specializes in thin-crust pizzas loaded with fresh, high-quality ingredients and offers a different flavor than what’s mostly seen in the area. Highlights include the meaty “Meatzza” with pepperoni, beef, sausage, ham and bacon; the spicy “Mexican” topped with chorizo, jalapeños, onions and extra cheese; and the sweet-and-savory “House Favorite” with pepperoni, bacon, pineapple and jalapeños. With no indoor seating but a casual, welcoming vibe and outdoor space, Villanova’s is the perfect stop for a satisfying, flavorful slice.
Article continues below this ad
Hours: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; closed Sunday and Monday
Find it: 1514 W. San Antonio St., New Braunfels, TX 78130
Mini tacos served at the Taquitos Jalisco food truck in New Braunfels, including al pastor, asada, tripa, and cabeza.
Nicholas Hernandez/MySA
Taquitos Jalisco
The Taquitos Jalisco food truck brings authentic Mexican flavors to New Braunfels, offering outdoor seating and shaded picnic tables on the lot of a local gas station near the Comal County Democratic Office. Guests can enjoy a $2.25 mini taco with fillings like birria, asada, al pastor, buche, tripa, chorizo, cabeza or pollo, as well as burritos, quesadillas and tortas. Pair your meal with refreshing aguas frescas such as limonada con pepino, horchata or jamaica for a quick, flavorful and truly Mexican dining experience on the go.
Article continues below this ad
Hours: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday and Tuesday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to noon Friday and Saturday; closed Monday
Find it: 1592 W. San Antonio St., New Braunfels, TX 78130