Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar – Restaurant Review | Condé Nast Traveler

Give us an overview of the space.
Originally a cotton gin, the historic building now houses a large, multi-level restaurant with seating inside and out, all overlooking the Guadalupe River.
What was the crowd like?
The atmosphere is lively and the crowd is mostly made up of large groups. You’ll find a mix of tourists fresh from What should we be drinking?
The bloody Mary garnished with pickled green beans and the jalapeño margarita are strong recommendations from the servers. The wine list is well priced; the beer selection is expansive and heavy on Texas labels.
Main event: the food. Give us the lowdown—especially what not to miss.
This is classic Texas comfort food. Burgers are a staple here—top yours with spicy queso or pico de gallo— but the restaurant is known for its steak. Try the bacon-wrapped filet or the pepper steak served with lime herb butter. Chicken fried steak and the fried fish are also popular. It’s quite possible you won’t have room, but order the Jack Daniel’s pecan pie for dessert anyway.
How did you find the front-of-house folks?
It’s packed day and night, but the staff is attentive and there is precision in the flow from kitchen to table.
What’s the real-real on why we’re coming here?
A Hill Country institution that is both laid back and lively. It’s popular with large groups and families but also a charming spot for a sunset cocktail on the stone patio.

Originally a cotton gin, the historic building now houses a large, multi-level restaurant with seating inside and out, all overlooking the Guadalupe River.The atmosphere is lively and the crowd is mostly made up of large groups. You’ll find a mix of tourists fresh from floating the river —wearing shorts and flip flops—and locals who have homes on the Guadeloupe here for their weekly steak dinner—wearing jeans and cowboy hats.The bloody Mary garnished with pickled green beans and the jalapeño margarita are strong recommendations from the servers. The wine list is well priced; the beer selection is expansive and heavy on Texas labels.This is classic Texas comfort food. Burgers are a staple here—top yours with spicy queso or pico de gallo— but the restaurant is known for its steak. Try the bacon-wrapped filet or the pepper steak served with lime herb butter. Chicken fried steak and the fried fish are also popular. It’s quite possible you won’t have room, but order the Jack Daniel’s pecan pie for dessert anyway.It’s packed day and night, but the staff is attentive and there is precision in the flow from kitchen to table.A Hill Country institution that is both laid back and lively. It’s popular with large groups and families but also a charming spot for a sunset cocktail on the stone patio.