For several years, I have been the person responsible for cooking the family Thanksgiving dinner. Although it is not a task that I dislike, it does take some energy to get it on the table. Fortunately, if it can be considered fortunate, I had a total reverse shoulder replacement surgery a week before Thanksgiving this year. That gave me a "get out of kitchen" pass. We decided that Thanksgiving would be held at my son's house in New Braunfels. He and his wife have an 11.5 month old baby, so it's easier to do it there anyway. To simplify things, they shopped around, looking for a ready to serve, prepared Thanksgiving dinner. They selected the Black Whale because it was the most affordable, and they had heard good things about the place. The dinner package came with a turkey, gravy, dressing, mashed potatoes, greenbean casserole, and a pumpkin or pecan pie. They chose the pecan pie. When my daughter-in-law went to pick up the meal, the Black Whale had also thrown in a loaf of bread and a small loaf of cranberry cornbread. Altogether, they more than gave us our money's worth for this meal. Everything about the meal was good. The turkey was moist, juicy, and flavorful. I don't know how they cooked it or how they prepared it before cooking, but it definitely had flavor throughout. The dressing came in a little round foil pan and looked like some kind of rolls. It was absolutely delicious! It had a little bit of turkey meat in it that gave it a great mouth feel. But the seasoning was what really made it great. The mashed potatoes were very buttery and delicious, even though they were a little runnier than I like. The gravy over all of it was very good. I am not a very big fan of green bean casserole. I liked it back in the day when it first started showing up. But, after so many decades, I'm kind of over it. This was really delicious. It had lots of extra flavors in it. I'm pretty sure they used bits of ham. Since I am a boomer, the green beans could've been cooked a little bit more. My generation likes them cooked to death. I really don't remember my mother using fresh green beans for anything back in the day. I wish they had given us a much larger loaf of the cranberry cornbread. It was amazing. I had never tried a cornbread with fruit in it before. This was moist, sweet, and tart at the same time. The pecan pie was very good. I only wish I had had some whipped topping or vanilla ice cream to put on it. It could've been homemade. I don't think there's really much they could have done to make this a better Thanksgiving feast. Our family was very happy with it. Kudos to the Black Whale for a job well done! read more

The Black Whale Pub - Delicious feast! - Pubs Near Me - New Braunfels, Texas

Food here I don't really grab much food, but their wings are pretty good. Service is always great behind the bar. This is the old new Braunfels and a lot of people love their service that they bring to the table. Ambience is like a cheers bar. Everybody will know your name eventually read more

Overall, just average food and service and sadly when I was eating there were fruit flies competing with me for food. I ended up with spicy garlic wings that were decent though a couple looked burnt. No offer of napkins or silverware. The bartendar did not look like she wanted to be there. We all have those days so I get it. But I never show that to my clients. Looked like they had some leaking issues. Otherwise looks like it could be a fun spot with some upgrades. The boats and swordfish with wooden tables/bar has always been a vibe I dig. There are plenty of TVs and options to be in the action or in your own area. Hopefully next visit will be better and I will give an update if things turn around. read more

The Black Whale Pub - Pubs Near Me - New Braunfels, Texas

My goodness this place is superb. The staff is friendly, happy, and attentive! Cassie loves her job (and give this gal a raise for her great service)! The burger was probably one of the best I've had and most memorable for the fact it was so fresh and flavorful and the veggies were so crisp! The drinks were amazing. My daughter said the lemon drop was fresh and just the right amount of sweet with the sour and my ranch water was spot on. The vibe is friendly and the staff hugged the regulars making it feel like everyone is family. This is the "CHEERS" of New Braunfels, where "everybody knows your name"! read more

Just had the best random dinner out. The Doner Kebab sandwich and the Beef on Weck were awesome! Great elevated bar food, everything made within house. 10 outta 10! Cool staff as well. read more

Best true English Pub vibe in NBTX. Dependably good pub food--inventive variety! Great beverage services, including nice draft beer selection. read more

The best Long Island Ice Tea was the best. Made to perfection like total balance by Bri! Love it.

Great Service! Food is great! Great little pub which gives off a "Cheers" bar vibe (I watch reruns) Food was hot and fast! Beers on tap great selection too. read more

The Black Whale Pub - Potato Kartoffelpuffers OMG! These are absolutely amazing! Served with a fabulous apple jalapeño sauce - Pubs Near Me - New Braunfels, Texas

We just moved to New Braunfels but have been coming to the Black Whale Pub for years on vacation. We absolutely love the food and drinks!

The place the locals visit. The Bloody Mary was especially nice. We didn't order food so can't comment on that - at least not yet. read more

The Black Whale Pub - Famous Bloody Mary - Pubs Near Me - New Braunfels, Texas

I was really surprised at how much I enjoyed myself at the Black Whale. Very nice bartender (Kirsten) who made great cocktails (gin & tonic with Hendricks and a refreshing "dirty lemonade.") Try the jalapeño Mac & Cheese with Brisket and the Reuben Sliders if you're hungry. read more

The Black Whale Pub - a black whale pub sign - Pubs Near Me - New Braunfels, Texas

I've never been to a pub where they were out of wings and hamburgers. What the heck?! We sat at the bar and still got poor service. Crazy. Nice pub atmosphere and decent TVs. But, I doubt we'll all come back here. read more

Delicious! Great vibe and the wings were the best I've had! Definitely recommend! I had the Doner and garlic Parmesan wings and loved every bit of it, which is rare to find a place like that read more

Stopped by last week for a relaxed date night. We sat at the bar and service was prompt. Would have loved to have been outside but people were out there smoking. No hate, but just so other people know. The drinks were good! Nice and strong and the bartenders were great. What more could you ask for? The food was awesome! The house chips were super crispy and the cheese sauce was amazing. I ordered the pubs version of a gyro and it was good. My only "complaint" was is it was SO full of goodness, there was no way I could pick it up and eat it. I could have gone for less raw red onions on it, but that's my own personal preference. Husband got the wings and they were smoked really nicely. The hot sauce was better then the spicy garlic, according to him. Best part? Two entrees, a beer, two Moscow mules, and two shots... was about $55 bucks. We will definitely be back! read more

The Black Whale Pub - Doner Kebab - Pubs Near Me - New Braunfels, Texas

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Usually love this place. Found Donors in Germany and love them. Was tickled to see them on the menu here. They need to remove them as what they served are not a true Donor. Not even close. The meat was tiny little crispy over cooked chunks. There was more cabbage than meet, I couldn't even see the meet. The bread was visibly greasy and the tzatziki sauce was runny and flavorless. I told the barmaid there was so little meat I couldn't see it under the cabbage. She was so nice and took it back to be corrected and said she would comp us for the meal and make me fresh fries as well. When it came out the fries were fresh, there was less cabbage but no more meat than before, and it was still the same tiny crispy pieces, not the "sliced off our rotisserie" as advertised. But since she comped the meal I didn't say anything and ate it. But it isn't a Donor and should never have been served like that. I won't order it again. So disappointed. read more

Love the appearance and food the service is spot on. Great location in downtown New Braunfels

Twilight zone that people kept recommending this place to me. Finally went and it smells like sewer inside. Definitely having plumbing issues in this place which did not entice me to try any of the food. They also had some drink options missing upon asking. Was not impressed one bit & I love a good dive bar. read more

Great staff and perfect little dive bar. We had pretty good food and great drinks. Everywhere else downtown was meh the night we went and we were hungry so we stopped in. We were fans of the people behind the bar so we'll definitely be back. read more

Great little pub and eatery we saw on Texas eats. Being a Chef I don't get away much so I have my go to haunts that never fail. We'll I just found a keeper in a great little German town of New Braunfels. We sampled ice cold Stella bier to start the lunch and decided on the corn beef sliders to share and homemade chips with beer cheese dipping sauce. A huge winner, with a bartender that was as delightful to talk with as server our delicious food read more

GREQT food and wonderful service. We have loved here for years and never thought to get tfood here but..... WOW. It was delicious and at a great price for the portions. Can't believe we have been missing out for this long. 10 out of 5 on everything. They really did impress for this food snob. read more

Best bartender/GM in New Braunfels- Brianna. Slow clap for this gal. The bar is lovely, the food is great, but Brianna makes the place. I will continue to come back here every time I'm in town read more

Food is really good, friendly staff, always a good game on, but there is a weird smell.

I feel like this would be my Cheers if I lived here. Stopped on for dinner because I saw they had potato pancakes with jalapeño applesauce. It was amazing. Also had a beef on wich. Ross wasn't quite right but it was delicious. Service from the bartender was great. No photos, we ate too fast. read more

I have visited this pub a few times and like the small town feel. The bar tender was very nice and the food was delicious.

We love this divey literal hole in the wall! Great service. Great drinks and food. Plus a jukebox box. Patio out back and plenty of parking around. read more

Quick friendly service. French dip was great. Good menu variety. Tap beer was nice and cold.

It has a nice setup and the drinks are reasonably priced all of the interactions with the bartender were friendly and engaging. We did not try the food but will be returning to try it once we make it down there again. read more

The Black Whale Pub downtown NB is great! My kids and I ate there the other day for a first time. Had to try their Reuben sliders and their world famous bloody mary. Absolutely fabulous. All our food and beverages were very good. Service was outstanding! Definitely going again. read more

Went there for the first time tonight and I loved this place. Cool vibe and great service! I'll definitely be back!!

Love this place, the food is delicious and bartender, Shauna is amazing! she is friendly, courteous and knows how to make a good drink! She always takes care of our group when we are there. read more

Shauna is the best!!! thanks for always taking care of our group!!!

Great place! Good drinks and great friendly atmosphere. Didn't make it to the patio but next time for sure!!

This was totally unexpected. We were looking for something to do in New Braunfels. We pull open the door at 12:10pm (they open at 12:00pm) and thought the place would be empty. No, this must be where all the locals go to drink and watch football. At least six good-sized TVs are mounted for people seated at the bar. Most were cheering for Manziel and Cleveland. In the booths (of which we snagged the last one) are monitor-sized TVs on each side of the booth, so everyone has a view. Nice. You can also see the bar TVs as well. Four different games going on, Texans in the booths, Cowboys later. Nice setup. A beer and a jack and Coke was $7.30. Not too bad. Try it. read more

My wife and stopped in here dinner while in New Braunfels. Great place, good food and drinks, and the service was awesome! The waitress took the time to discuss gluten free options for my wife and made sure we were taken care of. read more

Located in the old NB segregated theater back in the day. Neat little place. I love that they have live music but hate that they cram the poor artists right at the front door. Brianna the bar tender is the best there! There are tables across from the bar by don't sit there unless you want to scream across the tables to your friends. Instead take your drinks to the back because it is much calmer. They also have an upstairs which I love but isn't always open. When it is open they have karaoke and a great pool table. It is my 4th bar of preference behind: Oyster Bar, Faust and Phoenix. Cattle prod and pineapple upside down shots are worth a shot. Pun intended. read more

Amazing service! Owners super sweet! Food was delish! Highly recommend the cheesecake balls!! read more

The Black Whale Pub - Cheese cake balls! - Pubs Near Me - New Braunfels, Texas

This bar has stepped up the bar to be infinitely different than most bars in New Braunfels. They offer desired German Fare not available during Wurstfest plus additional delicious offerings. When you're done with the potato pancakes with jalapeño applesauce you need to try the cheesecake bites with fresh berry puree. It's amazing. Bonus : their booze and mixed drinks are spot on. You must stop by! read more

The Black Whale Pub - Potato Pancakes - Pubs Near Me - New Braunfels, Texas

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The Bloody Mary's are amazing, service is good too. No food, just drinks! Very reasonably priced as well. read more

The Black Whale Pub - Pubs Near Me - New Braunfels, Texas

The best staff in all of NB! Great friendly service and food. Clean bathrooms, and fantastic atmosphere.

My visit tonight was really great in seeing several friends; however, my boyfriend and I were never served or even acknowledged standing at the bar after a minimum of 15 minutes. The manic, coked-out blonde was serving randomly, and the dude behind the bar walked over in our direction, (btw, we had cash out ready to order) ignored us three times, and eventually walked out from behind the bar to talk to another customer at a different part of the bar, look at some empty tables, and kind of just hang out. We high-tailed it out of there and went somewhere else. read more