New Braunfels has long been one of Texas’ favorite stops for summer fun like tubing and Schlitterbahn. Soon, however, the Hill Country town may be as equally known for another attraction — its red-hot restaurant and bar scene.
The latest addition to the scene comes courtesy of Krause’s Cafe + Biergarten owner Ron Snider. Upscale pizzeria 188 South will debut Saturday, August 31, at 188 S. Castell Ave., according to a release.
The name was borrowed from another 188 South, which was located in the same downtown space until 2016. Unlike that eatery, the new concept will focus on artisan pies from Krause’s executive chef Jeremy “Boomer” Acuna.
Guests shouldn’t expect traditional pizzas, however. Among the offering will be a pie with sage gremolata and the Mob Boss with housemade fennel sausage and spicy Calabrian pepper pesto.
The restaurant's menu will also include rotating Italian-inspired dishes like brisket risotto, shaved summer squash salad, and burrata. A presentation station will provide some theater as diners watch mozzarella being hand pulled.
The bar features some entertainment, too. An ice dispenser will drop ice from the ceiling into frosty towers that will be used to chill clear liquors and white wines. The runoff from the display is then funneled into an outdoor fountain.
That razzle dazzle, however, should not detract from 188's beverage program as a lark. Jason Banks — who the restaurant says is New Braunfels' only advanced sommelier-certified wine educator — has created a serious cocktail menu.
The list spans everything from pre-Prohibition classics and contemporary creations, with many of the ingredients made in-house, including a tonic brewed with cinchona bark, red cardamom, and lavender, and 188 has started a barrel-aging program for batched cocktails.
“We believe that 188 South is bringing something really unique to New Braunfels, and we’re excited to add another place where the community can come together to dine, drink, and enjoy each other’s company,” said Snider via release. “Guests of 188 South can expect to find a rarely done concept that we're confident they will love.”
After its debut, 188 will be open Wednesday and Thursday, 4-9 pm; Friday, 4-10 pm; and Saturday, 10 am to 10 pm. Lunch and brunch will be added at a later date.
A hydroponic growing wall provides herbs for the kitchen.
Silva posing with his son in front of Wav Room.