New Braunfels might still be considered a bedroom community, but its restaurant scene is wide awake. ¡Saludos! Cocina + Bar greeted the Hill Country town on February 2, bringing Mexican cuisine to the historic Dittlinger Roller Mills at 388 E. San Antonio St. downtown.

The long-anticipated project comes from a group of hospitality pros. Brothers Israel Trevino (Las Fontanas) and Daniel Trevino (Box St. All Day) teamed up with Edward Garcia III and Allen Shy (CRAFThouse and Blind Salamander Cantina) to give the 1887 former flour mill new life.

The menu is inspired by Mexican street food. Some of the standout dishes include vampiro-style tacos, a shrimp aguachile tostada, rajas con crema, and cochinita pibil flautas. Saludos also dishes out mains like fajitas and enchiladas rojas, and a few cross-cultural surprises like a Caesar salad with roasted garlic dressing and bolillo croutons, and ancho-achiote crispy wings served with Valentina ranch.

In addition to the bites, Saludos features a full bar program with premium spirits, beer, and wine. Most of the cocktails lean towards agave classics like palomas, margaritas, and ranch waters, but the menu also includes an espresso martini and a Spanish gin and tonic.

Given the Instagram-friendly interiors of Box Street, it’s no surprise that the restaurant is decked to the nines. A dusty terracotta and grass green color scheme is accented by Talavera tiles and contemporary Mexican artwork and accents — all the work of creative partner Caroline Garcia-Bowman.

Following the February 2 debut, Saludos is now open weekdays between 3-9 pm and Friday and Saturday, 3-10 pm. Reservations are available through Yelp.