Sidecar — Restaurant in New Braunfels

Cozy, Delicious Drinks, Great Bartenders

Walking down the steps into Sidecar is like going into the past: There are old framed photos and art on all the walls, and light jazz playing: The light bulbs have a warm vintage filament glow.

Overall, it was a wonderful night; and we would go again; but getting to a table and being bounced between servers was a little confusing...

We came to see the "Dirty River Jazz Band," the second band of the night, and hadn't been able to get through to make a reservation: We expected to have to wait a little bit; but the process was odd...

When we said we'd start at the bar, one of the two (I think?) hostesses crossed our name off the list; so when we asked for an update on our table to see the band; the second hostess said she'd need our number again.

There were four vacant tables, and one had just emptied out; so I'm not sure what Sidecar's practice is, for when people miss reservations: If they're late, does the table open? Or does it remain reserved? Does the hostess know when the timing of each table is up?

It's a small space; so that's important. (I've been a hostess before)

The hostess came over to tell us a table was ready; and we went to close our tab at the bar, but were told that it wasn't necessary (we'd wanted to tip the bartender?); a server came over immediately asking us to order another drink... when we hadn't finished the ones on our table yet. We told him we'd need a minute.

But even after we'd ordered another round, he came and asked us to order a third, before we'd finished the drinks he'd brought 15 minutes earlier; and then he told us he was giving us to another server... The new server waited until our drinks were empty before asking us to order another, which we appreciated.

At that point though, we were like, 'are we tipping three different people with our one check?!' 🤔

Even with all the confusion, it was a wonderful night, a beautiful space, and we'd...

Been here twice so far. The first time Trent—who happened to be filling in both times we went—was our bartender. The second time he was our waiter. He is simply amazing. Excellent bartender and fantastic conversationalist. Really knows his whiskey and has some serious style to boot. I believe last night he was donning his Bob Ross button up paired with his Bob Ross socks that have an actual Bob Ross afro.

On top of that, the hostess (who we later learned was the actual owner) seated us without reservations and treated us like royalty from the onset. She got us an incredible table in the corner. I don't know her name, but she's a bright spot in New Braunfels.

Drinks: They're fantastic. I like to sample Old Fashioneds everywhere I go. I had had one at another restaurant across town and it was just...okay. But the subtly in the flavors and the attention to detail are unmatched anywhere else I've been so far.

The jazz band was PERFECT. Not too loud, but just right. It set the mood and really made me feel like we were in a legit speak easy in the 1920s.

Excellent vibe. Delicious drinks. Wonderful management and staff.

Sidecar is my go to for drinks and chill in...

Sidecar is a hidden gem in downtown New Braunfels and is hands down one of the best bars in the San Antonio area.

The bar staff are knowledgeable and have a history serving up some of the best cocktails at the most well respected San Antonio bars, lending their expertise to the well thought out and put together drink menu that captures the spirit of this beautiful historic nook in downtown New Braunfels.

The spirit selection is impeccable and genuinely my favorite at any bar in the area, especially if you happen to be a whiskey fan. They have some of the best Irish, Scotch, and Japanese whiskeys on the market as well as a fine selection of Bourbon, Gin, and Vodka. You can tell they take pride in the bottles they procure.

Last but not least is the food. Everything I've ordered is absolutely amazing. The Mac and Cheese is incredible and the Jalapeno Fritters will blow you away.

Combine everything above with live jazz music and this makes Sidecar easily the best bar in New Braunfels and my new personal favorite here in the San...