When asking yourself about something to do near me in New York with a group of friends or family, consider
Downtown Social

Why Downtown Social is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Downtown Social is a lively restaurant and social hub located in the heart of New Braunfels, Texas. Known for its spacious interior with notably high ceilings, it offers a comfortable and inviting atmosphere perfect for meeting up with friends. Visitors can enjoy a variety of food options including delicious fried chicken sandwiches, dirty burgers topped with fried eggs, sweet potato waffle fries, and wood oven–cooked pizzas. The establishment also features multiple seating areas with large TVs, making it great for groups wanting to watch sports or socialize in a casual environment. Additionally, Downtown Social offers entertainment such as bowling, and hosts themed cuisine nights which promise unique dining experiences. The adjoining Pour Haus offers a convenient spot to grab drinks with friends, adding to the overall social vibe. The venue is recognized for its accommodating space that supports social distancing measures, allowing guests to enjoy their time safely. With friendly staff and a dynamic menu that caters to various tastes, Downtown Social serves as a favored local venue for gatherings, dining, and entertainment in New Braunfels.
Here's what people think of Downtown Social
As of recent, Downtown Social holds a 4.3-star rating based on 111 reviews.
Customer reviews of Downtown Social reflect a generally positive experience with a few critiques. Many patrons praise the spacious and unique interior design — particularly the high ceilings — which creates a roomy and comfortable ambiance. Positive feedback frequently highlights the friendly atmosphere and delicious food offerings, such as the fried chicken sandwich and the dirty burger with a fried egg. Guests enjoy the varied menu, including pizzas from the wood oven and themed cuisine nights, which add a fun twist to dining. The social environment is often described as fun and relaxed, with many appreciating the ample seating and entertainment options like bowling and large TVs, enhancing the group experience. However, some negative reviews focus on inconsistent management and staff turnover, which can affect service quality. There have been mentions of staff hiring practices and internal management challenges, including communication issues about menu changes and staff treatment. A few customers felt the food could benefit from more flavor in certain dishes, such as the fried chicken sandwich’s lack of spice in some versions. Despite these critiques, most visitors conclude that Downtown Social remains a solid choice for a casual get-together, providing enjoyable food, drinks, and social activities in a welcoming environment.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Trevor Galivan
The goat. Food is excellent. Drinks are good and so cheap. Bartender very attentive and good at job. $1 wings on Monday, $2 draft on Thursday, 1/2 price bar Wednesdays is incredible. They also have giant Jenga and a lot go TVs for sports. Good music choice and trivia on Monday and Wednesdays.
Tara Taylor
Sam was the best bartender ever!! We went on a Saturday afternoon, had the most delicious orange crushes for only $6, and had so much fun. She brought out games for us like jenga & was just a great vibe overall. Thanks for making our experience a fun one, Sam!
Lucero Molina Cervetto
roomy place to have drinks with friends and larger groups. the beer selection was decent. slightly above average dive bar. prices were decent as well. food was middle of the road.
Kate Milinevska
Came here on the Monday night - they do have great happy hours - ALL drafts are only $4!!! The do have huge selection of the drafts . They do have half price of pizza too, but I didn’t try it Order hot buffalo chicken wings with blue cheese that was good Bartender was really friendly and helpful Of course I came because i was going to the old place for Burger.. but apparently they are closed :( Hopefully it will get much fun as it was before
Willie Grullon
Listen, it's your boy. You know i won't do you wrong. The guy brought out our food would two plates stacked directly on it. I don't think i need to write more but in case you weren't sure, this is a diiiiiiiiiiiive bar. Food is awful. Service and drinks are ok but do not come here to eat ever.
How to reach Downtown Social
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Why Downtown Social may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Downtown Social with your friends? Downtown Social in New Braunfels, Texas, offers an exceptional and inviting atmosphere that makes it the perfect hangout spot for groups looking to enjoy quality time together. The venue combines a relaxed yet vibrant social setting with ample space, including impressively high ceilings that create an open and airy environment. This feature allows groups to gather comfortably without feeling cramped, adding to the overall experience. Whether you’re catching up with long-time friends or celebrating a special occasion, Downtown Social balances fun and comfort seamlessly. The menu is varied, with crowd-pleasers like chicken sandwiches, wood oven pizzas, and creative burgers that cater to different tastes, making it easy to please everyone in your group. Add to that a solid drink selection and friendly staff, and you have a place primed for socializing, laughter, and memorable moments. This blend of great food, a welcoming atmosphere, and interactive entertainment options makes Downtown Social an ideal spot for a friend or family meetup.
What activities can you enjoy at Downtown Social? Downtown Social is not just a restaurant but a dynamic entertainment venue that offers activities tailored for groups and social gatherings. One of its standout features is a modern bowling alley that provides hours of fun competition and casual play. The bowling lanes are complemented by large seating areas with big TVs where friends can relax and watch sports or music videos while waiting their turn or simply enjoying each other’s company. Beyond bowling, the venue regularly hosts themed cuisine nights and live music events, appealing to groups who enjoy dining experiences combined with entertainment. The presence of an adjoining bar, Pour Haus, adds another layer of enjoyment with a variety of drink options, including craft beers and signature cocktails. All these elements combined make Downtown Social perfect for groups who want more than just dinner — they want an experience that encourages interaction, entertainment, and celebration in a lively yet comfortable setting.
Why is Downtown Social perfect for group meetups? Downtown Social’s spacious and versatile layout is a key factor that makes it ideal for groups, whether casual get-togethers, celebrations, or corporate outings. The spacious interior design with high ceilings reduces noise congestion, ensuring conversations can flow freely without battling loud crowd noise. Multiple seating configurations allow groups to claim their own cozy corners or larger communal tables, creating a sense of privacy alongside the vibrancy of a bustling social spot. The menu’s versatility and quality make food ordering convenient for groups, as the diverse offerings satisfy different dietary preferences and cravings, from comfort food to artisanal pizzas. Additionally, the casual and friendly staff contribute to a welcoming environment that makes everyone feel at home. With features like group bowling, themed nights, and spacious seating in both indoor and adjacent outdoor spaces, Downtown Social proves to be a thoughtfully designed venue that caters to the social and entertainment needs of diverse groups, making it an unbeatable location for meetups.
How does the food and drink selection enhance the group experience at Downtown Social? The food and drink offerings at Downtown Social play a significant role in enhancing the overall group experience by ensuring there’s something for everyone’s palate. Their menu includes popular, satisfying dishes such as a perfectly cooked fried chicken sandwich and a "dirty burger" topped with a fried egg, offering flavorful comfort food options that appeal to a wide audience. The inclusion of wood oven pizzas adds a gourmet touch to the casual offerings, perfect for sharing among friends or family. For sides, favorites like sweet potato waffle fries provide a delicious complement that pairs well with both food and drinks. Speaking of drinks, the bar is well-stocked with an array of craft beers, cocktails, and refreshing beverages, enabling groups to toast their gatherings with quality drinks. The Pour Haus, connected to Downtown Social, offers an additional spot to enjoy drinks before or after dinner, enhancing the social vibe. Altogether, the thoughtful, tasty food and diverse drink options make group dining enjoyable, effortless, and delicious.
What makes the atmosphere at Downtown Social special for social gatherings? Downtown Social’s atmosphere combines a balance of excitement and comfort, which is vital for any social gathering. The open-concept design with soaring ceilings creates a spacious feeling that prevents the space from becoming overwhelming, even on busy nights. This architectural choice fosters a lively ambiance where energy circulates freely but where groups can still find pockets of quieter space to catch up. The decor is modern and inviting, appealing to a broad demographic—from young professionals to families. Additionally, the venue carefully manages social distancing and space allocation, ensuring a safe and comfortable environment during busier times. The presence of large TVs and live music events adds entertainment value without dominating the space, allowing guests to engage in conversation and enjoy the company of their group. Friendly staff and a community-centric vibe present a ‘third place’ atmosphere beyond home or work, ideal for gatherings that want a relaxed yet engaging backdrop.
How accessible and convenient is Downtown Social for a meetup? Located in the heart of New Braunfels on West San Antonio Street, Downtown Social offers an easily reachable spot for locals and visitors alike. With parking options nearby and accessible entryways, the venue minimizes hassle typically associated with group meetups in busy areas. The extended weekend hours, including late nights on Fridays and Saturdays, enable flexible scheduling for intimate dinners, casual drinks, or late-night fun. This flexibility makes planning meetups less restrictive, whether you’re thinking of an early dinner or a lively night out. The staff are known for their welcoming nature and adaptability to group needs, assisting with seating arrangements and special requests to make your visit smooth. All these factors combine to make Downtown Social not just a destination but a convenient and accessible hub for socializing without the usual complications.
Why should your next family or friend meetup be at Downtown Social? Choosing Downtown Social for your next family or friend gathering means opting for a venue that prioritizes atmosphere, enjoyment, and convenience. It’s a place where food and drinks complement fun activities, allowing your group to bond over shared experiences beyond just eating out. Whether you want to challenge each other at bowling, enjoy live music, or casually chat over delicious meals and drinks, this venue offers an all-in-one solution that caters to diverse group interests. The thoughtful layout accommodates everyone comfortably, making it easy to mingle, relax, and celebrate with ease. Its positive reviews emphasize a solid combination of quality, vibe, and service—factors that matter most when hosting memorable meetups. Downtown Social’s unique mix of entertainment, comfort, and social spirit makes it an ideal choice for any group looking to rally, reconnect, and create lasting memories together.