The River House Tea Room

There is a local favorite that is nestled on the banks of a dry creek in historic Gruene, the River House Tea Room. Chef Carol Hill has created a distinctive atmosphere of warmth and hospitality for tourists and natives alike that has been open since 1997. It is most likely that a majority of New Braunfels’ women have visited this quaint historic house. The River House Tea Room is the perfect spot to visit with friends while enjoying exquisite dining that features quiches, soups and original grill items as well as fine desserts...some of the local favorites include Beer Cheese Soup or Chicken Pecan Quiche.
Whether you choose to dine inside or out, guests are always treated to a one of a kind experience and adding Chef Hill’s House Sangria during the summer time or hot mulled wine in the winter provides the perfect addition to any afternoon lunch. Serving afternoon tea from 2-4 is a specialty at River House Tea Room.

"River House Tea Room is the perfect spot to visit with friends while enjoying exquisite dining features."

On any given day locals might experience the local Red Hat Society having lunch or mothers with their preschool daughters dressed for “high tea”. It warms the heart to see little girls having real tea in a “real” Tea Room with their mothers, aunts, grandmothers and friends.
As we grow into women the idea of a tea party never goes away. That is one of the unique little gifts that make River House Tea Room the perfect location for bridal luncheons or any type of small shower. It is a place to gather together and sip tea, enjoy dishes that our senses delight in and move back in time to the fantasy world of our childhood.
Chef Hill and her staff of 20 provides the perfect location for a small wedding or reception. Combined with the 122–year old farm house, River House Tea Room has an outside area that is perfect to host a reception or rehearsal dinner. Brides can treat their guests to a truly elegant evening while maintaining a feeling of intimate closeness with her guests. Whatever your event, Chef Carol’s creations can make it one your taste buds are sure to remember long after the dishes have been cleared.
Chef Carol Hill came to visit New Braunfels in 1997. She learned of the River House Tea Room location and quickly began finalizing her plans. “We had come here for a visit and learned that this piece of property was available.” Carol said. “I went back and gave my two weeks’ notice.” The River House Tea Room opened a month later and Carol is proud to have been delighting customers in New Braunfels for 10 years.
Chef Hill, one of the few women certified Executive Chefs, was in her forties when she entered El Centero College in Dallas. In 2003 and 2004, Wine’s List of the Best Chefs had her listed among 20 men.
“At El Centero I was outnumbered by men, but I see younger women chefs coming up slowly and finding a way into the kitchen,” Hill said. ”Most kitchens are dominated by men because for the last century women have been stay-at-home moms,” Carol said.
“I stayed at home with my two daughters until I was ready to venture out. That is why I tell people I am a late bloomer.”
Working as a chef is a demanding career, one that includes long, grueling and physically-challenging hours. Flexible schedules are unheard of for a chef. There is rarely a day that Hill won’t be found in the kitchen alongside her staff creating dishes for both men and women.
Contrary to what most men probably think, The River House Tea Room is not just for women.
Many women bring their husbands in and soon find they are requesting to dine at the Tea Room.
“My husband loves to eat at the Tea Room now,” said Crystal Hill, customer and no relation to Chef Carol. The lunch menu includes hearty grill items and sandwiches large enough to satisfy the “biggest” appetite such as the River House Club, the Reuben Panini or the Gentlemen’s Favorite Jalapeno Burger.
A sweet way to end your afternoon at the Tea Room is with the Gruene Nibbler, a variety of sweet treats and fresh chocolate-dipped strawberries.
The River House Tea Room After Dark is open Friday and Saturday nights 5-9 for fine dining. With the night sky and glistening moonlight, the quaint little house is transformed into one of New Braunfels’ most romantic settings. Entree items include Certified Angus Beef Tenderloin with a Chipotle Mushroom Sauce, Mixed Seafood Grille, a Vegetable Harvest, Pistachio Crusted Pork Tenderloin and yes, Chef Carol’s famous Quiche Du Jour is also available. No meal would be complete without indulging in one of the fine desserts offered by Chef Carol and her staff. Choose from Humming Bird Cake, Apple Cranberry Bread Pudding, Creamy Cheese Cake or Rich Chocolate Brownie and have your taste buds dance with delight.
The River House Tea Room is the perfect blend of New Braunfels’ old world heritage and today’s modern ideas combined into an exquisite dining experience. Chef Carol’s tea room is a place where young and old, women and men alike meet to visit and share a good time in the warmth of this cozy home. Chef Carol and her staff invite you to tea in their home Tuesday through Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm, and on Fridays and Saturdays you can visit the Tea Room After Dark from 5-9 pm.