Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    The Mess Around

    4.0 (66 reviews)
    Closed 7:00 am - 4:00 pm
    Updated 2 weeks ago

    The Mess Around Photos

    THE MESS AROUND ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Dogs allowed
    Outdoor seating

    You might also consider

    More like The Mess Around

    Recommended Reviews - The Mess Around

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Pet Friendly!
    Thomas W.

    The Pet friendly patio is perfect for our furry friends. It was what drew us there, as most eating establishments frown on our best friends hanging with us when we dine out! Wait staff are courteous, food is perfectly prepared, and location is second to none! A must stop while in New Braunsfels

    Outside Area
    Justin F.

    I'm sorry but we did not have a good experience here at this location. We saw that it had good reviews and wanted to try this business out and I guess we maybe came at a bad time. Once we arrived we sat down at the outside seating area and were handed our menus. It was a nice day and the location of the business is right in the corner of the downtown roundabout. Once we were ready we waited for a while until our server came back out. I ordered a large coffee hot with a salad and a side of grits. My girlfriend ordered the meatloaf with a small iced coffee and an aside of jalapeño cornbread. We later were offered to sit inside since it was cooler and we had a baby. We then waited some more and then our coffee's arrived. Except mine was a small and iced. I then tried to get her attention but she ended up leaving. I then waited, and just got my coffee and went up front to ask for my correct order. She then apologized and stated that she was new and get me my correct order. I sat back down and awhile later an employee walked up with our food. He looked miserable and then when I asked for the jalapeño cornbread he stated "yeah, it will be out in a minute". Later I received my correct coffee and as we finished our meal the jalapeño cornbread never came. When our server came back, I just told her to take it off the order and forget about it. I then asked if there was any military or first responder discount and when the waitress asked up front they said no. I then looked over the bill and it was over $50 for everything. I was a little shocked they didn't offer any type of discount for the various troubles we had with our service this day. But with all that, I'm giving this place 3 stars. Food was decent, but for the price and service, I expected more.

    Iced Chai Tea
    Alexandra P.

    Came here this past weekend in the morning at around 11am before heading back to Houston. They told us there was going to be a wait of about 30 minutes and we decided to just walk around the little town while we waited. I noticed that there was tables open when we first got there but figured there was a good reason why they were not seating us there. We waiting about 35 minutes before going to ask where we stood on the list. The hostess proceeded to sit us at the same table that was open the entire time we were waiting...very strange. We were greeted promptly but our waitress definitely did not seem like she was having a great day. I have worked in the industry and I am sympathetic to this especially during a holiday weekend (fathers day) but she gave us pretty terrible service. Thankfully, they seem to share tables there and we had 1-2 other waiters that were in better spirits. To start off I ordered a chai tea latter with almond milk and it was very good! I am glad I had something to hold me over while we waited for our food to be ready because it took about 45 minutes for our food to come out. Our table ordered two plates of the lox bagels and an order of avocado toast. Neither of this dishes have to be "cooked" but they still took a long time. My lox bagel, however, was very tasty. The salmon was fresh and I really enjoyed it. Overall I think this place has the potential to be great, but it really fell short service wise. Maybe it was busier than what they could handle, but service was extremely slow and for that reason I would not come back.

    Creole meatloaf with cheese grits Blackened shrimp with cheese grits
    Kelly B.

    The hubs and I decided to try The Mess Around cafe today. The day was cool and we were in good moods so an outdoor (and indoor) cafe it was. The food was delicious, the ambiance was calming and the blended coffee drink was a great dessert! Also, the waiter was so sweet. We'll be back!

    Gabriel V.

    Gonna give this one 5 stars for one reason, and that's the meatloaf egg Benedict, solely because of how unexpectedly good it was. Everything else is very good as well, clean place, nice people, quick service. I think their meatloaf dishes are popular here, so if you see it, try it

    Erin M.

    I came here with family on a very cold day visiting New Braunfels. We wanted to eat inside somewhere and found this place. It had some good reviews and wanted to try. It's pretty small inside the establishment, but thankfully, we were able to get the last table available. They do have seating outside and wouldn't be so bad if it wasn't so cold. Unfortunately we were seated near a very loud table and since was small place could hear everything they were saying but otherwise the people there was nice. The place was clean and our waitress greeted us very kindly. She was able to take our orders fairly quickly and made sure we were alright with everything served. It did seem they were short staff as it did take a while to see her again a few times. We ordered a lavender latte and a hot chocolate. They both tasted great. It was the perfect temperature for the cold we dealt with. I ordered 'Dixie Lox and Bagel', which had salmon and cream cheese on an everything bagel that was good. It tasted fresh, and I loved the toppings on it. I felt it was a bit expensive for me though, but with salmon, it sort of made sense. I think I would have liked it more with a different bagel used too, but otherwise, I would consider getting it again. I had a side of potatoes and felt like it was missing something (better seasoning and bit dry). They were alright though along with the bacon and sausage. We also had a fancy avocado toast with egg on top. It was too much bread for me but was decent. It was a cute establishment overall and would consider coming back at a time outside lunch. Would also order something else to try.

    I subbed the toast for a biscuit
    Sharon V.

    The patio is super cute, lots of shade offered by large trees and umbrella. Yummy food and service.

    Shrimp and Grits
    Nancy B.

    Will definitely be back. First time here. When we got there, we sat outside, but we weren't sure if we were supposed to go in and place our order if someone was going to come out to us. Someone did come out to us and she did a great job waiting on us. I had the shrimp and grits and I can say they were fantastic. Nice size shrimps and seasoned perfectly. The cornbread was really good especially with some melted butter on it. It seemed to have a little smudge of heat and a little smudge if sweet. My friends had the wedge salad and the Cuban and they really liked what they got. Next time I am going to try the Muffuletta. If you want to try it, you have to get there early because they sell out quickly. We sat outside and it was not a problem heat wise. I am glad introduced they are here! Loved sitting outside and see how active the downtown is.

    Avocado Toast with. Pineapple Cucumber Jalapeño Mimosas

    First visit and not our last- we will be back. I had a delicious avocado toast with a pineapple cucumber jalapeño mimosa. Cozy atmosphere with an old New Braunfels feel.

    Dill chicken salad sandwich with pasta salad
    Celeste J.

    First time visiting this place but won't be the last. The service was super. We had the dip chicken salad that was perfect - not too much mayo. And the shrimp and grits is probably the best I have ever had. Give them a try.

    Creole Benedict
    Karla P.

    Sad day, really looking forward to some HOT grits and shrimp. Well twice the grits and shrimp came out ice cold to cold. My daughter had the creole benedict which she loved. Side of sausage was good also. Waiter was very nice and apologetic and took the grits and shrimp off the ticket. Maybe it's was just a bad day. The place is nice, clean older historic brick building.

    bay leaf in my jambalaya
    Mike T.

    Self-labeled as upscale. If that's the case...they have a lot of room for improvement. Our first time visiting, we walked in and there was no host/ess to greet us. Finally seated ourselves...and It appears they don't staff anyone as a host. The servers came in to help the one table seated and ignored us, but helped another group that came in after us. Not a good 1st impression. Once we were recognized, we put our order in. Food came as very quick and somewhat cold like it was not freshly made. Food was good and plated well, but lacked some luster for being "upscale". Also found a whole bay leaf in my dish, I would label this as a unique cafe experience. I hope first impressions for other customers are better. Not sure if we'll return.

    Pineapple cucumber mimosa!
    Vanessa R.

    Tried the shrimp and grits and a mimosa, shrimp was good but the grits were not my favorite. They have different flavored mimosas, some with spice, I prefer a regular mimosa, the place is super cute though and in a great location. My server was amazing though. Very attentive!

    Spicy Breakfast Sandwich

    See all

    Photo of Renee B.
    166
    26
    440

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Holly M.
    106
    6
    14

    25 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Jennifer W.

    Jennifer W.

    Thank you so much, Thomas! I enjoyed meeting your sweet pup, Johnny!!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 13
    Thanks 4
    Love this 10
    Oh no 3

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Gabriel V.
    6
    223
    670

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Celeste J.
    96
    89
    144

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Karla P.
    65
    52
    73

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ann R.
    32
    11
    0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Jennifer W.

    Jennifer W.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 2

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Food was delicious. Service was top notch - very friendly and accommodating. Coffee was good , tea not as much. Loved the outdoors option.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Jennifer W.

    Jennifer W.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ron D.
    0
    63
    0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kathy L.
    43
    61
    68

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Jennifer W.

    Jennifer W.

    Thank you so much for your review! We can't wait to see you return!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Mitchel was a fantastic waiter, and the food was delicious I highly recommend this place for brunch. We had a great time.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Maria F.
    197
    13
    7

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - The Mess Around

    You might also consider

    Favorite Neighbor

    Favorite Neighbor

    4.9(23 reviews)
    0.7 mi

    In all honesty, I tried really hard to hate on this place. I've had plenty of tapas in Europe and…read morelarger metro American cities that have nailed the concept. When I saw the mechanic shop conversion and industrial interior I got worried. The staff seemed a bit overwhelmed and a tad unprepared for shift opening. HOWEVER, I am always open to being proved wrong, which I was. The food was amazing and the staff was able to handle the five of us, three being boomers who had questions about EVERYTHING, but we love them, haha. The staff handled us with grace. When they didn't know the answer to the million questions we had they got it for us from the kitchen staff or manager. Zero pretension. All the kindness. I can't remember what we ordered; we ordered at least half the menu. Every single dish was amazing. We will for sure be back sans boomers for many date nights to come.

    Been here quite a few times and I love the whole vibe and ambiance of this place, especially with…read morethe history this spot does have with the NB locals. The waitstaff is wonderful and everyone is so nice. I get the same dishes every single time because I know they are very good...the hummus and their bread is amazing! Caesar is also super good every time. We love getting the meatballs and the shrimp dish...the shrimp one is probably my favorite item on the menu. I don't even love wine but the wines I have had there are great! The only cons I do have to say are I wish the menu had more options or when there are specials it's more than one day before they sell out. I LOVE tiramisu and that's the one dessert they do have but I've only been able to order it once because every other time they are sold out and I understand you run out but then there needs to be a second or third option to choose from. I look forward to ordering the tiramisu every time and I haven't been able to in months because they never have it. This is one of my go to places when I do eat out here and I'm happy with getting the same dishes over and over because they are good but I am interested and excited to see what else they add to the menu in the future!!

    Photos
    Favorite Neighbor
    Favorite Neighbor - Hummus and veggies

    Hummus and veggies

    Favorite Neighbor - Focaccia

    See all

    Focaccia

    The Mess Around - southern - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...