The building at the corner of San Antonio Street and Castell Avenue in New Braunfels has housed many businesses since it was built in 1871. At one time the third floor, added in 1922, was used as the Masonic Lodge. The first floor became the Phoenix Saloon in 1895 and again in 2010. It was reputed to be the first bar in Texas that would serve women, definitely a plus in a German community that voted 100% against Prohibition. Credit: GERALD E. McLEOD

The Phoenix Saloon in New Braunfels still makes a mean bowl of chili after 134 years.

Texas chili wasn’t invented in New Braunfels – that honor is generally bestowed on the Chili Queens of San Antonio – but authentic Texas chili flavor was put within the grasp of home kitchens in a cafe in the back of the Phoenix Saloon.

William Gebhardt moved from Germany to the Texas frontier in 1885. He opened his first cafe in 1892 at the back of the bar that became the original Phoenix Saloon in 1894.

A big fan of the Mexican cuisine of San Antonio, Gebhardt introduced his version of chili con carne at his cafe. Rather than use fresh chiles that were only available seasonally, Gebhardt used his chili powder made from spices and dried chile peppers that he called “Tampico Dust.”

Wyatt Erp and Doc Holliday would feel right at home in the Phoenix Saloon. The new owners built the 40-foot bar of wood recycled from when the building was a department store. The mirror above the bar was from the store’s shoe department. The original version of the saloon had a deer pen, alligator pit, and staged badger fights in the biergarten. Credit: GERALD E. McLEOD

He eventually changed the name to “Gebhardt’s Eagle Brand Chili Powder” and opened a factory in San Antonio. From there he introduced Mexican flavors to the world through canned goods, spices, and recipe books. The company was sold in 1960, four years after Gebhardt died. 

Gebhardt’s expansion to San Antonio was financed by his brother-in-law, Albert Kronkosky Sr. Based on wealth created by the Gebhardt Food Company and other investments, the family created the Albert Jr. and Bessie Mae Kronkosky Charitable Foundation. Among the foundation’s many benefactors have been the Kronkosky Library in Boerne, the San Antonio Zoo, and the soon-to-open Albert & Bessie Kronkosky State Natural Area. 

The Phoenix Saloon at 193 W. San Antonio St. in New Braunfels retains its Old West ambience with a pressed tin ceiling that reflects the dim light from the windows, and a wooden bar stocked with colorful bottles. As a spot to grab of bowl of Texas red or sip an adult beverage while enjoying live music, this honky-tonk wears its age well. 

William Gebhardt served chili in the café of the Phoenix Saloon enhancing it with what he called “Tampico Dust.” Inspired by the Chili Queens who sold the spicey Mexican stew in San Antonio, Gebhardt changed the name to “Gebhardt’s Eagle Brand Chili Powder.” His company opened a factory in San Antonio in 1898 from which he introduced canned Mexican foods to the world. The success of the Gebhardt brand and other investments help fund the Kronkosky Charitable Foundation which continues to make philanthropic gifts in the Bexar County area. Credit: GERALD E. McLEOD

1,799th in a series. Everywhere is a day trip from somewhere. Follow “Day Trips & Beyond,” a travel blog, at austinchronicle.com/day-trips.

This article appears in March 27 • 2026.

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Gerald E. McLeod joined the Chronicle staff in November 1980 as a graphic designer. In April 1991 he began writing the “Day Trips” column. Besides the weekly travel column, he contributed “101 Swimming Holes,” “Guide to Central Texas Barbecue,” and “Guide to the Texas Hill Country.” His first 200 columns have been published in Day Trips Vol. I and Day Trips Vol. II.