If you’ve spent any time in the “Everything New Braunfels” Facebook group, chances are you’ve come across Jack’s lively posts about the town’s best club sandwiches (and espresso martinis). What started as a simple question turned into a full-blown community quest, complete with rankings, debate, and loyal followers eagerly awaiting the next review.
We sat down with the couple to talk about how it all started, the sandwiches that made the top of their list, and what’s next (if you don’t already know).
How did this whole club sandwich quest begin?
Jack: Honestly, it just came to me one day. I was sitting in my office, craving a club sandwich, and I hadn’t had one in years. So I posted in Everything New Braunfels asking who had the best one in town. The response was wild. Twenty suggestions right off the bat. I thought, “Okay, now what?”
Dorothea: We love eating out anyway, and there were all these restaurants we’d been meaning to try. So when Jack said, “Let’s do a quest,” I was all in.
Why club sandwiches?
Jack: I grew up in New Jersey, and I’ll tell you, nobody makes sandwiches like they do up there. It’s the bread. Always the bread.
What was your first stop?
Jack: Pat’s Place. It had been about twenty or thirty years since we’d been there, and I figured it was a good place to kick things off. I wrote a little review afterward. Just something fun. The response blew me away.
People were commenting, debating, and sharing their favorite spots. That’s when I realized how passionate folks are about their restaurants. It took off from there, and suddenly, I had followers waiting for the next review.
You’ve gotten quite the local following. What do you think people connect with?
Jack: I try to keep it personal. I reply to every comment and always use people’s names. It makes it feel like a conversation, not just a post. I’ve had people tell me they look forward to my reviews every weekend. One lady even said I make her weekends. That kind of feedback means a lot.
Dorothea: It’s also brought us back to places we already loved. Going specifically for a sandwich gave us a whole new perspective. It’s been fun rediscovering the town together.
What were your top three clubs in New Braunfels?
Jack: Number one, hands down, was 46 Catering & Café. We heard about it through a comment. Someone said they only served the club occasionally, so we went the week they had it. I rated it a 9.2 or 9.4. I said it would’ve been higher if it was on the regular menu. A week later, it became a regular menu item because of me! That was a pretty cool moment.
Dorothea: People started messaging us, saying they went just to try it because of his post. That was neat to see.
Jack: Number two was Wildflower. It wasn’t a traditional club. No pickle spear. But the flavor and the whole experience were amazing. And number three, of course, was Pat’s Place. It had that perfect New Jersey tavern feel.
You’ve also had a few controversial reviews, right?
Jack: Oh yeah. Tavern on Castell. Great vibe, great food, but the club wasn’t what I’d call an authentic club. I said that in my post, and people let me have it!
What’s next on the quest list?
Jack: Espresso martinis. I know, it’s a big jump from sandwiches, but we wanted to mix things up. When I announced it, the response was huge. Everyone had a recommendation.
Dorothea: We’re excited to explore that one. Everyone’s in the mood for cozy food and good drinks.
From craving one sandwich to sparking a community conversation, Jack and Dorothea have found a delicious way to connect with New Braunfels. Whether it’s a club sandwich or an espresso martini, their quest isn’t just about food. It’s about fun, connection, and celebrating the flavors of New Braunfels one bite at a time, with the community leading the way.
"People tell me my reviews make their weekends — seeing how invested everyone is makes it all worth it." - Jack