Gone are the days when going out for a good meal at Canyon Lake meant driving into Gruene or New Braunfels. I could go on in great detail describing every morsel of each meal I’ve eaten at these fine establishments but I will spare you my gastronomic carrying on’s and pull a couple online reviews from the web. Gennaro’s Italian Trattoria and Silver Sage Grille are two of my favorite restaurants at Canyon Lake.
We frequent Gennaro’s more often because it is only about 6 minutes from the B&B. Here is what an online reviewer had to say:
“You’ve Got to be Kidding Me!”
Reviewed September 15, 2012 (Tripadvisor)
…that’s pretty much what I thought when someone suggested eating Italian food at the lake, of all places. Fortunately, I went. And, I’ve been back several times and plan to go several times before we have to leave the area in a month (We are RVers).
The restaurant is very nice (new) and quaint. Every staff and wait person has been a pleasure. Oh, and the food is fabulous! I’ve had their salmon and lemon chicken. My husband has had a few of the chicken dishes and beef dishes. All are excellent. Not being a chicken eater – I’ve tried to find a lemon chicken dish at several other good Italian restaurants since I tried the one at Gennaro’s – and none have come close. So… My personal dilemma (on our next visit) will be to try another dish or to stick with the Lemon Chicken.
The restaurant isn’t that far from Hwy 281 and not that far from North San Antonio. It is certainly worth the drive.
TIP: Regardless of where you are coming from – MAKE A RESERVATION. They are ALWAYS busy.
Reviewed September 15, 2012 (Silver Sage Grille, although a longer drive from the B&B (about 25 minutes), is well worth the trip. They just recently added a new deck so you have the option of dining while watching a beautiful Hill Country sunset over Canyon Lake.
“Don’t let the location discourage you”
We almost missed it driving down 306. Located at the end of a small strip mall, with admittedly poor signage, it was easy to be distracted by the large propane tanks in the parking lot. The Silver Sage Grille was recommended by the proprietor of the B & B where we stayed, and although the parking lot was practically empty (it was pretty early) and the location less than, shall we say, welcoming, we parked and entered. And boy, are we glad we did!
The SSG is a lovely little spot, beautifully decorated and welcoming to guests. Our waitress, Amanda, immediately greeted us with a smile. When I asked for suggestions before ordering, she displayed her knowledge of the menu — preparation, ingredients — and her advice was spot-on. Our meals were delicious and showed great thought and care in preparation. At one point, the owner Robin stopped by to chat for a few moments.
I know that people will be tempted to drive by because SSG doesn’t have the curb appeal that patrons might look for, but once inside you’ll discover the ambiance that’s lacking outside. And if you’re more interested in a great meal at a very reasonable price, then SSG will fulfill and likely exceed your expectations.