One of downtown New Braunfels’ oldest homes is getting ready to swap quiet history for late nights, pints and a full St. Patrick’s blowout.
The 150-year-old Voigt House is set to reopen in March as Kennedy's Tavern, with owner Kyle Kennedy telling MySA that doors are scheduled to open March 13. The team plans to launch with a five-day St. Patrick’s celebration running March 13-17. While the lineup is still being locked in, the tavern's website currently lists St. Patrick’s programming for March 15-17, along with event updates and regular operating hours. Kennedy's Tavern
The Building's Past
The Voigt House dates back to 1870 and sits on land originally deeded in 1845 to Hermann Seele, one of New Braunfels’ earliest schoolmasters. The Texas Historical Commission notes that the structure is recorded as a Texas Historic Landmark, highlighting its Mansard-roof design and lengthy ownership by the Voigt family.
What To Expect
The new tavern aims to keep the building’s vintage charm while adding some decidedly modern hangout space. Plans call for a wrap-around tree bar encircling a heritage tree, a live music stage, fire pits and covered outdoor seating, along with updated restrooms inside the restored house. Community Impact reports that an upstairs Emerald Lounge speakeasy is in the works, and longtime local food truck Texas Thai is expected to return alongside the tavern.
The venue’s website lists more than 25 beers on draft, live music and weekday operating hours as the team gets ready to open to the public. Kennedy's Tavern
Downtown Context
Kennedy's Tavern is arriving as part of a broader wave of bars, restaurants and entertainment spots reshaping downtown New Braunfels and extending the city’s nightlife beyond the usual tourist rush. As noted by MySA, owner Kyle Kennedy says he wants to weave Irish influences into New Braunfels’ deep German roots and turn the historic corner into a regular neighborhood gathering place rather than just a one-and-done photo op.
