By Annabeth Reeb

The fall semester in Aggieland always promises that a lot will be happening around town on the weekends. With the Aggies taking on Arkansas in Dallas this weekend, it leaves the streets clear of football chaos for Ring Weekend. This will give new Aggie Ring-donners and their families the perfect opportunity to try out some of the new local hotspots around town.

kreuzbryan Kreuz BBQ: Although the Kreuz family has been smoking and stoking some of the best barbecue in Texas for generations, their first satellite location is still new to Aggieland. This Lockhart-famous restaurant is perfect for any barbeque lover. With perfectly charred pit smoked brisket and ribs to accompany top-notch German-style sides, you can’t go wrong by stopping in to sample this true Lone Star treasure. Word from the wise, bring your appetite!

Black Water Draw   Blackwater Draw: If you’re looking for a cold beer and a hot meal, you can’t beat Blackwater Draw. Their unique brews of beer paired with their large screen TV’s make Blackwater the perfect place to spend your Saturday to watch the game. Or, if you have other Saturday plans, Blackwater is making a stand as one of Aggieland’s best spots for Sunday brunch. Grab a mimosa or a brew before noon and pair it with one of their famous brunch entrees, we suggest the breakfast taco or the chicken and waffles!

New Republic Brewery  New Republic Brewery:

About 15 minutes away from the Texas A&M campus, New Republic is easy to miss as a weekend hangout. There’s never been a more perfect place for family fun, as the Brewery welcomes pets, kids, and even your annoying uncle Ted. Stop in for a tour, a tasting, or even free live music and a barbecue dinner this Saturday! This is the perfect place to celebrate your new ring and spend some time with close friends and family.

Downtown Uncorked  Downtown Uncorked:

Although not technically classified as a new joint, Downtown Uncorked is one of our favorite Aggieland staples. Uncorked is a great place to be on ring weekends when you’re looking for a great atmosphere and even better wine. Bring your family in for a world-class tasting, grab a glass of wine and dessert after dinner, or simply just find a good corner to sip and chat. Located in Downtown Bryan, Uncorked gets you out of the College Station traffic but still leaves you close enough to the action!