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How many best restaurants in San Marcos, Texas, do you know? If you are still trying to figure out the answers, I have some recommendations for you.
As a true foodie, I am always on the hunt to find the most incredible place to eat. And today, I would like to share my comprehensive list of where to dine in San Marcos city. Located in the heart of Central Texas, the city has an irresistible charm with rich history and culture.
Regarding the city’s cuisine, they have many selections of restaurants with different food styles, including classic Texas barbecue or international cuisine, like Italian delights.
So if you are a tourist (or even local), you should not skip this article if you also have a huge love for delicious food, like me.
What Are The Top-Notch Dining Spots In San Marcos?
Here is a short list with the names of 20 outstanding restaurants in San Marcos! They can be upscale steakhouses, cozy cafe shops, or simple eateries selling classic American fares.
- Palmer’s Restaurant Bar & Courtyard
- Cody’s Restaurant Bar & Patio
- Pie Society
- Saltgrass Steak House
- Blue Dahlia Bistro
- 54th Street Restaurant & Drafthouse
- Italian Garden
- Black’s Barbecue San Marcos
- Texas Roadhouse
- The Root Cellar Cafe
- Hays County Barbeque Restaurant
- Herbert’s Taco Hut
- Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
- Ivar’s River Pub
- Grins Restaurant
- Chuy’s
- Cafe on the Square
- Casa Maria Restaurant & Bakery – San Marcos
- Bill Miller Bar-B-Q
- Alvin Ord’s
Visit These San Marcos’s Restaurants And Make Your Tummy Happy
Alright? Are you ready to try the most delicious food around San Marcos? If so, buckle up! I will take you for a ride to explore the city’s culinary charms in these 20 restaurants. Let’s start with the first one – Palmer’s Restaurant Bar & Courtyard.
1. Palmer’s Restaurant Bar & Courtyard
Palmer’s Restaurant Bar & Courtyard in San Marcos, Texas, stands out for its blend of New Mexican and New Orleans cuisine. That’s why it has been a favored dining destination since 1978.
Situated in West San Marcos, Palmer’s is housed within a refurbished 1920s structure. It has amassed several awards and honors, including the highly regarded Best of Hays recognition by the San Marcos Daily Record and a position in the top 10% of restaurants worldwide by Tripadvisor.
In addition, the Texas Department of Agriculture also nominated the restaurant as a Texas Wine Ambassador.
One of the fascinating aspects of Palmer’s Restaurant Bar & Courtyard is its warm ambiance. Its courtyard is a picturesque setting for a romantic date or a family outing. The setting is complete with multiple fireplaces, a fountain, and many exotic Texas flora.
For those seeking a more intimate dining atmosphere, Palmer’s offers exclusive private rooms, including the Library lounge, garden patio, Amethyst room, and a parlor.
Furthermore, the restaurant permits private events to be hosted outside regular hours and regularly arranges special monthly events. However, it requires advanced booking.
In addition, if you want to extend your stay in San Marcos after enjoying this restaurant’s food, Palmer’s Guest House located next door, is an excellent option.
FYI, Palmer’s Restaurant Bar & Courtyard serves dinner and Sunday brunch. For dinner, their Ribeye, bacon-wrapped meatloaf, legendary chicken fried steak, and signature salmon are highly recommended.
On Sundays, you can order their Low Country shrimp & grits, Texas French toast, and Palmer’s special (eggs, pancakes, grilled ham). And on special occasions (e.g., Easter or Mother’s Day), the restaurant also offers featured buffet-style dining.
Price Range: $$
Food Styles: American, Bar, Steakhouse
Location: 218 Moore Street, San Marcos, TX 78666
Website: https://www.palmerstexas.com/
Phone: (512) 353-3500
Table Reservation: Call to reserve a table
Order Online
2. Cody’s Restaurant Bar & Patio
Finding a top-notch modern American cuisine restaurant in San Marcos? Visit Cody’s Restaurant Bar & Patio located near Tanger Outlets San Marcos, and I’m sure you will be impressed.
Since its establishment in 2012, Cody’s has become a beloved destination for both locals and visitors in the area. And its popularity grew with the opening of a second location in New Braunfels in 2022.
This eatery is the ultimate place where you can have a relaxed and musically influenced ambiance. And that’s perfect for spending quality time with loved ones.
You will appreciate the restaurant’s monthly chef’s tastings, featuring 5 to 7-course menus on the last Sunday of each month. Plus, Cody’s offers private event spaces, including a patio that can occupy up to 36 people and a dining room for 56 people.
At here, get ready to immerse yourself in delicious dishes! For dinner, make sure to try out the Beef Wellington, the Kagoshima A5 Wagyu (limited availability), or the bone-in Yorkshire pork chop.
During Happy Hour, which runs from 4 PM to 7 PM (from Tuesday to Saturday), don’t miss out on the Mexican martinis, all bottles of wine, and seasonal bites.
Price Range: $$$
Food Styles: American, Bar
Location: 690 Center Point Road #209, San Marcos, TX 78666
Website: https://www.codyssmtx.com/
Phone: (512) 393-2867
Table Reservation
Order Online: Not Available
3. Pie Society
Welcome to Pie Society! It is a modern pizza parlor located in San Marcos Center, just within a minute from the Texas State campus.
With its open kitchen, you can catch a glimpse of your pizza being made while relishing your favorite drink from the fully-stocked bar.
As soon as you step inside, you’ll be instantly captivated by the trendy ambiance and lofty ceilings that create an unmatched and delightful dining experience. The ambiance is even unique with artful wood pizza peels on the walls.
The menu at Pie Society features diverse pizza options, including build-your-own pizzas with toppings, such as mozzarella, Italian sausage, New York-style pepperoni, and roasted chicken breast.
Moreover, you can try out their signature pizzas, like The Pyramid, which includes ricotta, spinach, and Texas goat cheese, or The Enlightenment, which comes with Brussels sprouts, bacon, and garlic-infused extra virgin olive oil.
If you prefer to enjoy pizza by the slice, come here between 11 AM – 2 PM and 5 PM – 8 PM. In case you like calzone, they allow you to build your own calzones with cheese calzone and three toppings of your choice.
Regarding the drinks, Pie Society takes pride in its rotating selection of draft beers from their 6 taps, wines, and cocktails. You can unwind and relax after a long day while sipping your well-loved drink and savoring pizza.
Price Range: $$
Food Styles: Pizza
Location: 700 North LBJ Drive # 107, San Marcos, TX 78666
Website: http://www.piesmtx.com/
Phone: (512) 805-8900
Table Reservation: Not Available
Order Online
4. Saltgrass Steak House
Saltgrass Steak House is an informal Texas-themed chain where you can have an immersive dining experience with cattle kitsch decor. With over 600 Landry’s locations in the USA, the restaurant is known for its meaty menu featuring Certified Angus Beef steaks.
One of the restaurant’s main draws is the “No Bull Lounge”. At this lounge, you can catch the game on their TVs, enjoy beers on tap/in bottles, or sip a glass of wine.
Additionally, Saltgrass Steak House provides a private dining area that can accommodate up to 60 guests. This area is also equipped with a TV for special events or business meetings.
Saltgrass Steak House has plenty of delicious options to choose from. You can’t go wrong with classic dishes like the Country Fried Steak or the Original Chopped Steak.
If you’re in the mood for something smoky and savory, try the BBQ Pork Rib or the Double-Bone Pork Chop. All of these food items are served with a side and your choice of soup or salad.
For a better deal, make sure to visit the restaurant during Happy Hour on weekdays from 3 PM-7 PM. During this time, you can enjoy half-price appetizers, selected cocktails, well drinks, and beers.
If you’re hosting an event or party at your place, Saltgrass Steak House’s got you covered with its convenient event catering service through online ordering.
Price Range: $$
Food Styles: American, Steakhouse, Seafood
Location: 1141 I-35, San Marcos, TX 78666
Website: https://www.saltgrass.com/
Phone: (512) 396-5255
Table Reservation: Not Available
Order Online
5. Blue Dahlia Bistro
Discover the European charm in the heart of Texas at Blue Dahlia Bistro, where culinary delights and ambiance blend to create one of the best dining experiences ever!
With locations in San Marcos and Austin, Blue Dahlia Bistro opens its doors seven days a week, welcoming guests to indulge in breakfast and weekend brunch (until 3 PM).
But what makes Blue Dahlia Bistro so well-loved among diners? It’s the secret garden, nestled in the back of the restaurant, that captures your heart.
The garden is an oasis of tranquility, adorned with birds and grapevines that drape the ceiling to create an intimate and cozy atmosphere.
Moreover, Blue Dahlia Bistro is committed to using the freshest organic and locally sourced ingredients in their dishes to guarantee that each plate is high in quality and packed with flavors.
It is also an environmentally-friendly eatery that uses biodegradable products like to-go containers, napkins, and bags, to minimize its environmental footprint.
No matter your dietary restrictions, Blue Dahlia Bistro has a broad range of options for you. The restaurant’s gluten-free and vegan options can accommodate those with specific dietary needs.
Speaking of their food, the bistro doesn’t disappoint you with many options to choose from. The house specials include house-made soup, French dip sandwich, meat board (featuring 3 cured meats), and cheese board (featuring 5 assorted kinds of cheese).
On the other hand, Blue Dahlia Bistro boasts an extensive drink menu, with various espresso drinks, mimosas, and bloody marys available during weekend brunch.
For those visiting for weekend brunch, be sure to try the eggs Benedict, Granna’s bread pudding French toast, or the croissants and gravy.
Price Range: $$
Food Styles: European, Breakfast & Brunch
Location: 107 East Hopkins Street, San Marcos, TX 78666
Website: https://bluedahliabistro.com/
Phone: (512) 667-9539
Table Reservation: Not Available
Order Online or call to place a pick-up order
6. 54th Street Restaurant & Drafthouse
Visiting 54th Street Restaurant & Drafthouse is an enjoyable escape from the ordinary. Located in a relaxed setting with kitschy, eclectic decor, the atmosphere is enhanced by neon-capped lighting, etched glass, and furniture that creates an inviting backdrop for customers.
Guests can also dine al fresco on the climate-controlled patio. The restaurant is open daily for lunch and dinner. They even work until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays and on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve/Day.
The highlights in its broad scratch-made menu are prime rib French dip sandwiches, blackened Atlantic salmon, ‘Center Cut’ baby back ribs, and signature Gringo dip and chips.
For those with dietary restrictions or preferences, there are plenty of gluten-free options as well as vegetarian dishes to choose from.
All in all, if you’re looking for a polished casual place with great dishes and crafted cocktails, then 54th Street Restaurant & Drafthouse is the spot for you!
Price Range: $$
Food Styles: American, Bar
Location: 1303 IH 35 S, San Marcos, TX 78666
Website: https://www.54thstreetrestaurants.com/
Phone: (512) 396-5400
Table Reservation
Order Online
7. Italian Garden
If you’re on the hunt for an Italian restaurant with a cozy vibe that serves classic dishes, look no further than Italian Garden in San Marcos, Texas!
This beloved establishment has been an integral part of the community since the spring of 2000. Thanks to the welcoming, old-school atmosphere, it is perfect for a relaxing meal with your families or friends.
What sets Italian Garden apart from other eateries is its BYOB policy, catering to college students and families who want to enjoy food and their favorite drinks. The restaurant even provides glasses and wine openers. So thoughtful, isn’t it?
For those who prefer dining outdoors, Italian Garden has a small, cozy patio so you can enjoy the enchanting view of the surrounding area while dining here. It’s an ideal spot to unwind and savor a delightful meal in the open air.
Italian Garden is open daily to serve lunch and dinner. Their imported and homemade pasta certainly gratifies your taste buds. The crowd-pleasers are the beef cannelloni pasta rolls (made with beef, spinach, mozzarella, and Parmigiano cheese) and the Fettuccine alfredo.
Plus, the kid’s menu with penne pasta and little chef’s pizza are perfect for families with young children. For low-carb and low-fat options, check out their grilled chicken and shrimp primavera, which is both healthy and appetizing.
Price Range: $
Food Styles: Italian
Location: 415 North LBJ Drive, San Marcos, TX 78666
Website: https://italiangardensmtx.com/
Phone: (512) 392-8730
Table Reservation: Not Available
Order Online
8. Black’s Barbecue San Marcos
Searching for an authentic Texas-style BBQ experience? Check out Black’s Barbecue, a legendary BBQ joint that has been serving guests since 1932.
Black’s Barbecue has grown from its humble beginnings in Lockhart, Texas, to four locations across Central Texas. Today, it earns its place as Texas’s oldest BBQ joint and has been owned by the same family for five generations.
The menu at Black’s Barbecue features slow-smoked meats and Southern desserts. At the restaurant, you can enjoy giant beef ribs, pork belly, and sausage rings that are cooked on the old Lockhart pits and hand-delivered to the restaurant daily.
The meats are cooked to perfection and fall off the bone. Besides juicy meats, Black’s Barbecue serves delectable desserts such as banana pudding and Feel’n peachy cobbler. These desserts are the perfect ending to a hearty meal and will leave guests feeling satisfied.
Lastly, Black’s Barbecue owns a rustic setting with a full bar, patio, and live music, making it a perfect spot for casual dining and socializing with friends and family.
Price Range: $$
Food Styles: Barbecue, Southern
Location: 510 Hull Street, San Marcos, TX 78666
Website: https://www.blacksbbq.com/
Phone: (512) 878-0795
Table Reservation: Not Available
Order Online
9. Texas Roadhouse
Let’s add Texas Roadhouse to your must-visit restaurant list! This place is renowned for its American cuisine with a Southwestern twist.
Indeed, Texas Roadhouse delivers a one-of-a-kind dining experience with its Texas-themed decor. Once seated, you’ll be served freshly baked bread with honey cinnamon butter at your table, setting the stage for a hearty meal.
One of the top highlights of this restaurant is their hand-cut steaks, crafted from USDA Choice beef and accompanied by made-from-scratch sides. The in-house butcher guarantees that each steak is prepared to perfection to ensure the optimum flavor and tenderness.
If you’re a fan of ribs, Texas Roadhouse’s signature BBQ sauce will leave a lasting impression on your taste buds. The ribs undergo a meticulous 3-day process and are served with BBQ sauce. Their scratch-made bacon bits, croutons, and dressing are also tasty!
So what to order at Texas Roadhouse? Some of the popular dishes include hand-cut sirloin, ½ slab rib, fried catfish, smothered chicken, and beef tips.
Besides their delectable food, this spot is well-known for its lively atmosphere and country music. With a fantastic restaurant ambiance, you and your family/friends will surely have a quality get-togethers time!
Price Range: $$
Food Styles: American, Steakhouse, Barbecue
Location: 1502 Purple Heart Trail, I-35, San Marcos, TX 78666
Website: https://www.texasroadhouse.com/
Phone: (512) 353-7427
Table Reservation: Not Available
Order Online
10. The Root Cellar Cafe
The Root Cellar Cafe is situated on the corner of Hopkins and LBJ and on the historic Donaldson building’s bottom floor. It has been voted the best breakfast in Hays County for three consecutive years, and for a good reason.
So what are the reasons behind its success? First, they offer a menu of home-style cooking. The Root Cellar Cafe is an upscale casual restaurant and is well-known for its underground dining room and street-side patio.
The decor is inviting, featuring a captivating mermaid mural on the wall that pays homage to San Marcos’s mascot while promoting conservation and stewardship.
Before dinner, you can enjoy a refreshing cocktail at UpRoot, the bar located above The Root Cellar Cafe. UpRoot has a capacity of 40-50 people if you’re planning a private event.
The Root Cellar Cafe serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. At breakfast, you can customize your meal with a variety of options, including two eggs prepared your way, grilled turkey, and blistered grape tomatoes.
For lunch, the pesto pasta, cellar cottage pie, or the Better Than Mom’s Meatloaf are excellent choices. For dinner, don’t miss the bourbon pecan chicken and seared salmon with balsamic glaze!
Price Range: $-$$
Food Styles: American, Breakfast & Brunch
Location: 215 North LBJ Drive, San Marcos, TX 78666
Website: https://rootcellarcafe.com/
Phone: (512) 392-5158
Table Reservation (For parties of 2 to 10) or call for parties of more than 10 people, weekend brunch is available on a first-come, first-served basis
Order Online
11. Hays County Barbeque Restaurant
Hays County Barbeque Restaurant is an award-winning restaurant that has been voted as one of the top 50 BBQ joints in the world by Texas Monthly three times.
The restaurant specializes in mesquite-fired meats that are cooked to perfection. Therefore, it is a go-to destination for meat lovers. At Hays County Barbeque Restaurant, the amount of time and effort required to prepare their meat is one of the best things about it.
The briskets are smoked for a staggering 18-20 hours, while other exquisite meats can take up to 24 hours to cook. The result is tender, flavorful meat that can melt in your mouth.
It is a counter-serve spot with cafeteria-style seating, providing a casual atmosphere for savoring BBQ dishes. If you want to throw private events, this restaurant is also an excellent option, with the availability of 230 seats and a free full bar for a comprehensive event venue.
They also offer full catering services for parties of 100 or more. Their buffet-style catering includes set up and serving for one hour, and pricing is per person.
If this is the first time you visit here, you might want to order their popular dishes, such as pork chops/ribs, jalapeño cheddar sausage ring, and sliced brisket sandwich. And for your sweet tooth, don’t miss out on their delectable banana pudding or brownies.
Price Range: $$
Food Styles: American, Barbecue
Location: 1612 South Interstate 35, San Marcos, TX 78666
Website: http://www.hayscobbq.com/
Phone: (512) 392-6000
Table Reservation: Not Available
Order Online
12. Herbert’s Taco Hut
Herbert’s Taco Hut is an iconic restaurant where you can immerse yourself in delicious Tex-Mex fares. Opened in 1976, it’s located right by the historic San Marcos River near downtown. FYI, Herbert’s was voted ‘Best in Hays County’.
It is a great spot for laid back and family-friendly ambiance. Breakfast is served until noon and weekday lunch specials feature amazing deals on tacos, cheese enchiladas, burritos, and more. There’s even a kid’s menu!
The beer selection is impressive too. You can choose from domestic and imported beers or opt for a classic margarita or nonalcoholic drink.
So the next time you’re in San Marcos, make sure to check out Herbert’s Taco Hut – you won’t be sorry!
Price Range: $
Food Styles: Tex-Mex, Mexican
Location: 419 Riverside Drive, San Marcos, TX 78666
Website: https://www.herbertstacohutsanmarcos.com/
Phone: (512) 392-2993
Table Reservation: Not Available
Order Online
13. Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
Visiting Cracker Barrel Old Country Store is an experience unlike any other. Located in Tanger Outlet, this homey restaurant is where guests can buy and savor American comfort food.
With breakfast served all day long, as well as lunch and dinner options available, you’re sure to find a good meal to please your empty stomach.
The first thing you’ll see right on the front door is an ox yoke and a horseshoe hung up above it. It is a classic touch of Southern vibe. Inside the restaurant, it has a barrel with a checkerboard set up in front of the fireplace and vintage black-and-white portraits adorning the walls.
There are an average of 1,000 pieces of décor that give this place its special charm. You can also enjoy your meals outside on the front porch seating.
About the food, they offer a variety of build-your-own breakfasts that come with two eggs and biscuits and gravy plus your choice of meat.
For larger groups or big families, try their Meatloaf n’ Chicken Tenders or Signature Chicken n’ Dumplings. Plus, they’ve got daily specials like Wednesday Lunch Broccoli Cheddar Chicken or Friday Fish Fry.
But that’s not all! This spot also has an on-site general store selling many decor items, from sports equipment to metal advertising signs or mechanics’ tools. So if you want to buy a special souvenir to remember your visit and eat good food, why not come down today?
Price Range: $$
Food Styles: American, Breakfast & Brunch
Location: 4321 IH 35 South, San Marcos, TX 78666
Website: https://www.crackerbarrel.com/
Phone: (512) 353-4122
Table Reservation: Not Available
Order Online
14. Ivar’s River Pub
Ivar’s River Pub is an establishment named after Ivar Gunnarson, a Canadian WWII pilot, who purchased the restaurant in 1996.
Whether you like indoor or outdoor dining, you can have the best of both worlds at this restaurant.
The outdoor spaces are especially impressive, providing breathtaking views of the San Marcos River and a perfect location to observe tubers, kayakers, swimmers, paddle boarders, and other water activities.
Moreover, River Pub has multi-level outdoor decks and direct access to the river through stairs and ramps. You can even tag your furry friend along and dine in with them.
The restaurant also hosts special events during holidays like Easter, Halloween, Cinco de Mayo, and Mother’s Day.
Of course, the food is a significant draw for visitors. The menu showcases Texas-inspired cuisine. For starters, pub brisket nachos are a popular choice. For entrees, consider the classic chicken fried steak or the BBQ mac and cheese, which is a local favorite.
Don’t forget to save some space for dessert, as Ivar’s homemade pecan pie pudding bread and key lime pie are simply irresistible.
Price Range: $$
Food Styles: American, Bar
Location: 701 Cheatham Street, San Marcos, TX 78666
Website: http://www.riverpubtx.com/
Phone: (512) 878-0303
Table Reservation: Call the restaurant for more details
Order Online or contact the restaurant to place an order
15. Grins Restaurant
Grins Restaurant is another excellent dining spot in San Marcos. It’s been around since 1975. And it was opened/operated by two Texas State graduates.
What you can find here is home-style cooking dishes, including their world-famous hamburgers, Texas-sized onion rings, and award-winning salsa. Plus, the restaurant has also been voted the best Happy Hour in town!
Students in the area have chosen it as their favorite place to hang out and eat tasty food. It has a spacious tree-shaded deck for studying or enjoying an evening with friends, and rambling rooms for larger parties.
There are plenty of vegetarian options and a kid’s menu to fit different demands. Don’t forget to try their daily specials, namely chicken fried chicken on Tuesdays and buffalo ranch chicken sandwich on Fridays. They are worth a shot!
You can also indulge in mixed drinks, wines, and buckets of beer. Visit it during their famous Happy Hour for margaritas, which is from 3 PM – 7 PM on weekdays.
Price Range: $$
Food Styles: American, Bar
Location: 802 North LBJ Drive, San Marcos, TX 78666
Website: https://grinsrestaurant.com/
Phone: (512) 392-4746
Table Reservation
Order Online
16. Chuy’s
Chuy’s is a Tex-Mex chain of restaurants that opened its first location in Austin, Texas, in 1982. In San Marcos city, you can find its branch in Springtown Center. They offer a funky and fun environment that is heavily decorated with Elvis-themed decor.
However, it’s not just the ambiance that attracts customers – Chuy’s is also known for its authentic and delicious Tex-Mex cuisine.
When you dine at Chuy’s, you can be sure that all of their meals are made with fresh ingredients. They make their tortillas by hand throughout the day, and their produce arrives fresh every morning.
Additionally, they offer 10 signature sauces, ranging from the mild Tomatillo to the spicy hatch Green Chile Sauce so you will have various options to opt for.
Another big plus is their huge portions at an affordable price. Of course, don’t miss out on their refreshing drink to accompany your meal. If you don’t know what to get, the margarita is always an ideal choice.
For stand-out dishes, the jalapeño ranch is an appetizer you must try. Or, for the main course, you can’t go wrong with one of their “Big as yo’ face” burritos, packed with fajita beef filling.
In case you prefer a Tex-Mex combo, the Elvis Presley Memorial combo with a ground beef enchilada served with Tex-Mex sauce is fantastic. Another great one is the taco and enchilada combo, which features a crispy taco and cheese enchilada and Tex-Mex sauce.
Price Range: $$
Food Styles: Tex-Mex, Mexican, Bar
Location: 1121 IH 35 South, San Marcos, TX 78666
Website: https://www.chuys.com/
Phone: (512) 214-8029
Table Reservation: Not Available
Order Online
17. Cafe on the Square
If you’re looking for a spot for devouring traditional American or Mexican meals, Cafe on the Square is an easygoing cafe where you can spend time with loved ones without breaking the bank.
They serve breakfast and brunch. Cafe on the Square has indoor and outdoor seating areas. It’s also quite spacious to easily accommodate large parties. They also have a cozy but lively sports bar with low lighting and wooden furniture.
From my experience, I especially like their Chicken Fried Steak sandwich. It’s one of their signature dishes, along with quesadillas, tacos, and three taco plates. They are all deliciously flavorful!
The drink menu is diverse; for instance, hot coffee, chocolate, ice teas, and root beer floats. These drinks are classic beverages to pair with American fares.
Price Range: $$
Food Styles: American, Mexican, Breakfast & Brunch
Location: 126 North LBJ Drive, San Marcos, TX 78666
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
Phone: (512) 396-9999
Table Reservation: Not Available
Order Online
18. Casa Maria Restaurant & Bakery – San Marcos
Mexican cuisine is one of the most famous cuisines in the world. And if you want to taste the regional Mexican food, Casa Maria Restaurant & Bakery is a great place to go.
This family-owned restaurant opened its door to the public in 1997. Until now, it has expanded to additional locations in Austin, Kyle, and of course, San Marcos.
The casual and welcoming atmosphere at Casa Maria is perfect for any time of day. You can come here for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Their bar and patio are the ideal places to relax and enjoy your food as well. Speaking of the bar, Casa Maria is renowned for having the best margaritas in Hays County, so be sure to give one a try.
Here are some specific recommendations that I believe you will love. They are fajitas de pollo (chicken fajitas), enchiladas suizas (chicken enchiladas with tomatillo sauce), or the chile relleno (stuffed poblano pepper).
For weekend breakfast, you can’t miss the chorizo con huevos (two eggs with chorizo) or the waffle topped with fresh berries. The weekend brunch (from 8 AM-2 PM) is also a popular choice.
Casa Maria has some fantastic deals throughout the week. Their Happy Hour is from 3 PM to 6 PM on weekdays, while the lunch specials run from 11 AM to 2 PM on weekdays.
Besides the food and drink, Casa Maria Restaurant is known for the stunning building itself. And with hearty portions and a bakery that serves traditional sweet bread, it’s no surprise why this restaurant is a local favorite.
Price Range: $$
Food Styles: Mexican, Tex-Mex
Location: 706 South Guadalupe Street, San Marcos, TX 78666
Website: https://casamariarestaurants.com/
Phone: (512) 214-8160
Table Reservation: call to reserve a table
Order Online (Pickup Only)
19. Bill Miller Bar-B-Q
Pay a visit to Bill Miller Bar-B-Q – heaven for Texas-style barbecue. Established in 1953, this laid-back chain has grown to include 78 restaurants throughout the country.
It serves up freshly prepared pit-smoked meats, fried chicken, and various baked goods. So if you don’t know which place to go for an authentic Texas fare, save this name in your list!
When you visit Bill Miller Bar-B-Q, you can be sure that the barbecue is cooked using only hill country live oak wood in brick pits. The beef brisket is slow-cooked for 18 to 20 hours to ensure it reaches peak juiciness and flavor.
In addition, all of their beef is USDA-grade quality so you know it’s top-notch. Plus, they bake their bread and pies every day so you can always enjoy them at their peak of freshness!
If you need something specific to please your appetite, try out one of their sausage breakfast sandwiches or some classic favorites like beef brisket, pork spare ribs, or chicken breast tenders. And don’t forget to save room for dessert – their apple pie slices are iconic.
Price Range: $$
Food Styles: Barbecue, Breakfast & Brunch
Location: 3928 IH 35 South, San Marcos, TX 78666
Website: https://www.billmillerbbq.com/
Phone: (512) 661-4855
Table Reservation: Not Available
Order Online
20. Alvin Ord’s
Do you want to try something a little different than the typical eatery? If yes, Alvin Ord’s maybe your new favorite destination. Located in the Nelson Shopping Center on the first floor, Alvin Ord’s has been serving up unique flavors since 1983.
The atmosphere is part of what makes this restaurant so special. You won’t find any modern decor or sophisticated design here — instead, there are graffiti-covered walls and old booths that give it a hippie vibe. The music playing in the background adds to this feeling.
But it isn’t just about the atmosphere at this place — it’s about the food too! Their signature sandwich – Salvation, consists of ham, cheese, roast beef, tuna, and turkey, all sandwiched between two pieces of their distinct sourdough bun.
All sandwiches are handmade with artisan bread, and they definitely have a unique flavor that you won’t find anywhere else.
So if you’re ready to step outside of your comfort zone about culinary, head over to Alvin Ord’s for some delicious sandwiches and an offbeat atmosphere!
Price Range: $
Food Styles: American, Sandwich
Location: 204 University Drive, San Marcos, TX 78666
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
Phone: (512) 353-8042
Table Reservation: Not Available
Order Online
Pick One (Or More) And Uncover The Quintessence Of Food In San Marcos
Have you ever been to any restaurant on this list? And which restaurants are your go-to spots? Please share your experience with me in the comment part!
Or if you haven’t been to any of them, make sure to save this list on your device and try them as soon as you can.
No matter if you are a local or a visitor, it’s always a quintessential dining experience at these places. Some are very busy locations, so remember to make your reservation in advance!
Thanks for reading, and have a nice day!
