25 Best Bars in San Marcos

“Love this place! The food is awesome and I absolutely love Chelsea the bartender she Is extremely friendly and very attentive to the customers. I would highly recommend this place.“

“awesome bar with great street tacos“

“laid back atmosphere and friendly bartenders.“

“Awesome. Pure awesome!!!!!!“

“Great first time experience. Waitress was very nice and attentive. I ordered the country fried top sirloin with mashed potatoes, scratch baked BBQ beans with brisket and a house salad. Everything was made well. The beans were pretty good, a little spicy but I like spice. Not so much where it's uncomfortable but just enough to give it a nice flavor. The atmosphere was pretty good. Not so loud that you couldn't enjoy a good meal and a nice conversation with family and friends. There wasn't a long wait and we went around 2pm. They pretty much got us seated as soon as we walked in with a party of 5. I definitely recommend eating here. We didn't pay the bill this time around but from the menu prices range between $15-$30.“

“Really enjoyed the nachos here; chose the option to make your own nacho plate. So many delicious options to choose from; we got exactly what we wanted. What a great meal!“

“We love the WNB, can't wait to get back to Texas, and Jack's Roadhouse. See ya soon!“

“Music is good. Managers are nice. THEY GOT SPICY POPCORN!! I mean it’s a real chill spot“

“Wineaux is just getting started, but I've already stopped in several times, as It is an absolute pleasure every time. I've chatted a bunch with Peggy, I've also met Mike and Rutherford, and they're all so knowledgeable and just lovely to be around. Peggy often plays silent films on a screen, as well as lovely music. I love that I'm able to find wine here that I can't find anywhere else, as well as chat and get proper recommendations from actual Sommeliers. It's an absolute pleasure. I'm only hesitant to recommend it because I don't want them to get too crowded for my own selfish reasons, but I also want them to do well here, because they are so wonderful, so I have to highly recommend them. Just leave room for me at the bar, please. ☺️🥂“

“Met my wife there 20 years ago. So yeah, 4 stars.“

“Really enjoyed our meal there this last Saturday. When I attended college at SWT back in the '80's this was the high end go to place...especially for parent visiting from out of town. Now I am the parent as we visited for a Sigma Chi reunion and to show my HS senior step son the campus. It felt good and JORDAN, our waitress was OUTSTANDING. It felt good being there.“

“good texano music. loved it“

“We just had our Jack C. Hays High School 50th Reunion at Ivar's River Pub, Saturday, Oct 4th, 11am-2pm. It was an amazing gathering; the outdoor venue incomparable because of the gem of the San Marcos River view, the drinks and food delicious, the service great, and working with Denele Gunnarson, VP of Ivar's was refreshing. Thank you Denele and Ivar's River Pub for helping make our 50th Reunion so memorable! The 'spirit' of Ivar Gunnarson and his legacy is alive and well on the beautiful banks of the San Marcos River. Gerrel Williams, Chair of the 50th and Marieta Hutchison, 1975 Hays H.S. Class President.“

“Has a great vibe and friendly staff“

“Me and my friend were there and the bartenders and bouncers made us feel so happy and safe! Some customers made us feel uncomfortable but all the workers made sure we were okay!!!“

“We were one of the first group of residents to try Tarbox & Brown with our SPARK group. The atmosphere, the food and service was amazing. Five stars! Congratulations to Chef Chanel! 🍾🥂👩🏻‍🍳“

“Easily one of my favorite spots in San Marcos

Balcón Comedor y Bar totally blew me away. The vibe is chill but stylish — great music, great energy, and the kind of place you could post up for hours with friends and a couple of margaritas.

We started with the carne asada fries and elote asado, and honestly… they might be the best I’ve had. The fries were loaded (in the best way) and the elote had the perfect balance of spice, lime, and cheese. Just unreal.

I went with the al pastor taco and the Cali Burrito — and wow. The burrito was massive, cheesy, and packed with carne asada and fries inside (basically everything you crave at once). The taco had just the right kick, with a sweet touch from the pineapple. You can tell they put real love into every dish.

What really made the night was Javier, the owner — he came by to check on us, and you could tell how much he cares about the food and the people. Super genuine guy, and that vibe trickles down to the whole staff.

If you’re in San Marcos and love modern Mexican food, this place is a must. Great drinks, amazing food, and a team that actually makes you feel welcome. Can’t wait to go back.

Tip: Come hungry. You’re gonna want to try everything.“

“Really cool. Good coffee. Great service.“

“Great spot! Brayden is an awesome bartender 10/10 recommend the Serrano marg!!“

“Everyone is family here! Great people, great fun, stellar drinks. This my spot!“

“Best food and great friendly atmosphere“

“Loved their space and the drink specials. Particularly on a Sunday we enjoyed the inexpensive Mimosa carafe.
They're up a flight of stairs facing San Marcos' main square and have plenty of shaded bar and table seating.
Free parking is available on nearby streets.“

“My favorite bar in the SQUARE*Reasoning: Service is immaculate; the owner, Sean; as well as Ben* have p it together a team of young college-aged workers who make the environment fun, saucy and SAFE. Tyler, Joe, Caleb, Isaiah, Shaine, McKinley & of course, the workhorse of the group: MARY BETH* Have made this a nostalgically-Local drop-in w/ the BEST VIEW of the city. 10/10 recommend!“

“The outdoor seating and ambiance is on point! Come check out 7-10 different restaurants and get alcoholic beverages at the Red Bus! Live music starts in March!“

“Wow we had so much fun celebrating our combo bachelor and bachelorette at Mayloo’s last weekend!
The general manager, Nick, went completely out of his way to make sure we had the best night and thanks to him we did!! We actually started the night off at the bar, visited a couple others and then made our way back to Mayloo’s because the atmosphere was perfect for our group!

Nick was so so so sweet. Gave my fiancé and I mini bottles of champagne, played all mine and my girlfriend’s favorite songs, and ensured that strangers around us were being kind and respectful. I can’t say enough good things about not only the drinks and the atmosphere, but the staff who worked there! They truly made the whole night for my group and we had a ball!! Will definitely be returning.“