15 Best Bars in San Marcos

Putt Pub Bar • $$
307 S L B J Dr, San Marcos

“"Caution Adults at Play" perfectly describes this place. This place is the place to be to have fun. The perfect set up for adult activities and date nights! Came during the day with the guys and had a blast. Came back at night the next day with the wife and in-laws and we had a phenomenal experience. This place has it all. Inside bar with pool table. Outside has so many fun games. Large trashcan beer pong, adult seesaw, large jinga, Cornhole, tetherball, ping pong, and of course the amazingly fun 18 hole put put golf course, with a bar in the middle. Which in itself was a great time. Each hole is a unique fun experience. So creative with endless challenges and tons of things to laugh at and enjoy. The decor feeds in perfectly to the atmosphere and keeps you entertained with all the Easter eggs to an adults rememberance of childhood. There is a food truck out side, everything we ate was delicious. Large gourmet hotdogs, loaded fries, a delicious dessert nacho. There is plenty of seating outside with fire pits all around and a comfortable sitting area with a large projector to watch the games. The atmosphere from the inside to outside stays consistent in fun and entertaining with great music and tons of laughter."Put around and find out" you will not regret going here!“

4.8 Superb62 Reviews
Balcon Comedor y Bar Mexican • $$
407 S Stagecoach Trail Ste. 201, San Marcos

Customers` Favorites

Churro Donuts Half Dozen
Surf & Turf Quesadilla
Carne Asada Quesadilla
Spicy Watermelon Mint
Ensenada Fish Tacos
California Burrito
Carne Asada Plate
Carne Asada Fries
Carne Asada Taco
Salsa Sampler

“Some friends highly recommended this place to us, and we had a great first experience on our date night at Balcón. Vanessa, our server, was very attentive and knowledgeable. She was able to ask the right questions to provide the perfect suggestions for both drinks and meal. The carne asada taco was delicious, as were the warm chips with guacamole and the churro donut for dessert. The restaurant is located above Otsu Asian Bistro on Stagecoach. Since it was a nice evening, the garage window/doors were open we could look out over the city. There were also heaters around to keep things comfortable as the night cooled off. The music was lively and not too loud so we could still hear each other. We will definitely go back!“

4.3 Superb65 Reviews
Nachoholics Bar • $
307 S L B J Dr, San Marcos

Customers` Favorites

Hangover Nachos
Dessert Nachos
Refried Beans
Chips & Queso
Queso Bowl
Brisket

“Customer service was great! The person working at the window recommended the burrito and said “Robbie makes pretty good burritos.” I’ve been wanting a good burrito for a while now, and let me jus say, it was amazing and definitely didn’t disappoint!“

4.8 Superb29 Reviews
Spring's Bistro + Bar American • $
105 Bintu Dr Suite 100, San Marcos

Customers` Favorites

Chopped Salad with Homemade Ranch Dressing
Fries

“Went for event and front desk was friendly. We asked for housekeeping, but bed was never made, however they were nice gentlemen. The ac was not cool enough and bath items inside were not full, so with 4 people to a room, was not enough. The event dinner had no flavor and didn't know what half the items were. Bartender was friendly and the pool and hot tub were nice.“

4.7 Superb34 Reviews
Zelicks Icehouse Bar • $$
336 W Hopkins St, San Marcos

Customers` Favorites

Blue Cheese Bacon Burger
Cheeseburger and Fries
Tuesday 16 Steak Night
Strawberry Cucumber
Lavender Lemonade

“Best bar in San Marcos!If I could leave 10 stars I would. Not only is it in such a cool historic building but they have a ton of parking, really good live music, food, and drinks too! There’s seating inside and outside though it’s mostly open areas. Extreme weather is the only thing that keeps me from coming here sometimes. The Bartenders here are all really caring and knowledgeable so the drinks always come out really good, exactly what you order. I like the beer and shot special that they always have. They also have something fun going on here almost every night. They have steak night on Tuesday nights. I have done karaoke here (Wednesday nights), bought records and homemade crafts (some Sundays), had a business meeting here, seen live shows, brought my dog and my son at different times. The food truck they have is bomb too. I almost always get the queso and fries but I really can’t say anything bad about anything on the menu. It’s a really great place that you have to check out if you haven’t!Parking: There’s a parking lot that wraps around the building and another one behind that.Kid-friendliness: Kids are allowed before a certain time and not during some eventsWheelchair accessibility: I can’t think of any stairs here“

4.4 Superb64 Reviews
Tantra SMTX Coffee Shops • $
217 W Hopkins St, San Marcos

Customers` Favorites

Breakfast Sandwiches
Pulled Pork Tacos
Breakfast Bagel
Pulled Pork
Yerba Mat
Lox Bagel
One Taco
Salsa

“This is my new favorite place in San Marcos for breakfast and coffee. The staff was amazing and so kind! The food was delicious. I would highly recommend the breakfast sandwich and the breakfast tacos. They are good sized portions. The coffee was also really good. I got a capuchino with honey and my husband got an iced vanilla latte. The outdoor space is also amazing. They have a bunch of large picnic tables outside that would be good for larger group seating. Inside seating is more limited!“

4.6 Superb28 Reviews
The Growling — Texas Craft Beer Bar Bar • $
700 N LBJ Dr Ste 111, San Marcos

“I recently visited The Growling, a hidden gem for craft beer enthusiasts. This bar stands out for its exclusive focus on Texas beers, showcasing an impressive variety of local brews. The atmosphere is welcoming and perfectly suited for both casual hangouts and beer aficionados. Highly recommend for anyone looking to explore the best beers Texas has to offer!“

4.7 Superb20 Reviews
Palmer's Restaurant Bar & Courtyard American • $$
218 Moore St, San Marcos

Customers` Favorites

Third Coast Crab Cakes
Pecan Crusted Chicken
Peanut Butter Pie
Bread Pudding
Bread Basket
Carrot Cake
Cheese Cake
House Salad
Fried Brie
Guacamole

“This was a first visit for my wife and I after recently locating to San Marcos and we were not disappointed. It was refreshing to dine at a "non- franchise" restaurant. Palmer's, with its history in San Marcos, reflects the ambience of a family owned restaurant, bringing one back to earlier times when family owned restaurants were in abundance. Both the restaurant manager and owner introduced themselves and welcomed us; such hospitality lacking in franchised operations. The menu covered a host of seafood, poultry, and beef entree's, and this day's specialties were quite varied. At the table was a fresh sliced baguette with garlic butter. We started our meal with the appetizer Fish Cakes. They were quite tasty with spicey roumalade. For her entree, my wife had the special Mahi Mahi fish served with a choice of vegetables. I ordered the special Crown Rib-eye topped with smokey bacon and spinach. It came with Caesar Salad and a side of scalloped smashed new potatoes. My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed both entree's. After having casually mentioned to the owner that I loved Oyster Rockefeller he surprisingly brought a couple of grilled Oyster Rockefeller to our table for us to enjoy. This was a nice gesture on his part. In conclusion, we both enjoyed our dining experience at Palmer's. The quality of food, the presentation, and service were excellent and we plan to return soon.“

4.2 Good156 Reviews
54th Street Restaurant & Drafthouse Bar • $
1303 I 35 Frontage Rd, San Marcos

Customers` Favorites

4oz Steak with Loaded Baked Potato
Chicago Spinach & Artichoke Dip
Sizzling Fajita Skillet
Chicken Fried Chicken
Prime Rib French Dip
Soup & Salad Combo
Devil's Den Burger
Blackened Salmon
Fried Pickles
Chicken Wings

“I can't say enough about this Establishment. it's My FAVORITE RestaurantParking: This Establishment isis VERY popular.Sooo depending on certain events i.e. Graduating, Sports activities and tourist. You may want to pack your patients and expect a little wait time as well as any other Establishment depending on the events that are in play.“

4.2 Good138 Reviews
Jack's Roadhouse Bar • $
1625 Hopkins St, San Marcos

Customers` Favorites

Hamburger

“Pretty cool roadhouse. I liked the band they had playing on July 28th, 2023, and they have a lot of drink options. Wish they had more seating, and the pool table was in a better spot. Very diverse crowd, though, and pet friendly. No kids allowed, but everyone was pretty chill. Recommend going just to relax after a long week if you're not into the noise and congestion of clubs or bars.“

4.3 Superb37 Reviews
Red Bus Food Park Food Court •
801 Chestnut St, San Marcos

“We went to eat at Los Sancho. The food was delicious!!!?....BTW, it is Honduran food. We ordered Honduran tacos (which is like Mexican flautas but with a twist)and catrachas(which are like tostadas but done their way)....yes... I would recommend this to anyone who likes Central American flavors or anyone curious to taste interesting and delicious food!! We will be returning to this place whenever we are in San Marcos....“

4.7 Superb13 Reviews
Cats Billiards Bars • $
143 S L B J Dr, San Marcos

“Evelyn at Cats Billiards is simply exceptional! Her bartending skills are top-notch, and she adds an extra layer of charm to every visit. Not only does she mix the most delicious cocktails, but her warm and welcoming personality makes the experience unforgettable. Evelyn's dedication to her craft and her customers truly sets her apart. If you're at Cats Billiards, make sure to say hi to Evelyn – she's the best bartender you'll ever meet!“

4.3 Superb27 Reviews
The Porch Bar • $
129 E Hopkins St #110, San Marcos

Customers` Favorites

Buffalo Wing
Beef Burger

“This used to be a fun an unique spot in San Marcos to hang out and grab a drink. But it has issues. Let me first start out with the good. The staff is FANTASTIC and very friendly. The bartenders are lead by the awesome Rene(i hope i'm spelling that right) and Miguel. I haven't learned the names of the others yet but I have never had an issue with any of them and they are always so polite. You can drink at the bar and even order food from the Taproom. Now for the bad or what needs to improve. The Porch used to have a nice outside 'porch' area with nice chairs and even porch swings. That I always felt was the selling point of this place as when sitting outside i would constantly hear passers by comment on the swings and even come in to sit on them. These have been replaced by very cheap metal chairs most of which are broken now and for some reason an elevated table with barstools which isn't in the porch motif. The interior used to have nice comfortable couches and chairs but pool tables have replaced those. Its fine I mean business change with new owners but it lost a little of what it was. I would be fine with all of that, except the outdoor chairs, if it wasn't so hot inside. The AC barely works if at all and half of the fans do not work so there is no air circulation and in Texas during the summer you want a nice cool place to relax. They need to fix the fans, cool off the interior and put some fans on the exterior. In the spring time, fall and winter its a great place to hang out, but until they fix the summer issues, I can't say. It is better than when they tried to be a disco club during the pandemic lol.“

4.1 Good44 Reviews
Shade Rooftop Patio Bar Bar • $$
127 E Hopkins St, San Marcos

Customers` Favorites

Cocktail Menu

“I love this place so much! I discovered it by chance because of the awesome, worn stairs. My kind of place! San Marcos is an extremely friendly town. Shade encompasses the friendly, comely nature of the locals and students. Staff, owner, everybody here are wonderful, engaging and charming! I love you guys and I'm glad I have my "CHEERS".“

4.3 Superb14 Reviews
Freddy C's Lounge Bar • $
141 E Hopkins St, San Marcos

“Title: "Exceptional Service by Rachel at Freddy C's Bar!"Review:I recently had the pleasure of visiting Freddy C's Bar in San Marcos, and I have to say, Rachel's outstanding service truly made the night unforgettable. From the moment we stepped inside, her warm and welcoming personality set the stage for an incredible evening.Rachel's knowledge of the drink menu was impressive, and she provided fantastic recommendations that perfectly matched our tastes. Throughout the night, she made sure we had everything we needed, ensuring a fantastic bar experience.What impressed me most was Rachel's genuine passion for creating a memorable night for her customers. Her attention to detail and dedication to top-notch service were evident in every interaction.I can confidently say that Rachel's professionalism and friendly demeanor added significantly to our bar experience at Freddy C's. She's an absolute gem, and I can't wait to return soon, largely thanks to her exceptional service.If you find yourself at Freddy C's Bar in San Marcos, be sure to request Rachel as your bartender. You won't be disappointed! Thank you, Rachel, for making our night so special.Feel free to customize this review to highlight the specific aspects of your bar experience with Rachel at Freddy C's.“

4 Good38 Reviews
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