The Growling β Texas Craft Beer Bar
700 N LBJ Dr Ste 111, San Marcos
(512) 216-6044
Recent Reviews
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Coolest bar in town π―π€πΌ
Something about this place fills a void in my life and it isn't just the alcohol. I drive from Seguin once a week just to escape from reality at The Growling. I have met some wonderful people here that I consider friends and enjoy seeing, including Manny. Stop in and enjoy something special.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great spot to stop in for a quick beer after work.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Manny is the GOAT. This is the SPOT. Texas Craft Only
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Best bar in San Marcos - kinda had that Montana/Miami feel that Iβm used to - Thanks Manny!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This place is awesome. Manny, the owner and bartender, is the coolest, and is very personable with his customers. And there are themed nights! My boyfriend and I love Vinyl Night on Wednesdays. I also attend a Craft Night with a group of ladies there on Vinyl Night. I love getting to share music I enjoy and hear what vinyl others have collected. Def the coolest bar in San Marcos that attracts similar funky folks around town, offering a space to find community and have nice THC seltzers or local craft beers, ciders and meads. The lavender mead is my favorite! You can also bring your own food which is a plus. :)
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
The Growling is an absolute gem for anyone who loves craft beer with a twist! ππΊ The werewolf theme is not only unique but adds to the overall fun atmosphere of the bar. I was thrilled to discover their two distinct kinds of THC-A seltzers, and I have to say, the lemonade flavor was a delightful burst of refreshment! πβ¨
But thatβs not allβmake sure to try their mead, which is simply divine! Each sip is rich and flavorful, truly a treat for the taste buds. If you're looking for a great place to unwind with some creative beverages, The Growling is definitely worth a visit! ππΊ
The best all-Texas craft beer selection around.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
the bar top has pennies so five stars. I really just come for the beer though.
I'm really glad this place pulled through. I went a few years ago and returned the other night.
Beer selection is outstanding and the price is very reasonable. I love the atmosphere of horror movies/movie monsters.
$1 pool. Yes, the pool table needs some maintenance, but it worked well-enough.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Best little bar in SMTX. Manny is a legend.
Wheelchair accessibility: wheel on in!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Martin House Best Maid, Electric Jellyfish, Spirit Animal, Red Horn Wonder Boy, Live Oak Primus, Pinthouse Man O War, 4th Tap Cookies & Cream, Tupps ddh Series 14, Save the World Jonah's Relief, Twisted X Pitmaster, Pinthouse Electric Jellyfish, Brash Abide, Blue Owl Spirit Animal, Sin Mint, Pilsner, Polka Pils, Coα»kies & Cream, True Vine, Thorin Viking Mead, Lone Pint Yellow Rose
I liked it. Pretty good place.
Food: 4
Ok, before I start my review... Google asks me to "rate the food" along with service and atmosphere... To be clear, the growling does not make/provide food but in my experience (and feel free to correct me if I'm wrong) but they allow outside food.
ANYWAY... On to the true, honest review...
I'm not from Texas originally. I've been here for a few years but still sometimes have a hard time finding where I fit in. Lots of places in San Marcos either feel too crowded, too expensive, too pretentious, or just overrated in general
The growling is San Marcos' best hidden gem. And I say "hidden" because it's tucked away inside the plaza on the corner of Sessom and N LBJ. It can be easy to overlook sometimes but I almost feel like that is an unintentional sentiment to the owner's humble and laid-back personality.
Manny (owner, operator, bartender, friend) is part of what makes the Growling so amazing. He's a fantastic human being and truly makes you feel so welcome. He treats everyone with kindness and respect, and it feels like you're talking to a long lost friend.
The atmosphere is incredinle. There's stickers and posters from dozens of texas-based breweries and businesses (I love how much he tries to advertise/rep the breweries he serves). But on top of that, there's tons of artwork from local artists, or unique/eclectic pieces (like the newspaper art near the pool table). Even the bar itself is designed with hundreds of thousands of pennies laminated over, making it a really cool design. I swear, Everytime I'm in there I find something new and I love it. You can tell that every inch of the place is decorated and designed with purpose and intention. Which only speaks more to the owner's dedication toward providing the most comfortable and welcoming environment possible.
On top of NUMEROUS local beers and THC water; there's also a pool table, board games, books, a piano and a spot in the corner for local artists to come play. He regularly hosts various themed nights like open mic, vinyl night and game night.
The pub is always very clean and tidy. He keeps it stocked with everything you might need (like a bridge attachment for billiards, a full length mirror in the women's restroom, phone charger, free cold water, etc.) he also has a large TV in the main room.
You can call it a dive bar, you can call it a hidden gem, or you can call it home... Either way, it's personally my favorite spot in San marcos.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ok, before I start my review... Google asks me to "rate the food" along with service and atmosphere... To be clear, the growling does not make/provide food but in my experience (and feel free to correct me if I'm wrong) but they allow outside food.
ANYWAY... On to the true, honest review...
I'm not from Texas originally. I've been here for a few years but still sometimes have a hard time finding where I fit in. Lots of places in San Marcos either feel too crowded, too expensive, too pretentious, or just overrated in general
The growling is San Marcos' best hidden gem. And I say "hidden" because it's tucked away inside the plaza on the corner of Sessom and N LBJ. It can be easy to overlook sometimes but I almost feel like that is an unintentional sentiment to the owner's humble and laid-back personality.
Manny (owner, operator, bartender, friend) is part of what makes the Growling so amazing. He's a fantastic human being and truly makes you feel so welcome. He treats everyone with kindness and respect, and it feels like you're talking to a long lost friend.
The atmosphere is incredinle. There's stickers and posters from dozens of texas-based breweries and businesses (I love how much he tries to advertise/rep the breweries he serves). But on top of that, there's tons of artwork from local artists, or unique/eclectic pieces (like the newspaper art near the pool table). Even the bar itself is designed with hundreds of thousands of pennies laminated over, making it a really cool design. I swear, Everytime I'm in there I find something new and I love it. You can tell that every inch of the place is decorated and designed with purpose and intention. Which only speaks more to the owner's dedication toward providing the most comfortable and welcoming environment possible.
On top of NUMEROUS local beers and THC water; there's also a pool table, board games, books, a piano and a spot in the corner for local artists to come play. He regularly hosts various themed nights like open mic, vinyl night and game night.
The pub is always very clean and tidy. He keeps it stocked with everything you might need (like a bridge attachment for billiards, a full length mirror in the women's restroom, phone charger, free cold water, etc.) he also has a large TV in the main room.
You can call it a dive bar, you can call it a hidden gem, or you can call it home... Either way, it's personally my favorite spot in San marcos.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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