Location: San Marcos
Top Restaurants in San Marcos
Top Things to do in San Marcos
Where to Eat in San Marcos: The Best Restaurants and Bars
Located between Austin and San Antonio in Texas Hill Country, San Marcos has numerous attractions, especially for the adventure-seeking visitor. At the center of the city is the San Marcos River, which offers tubing. The nearby Rio Vista Falls has three drops for a great kayaking adventure. Explorers can visit the Wonder World activity center to discover a cave formed by an earthquake.
Things to do in San Marcos
1. Hays County BBQ
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 340 reviews
Reviewed By jfadds - chicago
This modest place was chosen by Texas magazine as one of the top 50 places IN THE ENTIRE STATE!!!
Boy- did they get that right. Outstanding brisket and ribs-- and the jalapeno and cheese sausage is over the top.
Eat in or carry out- eat it now or later. Whatever- this place rocks.
2. Root Cellar Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 358 reviews
Reviewed By tootsie12 - Frisco TX
Ambiance was fantastic and our server Jenny was very attentive to our table. Two glass of house Cabernet with tomato arugula, bruschetta appetizer excellent. We decided for our main course daughter got the strip steak very nice flavor and seasoned nicely with red potatoes and I got the bourbon pecan crusted chicken 5 ⭐️ with horseradish potatoes and asparagus fries, loved them. Prices for our meal reasonable would definitely go back.
3. Pie Society
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 83 reviews
Reviewed By gustav2011 - Louisville, Colorado
I really wanted to love their food. This is a hip little restaurant where you can get a slice or order food at a bar stocked with a lot of different beers both tap and can. There are tables inside and out, servers were nice and walked around to make sure everyone had what they needed. I just wasn't a huge fan of their pizza choices and the pizza we ordered our way was okay, not great. Kind of greasy, a little too thin, not enough cheese or toppings. The meatball sub was okay too, not as cheesy and saucy as we'd like. I'm not sorry we went but wouldn't go out of our way to go back. Prices were reasonable for the amount of food.
4. Cody's Bistro & Lounge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 151 reviews
Cody's opened in October 2012. We are locally owned and managed, having San Marcos as our home for over 20 years. Our goal is to provide a customer experience that will garner your loyalty and allow us to build upon the diligence and attention to detail that you deserve.Cody's management team has over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry.Located in Centerpoint Plaza - across from Premium Outlets and next to Starbucks.
Reviewed By Elliot G - texas
Ok was at the outlet mall and pulled up on trip advisor. Went in and the waitress could not say enough good things about the burger. So I had it. They undersold it. It was bizarrely good. Highly recommend.
5. Centerpoint Station
Overall Ratings
4 based on 248 reviews
Reviewed By marilyna98 - San Marcos, Texas
Stopped by with family on Sunday evening after traveling. While it was close to closing time, the person who took our order never said, “we’ll be closing soon,” or gave any indication that we would be given the bum’s rush out. Two hungry, crabby children...MoreWe're sorry you had a bad experience at Centerpoint Station. We pride ourselves on delivering great food combined with top-notched customer service. Thank you for sharing your feedback and we hope you'll give us another chance in the future. We hope to see you again.
6. Herbert's Taco Hut
Overall Ratings
4 based on 266 reviews
Reviewed By Charles J - San Marcos, Texas
Always tasty Tex/Mex menu items. Not much on style however. Appeals to the younger crowd. Sometimes there is line to get in. Has a good reputation among the college students. Looks like a hole in the wall, but it has always been clean. Cheap eating. Not the place to take out of town guests, but if you like authentic Tex/Mex, this is a place to go.
7. Palmer's Restaurant Bar
Overall Ratings
4 based on 402 reviews
Reviewed By PaulandMargaret2013 - Mesquite, Texas, United States
Location for graduation dinner based on multiple recommendations. Fourteen in group. Food, service, and atmosphere all contributed to a memorable experience. Nice change of pace from the world of cookie-cutter franchised restaurants. Happy hour prices at bar along with skilled bartenders was an added bonus....MorePaul/MArgaret - thank you for finding us and reviewing your great experience. Look forward to seeing out again! Take care, Monte
8. Kent Black's BBQ
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 140 reviews
Reviewed By jrdtsta - Clifton, Tx
Followed the smoke to a great meal!
Having loved the original Blacks in Lockhart, Tried this spin off, and will return. We prefer lean, charred, bbq— delicious brisket and fixins. It’s just off of a main San Marcos street— had to use GPS and a big sign pointing us to the restaurant which was worth the effort!
9. Saltgrass Steak House
Overall Ratings
4 based on 205 reviews
Reviewed By GoodEatsFan1960 - Big Spring, Texas
Went for a Saturday Lunch with my wife and the food was great as always. Enjoyed watching the people at the river while waiting on our lunch.
10. 54th Street Restaurant & Drafthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 73 reviews
Reviewed By gustav2011 - Louisville, Colorado
The menu was almost daunting like the Cheesecake Factory. Everything from sandwiches, burgers, salads, soups, pastas, steaks, Mexican plates and BBQ. Service was good, the food came out fast. There is a lot to see visually. The parking lot looked full but there was still a lot of empty tables inside. Decent portion sizes.
