Home to the epic tubing grounds of the San Marcos River and Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas, offers a diverse culinary scene. Its proximity to foodie powerhouses Austin and San Antonio means that they have gradually started leaning away from chains and towards globally inspired restaurants and trendy lounges.
You’ll never be far from a memorable meal with your stay at a Cozi Vacation Rental. From Tex-Mex, BBQ done by pitmasters, brunch, and extensive beer and wine lists, you can be sure your taste buds will enjoy every single bite of the delicious food you’ll eat.
To ensure you don’t go hungry during your stay, we gathered some of the best San Marcos restaurants to provide you with a variety of options for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner to try in between exploring this charming city.
Blue Dahlia Bistro
- Price: $$
- Address: 107 E Hopkins St, San Marcos, TX
- Website: bluedahliabistro.com
- What to order: Eggs Benedict with a flavored mimosa of your choice (try the Elderflower or Hibiscus)
Blue Dahlia Bistro is a European-style bistro offering a brunch menu full of the classics, including eggs Benedict, and croissant options. The bistro uses organic and local products as its ingredients to ensure a fresh taste.
Their food presentation is also top-notch, and you won’t be able to wait to dig in for your first bite. If you are not up to a brunch menu, they also have a dinner menu full of house specials inspired by French and Italian cuisine.
Palmer’s Restaurant Bar & Courtyard
- Price: $$
- Address: 218 Moore St, San Marcos, TX
- Website: palmerstexas.com
- What to order: Pecan Crusted Chicken
Palmer’s is one of the best restaurants offering fine dining and specializing in local Texas Hill Country cuisine and offers an extensive beer and wine list.
What makes Palmer’s unique? The Chef’s Wine Pairing Menu for one. It features seasonal dishes alongside a locally curated wine selection. We recommend that you make reservations and be seated in its courtyard to enjoy the views and ambiance. Palmer’s also offers private dining events, perfect to reserve for special celebrations with friends and family.
Pie Society
- Price: $$
- Address: 700 N LBJ Dr, Ste 107, San Marcos, TX
- Website: piesmtx.com
- What to order: Balance of Power with a draft beer
The Pie Society prepares New York-style pizzas only using the most fresh and quality ingredients.
You can either dine in the parlor or order takeout to set up a low key dinner at your Cozi Vacation Rental. You will see its signature pizzas have the most fun names, including the Holy Grail (pepperoni and mushrooms), the Garden of Eden (artichoke hearts and feta cheese), and the Tempeh of Doom (vegan).
You can also get creative and build your own pizza pie or opt for a calzone and pair it with a draft beer or a Margarita. Undoubtedly, the Pie Society will give you an elevated pizza experience you won’t forget!
The Root Cellar Cafe
- Price: $$
- Address: 215 N LBJ Dr, San Marcos, TX
- Website: rootcellarcafe.com
- What to order: Hearty Frittata
Located on the bottom floor of the historic Donaldson building in San Marcos Square, the Root Cellar Cafe is an upscale casual dining establishment using locally sourced ingredients. TripAdvisor has even voted it for three years in a row as the Best Breakfast location in Hay County, and rightfully so!
The Root Cellar’s breakfast and brunch menus include Brazilian French Toast, a classic French Toast topped with a vanilla rum sauce and cinnamon sugar, and the classic Hill Country Breakfast with buttermilk biscuits, sausage patties, and scrambled eggs. It is also a great location for families as it offers a kid’s menu with classic dishes the little ones will eat and enjoy.
The cafe also offers a seasonal menu for brunch and dinner using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Ensure you make reservations so you don’t miss out!
Grins Restaurant
- Price: $
- Address: 802 N LBJ Dr, San Marcos, TX
- Website: grinsrestaurant.com
- What to order: Shiner Brock beer battered chicken fried steak
A beloved restaurant located in the heart of San Marcos and near Texas State University, Grins opened its doors on Valentine’s Day in 1975. Today, Grins is known for its Happy Hour (think 99 cent happy hour Margaritas!) and the best American hamburgers and Texas-sized onion rings. It is the best location if you’re looking for a laid-back atmosphere and outdoor seating.
Cody’s Restaurant Bar & Patio
- Price: $$
- Address: 690 Center Point Rd #209, San Marcos, TX 78666
- Website: codyssmtx.com
- What to order: Angus Filet
If you’re searching for American cuisine and craft beer pairings, Cody’s will deliver with its laid-back vibes and lunch/dinner menu options. Its dinner menu offers a variety of premium steakhouse options, including a prime Angus ribeye and beef Wellington. The wine list also offers a variety of sparkling, whites, and reds from international wine regions, including France, Germany, California, and, of course, Texas Hill Country.
Black’s Barbecue San Marcos
- Price: $$
- Address: 510 Hull St, San Marcos, TX 78666
- Website: blacksbbq.com
- What to order: Beef brisket and sausage ring with your favorite side dish
Black’s is one of the best and oldest BBQ places you will find during your stay in San Marcos. The same family owns the BBQ joint and is now in its 5th generation of pitmasters. It promises the rustic Texas setting with a patio and live music while you enjoy slow-smoked beef and traditional southern desserts.
Rogelio’s Restaurant
- Price: $
- Address: 625 S LBJ Dr, San Marcos, TX
- Website: rogelios-restaurant.com
- What to order: Texas State Burrito
Rogelio’s is a family-owned counter-serve Mexican restaurant offering a Tex-Mex menu with Mexican food classics, including tacos, enchiladas, fajitas, flautas, and traditional appetizers like queso and guacamole. The Texas State Burrito has the perfect combination of ground beef and chile con queso with an option to it eat fried. A Texas specialty!
Rhea’s Ice Cream
- Price: $
- Address: 318 N LBJ Dr, San Marcos, TX
- Website: rheasicecream.com
- What to order: Your favorite ice cream flavor with a side of fresh-baked cookies
If you love ice cream, then Rhea’s Ice Cream shop will become your favorite location in San Marcos thanks to its small-batch premium ice cream. Some of the ice cream flavors include Hill Country Vanilla, Belgian Chocolate, Banana Pudding, S’mores, Vegan Avocado Coconut, and Coffee Oreo.
These flavors are mouthwatering, and when paired with homemade treats, like waffle cones, cookies, and brownies, you will want to get an ice cream pint to enjoy during your rental stay.
Eat and Stay in San Marcos, Texas
Whether you’re searching for the Texas Hill Country taste, wish to have fun during brunch, or need some comfort food, San Marcos restaurants have a diverse menu and an amazing atmosphere to enjoy during your stay.
These top-notch restaurants will not only make your visit to this charming city special as you indulge in its flavors but also ensure your stay at our Cozi Rental vacation home in San Marcos is both delectable as it is comfortable!
