Content Produced in Partnership with Tour San Marcos
When they say everything’s bigger in Texas, we're not sure if they mean appetites, waistlines or a combination of the two. Eating truly is a way of life in these parts. With way more than just 'cue and Tex Mex, San Marcos in the center of the state is the perfect place to eat your way around. While you'll find the best of everywhere else like cult-favorite In-N-Out Burger in San Marcos, there are plenty of savory, unique treats that are definitely all Texas, too. Just make sure your eyes are as big as your stomach because you will want to chow down.
Railyard Bar and Grill
Vaguely reminiscent of your favorite college burger joint, head to the Railyard for affordable American eats. They have a killer patio with ping pong tables, washers, horseshoes, fire pits, and live music, encouraging anyone to toss back a cold one and stay awhile. As an extra bonus, drinks are happy hour prices every time a train rolls through. Pro tip: Don’t leave without trying the wickles (sweet and tangy fried pickles).
Root Cellar
The oldest brewpub in San Marcos, Root Cellar is doggone delicious. Elevated comfort food, expect interesting flavor profiles with decadent dessert creations like the caramel waffle apple pie you can pair with a their house made caramel cream microwbrew. Bonus? It's a great spot for brunch.
The Hitch Mobile Food Eatery
The local stationary food truck park, Hitch, is an experiment in eclectic eating. The setup is ideal for wasting away the afternoon under the Texas sun as you’ll find plenty of picnic tables, giant Jenga, and a variety of mobile vendors (one appropriately named Wanderlust) to satisfy any passing craving. For a unique treat, try El Sabor de Mi Tierra, the Colombian cuisine – it’s unlike anything you’ve ever had with intense, complex flavors you can mix and match on arepas or patacones (fried plaintains). The coconut shrimp is to-die-for.
Sakura
Continuing to eat your way around the world, Sakura will transport you right to Asia in the heart of hill country. Diners can choose from three interactive dining experiences, including the hot pot station, the sushi train, or the hibachi grill. Hot pot is the most unique of the offerings as you are given a base broth (either regular or spicy) before ingredients start rotating by on a conveyor belt. Priced by plate color, choose as many as you want to customize your creation. There are standard offerings like noodles and proteins and more exotic flavors like taro, fish balls and even dried lily flower. You’ll then be given the choice of a handful of dipping sauces to really make your dish your own. It’s truly a unique dining experience you would never expect to find in Texas.
Kent Black’s BBQ
The quintessential Texas-perience since the 1930s, Kent Black’s is a southern baptism with a gospel you’ll be singing home about for quite some time. Even before you step inside the classic honky-tonk setup, you'll experience sensory overload as your nose starts tickling with the wafting scents of the smoker. In fact, you can smell the ‘cue from blocks away as they have the smokers running almost 24/7. It's self-serve, buffet-style and pay-by-the-pound or container — so come hungry because you'll want to try everything. Standouts include the glistening brisket that falls apart at first forkful, the greasy bacon cabbage and the banana cream pie. You can eat happy knowing you’re celebrating tradition at an award-winning joint, chosen the best of Hays County.
Buzz Mill
An offshoot of the popular boutique coffee bar in Austin, Buzz Mill in San Marcos is a 24-hour diner for all your late night cravings. Its eclectic vibe will captivate with a décor that screams hipster meets punk rock with a playful campfire theme proclaiming, “Welcome to the Neighborwoods.” The food can best be described as backwoods brunch with game meat creations like elk chile hash and wild boar biscuits and gravy. Don’t miss the house made inflused vodkas – as much as people come here to get work done, they also come to get their buzz on.
AquaBrew Restaurant & Brewery
If I was a local, this would unquestionably be my go-to restaurant. In fact, AquaBrew was so good I broke my own rule and ate there twice in a row. Artisan craft cuisine, all the pub snacks are creative and tasty from the eggplant ravioli to the buffalo deviled eggs and bacon jam fries. Now that's my jam.