• Q: What university is located in San Marcos?
  • A: San Marcos is home to Texas State University, a major educational institution in the area.
  • Q: What historic sites can visitors explore in San Marcos?
  • A: Visitors can explore the charming Historic District, featuring beautifully restored buildings such as the 1903 Victorian Gothic–style Old Main building and the 1909 Hays County Courthouse.
  • Q: What urban parks are available in San Marcos?
  • A: Large urban spaces include Rio Vista Park and Sewell Park, both set along the banks of the San Marcos River, as well as the Five Mile Dam Park on the Blanco River.
  • Q: Where can visitors enjoy a romantic dining experience in San Marcos?
  • A: After exploring the city's attractions, visitors can head to one of the intimate and romantic restaurants for an unforgettable dining experience.

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1. Blue Dahlia Bistro


Blue Dahlia Bistro

© Blue Dahlia Bistro

The Blue Dahlia Bistro is a charming European-style restaurant that focuses on serving delicious, healthy, and sustainable fare using local and organic ingredients when possible. The cozy eco-café serves a seasonal menu of market-driven cuisine such as fresh salads, fruits, herbs, and vegetables, organic chicken and sustainable seafood, prime grass-fed meats, and homemade desserts. The cuisine is accompanied by a range of libations, including casual wines from around the world, craft beers and brews on tap and by the bottle, top-shelf spirits, and classic cocktails.

Blue Dahlia Bistro, 107 E Hopkins St, San Marcos, TX 78666, Phone: 512-542-9542, Map

2. Cody's Restaurant Bar & Patio


Cody's Restaurant Bar & Patio

© Cody's Restaurant Bar & Patio

Cody's Restaurant Bar & Patio is a lively, locally-owned and operated eatery in the heart of the Hill Country that serves New American cuisine and craft cocktails in a relaxed, laid-back setting. Inspired by the desire to provide San Marcos with unique and unforgettable dining experiences, Cody's Restaurant Bar & Patio serves innovative menus of award-winning small plates for sharing and hearty entrées, prepared with locally sourced ingredients and presented with passion and flair. The cuisine is accompanied by a range of libations, including casual wines from around the world, craft beers and brews on tap and by the bottle, top-shelf spirits, and classic cocktails.

690 Centerpoint Rd #209, San Marcos, TX 78666, Phone: 512-393-2867, Map

3. Italian Garden


Italian Garden

© New Africa/stock.adobe.com

Celebrating the rich culture and heritage of Italy, the Italian Garden is an old-school BYOB eatery that serves classic Italian fare in a homey, welcoming setting. Located across the street from Texas State University, the little restaurant is a neighborhood favorite, drawing crowds who come to enjoy the authentic Italian pasta, pizzas, and fresh seafood dishes. Signature dishes include Chicken Parmesan, Chicken Siciliano, Baked Lasagna, Baked Eggplant Parmigiana, Linguini Carbonara, and Veal Siciliano Scallopine. The cuisine is accompanied by a range of libations, including casual wines from around the world, craft beers and brews on tap and by the bottle, top-shelf spirits, and classic cocktails.

Italian Garden, 415 N LBJ Dr, San Marcos, TX 78666, Phone: 512-392-8730

4. Palmer's Restaurant Bar & Courtyard


Palmer's Restaurant Bar & Courtyard

© Palmer's Restaurant Bar & Courtyard

Palmer's Restaurant Bar & Courtyard is a charming eatery set in the Palmer's Guest House that showcases down-home Southern dishes and fine wines in an elegant and refined setting. Located four blocks from San Marcos’ town square, the beautifully furnished, quaint and cozy guest house is an ideal spot for a romantic dinner with stylish décor, exceptional cuisine, global wines, and an intimate ambiance.

The creative menu features the best of Texan cuisine with prime steaks and other meat dishes, fresh seafood, locally sourced salads, fruits and vegetables, and homemade desserts. The food is accompanied by a range of libations, including casual wines from around the world, craft beers and brews on tap and by the bottle, top-shelf spirits, and classic cocktails.

218 Moore St, San Marcos, TX 78666, Phone: 512-353-3500, Map

5. Patio Dolcetto


Patio Dolcetto

© Patio Dolcetto

Inspired by the laid-back atmosphere of the surrounding Hill Country, Patio Dolcetto is a casual and charming café where visitors can relax over great food and craft cocktails in a contemporary space. The bistro-style eatery has a natural Pecan wood bar with a hand-carving of the San Marcos River starting at Spring Lake and inlaid with precious stones. In addition to serving inventive farm-to-table fare and fine wines, Patio Dolcetto also displays works of art from local talented local artists in a wide variety of mediums. The full-service bar offers over 90 different bottles of wine, more than 40 craft beers and microbrews, high-end spirits, and classic cocktails.

322 Cheatham Street, San Marcos, TX 78666, Phone: 512-366-3605, Map

6. Root Cellar Cafe


Root Cellar Cafe

© Root Cellar Café

The Root Cellar Cafe offers a casual dining experience for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with seasonal menus of market-driven, farm-to-table fare, and a variety of libations. Sourcing ingredients and produce from local farmers and artisans, the restaurant serves innovative menus of homemade soups, scratch-made sandwiches, fresh salads, wood-fired pizzas, and homemade desserts, as well as locally roasted coffees. The attached Root Cellar market sells a range of gourmet and handcrafted items such as locally-produced BBQ-sauces, North Carolina beers, homemade jams, peanut butter, and salsas, local artworks and a wide variety of wines.

215 N LBJ Dr, San Marcos, TX 78666, Phone: 512-392-5158, Map

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