Three Outdoor Restaurants You Need to Try in San Marcos

by Adam Carter

Fine Dining in the Courtyard

We should start with Palmer's, a local restaurant that has garnered tons of good reviews over the years. It was one of our suggested Thanksgiving Day spots, too. They have a large, secluded courtyard surrounded by greenery and featuring a tiered fountain. There's loads of atmosphere for fine dining.

Palmer's courtyard, with a fountain and beautiful greenery.

A few favorite dishes of ours- their fantastic charcuterie board, the Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf and Springtown Chicken.

One of their signature drinks is the Ranch Hand- a Mexican martini made from a trademarked recipe created with the owner of the tequila company.

Palmer's is a classy place to spend an evening but they also have a great weekend brunch menu. You can see a review and peek at the courtyard in this episode of Good Taste with Tanji.

Ivar's River Pub overlooking the San Marcos River

Casual Riverside Meal

A more casual spot overlooking the San Marcos River is Ivar's River Pub. Enjoy the river over some Pub Brisket Nachos with friends. Ivar's has some traditional seafood and chicken fried steak type dishes, but they seem to specialize in burgers and sandwiches, like the Pork Belly and Pesto Chicken sandwiches.

I have to say you couldn't pay me to hang out on the river on a Labor Day weekend, but I will happily enjoy the chaos from Ivar's patio.

If you've been but don't have a clue who Ivar is, read this little write-up on the Canadian pilot.

Laid Back Indian and Fusion

I saved the best for last. North Street is a little jewel hidden in San Marcos' downtown district. They serve Indian dishes and what purists might see as an unholy Indian/ Tex-Mex fusion, like Curry Queso or Chicken Piri Piri Tacos. But it's all really tasty in a laid back environment. They always have good music playing with a vibe less like a bar and more like a funky cafe.

Adam loves the Butter Chicken and Saag Paneer. I really like the regular Chicken Piri Piri dish. I also appreciate how, for a bar, they have lots of non-alcoholic drink options like their own Cold Brew and Rosewater and Lavender Honey Oat Milk Lattes. If you go, don't forget to save room for Gulab Jalum for dessert.

Got some outdoor dining suggestions for San Marcos? Let us know.

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Three Outdoor Restaurants You Need to Try in San Marcos

by Adam Carter

Fine Dining in the Courtyard

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