When looking for a place to get away, you want to make sure you’re doing more than just going somewhere else. You want to go somewhere offering the perfect balance of excitement and relaxation. A place that embodies the mellow vibes of a small town without sacrificing the contagious energy of a thriving city.

San Marcos, TX is just that type of Goldilocks town. Kick back and let the stress melt off, lose yourself in the vibrant nightspots, and get a front row view of the sounds of San Marcos. If you’re looking for some ideas, we’ve put together some of the best breweries and coffeehouses with live music in San Marcos.

 

Roughhouse Brewing

In an unassuming barn nestled in the Hill Country, you’ll find Roughhouse Brewing. Family-owned, operated, and sitting on the family’s 50-acre ranch, there’s nothing corporate about Roughhouse. They make their beverages using local yeast, water from their own well, and 100% fermentation in an on-site limestone cave, so it’s about as homemade as homemade gets.

In addition to their selection of beers, they also serve ciders, wines, non-alcoholic beverages, snacks, and sandwiches. Live music fills the air on the weekends, but you can enjoy your drink in the barn or the rustic outdoor seating all week long.

 

Middleton Brewing

If you’re in dire need of good vibes, turn your attention to Middelton Brewing. Complete with reliable staples, monthly releases, and non-beer options, Middelton will keep you basking in bubbly beatitude as you take in the Texas Hill Country from the brewery’s rooftop patio.

Want to know if your four-legged friend can come? Of course he can! Unless you’re talking about a mountain lion or something. If you’re talking about a dog, Middleton Brewing is proud to be a dog-friendly establishment. Mountain lions are not permitted at this time.

 

Tantra Coffeehouse

Tanta Coffeehouse isn’t trying to fool anyone. Drip coffee, cold-brew, espresso, macchiato, cortado, and more make up a healthy chunk of their diverse menu. And, they’re located in a purplish antique house. This conspicuous marriage of coffee and house creates a homey environment where you can let the warm drinks melt your cares away.

When you’re fully rested, take advantage of the live concerts going on almost every day of the week. In addition to their coffee selection, Tantra offers tea, cold beer, wines, and tasty food.

 

Patio Dolcetto

Tucked between two lush trees behind an earthy wooden fence, Patio Dolcetto looks like the kind of place you’d find in a storybook—a storybook about a diligent hero who spends all week at work, then stumbles upon a mystical tavern in the forest.

At this very real wine lounge, you can indulge in craft beer, craft ciders, cocktails, mocktails, and, of course, plenty of fantastic wines. What’s more, you can look forward to live music from local jazz musicians, as well as regular events like trivia nights.

 

Zelicks

What was once a 1930s gas station is now Zelicks, a truly unique icehouse located in the heart of San Marcos. Now in the business of a different kind of refueling, this bar serves up craft beers, wines, creative cocktails, and a “mystery keg” every Friday. You won’t go hungry with its lavish menu of burgers, tacos, and sandwiches. Plus, Tuesday is steak night!

At a time when franchising is king and conformity reigns supreme, Zelicks isn’t afraid to stand out. With its garage design, interior of antique photos, and the hotrod sitting out front, you might even say they’re happy to stand out.

 

The Porch

For more than 10 years, The Porch has been lifting spirits on San Marcos’ historic downtown square. This is the place to go when you need to decompress with some live music, billiards, darts, an old-fashioned photo booth, an open-air patio, and all-around good company.

Expect to find a lengthy collection of local beers, a full bar, and an irresistible menu of specialty burgers. That last part is courtesy of The Taproom, a longstanding mainstay of San Marcos food culture and the sister establishment of The Porch. They’re literally attached at the hip. Well, technically restaurants don’t have hips, but they are most certainly attached.

 

The Best Bars and Music in San Marcos

If you throw a rock in San Marcos, two things are bound to happen: you’ll hit an amazing bar and you’ll get arrested for criminal mischief. So, to avoid jailtime, simply use this handy guide to find some of the best breweries and coffeehouses in the city. Whether you’re looking for the hyper-homemade beers of Roughhouse Brewing, the serene atmosphere of Tantra Coffeehouse, or the live music of The Porch, San Marcos has a spot for every mood.

Plan your visit today by checking out some of our very favorite hotels in the area.

It's always a good night for live music in San Marcos, Texas! From legendary career-launching stages to small hole-in-the-wall bars, a big two-story concert theater or a rockin' coffee shop -  there’s a venue in San Marcos that will hit just the right note.

It's always a good night for live music in San Marcos, Texas! From legendary career-launching stages to small hole-in-the-wall bars, a big two-story concert theater or a…