659870 Fri Oct 16 07:06:33 -0700 2009 5 5 Texas 0 5107588 Going to a mystery weekend on Halloween weekend and will have dinner Friday and lunch Saturday on our own. For lunch Saturday (unless someone can convince me otherwise to stay in SM) is down to NB for some Coopers BBQ. Can anyone give a rip-roarin' rec for dinner/lunch in SM? Atmosphere is just as important as quality of chow for this one. Fri Oct 16 07:06:33 -0700 2009 12615 amysuehere 1 5109835 San Marcos is 18 or so miles from Lockhart (Smitty's BBQ- one of the best in the state). We dropped by Smitty's last time we visited San Marcos. Sat Oct 17 03:03:35 -0700 2009 5107588 145502 mark_s 1 5111221 not sure about "rip roarin"...but here are some good choices in San Marcos...all have websites Palmers...San Marcos River Pub...Los Cucos...Mamacitas For BBQ...Salt Lick in Driftwood isn't TOO far away...30min or so, but it's easy to get lost finding it....bring your GPS. Sat Oct 17 18:10:47 -0700 2009 5107588 1117141 silversource 1 5127401 The Cool Mint Cafe in San Marcos is fabulous! Despite having a name that sounds like a Thai restaurant...it is not Thai. It's located in a 1920's Craftsman Bungalow downtown near the campus, and has a creative, eclectic menu that is well-executed. While you're in New Braunfels, be sure a stop for a big hunk of Apple Strudel at Naeglin's Bakery downtown ... the oldest bakery in Texas! Sat Oct 24 08:54:05 -0700 2009 5107588 1118235 ciaotex 1 5131546 Does anyone have an opinion on Palmers vs. Tap Room? Yes, one's "fancy" one's pub grub, but which one has the best bang for the buck? I live in Austin Mon Oct 26 08:59:05 -0700 2009 5107588 12615 amysuehere 2 5147318 TAP ROOM Hands down the best burger in town. Great place to try a new beer and watch sports. Most students in SM go to Palmers for special occasions but its not going to win an award any time soon. Overpriced not so great. They did have a great happy hour when I went to school there. Also look into Root cellar and san marcos river pub and grill ... those were my favs. Sun Nov 01 13:47:55 -0800 2009 5131546 1120890 jadoretk