Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in San Marcos

Emmer & Rye was beyond our expectations. Some of the best food I have ever tasted. We sat at the chefs counter and got to watch all the preparations. The waiting staff is superb. Highly recommend this restaurant for date or special occasion.

Once again the Gruene Door was an exceptional experience. The food was scrumptious. I had the beef tip pasta, very delicious. The meet was tender and the mushrooms gave it a great flavor. For dessert we had the bread pudding which was wonderful. Loved the smooth jazz that played in the background. Our waitress was attentive and helpful. A wonder birthday celebration.

Perla's is Excellent! Went for a date-night dinner. Previously had only done the patio (apps/ bloodys, etc... which is great as well!) but do yourself a favor and have a proper meal there. Service is attentive and professional. Quality of food and flavor profile is something else ! Kicking myself for neglecting this spot the last 15+ years.

We had not been back to Red Ash since before the Pandemic. Shame on us! Now we certainly will make a new reservation as soon as possible, which will probably be a few months from now. Red Ash is so popular that it is that difficult to get a table. But the wait is certainly worth it. This evening we tried the Octopus a la Plancha at our server, Emma's suggestion. Octopus for our first time. It was wonderfully delicious and tender. For dinner we split Frutti di Mare, a wonderful selection of seafood laid on a bed of the best black and white sphagettini. Cooked perfectly! Emma was the perfect hostess and we were able to reconnect with Brand Favata, our favorite server from six years ago. It seems that very few few employees leave Red Ash. It is such a wonderful restaurant!! We'll be back very soon.

Always love us some Clark’s. Our Austin standby- amazing food, fresh and delicious seafood, great burger!