Allison was our waitress, and she was so lovely!!! We had a great time, and the food was as expected. Happy hour and their 99c margs were delicious! but,,, fix ur ac bro. LOL we was swEATIN LIKE DAWGS read more

After a few earlier visits this year I was concerned that this venerable eatery of 40+ years was beginning to fade. Not so I am happy to report. A month ago my granddaughter and CFS expert devoured hers and declared it was excellent. On this visit my wife's chicken Caesar salad was as good as ever although served in a too-small bowl. (Our server brought her a plate.) My chicken fried chicken also hit the mark. Good burgers and desserts are also reliable but I don't recommend the fried catfish. Grin's is back. read more

This was definitely my LAST attempt at eating at Grin's. Not the first time to be quite disappointed The last few times the food was not very good. Service was good. read more

A reminder of my collge years, returning to a San Marcos original! Happy Hour from 2 to 7 and the $0.99 margaritas are still awesome. Small but better than most places that serve them in goblet glass containers. These are mixed with a kick, unlike the aforementioned large containers that are usually over sweetened margarita mix! Before I arrived, I knew that I was going to order the #4 cheeseburger. A 7ounce patty cooked to perfection with cheddar cheese! Still as good as it was before the university changed it's name many years ago. Still SWT to me and many of my classmates! Go Bobcats! Anyone who has visited San Marcos and not experienced Grin's-what are you waiting for? Great casual atmosphere, fast service, and excellent food and drink!! Highly recommended!! read more

Grins Restaurant - Happy hour margarita. $ 0.99! Do not let the size fool you! Good things come in small packages! - American Near Me - San Marcos, Texas

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I've lived in San Marcos for about 8 or 9 years, and not until recently (about a year ago) had I had it. The first time was ok so I decided to take my boyfriend back a second time today. My advice for people looking for a good burger: Go to Gils Broiler on the Square. This place was terrible, I always give a place 2 chances because almost everyone deserves a second chance but this second time will be my last. I ordered a mushroom and swiss burger: for some reason they put all the other burger fixings on it too? Idk if other places do that but the places I've been dont.. pickles and way too much mustard (it soaked into the bull totally threw off the taste of the burger and while my boyfriend s burger was dripping with cheese, they really skimped on the Swiss cheese and to be honest.. The mushrooms! I might as well have just ordered a normal burger and saved myself the extra 3$. My boyfriend ordered the bar-b-q bacon jalapeño cheddar burger: I don't know who's cooking but maybe you should try a different method of stacking the different layers of the burger... He had a hard time eating the burger because he couldn't pick it up without something falling out. The bacon was way over cooked and super hard (I posted a picture) he bit into it and it hurt his teeth. He has an opposite problem from me as instead of being overwhelmed by the other ingredients, the burger was drenched in bar-b-q sauce and drowned out and chance of the other flavors reaching the taste buds (jalapeños and all) The worst part: the bill... 20$ for 2 burgers (just burgers and no side or combo, by the way the difference in the combo is 1$ which is rediculous!) Our teas (which were bland and hardly 'sweet') were $2.19 a piece.. so for 2 teas and a 2 burgers a la carte it was $20 ! Way overpriced menu.. definitely not worth it for the type of food you get. On a better note: -Our Waitress was nice, she took good care of us -I hear happy hour is decent so if your a poor college kid this is good for you. -the restaurant is pretty nice....atmosphere wise. -Some prudish lady in another review said her waitress was dressed to slutty, not the case at all, these girls were all dressed respectfully in pants and t shirts, and considering they probably wait on more young college guys than anything that's how they probably have to dress to get better tips. Overall Save yourself a trip and go somewhere else. read more

Grins Restaurant - Mushroom and swiss burger. - American Near Me - San Marcos, Texas

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Grins and I go back. Waaaay back. Back when my friends were at TxSt we would meet here for the famous $1 Rita's. Food was never great, but what the hell. We're drinking, we might as well eat. The last time we reunited at the old hangout was a disaster. There was a small roach crawling between the table and the wall. So gross and nasty that we didn't want to eat any more. We won't eat there any more. But the Rita's in the end still win. read more

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this used to be my favorite place but it's gone down hill. the food was horrible and the tables were sticky. the French fries were rubbery and cold. such a disappointment read more

We went after getting a covid shot! It was good but not the best food. I think it's more about the interior and the $.99 margarita. I would have loved this place if I was in college. read more

Everyone has to "do some time" at Grin's if you're in San Marcos more than occasionally. Their burgers are pretty good, and so are their chicken-fried steaks. One of my friends swears by the "Nachosmoles" as she calls them, and that's the only thing she goes here for. And don't forget the "Frings"! I've had a bit of a disappointment with the steaks and chicken at times not having turned out well. The Sangritas are a great way to kill an office happy hour. And they have great desserts, including their cobblers with Blue Bell. The service varies a lot, as much as do the waitresses that are hired from nearby Texas State University. And there are occasional kitchen hiccups. But you'll find one of the owners on premises nearly all the time and they are committed to providing good customer service. In short, this is one of those "checklist" places you have to go in San Marcos, if for no other reason than to see how they've built the restaurant on the hillside into the trees. Enjoy a good meal and a great dessert while doing so. read more

My husband and I love Grins! The broccoli cheese soup is soooo delicious I can never get enough! The worst part of going here, is that I have to choose one entree.... I always want some of everything! We always want to try some dessert options here but we are always so stuffed after our food and margaritas.. it blows my mind reading some reviews on here that criticize this place for the way the waitresses dress?? I think bottom line, is if you're THAT insecure stay home, because you'll have service from a pretty waitress....we love supporting this local business!! read more

A treehouse styled restaurant that's been around since the 70s, I always bring family and friends from out of town here for a good representation of the vibes in San Marcos. Went around 5 so it was pretty crowded for happy hour but there was no waiting for seating and food/ drinks didn't take long. I got the chicken bacon ranch pita which is my new fave thing! Also can't go wrong with $1 margs , even though they're batch made and not that strong, but what can you expect. read more

Excellent service and plenty of waitress service available. Food came out very quickly. Our waitress was very attentive and professional. Checked on us quickly but was not pushy. Food was better than good, but fish taco shell was a little too chewy but the grilled fish was perfect. The atmosphere is very nice and airy and tables are comfortable and overall area is very clean. We were cheerfully welcomed coming in and out. Waitresses were running food in and out quickly and no drama between girls that usually follows college establishments. Order a sangria margarita, small but surprisingly very strong. Also ordered glass of sangria wine and guest had two Rita's and meal and altogether it came to less than 40 plus tip. Highly recommend for the variety and quality of food, and the quick quality service is hard to beat! read more

Grins Restaurant - Excellent homemade onion rings! Two was more than enough for me to enough for me and let my friend have two bites. - American Near Me - San Marcos, Texas

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Been here a few times to eat some dinner after classes are done at Texas State University. Grins Restaurant is probably one of the cuter places you can find to eat in San Marcos, and when I say cute, I mean cozy cute. The charm lies in the enclosed feel of their cabin like building, and maybe the really random decorations they have. Oddly enough you don't really notice them until you've been here a few times. The food has always been good. Their burgers are really good. The peach cobbler? An absolute must get, and absolute no share. It's really good. My friend and I made the mistake of sharing it. Their menu is more on the american cuisine side of the food world. The service is always awesome. Never received bad service here. Their margaritas pack a punch. Took advantage of their $1 Ritas, and felt the alcohol hit after drinking two of these suckers. I see this as a good, and bad thing, and not sure how I feel about that, but the "rita's" tasted good! This will probably be one of my dinner hit ups while I attend Texas State University, glad this option is here. read more

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Grins Restaurant Went to lunch service was great,food was great atmosphere is great I would recommend it to friends family prices are very reasonable and they have a fantastic happy hour specials if you are in the area stop by if not find yourself there. read more

Unfortunately not the best establishment. My mom brought us to her alma mater just to eat at this place she grew up with but we were sorely disappointed. The service was slow and the place just seemed dirty. Our $1 margaritas shouldn't even have been that much! Some sort of horrible Gatorade mix with a pinch of tequila. My meal was the Philly pita and it wasn't horrible but extremely greasy with over cooked meat. I would have said something but our waitress was having a hard time as it was. It has the charm of an old stomping grounds kind of restaurant but that is where the experience ends. read more

Grins Restaurant - Philly pita with fries and $1 sangria marg - American Near Me - San Marcos, Texas

Good food at a good price. The service was great and the ambiance in an old house was perfect.

Neat place nestled on a hillside with awesome cuisine and drinks specials , Staff was amazing and the onion rings were humongous. Atmosphere was cozy and comfortable plus it looks and feels like you're in a big treehouse, I can't believe I haven't discovered this Gem until now but I'm sure glad I did !! See ya soon Grins read more

Grins Restaurant - American Near Me - San Marcos, Texas

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This place is fantastic and has such a unique history. Personally, I'm giving them 4 stars because they're margaritas aren't as great in my opinion. I had a birthday dinner here and they were super accommodating to all of my guest. Such a great place to go to for some American styled meals. They have a ton of meals to choose from! You can't go wrong here! read more

I try not to come here but sometimes I am craving American food without the wait and fast food aspect. Yet, I tend to leave disappointed every time I make that decision (which is rare I might add). The service was great, nothing special, but no complaints. So, that received a star from me. Unfortunately, I couldn't say the same for the food. I got the chicken strips. I have never got chicken strips where the meat was so tough, and the breading wouldn't stay on the chicken. BUT their gravy and onion rings that went with it were really good! I would suggest the onion rings for sure. My boyfriend got the Southwest Burger with fries. He enjoyed the burger, nothing special, but again..no complaints. The fries on the other hand, AWFUL. I'm not sure how you mess up fries but they were soggy and seemed steamed. Overall, better places around this area for sure. But hey, cheap drinks so if you aren't wanting to eat I would say to give it a shot! read more

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Underwhelming to say the least. I'm sure if I had gone to college here I would have had a trip down memory lane experience but being my first time here and hearing such great things about the onion rings and broccoli cheddar soup, I expected to be blown away. I'm sure in 1975 when it opened there weren't the magnitude of choices as there are now in San Marcos. I can say I tried it but I have had better onion rings by far and McAlister's makes a much better broccoli cheddar soup. I had the student steak, loaded mashed potatoes, and onion rings. The steak was of the Ponderosa variety; the loaded mashed potatoes tasted like they weren't made with real potatoes; and the onion rings were thick and chewy. My dining partner had the chicken fried chicken and the broccoli cheddar soup. Each food item seemed to have an after taste tang to it. read more

Fish tacos were ok needed a little spice flavor. They were though large portions. Onion rings were great large and tasty. Over all atmosphere very nice. read more

Grins Restaurant - House margarita - American Near Me - San Marcos, Texas

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Best happy hour!! $5.99 buckets if baby dos xx or corona, 99 cent Margs Monday -Thursday, delish bloodies, 1.25-2.25 beers (although no draught only bottles) as well as daily specials: 99 cent bloody Marie's every Monday, 99cent shiner ever Tuesday, and Margs are still only 2$ Friday-Sunday. Service is immaculate. Cozy tree house atmosphere. Could definitely use some updating but is still super cute! Chill in the deck in your break from school or just to enjoy---the soon to pass construction!! But worth getting into. I jump around on the menu. The fajitas are the best. Beef or chicken. Great grilled chicken sandwhich! Loaded salads! I also enjoy the sirloin! Great prices as well! And the cherry on top~~~all of the desserts are to die for. Carrot cake, banana pudding, peach cobbler, CHOCOLATE CAKE! & the cheese cake brownie is a little rich for my taste but if that's your thing I'm sure you will be satisfied!! read more

The worst burger in San Marco's. I got the bacon cheese burger. 1. Bacon was less quality than jack in the box 2. Bun was soggy as if been sitting for a while 3. Burger it self was cold and seemed cooked from frozen patty 4. Fries are either cold soggy on one side and stale on the other. 5. All of the plate had no or little taste 6. It took literally 1 + hour to get after sitting On the positive side you will not worry about take the many left overs because they started out disgusting. And only god know what they will look like tomorrow read more

99 cent margaritas pretty solid place, the burgers are huge I couldn't finish it all worth the place. I like the atmosphere it gives off a rainforest vibe. I went with my family but I can say it's close to everything had so much fun. read more

Me and my roommate found this restaurant online and after looking in the menu we placed a 30$ order on a half plate of nachos and another half plate of fried mushrooms and a Buffalo chicken sandwich. Order was easy to place and the food was fast picking up but when we got home I handed both the fried mushrooms and nachos to my roommate and while the mushrooms were more then plenty for a half plate, the nachos were honestly so sad looking. There was only SIX nachos on the plate for the half and the cheese was shredded instead of a liquid. After our good laugh at the plate we went ahead and called to see if this was a mis order or something but sadly the lady (who was nice and sweet) on the phone confirmed it that you get 6 nachos for a 4$ half plate and 12 nachos for a full plate. Trying to stay positive about the food we skipped ahead and we began to eat the mushrooms and they had no seasoning, even after we added our own we couldn't eat it after the first few mushrooms so sadly we had to trash that out as well. And lastly when the burger while it looked amazingly big and delicious, it was false. Biting into the burger had the equivalent taste of biting a block of butter. There was no spice whatsoever and the mayo was too overpowering. After trying to stomach the unseasoned fries with the burger, I counted that as a lost as I couldn't even eat half of it. Gave it a shot but will not be eating back here again. read more

This place had such great reviews and I wanted to love it food looked good but lacked flavor greatly I had the chicken fried steak and it was just awful all the sides as well. Queso was ok salsa had no flavor at all and was watery. Our waitress was great but that's about it! read more

The best happy hour in San Marcos! Friendly staff and good food. Never leave disappointed!

Grin's is a place that has become a tradition for my kids and me whenever we are in the area. The food is usually pretty good and service is consistent. This last time (Saturday) ppl at we waited for over 10 minutes before our drink order was taken and a party seated long after us had their order taken before ours. What's up Grin's? I get that most of your staff is made up of college students, but come on! Surely they are taught to serve in the order they arrive. We've never had to wait this long. We were ready to walk but decided to stay since we had somewhere to be in an hour. We had to ask for straws when our drinks were finally served, then silverware and napkins. read more

The staff is SO NICE!!! The food is amazing; talk about comfort food! The margaritas were soooo good too. I had the chicken fried chicken and it was amazing !!! read more

One of the Big 3 in San Marcos. They have great food and great drinks. $1 margaritas during happy hour ( 3pm-7pm Mon-Fri ) they'll sneak up on you! I will recommend not to go during peak hours however, lots of college students capitalizing on cheap drinks and long waits. Sit outside if you can! read more

I was there last night with my wife, and the restaurant was less than half full, so not real busy. I ordered a chicken fried steak (the Monday special), which, in my experience, can be one of the riskier selections at any restaurant. Well, upon arrival it looked to be overcooked (more brown than gold), and upon cutting into it the batter shattered much like thin glass would. It was so overcooked that the underside of the meat itself was black/charcoaled about 1/8" deep. It seemed as if the chef/cook either stepped away from the fryer for a phone or restroom break or simply forgot something was in the fryer. I should have sent the CFS back but chose not to. I did call for the manager, however, and she apologized and asked if I planned to visit again in the future. A bit confused by the question, I said I would, at which point she presented me with a $10 gift certificate. I left feeling the manager's attitude was somewhat neutral to blasé. I've dined at the restaurant off-and-on for over 40 years, and, admittedly, this is the only bad experience I can recall. That said, it seems inexcusable for someone with the very critical role of cooking the food to embarrass the owners, management, and waitstaff by allowing something inedible to leave the kitchen. (The rest of the food, including my wife's entree and an appetizer, was good.) My only regret is that I did not take a photo to include with this review. It's difficult to assign a star rating when only a portion of the experience was bad, but it was a critical part of the restaurant experience. That said, 5+ stars for the woman who waited on us and for the hosting staff. read more

Well expecting a good burger and great onion rings But No! They were out of the Onion Rings which they had advertised in bold letters and sign So Big disappointment! The burger I wanted cooked medium rare was told No! "They just cook em" what kinda place does that? Will not be coming back ! read more

Service is ok. If this place is so overrated. Food is not very good at all. Ordered a ribeye steak and not sure what I got but wasn't a ribeye. It was a dried up, over cooked. Over priced thin piece of cube steak or something. It was absolutely absolutely terrible. Would of been more satisfying to just toss the $20 out the window. I wouldn't come back read more

Been in business since 1975, so you'd think they have everything locked down. Sadly that wasn't the case when we visited. The service was substandard and slow. I had the chicken fried steak, which was grossly overcooked. I was starving so I powered through it. I'll give them another chance, because I like the location and the vibe, but it better be MUCH better than our first try. read more

This is a place to avoid at all costs. Their service is horrible. Took 40 minutes to get a simple soup and salad. When it did show up the soup was cold and the server was indignant when asked if it could be warmed up. Hopefully she's not studying to do anything in a career that requires a service attitude. read more

I came here with a big party and had no complaints! The food was awesome and the staff was attentive. I loved the set up of this restaurant..my food was great. I had the chicken fried chicken..AND fried mushrooms that were amazing!! I'm not from this area but if you're visiting it's a great place to stop by. read more

Grins Restaurant - American Near Me - San Marcos, Texas

Really good good, Service was nice. and the view of the sunroof made it better. Would definitely recommend.

First Time Trying This Place & It Was Okay. I Love The Layout Of The Restaurant. The Grilled Fish Tacos With The Chipotle Ranch On The Side Were Good. I Didn't Care For The Chips, Guac & Salsa Trio. Definitely Didn't Like The Tortilla Soup. Did Not Taste Like Tortilla Soup At All But More Like Tomato Soup. The Onion Rings However We're Amazing & Huge. I Didn't Care For That Tight Parking Lot & How You Couldn't Tell Who Was A Waitress Cause They Had No Uniforms On Just Regular Clothes. But Next Time I'll Be Sitting Outside Cause Something From The Ceiling Kept Dripping On Me. read more

Grins Restaurant - American Near Me - San Marcos, Texas

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The burger was excellent but the fries were cold and had no taste. Service was a little slow but very friendly. I am going to give them another try. I was there eating dinner with two guests and they both had cold fries as well. Date of visit was 09/13/22 read more

Food was amazing. Really good price for amount you get. Will not be returning due to the inappropriate clothing the staff wore. One girl was in a sports bra with little to no t-shirt and others with thier butts hanging out of thier little itty bitty shorts. Not a family welcoming place. read more