This historic home in downtown San Marcos is now a funkified fuchsia coffeehouse that serves as ground zero for the town's neo-hippies and live music lovers. They serve decent coffee here -- though I wish it were stronger -- but it's more of a community center for the dreadlocked, hemp-wearing San Martians who just didn't have a place to hang before this place opened up. From that perspective, it's a master stroke of niche marketing, and by all appearances a very successful one. Live (and usually free) music is a big draw, and Thursday night open mics attract surprisingly talented acts, who prove Austin ain't the only place for great live music. And a tiny playground outdoors makes it possible for parents to bring the kiddos. There's a feeling of extended family at Tantra, so much so that I'd be surprised if a few of the regulars haven't put in for a change of address. Tantra also serves sandwiches and pizzas, and these are very good, though from what I can tell the beer sales may be the big cash cow. As an added bonus, the couple who owns the place may well be the best-looking hippies on this or any other planet. The downside, aside from the somewhat weak Joe, is that to enter Tantra, you must brave what we call "The Gauntlet." Okay, it's really just the front porch, but it's perpetually packed with regulars who seem to do little all day but stare at you as you make your way past them and their sniffing, unleashed dogs. Hey, chalk it up to atmosphere!!! I like the way Tantra is arranged indoors. The place is a series of small rooms, each with its own vibe, the walls bedecked with local art. This lends a sense of intimacy, and it's nice. There's even a small indoor play area for the wee'uns. Tantra clearly fills a real need in a town with plenty of young people who want to hang with others who look, act, think and smell just like they do. In that regard, Tantra may well be the coffeehouse version of Facebook, MySpace, or - wait for it....maybe even Yelp. I'm giving it four stars. It loses a star due to The Gauntlet, though Gauntlet Lovers will probably add two stars because it gives them a place where they can comfortably hang. And I'm fine with that. Really I am. read more

cutesy little coffee shop that opened around the time I was about to graduate. Glad it is still up and running. I remember the area being so nice, and Before it even opened, I was anticipating for opening day. I would go here various times to blog, study, or just lounge out because I needed to get away from my roomies! delicious coffee place! read more

Tantra caters to a well-balanced crowd of undergrads and those 21+ with a full cafe and wide array of beers and wines. The fact they serve alcohol till midnight makes Tantra a great place to meet up with friends before a night out on the square. For a quiet time, Tantra is best until 5pm (free Wi-Fi too). About that time, the cafe can be quite busy. This is a plus for those needing a little distraction while you slog through studying. For others, the "high energy" of some of its regular clientele can make concentrating impossible. That said, many decent local bands play at the cafe on any given night on Tantra's large and shaded outdoor patio (dog-friendly). Their all-natural, neo-hippy vibe might not jive with everyone. However, Tantra is very welcoming to all walks of life, making random social interaction with staff and strangers alike a common occurrence, if you're receptive to friendly banter. Tantra's DIY, community-building attitude and events have made this cafe an important cultural hub in San Marcos, which not many places in town can boast. For that reason alone, I think this establishment is worth sipping at from time-to-time, regardless of your personal aesthetic. If looking for relaxation, good drinks, or good times, you will find it here. read more

I'm no coffee snob, but I think most coffee lovers would be pleased with Tantra. This is Roy Q and I's new hangout every other Tuesday, as it's a lovely place to get some work done, but not so quiet that you feel uncomfortable meeting up with someone and chatting. It seems the rooms are separated by more quiet/studying areas and then certain spaces that are better for conversations. My chai was deliciously spicy with a more subtle sweetness that I prefer. Looking forward to seeing what else they have to offer! read more

When I come here, I don't feel like I moved away from Austin. Its the same weird, unique, relaxed atmosphere you would expect to find in an Austin coffee house, just transplanted into San Marcos. I'm not a big fan of the typical frat scene in this town, so places like these are like a diamond in a goats ass to me. It sticks out in the best of ways. I go there during the semester to study, relax, and chat with people. Everyone is super nice and super different from the typical here. Live music happens every night, as far as I know, and it ranges to drum circles to very good local bands. The reason it didn't get 5 stars is because the coffee certainly isn't what keeps me coming back. I've ordered 5 or 6 different things now, and they all taste equally burnt. I think they use a super dark roast, and I'm a light roast type of gal, so its a little icky. I end up putting about a pound of sugar in there to try and cover the taste, but it often has no effect because it is SO strong. It might not bother some people, but if you're like me, it probably will. read more

Maybe just don't like the "I'm too involved in my own conversation to notice you" attitude that seems to accompany Tantra-goers (and staff on a couple visits), or the pay $7 for a concert that I can hear for free until 2am from my apartment, or maybe I just don't like hipsters. Either way, Tantra's beverages are pretty good, I'm just a nay-sayer to the atmosphere. I'd rather have decent coffee somewhere I can talk to my neighbors. read more

Really liked the ambiance of this coffee shop. I ordered a soy latte and had a huge lemon cookie ( it did have a sticker on the cookie saying it was from Lauren's wildflour bakery in San Marcos ). Both were great. You feel really comfortable hanging out for a while. You can find an array of characters at this place, most likely because of the college town vibe. And they are dog friendly! . Will definitely come back. read more

This is a great spot for coffee or tea. And the food is excellent. The coffee comes from Barretts Coffee in Austin (Billy Goat Porter for the iced coffee, I think) & the tea is Harney & Sons (Paris is my favorite). The location is a house converted to a cafe. It's painted purple & feels to me like a place just shy of being filled with incense smoke. The atmosphere is hippie in every way - those couches are stained with the bottoms of many a stoned or hungover student. The other seats are a hodgepodge of dining tables and mismatched chairs. There's a Ms PacMan for all you vintage video game fans. (Has anyone in this young generation ever even heard of Naamco? ) The WiFi connection is good so it's a great place to study and get work done if you find a place to sit. It IS unique and the quality of the food/ ingredients IS excellent. My boyfriend and I spent $30+ for lunch and drinks. That's more expensive than the popular national chain. I'm willing to support local but that's a little steep for my tastes. read more

Tantra - Tantra turkey with cucumber added. Mmm... - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Marcos, Texas

They've gotten better over the years. I like the location and the coffee isn't half bad. They have a good beer selection and decent music every once and a while. I like the enthusiasm of the place (the house has been around a while). It seems to be more popular with San Marcos locals, so if you're looking for an interesting conversation or people watching, veer here! I'd go with a group to see how you like it, give them some business. They deserve it. A read more

Tantra is great. The staff is always friendly and weird and the house it's located in is charming and fun. They serve exclusively vegetarian food, which is something sorely lacking in San Marcos, and a wide array of beverages, alcoholic and non. Prices are average and they usually have a special of some kind. The live music can range from decent to awesome. The outdoor setting is one-of-a-kind and it's a great place to sit down with a beer and chill. They've got any number of wacky events happening and plenty of friendly patrons who have no problem with chatting you up on the porch. Tantra is practically a San Marcos miracle and I'm going to be sad to move and leave this place behind. read more

At one point I called this place the "center for art and culture in San Marcos" but I'm not sure it's that anymore. The place has mostly been cleaned up and turned into a slightly more standard restaurant coffee place. It's still good, food was worthwhile, and consistency is up. Pros: The greenest restaurant in San Marcos by far and not just because their menu is vegetarian: they also compost and recycle everything. The outdoor music events are the only events I can stand since I don't like standing in a pool of smoke like at Triple Crown or other places. Cons: This is a very social place so not somewhere I go to relax. read more

They have a great beer selection. More lighting for outside at nite would be great....and they've been "renovating the kitchen" for months now. It's time to feed the hungry vegetarians again!! Beware of drum circles. read more

Perhaps not my favorite coffee shop ever, mostly because I was clearly out of place in my non-hipster attire, but I will say this place is huge, the staff was super friendly, it served its purpose as a place to camp out for an hour or two of work. Didn't try the coffee, had an Odwalla instead, but I *did* so score the last bean, egg and cheese breakfast taco -- it was seriously badass. In fact the breakfast taco is the reason I'd totally go back if I'm ever in Austin again and looking for breakfast. read more

Quaint coffee and. Breakfast place good veggie tacos has hummus and pita for breakfast friendly service would go here again support local business! read more

Tantra - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Marcos, Texas

Heard a lot of great things about Tantra so recently took it for a test drive. Coffee's pretty good and the staff is nice and friendly. Didn't quite live up the rave reviews, though. They're a bit on the spendy side, if you ask me (I spent more on two coffees and a snack than I ever have...ever). The outside has a much funkier vibe than the inside. Lots of unused space. Some sparse tables and lots of hard chairs. There was nothing about the interior that makes me want to come back. I'd like to see more comfortable seats, some art (local?), some books, games, posters, pictures, etc. All of the elements that make the great coffee shops great. I'll be honest, I'm kind of picky about my coffee shops. I like some flair and decoration and a nice funky vibe. I give them props for trying, but it isn't quite there yet. Maybe it's a work in progress. They're on to something good, just needs more development. read more

Without any exaggeration, this is one of the best cafes I've ever been to. Literally, I never get tired of coming here. The prices are low-to-average, as far as it concerns gourmet coffee. This hidden gem in the heart of San Marcos is well worth a visit-- it's inherent vibe of chill and comfort will charm you. However, it's not an overwhelming life-changing experience (after all it's just a coffee shop) but it's versatility as a business welcomes every type of crowd. Unlike the noisy and crowded cafes of Austin, a sense of peace and tranquility reigns over Tantra as it's in a very special place and point in time (as gentrification hasn't corrupted San Marcos yet). The outside area has spacious tables for people to sit, drink, and mingle--which brings me to my next point: the best part (besides the delicious food & authentic decor) is the people. Everybody that works there is sincerely kind (and chill). Their customer base consists of regulars who look like "everyday people" and Texas State students. I know this description is very vague, but words cannot describe the unusual but still wonderful sense of "home" this establishment brings. read more

I really like this place, and seeing some of the bad reviews that this place has gotten just makes me sad. But people are entitled to their own opinion right? Anyway, I reign from Southern California, a mecca for little hip coffee places like Tantra, and I have to say that this place makes me feel so at home. LOVE: The hummus plate, they gave me tons of warm pita bread slices, and a whole lot of delicious hummus to go with. LOVE: The landry, the juggler, and the aromatic lavender syrup. Seriously, that syrup smells as refreshing as it tastes, IF you like lavender. LOVE: The selection of music, the decor, the art for sale, and the abundance in seating. I haven't tried much of their food YET, but every time I go I try a new drink. So far, no complaints. I honestly love this place because of the homey feel I get when I'm there. I love that it's open late. The prices are good and it's a great place to study at. Plus $2 mimosas on Sundays. ;) If I had to pick one thing bad though, I'd say parking is eh. Parking seems kind of limited and that irks me a bit. read more

I'm here every Wednesday before class, "working on homework" otherwise known as killing time on the interwebs. They have the hippie population that most coffeehouses have, but the smell of patchouli is kept to a minimum, and it is genuinely nice, friendly people that work here. They offer a broad selection of drinks, both boozy and not, and the music is always soothing. The only reason I took off a star is parking is REALLY tight in the lot behind them, don't park anywhere else unless you like having your car towed... read more

This is one of our favorite coffee places in San Marcos. Our son introduced us to it Shen he lived in San Marcos while studying at Texas State University. The coffee house is definitely better than Starbucks. The Landry is ins of my favorite coffees. read more

I stopped here for coffee on my little day-trip to San marcos from Austin. I have to say, I was impressed! The coffee was good (though not-quite-Once-Over-good good), and the beer selection was huge! I love the layout - lots of little rooms. It feels much larger on the inside than it really is. I watched CONTACT unicycle football across the street, which was pretty awesome, and I noticed they have an herb garden, which is also very cool. Best spot in San Marcos that I've found yet. read more

I don't really get all the Yelp hate about this place...oh wait....I'm in San Marcos, I forgot! That explains it all.... As a native Austinite I vouch for this place as a comfy unique spot to hang out/"study"/drink coffee and people watch. Guess what folks, if you don't like the "hippie" vibe then go to the million other places in San Marcos that are white wash and boring! I stepped in and they were playing Radiohead, an immediate draw in for me. The barista was very friendly and helped me find something tasty to order....The Landry. Very good. I exclaimed, "I love this place....makes me feel like I'm in Austin!" And he said, "Yah some other folks have said the same thing!" I don't identify myself as a "hippie" or "hipster" or anything close to it, but I have to admit that that kind of vibe makes me feel comfortable. Good job, San Marcos, you indeed have a few redeeming qualities :) read more

Fairtrade, orgasmi...err organic, perfectly roasted coffee. Great selection of coffees, teas, and beers! They've massively cut down on their food menu, so now it's down to some pizza and snack food! Fits perfectly with the down to earth charm of the rest of San Marcos! read more

Tantra - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Marcos, Texas

Tantra Coffeehouse reminds me of what I like about San Marcos, I think it's More relaxed than Austin. There's less of the pretentious south Austin hipster crowd and the college students aren't sizing each other up based on their trust funds. The outdoor patio is large and allows for ample room to sit and hang out on a cool night. Friends and I all sat and had beer chatting for awhile. I didn't have any food but I'll be happy to try some coffee and a snack next time I'm around. read more

Great place - everyone is overly friendly. They have a nice selection of food and drinks. The building itself is really interesting. And I love the whole outside area where you can watch everything. It was a little pricey compared to other places, but worth it. read more

Loses a point for the terrible fake bacon... but then again I love a good steak. I'll put my meat eater vs. vegetarian quarrel aside to rate Tantra Coffeehouse. This place is one of a few oasis in San Marcos. If you want a nice place to chill, study, or hang out this place is it. Surprisingly large selection of beer and they know how to make a great cup of coffee. There is comfortable couches inside and plenty of tables outside. Most of the time the music is great, but if you go often enough you'll be chased off some of the worst music you can imagen. It's well worth it the other 9/10 times. P.S. The unicycle football games are amazing! read more

I like the dogs at tantra. A bit pricey but great fresh food that's relatively healthy. The art consigned there is consistently impressive and the staff are awesome. Sometimes there is live music and lots of people come, it's a lovely bunch. Overall everyone is kind and open. I once walked past a guy there named bac-something. He took pictures of me when he thought I wasn't looking. I overheard him asking a girl if she's meet up with him that night to do a photoshoot on top of it. I think she's dead. read more

Adam, thank you so much for your response. We will definitely be back to give a second try. We went back in... A reminder from the owner did a world of good. The coffee was excellently made. It was exactly how and iced coffee should be done. Thanks again, Adam!! read more

This place gives great caffeine :) I don't order from their menu necessarily, but I want in and ask for it cold, strong and sweet and I walk out a happy girl. This place has a large outdoor covered seating area (read: study and smoke at the same time, YAY!) and when you are all done cramming for your most grueling tests, you can take a beer break (YAY! again). I really like all the staff and they're super friendly. I feel like I should make a declaration after reading the other reviews that I am not a hippie, nor a hipster and it has never affected my opinion of this place. I think their clientele is very friendly and its a really nice space for studying and hanging out. read more

Very Unique, Chill, Non-Corporate, Unpretentious, coffee house. Now when I say house I mean house complete with front porch, kitchen, living room, side yard and bano b/c coffee + beer = volatility. Here you can sip great coffee drinks, do homework, make friends, play games, drink beer, and lounge on a couch all in a home like setting. The walls are covered with local arts that change every so often. They have live music, open mic poetry nights and long philosophical beards are welcome. read more

This is my favorite place to hangout with my boyfriend after I get off work and after class. The staff is so sweet and always give excellent customer service. They have awesome live music a lot and mini minutes is my jam! Allisya and Gus are the best and they cleaned the entire coffee house from top to bottom before closing the other night. They also have vegan options on the menu(: read more

Man, do I love this place. The coffee is always on point, the food is exceptional (breakfast tacos all day!!!), there's a great beer selection, and the service is out of this world. In short, the vibes are just right. As I write this, H to the Izzo is playing through the speakers, and I'm pretty sure before this they were playing Bowie. Such a unique place. I love it. read more

I wish I liked this place. I really want to like this place. Actually, the place itself is fantastic. great outdoor patio in a good location. I just wish they would close down so they could get taken over by a proper coffee shop. Service SUCKS. there is not other way to put it. Want a coffee? How inconsiderate of you? Want cream in it? Get it out of the fridge for me. Expect a WiFi password? Fuck you, figure it out for yourself. And hey, how about a tip? It's to the point that i feel bad for enjoying their adequate work space for fear that I am helping these Espresso Nazis stay in business read more

The other night my girlfriend told me "I regret putting this in my mouth." Now I get it. Every time I have ordered coffee here it has been terrible. Three strikes and you're out. No more dick flavored coffee for me. read more

Absolutely fell in love with this place the moment I saw it. I was driving around looking for a coffee house when I passed it up going the opposite direction and made a u turn as soon as possible. The atmosphere is perfect and very chill. Tons of outdoor seating thats lit with cute bulbs and peoples dogs running around. I love that almost every time you go there you see someone you know. I hang outside to study sometimes but the inside area is where I go to write papers and really focus. However, the inside is unique(art everywhere) and gives off the best vibes that its hard to study! The food is delicious and my favorite thing there is their hibiscus tea with a hint of honey! Who can resist the adorable mantras they have on their sign either? read more

I stopped in Tantra on the way to San Antonio from Austin and I was really impressed. The iced coffee was delicious and the barista was really friendly. My friend had an iced chai which he said was good and not too sweet. There was lots of outdoor seating and I really appreciated the herb garden. If I lived in San Marcos I'd probably spend a lot of time at Tantra, but for those of you who make the drive between Austin and SA frequently, you should definitely check this place out! read more

WTF is going on in the back of this place it sounded like they were sharpening their samurai knives. Super annoying. Akin to fingernails on a chalkboard. Have some respect for your customers trying to enjoy their beverage in peace. UPDATE:: Thanks for the response Adam: It was about 4:30pm last Wednesday. They were also playing music in the back which was competing with the music in the coffee shop. I was sitting in the very back of the coffee house. Sounded like the inmates were running the asylum. I'm bumping up my rating by 1-star because of your reply. Thanks. read more

There wasn't vegan options for coffee blends of drinks. There was a delicious amount of matè which I appreciated. The tacos were very small and expensive. I ordered a vegan custom designed taco with spinach, potato and black beans and they put a teaspoon of every ingredient so I had to buy more food soon after my visit here. Some of the people serving at the register weren't very kind or understanding when I talked about having vegan options. I love the coffeehouse in itself. The environment is so beautiful. The art is wonderful and I know they have live music! It's a beautiful place to study, or just hang out with friends. read more

This is a great place for a coffee or to grab a cold brewski while waiting for your kid to have his braces adjusted by the nearby orthodontist. Nice porch, comfy interior. read more

I mean, how rude can you get? If you're going to advertise having an open mic., have it. If you're going to cancel it, stop advertising! If you're going to cancel it while continuing to advertise, apologize to the people who come for it! I drove all the way from Austin, where there are plenty such events that actually happen, to find out the one-and-only one in this town wasn't going to be going on. The man who 'helped' me told me something I did not understand, and when I asked for clarification I was told it was 'no big deal,' rather than receiving the requested explanation. Having just spent a few months in Israel, I was experiencing some mighty powerful culture shock already and his apparent assumption that I was more or less just like everybody else that comes in because of my (lacking 'foreign') accent was perturbing. I ordered some Italian soda since I was there already anyway and felt obligated. The only reason this place gets two stars from me is because the paintings inside are really fantabuloso! They're also the only part of the whole experience that in any way live up to the name. read more

Lots of seating outside, definitely has an old school Austin vibe (a great thing). Coffee was great and a good place to get some work done or catch up with a friend. Plenty of parking in the neighborhood, too. read more