Tarbox & Brown at Kissing Tree is one of the true standouts in San Marcos. Although Kissing Tree is a 55+ community, the restaurant itself is open to all -- and thank goodness, because the food and service are simply too good to keep behind any gate. The kitchen consistently turns out high‑quality dishes made with fresh ingredients, and you can taste the care in every bite. The chef has clearly built a knowledgeable, confident staff who deliver a smooth, top‑tier dining experience from start to finish. I've eaten here many times, and nothing anywhere has matched their "Par 3" plate -- chicken salad, tuna salad, and egg salad served on crisp lettuce. Simple, fresh, and absolutely unmatched. The staff is always pleasant, attentive, and genuinely enthusiastic about the menu. They're not afraid to tell you what they personally enjoy, which makes the whole experience feel warm and authentic. San Marcos is incredibly fortunate to have Tarbox & Brown. In the two years I've been a regular, they've only continued to raise the bar -- and that says everything. read more

Came here for lunch on the weekend & it was the perfect place to sit out on the covered patio! You order at the counter & then the food is dropped off to you, which is nice. Everything came out timely & the portion sizes were good. I got the French dip grilled cheese which was ok however I wish there was more cheese in it. Besides that everything was great, would recommend! read more

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Omg! This is such a quaint little spot I stumbled across while traveling for work! I stopped in for lunch and got the Cesar salad! It was delicious! Who knew a salad could be so good! I had to double back and try the fried chicken tacos !!! I'm so glad I did! So flavorful and they fries were cooked to perfection!!!! Perfectly crisp!!! I really wished I could've stayed to check out their dinner...I'll definitely be back! P.S. Ari assisted me my 1st time in, he was very nice and helpful! read more

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You walk in and give your order and they bring your order to you. Nothing special about the food. My salad had wilted lettuce inside it and we were served cold sweet potatoes fry's. As I said nothing special but good iced tea! read more

Tarbox & Brown - Club with fries - American Near Me - San Marcos, Texas

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Went here for my birthday during their Happy Hour timeframe. It was a fun experience with a great view. Little intimidating as you approach a guard station to the gated community where the clubhouse/ restaurant is located. The bartender, Joe, was also our server. He was very attentive even though he was busy filling drink orders. I had the appetizer sampler and everything on it was tasty, especially the homemade dipping sauces. read more

If the weather allows, you can eat outside here and enjoy the light breeze and welcoming views of Kissing Tree. Our first jaunt here was an Octoberfest special dinner. It was served buffet style, with self serve portions. I was able to get a big portion of what I liked, with a small portion of other things. But more important, the food was delicious! Some time later, we did their breakfast. It is off the menu, and I'm glad. There's nothing worse than lukewarm potatoes, lukewarm eggs, etc. We ordered a side of breakfast skillet potatoes, and they were served hot and fresh out of the fryer. Perfect! A bonus for breakfast is that the coffee was offered complimentary. read more

Just WOW on the setting and ambiance, which overlooks the manicured grounds. We are here on a Saturday evening (they are normally closed on Sat evening) for a Father's Day meal. Dress here is casual, other than if an announced formal affair. We have eaten here previously and enjoyed the regular breakfast menu. It is offered seven days a week. Coffee is self serve, which I like in that I can get a half cup at a time, keeping it hot We returned for Sunday brunch. Now it is ordered from the menu. Previously, it was via steam table and lacked quite a bit. I sent an email to Brooke, she listened, and it changed. Highlights: - Complimentary coffee, tea, or soda. - 10am-noon - inside or outside dining - Limited, but very good menu - We love the two-taco special, two for only $6.50 Check online because their menu changes periodically based on what diners want. They also have a committee that provides input on what works or doesn't work. I like that. Finally, check their website or Facebook page for special offerings. I noticed a "comfort-food" meal. These are one-time offerings that are off the menu. read more

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Nestled inside a golf community, T&B serves up a casual atmosphere that's sprinkled with luxury. As usual, I ordered the special Old Fashioned, which, in this case, was Pumpkin Pie. Sadly, it was below par and I just expected better. The food across the table proved to be delicious, however. We had salads, salmon, and a few other items. Service was attentive and friendly. Overall, T&B is worth a visit, especially for a quick bite. read more

Tried this last night. It was pretty good, fairly priced and was in a nice location. I got the bang bang shrimp bowl which was really good. Fried shrimp, lettuce, cucumber, pickled carrots and a yummy salsa ranch sauce. I would get it again. My husband got fish and chips that was also really good. My daughter got the kids buttered noodles with grilled shrimp, she liked it. It's in a golf course area so lots of golfers but they weren't busy and service was a bit slow, which is why I gave 4 stars. But overall, nice visit. read more

What a lovely restaurant to have lunch with a rolling hills view! The restaurant is very spacious and they had large fans on the patio that kept a cool breeze on a hot summer day. When you enter you go straight to a counter to order. You then get a number and your food will be brought to you. For two of us we shared the Pork Potstickers, Club Sandwich with Waffle Sweet Potato Fries and Fish Tacos with Coleslaw. You serve yourself your own fountain drink and can grab your condiments. Wowza the food portions are huge! The Potstickers were tasty and paired with a nice thick dipping sauce. The sandwich I enjoyed first bite. The sourdough bread wasn't too thick and had the perfect crisp to it. The Fish Tacos were good, but a little too much of a thick breading for me. For alcoholic drinks you walk up to the bar to order separate. I went with the KT Ranch Water and appreciated that the server made it with real fresh squeezed limes. I don't really like it when they use the already processed lime juice. Overall a nice experience! read more

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I picked up an order of fish and chips for dinner. The fish and the chips were overcooked like they used old oil. The fish batter was excessively salty. The cod was dry and stringy. read more

Beautiful restaurant setting on the golf course. Lighting sets the ambiance. Service was very slow and it took 20 min for one of our guest to get their cocktail. He then actually went to the bar to retrieve it. We sat on the outdoor patio and had 6 guest in our party. I tried soup and it tasted delicious and savory. I wanted a 2nd cup. I ordered the pork chops with asparagus and risotto. The salad with bacon in the dressing was divine. We took pictures on the balcony. An excellent choice with friends or date night read more

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We live nearby and order takeout or dine in often. Consistently very good and our go-to for a restaurant. In San Marcos..

We love that the menu changes regularly so always something new to eat! Beautiful view, great cocktails and friendly staff. Never tire of this place read more

Went to Tarbox & Brown for Easter Brunch. Sadly, not one thing about the experience was great. Not. One. The value? $95 for two people, including tip, without any alcoholic beverages is insane for a buffet "brunch," which included, basically, no breakfast items, except bacon / sausage. No waffles, pancakes, french toast, or even regular toast for that matter, which seem to be standard fare at every brunch we've ever been to. They did have an "omelet" station, but the operator of the station moved at the speed of molasses, and had one burner going. Waiting nearly half an hour to get an egg / omelet? That's nuts. The service was abysmal (and, unfortunately, that's par for the course, rather than the exception), the food--beef tips over white rice--was just so-so. The "dessert" of carrot cake, I have to believe was store bought, as it was dry and lacked much flavor. Soft drinks / tea weren't included either for the nearly 40 bucks a person. I've really tried to like this place, but over the years that it's been open, I'd like to think they'd have gotten their act together. Too bad that they haven't. To be fair, about the only thing Tarbox and Brown does well is their burger. Lunch on the patio is nice, especially with friends, but if you want a nice dinner? Hard pass on this one. Instead, drive 10 minutes into town and eat at Palmer's, or even Cody's down the street. Honestly, any restaurant in town is better than this. The convenience of this place here in KT is nice, but I'd rather drive a few minutes for something even halfway decent. read more

Just moved to Kissing Tree and have eaten here a couple of times. Had really good service and food both visits.

I don't usually leave reviews, but the service at Tarbox & Brown was so unbelievably rude, I feel obligated. We stood at the counter ready to order, and the person working there flat-out ignored us. Not a "hello," not a "just a moment"--nothing. They were too busy chatting about personal nonsense with someone else, acting like we didn't even exist. It was insulting and completely unprofessional. If this is how they treat paying customers, they don't deserve anyone's business. We walked out, and I won't ever be back. Absolutely disgraceful service. read more

Wife & I stopped by for lunch and were glad we did. We both got pear & turkey croissant sandwiches. I got fresh fruit and she got fries. Food was fresh and very good. Nice setting as well. read more

Wow! Kudos to Chefs Chanel & David, Brooke and staff for an amazing Italian multi course dinner!!! The delicious anti pasta platter, Caesar salad with parmasean crisps and crispy chicken parmasean over vodka sauced pasta, finished with a rich tiramisu and chocolate gelato dessert were all memorable!!! Thank you, Libby, for great service! Please repeat repeat repeat these special evenings!!!!!!!! read more

Tarbox & Brown - American Near Me - San Marcos, Texas

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Stuffed mushrooms had zero flavor. Why would you add kraft mac and cheese to stuffed mushrooms? Maybe add some salt and a dip to make it better. Also had the club which was ok. Asked for a side of mayo and they brought out the bottle. Fish and chips was bland, also needed salt/seasoning. The fries were not cooked all the way and had to be sent back. The drinks were good and the prices. read more

Tarbox & Brown - Stuffed mushrooms - American Near Me - San Marcos, Texas

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Burger was a damn near perfect. The fries did not hold up as good as the burger. Drinks were fine. Prices for some other menu items seem to be a bit steep compared to what you're actually getting. read more

We found this restaurant after a few hours at the outlet mall in San Marcos. Don't be misled that you can't eat here as it is in a gate golf community, so just let the guard know you are heading to the restaurant for a bite. I had a fresh strawberry salad and added grilled chicken, which was delicious. My husband had the stagecoach burger and he said was fantastic and juicy as evidenced by him needing to wash his hands afterwards!! Service was smooth and quick. The view is the golf course is nice as well! Give them a try if you are looking for a quick, tasty bite to eat!! read more

Enjoyed a great dinner tonight with our favorite waitress Maria! Lemon Ravioli with Shrimp. Our first time to try this dish. Very good!

All the food was delicious-barrata appetizer, asparagus tempura, filet au poivre, fresh salad, and a great outdoor setting!

The food and service were excellent. We went 3 consecutive days because of a tournament nearby. In the afternoon we would hang out on their patio ( which is fabulous ) and had a nice view of the Texas hill country. We have great memories!! read more

Great Food Excellent Service, Fantastic Bar Variety of foods Moderate Prices, Cross between sports bar and nice sit down restaurant read more

Had a great dinner last night. More food than we could eat in one sitting- than goodness for "to go boxes".

Skye did a wonderful job as our server. Every Wednesday is prime rib night. This is our second time trying it and we will be back.

Traveling to San Marcos on business and noticed Tarbox and Brown after a quick yelp search. They've only been open 1 month but a Great experience overall. Food and service were fantastic and everyone from the locals to the managers were welcoming and hospitable . The patio is the perfect place to wind down after a long day. Will be back during future visits read more

Awsome food and amazing service from our favorite server Maria! The menu changes seasonally and we have loved everything we have tried: highly recommend the Shrimp and Lemon Ravioli! read more

Food and service were great. Interior was very pleasant. Will be better when patio is more comfortable.

I've had mostly good experiences during lunch but this was our first time for dinner. Wait staff was friendly as usual. The place was busy so they were a bit harried but they did a good job. Two of us had the Carbonara which was overdone and cold. One had the fish and chips and said it was very good. I had the short ribs, the flavor was excellent but the meat was very dry. Overall I will continue to enjoy a lunch here but it may take a while to venture in for another dinner. read more

Had the roasted turkey pot pie. I can't give it high marks because of the high salt content. It made it inedible for me. The last time I was there I was served over-cooked salmon. I have had a couple of nice fish specials in the past but this restaurant seems to be inconsistent. read more

Great dinner! Ordered Prime Rib and it, along with the salad, mashed potatoes, and asparagus was wonderful! Our server, Amanda, was the best! Will definitely be returning! read more

We have had Julian multiple times and every time had excellent service. He brings drinks and bread immediately to our table. He is super friendly and always has a smile on his face. read more

We had a wonderful dinner at the Wednesday Night Prime Rib evening. Food was delicious. Our server Hana was very attentive. We wanted a slower paced meal and she accommodated us, bringing salads but then waiting to place the entree order until we were ready. read more

Menu sounded amazing, but the grilled halloumi and strawberry salad had ice cold halloumi. It it was grilled it wasn't done today. We also had the South African prego rolls which sounded delicious. But it was a store bought roll with the chewiest beef I've ever had on it. Even my husband, who eats everything pushed it away. The waitress told us they are thinking of taking it off the menu because they know it's too chewy-but never offered to take the item off of our bill. The setting is beautiful. We sat outside overlooking the golf course. We had high hopes but were very disappointed read more

We enjoyed prime rib night on Wednesday. The atmosphere is always very nice here. Natalie was pleasant as well as the other staff members. We had a great time. read more

The food quality is average, the menu is uneventful, the prices are hi. The service is average. The ambiance is decent. Overall I would not recommend. read more

Really enjoyed every time I've eaten at Tarbox & Brown. Love sitting outside this time of the year.