Tantra SMTX — Restaurant in San Marcos

I've been coming here for ages, and it's even better since it reopened post-Covid. Staff is amazing and friendly, food is delicious and they have options for everyone (GF bread, vegan food, meats, etc.). Favorites of mine are the build your own tacos and the hummus plate. Everything is loaded up with fresh ingredients.

It's a local live music venue as well, fun and sometimes family-friendly depending on the band. There's a mostly fenced-in area with lots of picnic seating and chalk is available too for kids. The maté they make is so clean-tasting. All the coffee I've had here, from drip to fancy lattes, have been the best in town. They also have a great workspace/indoor seating area that's generally quiet and a nice vibe with a selection of well-spaced tables. In the winter it does get a bit chilly if you're in the back room, so bring a sweater! It's cozy, and they feature local artists each quarter. Come support a San...

Update 2025: "Tantra Definition: woven together; instrument to expand; rituals, meditation, and techniques to expand consciousness and achieve self-realization."

While the Tantra of the past would typically be associated with being accepting of all peoples and backgrounds, it seems like there is a divide with the individuals working here in maintaining a welcoming environment. Myself and others have received negative interactions from certain employees about trivial things which could be resolved with tact and kindness. I am willing to update this review as time goes on and Tantra begins to show that it wants to remain true to the definition of tantra: woven together. For now, however, I will be wary when attending one of my favorite San Marcos places.

Original 2018 Review: Great atmosphere. Awesome variety of artists. Pretty good eats. Fun shows frequently throughout the week. The locals will keep...

I've been going to Tantra since I moved to San Marcos way back in the Summer of 2009. Bluegrass nights were on Wednesdays, pitchers of beer were cheap, and the coffee was strong in the mornings. 16 years later in 2025, Tantra is still one of my favorite spots to go and relax. This morning, I popped by for a cold brew coffee. I sat inside for a bit, enjoyed the artwork on the walls (from local artist Clay DeStefano), and relaxed outside with my drink on the balcony before walking home -- if you get here early in the morning, you can enjoy a calming ambiance.

The staff is always friendly and I love how the recent renovations make the place feel like home. I highly recommend Tantra for folks who are looking for good coffee (in the mornings), a light meal (when the kitchen is open), or a rowdy party (anytime there's live music).

I recently stopped by for a lox bagel & cold brew. They were...