The Growling — Texas Craft Beer Bar — Restaurant in San Marcos

Ok, before I start my review... Google asks me to "rate the food" along with service and atmosphere... To be clear, the growling does not make/provide food but in my experience (and feel free to correct me if I'm wrong) but they allow outside food.

ANYWAY... On to the true, honest review...

I'm not from Texas originally. I've been here for a few years but still sometimes have a hard time finding where I fit in. Lots of places in San Marcos either feel too crowded, too expensive, too pretentious, or just overrated in general

The growling is San Marcos' best hidden gem. And I say "hidden" because it's tucked away inside the plaza on the corner of Sessom and N LBJ. It can be easy to overlook sometimes but I almost feel like that is an unintentional sentiment to the owner's humble and laid-back personality.

Manny (owner, operator, bartender, friend) is part of what makes the Growling so amazing. He's a fantastic human being and truly makes you feel so welcome. He treats everyone with kindness and respect, and it feels like you're talking to a long lost friend.

The atmosphere is incredinle. There's stickers and posters from dozens of texas-based breweries and businesses (I love how much he tries to advertise/rep the breweries he serves). But on top of that, there's tons of artwork from local artists, or unique/eclectic pieces (like the newspaper art near the pool table). Even the bar itself is designed with hundreds of thousands of pennies laminated over, making it a really cool design. I swear, Everytime I'm in there I find something new and I love it. You can tell that every inch of the place is decorated and designed with purpose and intention. Which only speaks more to the owner's dedication toward providing the most comfortable and welcoming environment possible.

On top of NUMEROUS local beers and THC water; there's also a pool table, board games, books, a piano and a spot in the corner for local artists to come play. He regularly hosts various themed nights like open mic, vinyl night and game night.

The pub is always very clean and tidy. He keeps it stocked with everything you might need (like a bridge attachment for billiards, a full length mirror in the women's restroom, phone charger, free cold water, etc.) he also has a large TV in the main room.

You can call it a dive bar, you can call it a hidden gem, or you can call it home... Either way, it's personally my favorite spot...

This is a really cool place to stop by and get a pint of a regional beer or refill your growler with your favorite brew to take home (growlers only, no crowlers here).

Friendly, and more importantly, knowledgeable tap masters that can match your beer tastes to the selections on tap.

You can order a pitcher of beer at this place! I don’t see this in many growler stations.

All in all, it’s a very fun place. The staff and the customers are very chill and down to earth.

It’s in a strip center at the corner of LBJ and East Sessom Dr. The address is listed on LBJ and while you can enter there, it’s a lot easier if you enter from East Sesson Drive. And there’s a LOT more parking...

This place is awesome. Manny, the owner and bartender, is the coolest, and is very personable with his customers. And there are themed nights! My boyfriend and I love Vinyl Night on Wednesdays. I also attend a Craft Night with a group of ladies there on Vinyl Night. I love getting to share music I enjoy and hear what vinyl others have collected. Def the coolest bar in San Marcos that attracts similar funky folks around town, offering a space to find community and have nice THC seltzers or local craft beers, ciders and meads. The lavender mead is my favorite! You can also bring your own food which...