Grins Restaurant
| Address: | 802 N LBJ Dr, San Marcos, TX 78666, USA |
| Phone: | +1 512-392-4746 |
| Site: | grinsrestaurant.com |
| Rating: | 4 |
| Working: | 11AM–10PM 11AM–10PM 11AM–10PM 11AM–10PM 11AM–10PM 11AM–10PM 11AM–10PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 15
LM
LMR
2-part review: Part 1 is the food/service. Part 2 is health/cleanliness related. Food/service: Bottom line is this is an inexpensive place with generous portions... great for families and more traditional folks, who dont necessarily want a bunch of excitement (aka, flavor) in their meals, and who may not care about the imperfections of the space. Weve now been to Grins twice. The first visit, I just remember mediocrity-- bland food, underwhelming service. Yesterday was our second visit. The food was much better (I had the grilled fish tacos, which were cooked and seasoned well). However, as sweet as our server was, the food took a REALLY long time getting out... you know, the kind of long time, when youve eaten all the chips and salsa you can stand, and its still a good 15 minutes til the food comes. Health/cleanliness: Aside from the food/service, I was distracted by some potential health/cleanliness issues: some water damaged ceiling tiles (over the dining area) are discolored and look moldy. Also, I could see a layer of thick dust up on a ledge (in the lower dining room). Last, the ladies room has some funky crud around the sink fixtures... that whole space needs a thorough bleach scrub-down.
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Maribel Ryburn
I appreciate what Grins offers but dont frequent it for these reasons: - The chips have come to my table stale on numerous occasions. - The guacamole already looks a day old when served. The color is way too dark green to be fresh and the taste reflects the look. - The salads are good but the vegetarian options are so few. Im thankful for the veggie patty but consider investing in better buns and condiments to up the taste. - The onion rings are awesome but the fries are terrible. No flavor. - I know the happy hour is a pretty good deal but consider getting other glasses than the mini plastic mugs. Doesnt look classy. - Update your bathrooms and know that clear packaging tape on a broken toilet lid does not suffice. - Finally, update your checking system. The ink is barely visible so reading the ticket can be difficult. - I hope Grins stays around for a long time but it has the potential to be so much better!
PA
Patrickxtx Kirby
Well i found this place on Google. Its close to the river so those headed or coming off the river its convenient place for you. When we visted it was about 12:30 on a Saturday afternoon and we had to wait 20 to seat a table of 5. The staff was very friendly and the service was fast. This place has been aroud since 1975 and it in need of some updates. There Onion Rings lived up to recommendation. However the food was ok. One chicken salad, one fired catfish, two chicken pitas and i got their signature chicken fried steak. It was all just standard taste and portions. With the onion ring appetizer, two teas, two waters and one soda with tip we got out for $70. Its a coin toss recommendation.
CH
Charles Duoto
I love Grins. The portions are big, and the prices are reasonable. The best way to describe the food would be Bar & Grill food. Expect various burgers, chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes, tacos, french fries, massive onion rings, and of course sandwiches. The only off putting aspect would be some of the decor. The outdoor tables clearly need to be replaced, for example. The happy hour is the best though, as margaritas are only 99 cents. Youll even find some of the professors drinking down here at that time. Id also recommend checking Hooked! as Grins runs some deals on their burgers and alcohol.
JA
Jason Garcia
This place was mediocre at best. Cheap chips from a bag, poorly battered onion rings, and a tortilla soup that hominy in it. Who does that? I might have been ok with that if the soup was made with a chicken and tomato broth instead of a can of watered down enchilada sauce. Service was lacking as well. I am in the industry and know that my attitude will directly affect my income. Our server was barely going through the motions. We had to ask for silverware and napkins, and no refills were offered.
CY
Cynthia Casias-Ramirez
Waitress who waited on us was very attentive, prompt and friendly to a young man at another table. We had to get up to check on our order. While the onion rings were good and piled high on plate a fly fell upside down on the greasy plate and died so we didnt eat the rest. The broccoli cheese soup was too thick and was more like a dip. This place has great atmosphere its loud and lively just too bad the food and customer service need a lot work.
OR
Ortie Jones
Disappointed! Treating a starving college kid? Dont waste your time or money. Food was bland. Onion rings seemed burnt, maybe old frying oil because chicken strips came the same way. Burgers were over done with no seasoning, buns were definitely day(s) old. The ranch dip was watered down and the gravy seemed old as well. The only positive thing and worth the money was the tip for our server. Wont return, worst $75 ever spent.
JA
James Barnes
Ive been coming to Grins since 1978. Although I miss the wood fired grill, the food is consistently outstanding and with all the great memories associated with this place its one of my favorite places to eat anywhere. Banana pudding is outstanding and the #4 cheddar cheese is to die for. Nothing better than a float down the river and then a Grins hamburger and Sangra afterwards!
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A Private User
I love the food!!! The burgers are amazing and so is the chicken. Very well priced. However, the menu is extremely difficult to read and needs to be updated. Even though the food is great, the decor is pathetic--everything is covered in dust! It doesnt stop me from eating there, I just have to avoid catching a glimpse of the hat wall...
DE
Destiny Villegas
By far the worst food Ive eaten in a long time. Service was poor. Our silverware that we were given by the staff was covered on food! The food was so bland that I could of eaten cardboard and couldnt of told the difference. It wasnt even my food that tasted so bad but as well as my friends who came with me. Never coming her again!
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A Private User
Highly recommended. If you find yourself in San Marcos, find your way to the historic downtown, through the campus and up the hill to this fun place. The chips and salsa were great...salsa was nice and hot. I had the cajun grilled catfish and it was tasty. Kudos to Grins for making affordable good food...not cheap fast food.
JO
Joel George
The Banana pudding - AMAZING The XXX Burger - AMAZING The water - AMAZING Everything about this place is just absolutely amazing! Just be careful with the catfish dishes, if youre not a fish fan then it might be too AMAZING for you to comprehend it. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR TAKING OUR MONEY, WE WERENT WORTHY OF THE FOOD!
DE
Debbyshellg G.
I have been going to Grins over 35 years. They have great hamburgers. Throughout the years they have added several items. They have several vegetarian and healthy meals and also the classics. Their hotsauce and Tortilla soup has won awards. I also love dining outside among the oak trees.
TA
Taylor Sheppard
Enjoyes the food and atmosphere for decades , but havent for a few years because it got so ratty looking and unkempt. People like nice clean aurroundings because kitchen often looks something like the rest. Congrats on cleaning it up! You can evwn see through the fogged windows.
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A Private User
Everything on the menu is good, but the Hamburgers are the standby. Get a #4 all the way. Ive been going since being a student at SWTSU in 1979. Now my children are that age and are loyal customers as well. Did I mention that I like this place? Get the Triple Dipper!
