The Root Cellar Cafe

Welcome to The Root Cellar Cafe, a charming culinary gem nestled in the vibrant heart of historic downtown San Marcos, TX. Located at 215 N LBJ Dr, this delightful eatery captures the essence of community dining with a menu that celebrates fresh, wholesome ingredients and a cozy atmosphere that invites you to linger a little longer.

Stepping inside, you’re met with a vintage ambiance that features antique furniture and creaky wooden floors, evoking a sense of nostalgia. The decor is inviting, making it a perfect spot for both casual meet-ups and special brunches. Customers rave about the exceptional service with staff who are not only attentive but eager to accommodate dietary needs, ensuring each guest feels at home.

The menu at The Root Cellar Cafe boasts an array of mouthwatering options that cater to diverse tastes. Start your meal with a shared appetizer like the Roasted Garlic Hummus or indulge in the Spinach Artichoke Dip, which critics describe as rich and flavorful, perfect for pairing with their seasoned tortilla chips.

For breakfast lovers, the offerings are delightful. The Biscuits & Gravy are a must-try, featuring freshly baked biscuits smothered in roasted jalapeno cream gravy. If you lean towards healthy choices, the Hearty Frittata is a satisfying dish bursting with flavor, served alongside toast or a biscuit of your choice.

  • Standout Breakfast Plates:
    • New Year’s Toast with Egg: A perfect fusion of flavors to kickstart your day.
    • Breakfast Hash Bowl: A hearty mix that delivers on taste and satisfaction.
  • Notable Lunch Options:
    • Brewhouse Burger: Served on a gluten-free bun, critics can't stop talking about its decadence.
    • Pesto Pasta with Chicken: A customer favorite that highlights rich flavors.

Highlighted by warm reviews, guests have described their experiences as fantastic, enjoying dishes like the Steak and Eggs and unique options like Veggie Frittata amid other tantalizing creations. One customer joyfully noted, "The atmosphere was fantastic and super welcoming,” while another appreciated the “clean, fresh food with rich flavor.” It’s clear that patrons leave with not just full bellies but also smiles, eager to return.

So whether you’re in search of a laid-back breakfast, a lively brunch spot, or simply a cozy corner to enjoy honest comfort food, The Root Cellar Cafe is a must-visit destination that promises a memorable dining experience. Don't miss out on their alcohol service which starts at 10 AM, making it an engaging spot for locals and visitors alike. Plan your visit soon and discover why this cafe is becoming a beloved staple in the heart of San Marcos.

Menu

Location

Address: 215 N LBJ Dr, San Marcos, TX 78666, United States
Phone: +1 512-392-5158

🕓 Work Hours
MON 07:00 AM - 03:00 PM
TUE 07:00 AM - 03:00 PM
WED 07:00 AM - 03:00 PM
THU 07:00 AM - 03:00 PM
FRI 07:00 AM - 04:00 PM
SAT 07:00 AM - 04:00 PM
SUN 07:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Business info

  • Wheelchair-accessible Car Park
    Yes
  • Wheelchair-accessible Seating
    Yes
  • Wheelchair-accessible Toilet
    Yes
  • Outdoor Seating
    Yes
  • Offers Kerbside Pickup
    Yes
  • No-contact Delivery
    Yes
  • Offers Delivery
    Yes
  • Offers Takeaway
    Yes
  • Serves Dine-in
    Yes
  • Fast Service
    Yes
  • Great Beer Selection
    Yes
  • Serves Great Cocktails
    Yes
  • Serves Great Coffee
    Yes
  • Serves Great Dessert
    Yes
  • Great Tea Selection
    Yes
  • Great Wine List
    Yes
  • Popular For Breakfast
    Yes
  • Popular For Lunch
    Yes
  • Popular For Dinner
    Yes
  • Good For Solo Dining
    Yes
  • Serves Alcohol
    Yes
  • Serves Beer
    Yes
  • Serves Cocktails
    Yes
  • Serves Coffee
    Yes
  • Serves Comfort Food
    Yes
  • Serves Healthy Options
    Yes
  • Serves Organic Dishes
    Yes
  • Serves Small Plates
    Yes
  • Serves Vegan Dishes
    Yes
  • Serves Vegetarian Dishes
    Yes
  • Serves Wine
    Yes
  • Serves Breakfast
    Yes
  • Serves Brunch
    Yes
  • Serves Lunch
    Yes
  • Serves Dinner
    Yes
  • Catering
    Yes
  • Serves Dessert
    Yes
  • Seating
    Yes
  • Bar On Site
    Yes
  • Gender-neutral Toilets
    Yes
  • Toilet
    Yes
  • Casual
    Yes
  • Cosy
    Yes
  • Historic
    Yes
  • Romantic
    Yes
  • Trendy
    Yes
  • Family Friendly
    Yes
  • Good For Groups
    Yes
  • LGBTQ+ Friendly
    Yes
  • Popular With Tourists
    Yes
  • Transgender Safe Space
    Yes
  • Popular With University Students
    Yes
  • Brunch Reservations Recommended
    Yes
  • Dinner Reservations Recommended
    Yes
  • Accepts Reservations
    Yes
  • Usually Has A Wait
    Yes
  • Accepts Credit Cards
    Yes
  • Accepts Debit Cards
    Yes
  • Accepts NFC Mobile Payments
    Yes
  • Credit Cards
    Yes
  • Good For Kids
    Yes
  • High Chairs Available
    Yes
  • Kids' Menu
    Yes
  • Free Of Charge Street Parking
    Yes
  • Somewhat Difficult To Find A Space
    Yes

Last Reviews

  • Author: Calypso Carlile

    07 June 2025

    This restaurant was just superb. My husband and I went in the afternoon during the summer season, and we made a reservation prior. We went in a little early, and were sat immediately. The atmosphere was fantastic and super welcoming. Our waitress was very attentive and made sure to specially note my husband and I’s allergies for the kitchen. Finally, the food was just phenomenal. My husband got the Steak and Eggs, and I had the Brewhouse Burger. He said this was one of the best steaks he had ever had in his life, and mine, which was available on a gluten-free bun, was just decadent. Please come here if you like good atmosphere, great service, and excellent food.

  • Author: Ricardo Gratacós

    29 May 2025

    A middle ground between fine dining and a casual atmosphere. Clean, fresh food with rich flavour. A great experience and I will be back soon. I recommend the pesto pasta with chicken and the holy aioli. Try the French sodas if you fancy a refreshing experience.

  • Author: Christine Kehr

    28 May 2025

    The Root Cellar Cafe is a delightful restaurant in the heart of historic downtown San Marcos. Wonderfully decorated and featuring good, healthy comfort food, it is a popular downtown spot. We ordered the salmon and pasta carbonara. The exquisite salmon with balsamic glaze was served with pilaf, sauteed vegetables, and eggplant chips. The chips were sweet and my personal favorite. The pasta carbonara was also very good. A 16-oz beer was just 7 which was also very sweet. We ended with the gluten-free Tart and Snickerdoodle bread pudding. Absolutely delicious. I need to mention that the service was very good. Our server was a delight and very attentive. Highly recommend!

  • Author: Dmitriy Mykalo

    19 May 2025

    The Root Cellar Cafe – a fantastic breakfast spot in this college town. We had the New Year’s toast with egg and the veggie frittata, both well-prepared and flavorful. The atmosphere is unique—vintage, cozy, with antique furniture, creaky wooden floors, and an old-school charm that makes it feel like stepping into a different era. One fun detail - alcohol service starts at 10 AM, and judging by the crowd, the locals are well aware. The place got noticeably busier right around that time. Service was fast and friendly, making the whole experience even better. Whether you’re looking for a laid-back breakfast, a brunch spot with a little buzz, or just a charming place to start the day, this one’s worth a visit.