The Porch

The environment was so amazing and the bartenders were absolutely angels. 10/10 would definitely go again!

Bartenders are bad with giving the correct change back. I'm not sure if she thought we wouldn't notice the extra $20 she gave herself, but we did and chose not to say anything to her. She obviously needed the money more than we did but we will choose NOT to go back for this reason. Female bartender on Friday, March 21st mid day.

I rate 1 star pretty much everything everyone else said on here I agree nice pool tables though 🤓

Genuinely had a really good time here! Live music was nice and the crowd was really cool. My only complaint is I had my service dog with me- and no not just an emotional support animal, a trained service dog to assist with my disability. Since it was loud punk music playing we had already planned to sit on the patio hence why I didn’t correct the door man and didn’t wanna make it a big deal(plus it would’ve been hard for him to hear me over the music anyway), but I went out of my way to tell the doorman “Just so you know, he’s a service animal” and he had a vest clearly marked as such, I was letting him know in case we had to go into the bar to use the bathroom or anything. In response he said “Okay, but all dogs have to stay on the patio”. He wasn’t rude, it was just clear to me he wasn’t educated on the fact service dogs are by law considered medical equipment and have public access rights, including inside bars or food establishments so long as they are not behind the bar or in the kitchen. Again not at all unhappy! And like I said we were planning on sitting outside anyway, but I felt as if I couldn’t go in and use the bathroom or anything in fear of being asked to leave. He was just doing his job and didn’t know, maybe the bar has had experiences before with fake service dogs and thats why he said that, but it would be nice if maybe the staff had a brief meeting educating on service dog public access, ADA laws, and etiquette :) overall the place had a very nice vibe and we had a good time!

My friends and I went for the KTSW event tonight. Each time we went to the bar we were blatantly ignored by the two bartenders on duty. We were never rude or obnoxious, we were actively tipping, etc. they made eye contact with us and then walked away multiple times. Ordering for our group took more than 10 minutes because of them ignoring us. (We were some of the only people standing at the bar). When we finally flagged them down, they rolled their eyes and had attitudes with us. It was frustrating because all of us had been polite and had been tipping as I said before. All in all, some of the worst service I’ve ever received.

My friend and I have been coming here for the last couple years and at first I liked the vibe and the service was okay at best. We have gone the last 2 Saturdays and both time were ignored by the male bar tender both times (Aaron I think is his name). When we FINALLY did get served the drinks were by far the worst drinks I've ever had. Tequila sunrise was just sugar in a cup and then we tried the long island iced tea from a different bar tender and it was even more sugary. They clearly don't know how to make drinks. It's consistently gone downhill over the last several months and we decided to just not go here anymore. It's sad but I'm not going to wait 20 minutes for a horribly made drink anymore. And no they weren't busy either time. We are in our 30s so we don't go out late. Also... they will severely over charge at random times. Most of the time I pay about $5 for a domestic beer and the last time I got just ONE budlight I was told it was $10. I immediately went to another bar. I've seen other people have this issue so BEWARE they DO try to scam on prices. They really need to do hospitality training on their bartenders.

the food was sub par. my chilli was to be homemade and tasted like it came from a can. the other 2 dishes were ok. none of out orders came out hot. they were luke warm. the service was the worst. everything had to be ordered from the bar even when she came to the table. when we went to bar she was nowhere to be found and stood there waiting like an idiot. additionally they were not busy at all. I guess I know why.

Went down there for a free show. If was pretty fresh.

This used to be a fun an unique spot in San Marcos to hang out and grab a drink. But it has issues. Let me first start out with the good. The staff is FANTASTIC and very friendly. The bartenders are lead by the awesome Rene(i hope i'm spelling that right) and Miguel. I haven't learned the names of the others yet but I have never had an issue with any of them and they are always so polite. You can drink at the bar and even order food from the Taproom. Now for the bad or what needs to improve. The Porch used to have a nice outside 'porch' area with nice chairs and even porch swings. That I always felt was the selling point of this place as when sitting outside i would constantly hear passers by comment on the swings and even come in to sit on them. These have been replaced by very cheap metal chairs most of which are broken now and for some reason an elevated table with barstools which isn't in the porch motif. The interior used to have nice comfortable couches and chairs but pool tables have replaced those. Its fine I mean business change with new owners but it lost a little of what it was. I would be fine with all of that, except the outdoor chairs, if it wasn't so hot inside. The AC barely works if at all and half of the fans do not work so there is no air circulation and in Texas during the summer you want a nice cool place to relax. They need to fix the fans, cool off the interior and put some fans on the exterior. In the spring time, fall and winter its a great place to hang out, but until they fix the summer issues, I can't say. It is better than when they tried to be a disco club during the pandemic lol.

It was 100 degrees and needed a place to hangout and have a nice cold drink. This place is a bar and has that western appeal mixed with a sports pub. You can sit facing the street, inside with both a street view and TVs, or in the back where there are more TVs but a bit darker. The bar is smack in the middle with a cool circular projection screen above it. I ordered a Deep Eddy Grapefruit with Sprite and watched the FIFA World Cup. The bartender was cool. It is definitely a cool bar with great drinks.

The chep bartender in the afternoon makes great popcorn. Seriously. Miguel is his name I think. Or Omar.

Great bar and Great hang, especially on Sunday afternoons. Cold beers, good food and live music... what else you need? well, they also gotta great old school Captains bar with a lot of character and a great old school indoor/outdoor porch right on the square. Overall, great bar. Would expect no less from the new ownership. Definitely check it out if you find yourself hanging in San Marcos.

The manager is extremely rude. Called me fucking stupid for bringing my teenage step-son and son to watch their dad play a show. The event flyer stated ALL age event. My son has been prior to watch shows played here with 0 problems. Word for the owner get a new manager!

This is our favorite place in San Marcos. I was surprised to to see it had such a low rating, but then I read the one star comments and see what's up. Cold beer, good enough drinks, and nicest porch on the square.

This place bumps hard, real diverse crowd and loud ass bangers. The new management really turned this place around.

I tried to go in for my first time around San Marcos out and because I showed some of my "breasts" area, some rude guy stood in front of me and my boyfriend and refuses to let us in til I had to just walk away. So disgusting

Don't ever get on Yelp to complain but me and My wife decided to go out and have drinks tonight now we've been to the porch several times during the day and never had a problem unfortunately tonight I have a neck tattoo and they don't appreciate it I am a bartender I am 38 years old I own a house in Kyle I am a very prominent person in the community and unfortunately because my neck is tattooed because I am a bartender and I am hip with the industry I am not allowed in your establishment well you know what I have to say about that fuck your establishment I am done I will never ever spend my money in there again and I'm really disturbed at the fact that a 38-year-old man who works his ass off and it has two jobs is not allowed to go have a drink because I have a neck tattoo

If I could give ZERO STARS I would. I've come here multiple times and loved the vibe and staff until I tried to go here, on Saturday night (April 10th 2021) and because I have an inch sized lotus on my lower thumb upper wrist area they wouldn't let me in after I already had been there just earlier in the week! I am appalled by the discrimination that they presented me. I asked to speak with the manager and upon doing so he told me it's because of "Not wanting thugs" in their establishment. I am a mother of a 2 year old, very well dressed behaved and polite and I highly advise to never come here. Upon doing more research into the matter I found out that they turned down the only two non white members of an 8 member party as well as the manager has walked up to a woman and called her a slut. This place should be shut down or find a new owner. San Marcos TX has no room for discrimination, racism, and just flat out ignorant minded people.

The Porch has new owners and we love it! It was time for a refresh. Drinks were great, staff is friendly, clean atmosphere, great people watching. We recommend this place!

This might sound like a planted review, but it ain't. The Porch is the inspired addition to the long-standing, iconically cool Taproom, which I've been coming to for more than 20 years. The Taproom is consistent, down to earth, interesting and welcoming. The Porch, its shared space-separate entrance love child, is no different. Excellent service to all types of folks. And now they have installed PORCH SWINGS that sway breezily overlooking the square. Brilliant. The Porch has porch swings, and my fave cider AND the best burgers in town. Still winning, Travis, after all these years. THANK YOU!

Back of the house was great but bartender in front was rude and not hospital. Won't be back

Being new to this city, we never felt more welcomed by the entire staff at this place! I love the whole vibe of this bar. Multiple TV's throughout, huge bar, another draft beer bar in the back where you can also order food, and the porch swings are the cutest touch! Best of all, they are super pet friendly and welcomed our dog as if it was their own! It's so nice to meet such great employees as well as the owners. The drinks are super inexpensive and have a great liquor selection. We definitely found our favorite hangout spot in downtown San Marcos!

If you're looking to day drink and not have to dress up this is the place to come. TV on every wall for games. Their liquor choicest are a bit sad but expected for a college town. A great pre-game spot

We do not live in the area and this was suggested to us by a local. The entire establishment is set up in a great way with a "country" side and a "rock-n-roll" side. They had a lot on tap and are doing beer blends which was new to me. While we were there for the beer, I did order a basket of fried pickles which were very good. We sat at the bar so we always had the attention of the staff. We did not experience any issues with poor services like others have stated. The place was jumping and they had great music. As for the "trashiest bar" comment by Joey Y. below.... this is the ritz compared to many bars I've been in in San Antonio.

Liquor and bottles only. Not much of a selection of Texas beers. They beautified the building, and put this fancy circular screen with different games projected on it. Maybe they should have invested in some bar taps and better beer. R.I.P. Coffee Pot.

Its true what they say the only people that review are the ones that are pissed! Lol I have a good time whenever I go because of the nice projector screen in the middle of the bar for sports. I like the bar tenders and open feel of the place. Great for watching sports or watching people walk by.

Whenever we come to town, this is the first place we stop. Get a strong drink and sit in the porch to people watch. Its pretty chill and I think its a good pace to "start the night" . then move on.

The employees were horrible to me, my friends, and family. They were rude, aggressive, and made us feel very uncomfortable. Never again!!! (I would give them no stars). On another night they wouldn't allow my friend to go in bc she had a license from another state... DUMB!

This sister bar of The Tap Room is aces in my book. Good selection of cans and bottles(mostly Texan). The bar staff has changed faces a bit over the past couple years but has always been quick enough for my tastes and gives service with a smile. Great place to watch the Stros play.

Took my husband here for Veterans Day celebration. Sat at the bar. Waited AT LEAST 10 minutes for anyone to acknowledge us. No bueno! And the place was not even full.

I'm not sure what people are fussing about. They do offer only bottles and liquor but you can grab a draft at Taproom and bring it over as they are connected and under the same ownership. It's new and BEAUTIFUL. The bar itself and the big circular TV are a "must see". The bartenders are great! Rhiannon and Vern are my favorite.

Remodel of the building looks great and place has great potential. However, the service is terrible and almost not worth even coming to the bar. Bartenders are rude and more concerned with chatting it up with cute girls than making sure other customers are served. While there, bartender made shots for a couple and took them to the girls at the bar rather than the people who ordered them. When you do get service, the bartenders are not apologetic for the long wait or very friendly.

Came into the porch a couple weeks ago for the first time in a long while, I remember this location being The Coffee Pot & so I was interested to see how the bar would be but it was impressing the swings were nice, I liked the Christmas tree & lounge chairs, but what stood out the most was my bartender!! Bunny was full of energy, made sure my drinks were made the way I like them & never left me waiting to order my next drink, nice job

The Square wouldn't be complete without The Porch. The staff is so attentive and fun to be around. All the door guys are great at what they do. Vern is easily the best bartender I've ever met. Always puts a smile on my face and is very welcoming. The bar wouldn't be the same without him! The day Vern leaves will be a sad day

The bald guy with the beard is the worst bartender I have ever had the unfortunate opportunity to interact with. Sat down, my friend ordered a beer, I asked do you guys have any IPAs. He then muttered something inaudible to me. He came back with the beer my friend ordered. And asked for my order again. I said I'll take an IPA. He then said which one, I said idk, do you have a list. He then directed me to get out of my seat and walk to the other side of the bar to look at a refrigerator with beer in it while he broke down a couple of boxes. Ridiculous. It wasn't busy. I was a bartender for 8+ years. Rattle me off a quick list of IPAs and I'll choose one. I wasn't asking for alcohol content or IBUs, just an IPA. Also, my friends got their credit card info stolen at this spot about 6 months ago.. If yo go, pay with cash.

If I could give less than one star I would. I have been here three times and every time the bartenders/ bar-backs are rude and overly aggressive. So sad that employee are the main reason why they receive bad reviews. Hopefully management steps up and confront the issue.

They miss the mark on service. The female bartender is to busy strutting her stuff to notice when her customers need a refill. I've gone numerous times to this bar....and I love the idea of the bar and atmosphere but service is just not there....staff seems too busy talking to each other and the customers are left to talk to each other about the lack of attentiveness.

the only reason I'm rating it with 3 stars is because I love the taproom and whoever the female bartender was the night we were there who saved the guy bartenders ass. he completely ignored us before she got there, and when he finally asked what I'd like to drink he didn't even ask the person I was with which left them quite parched. thumbs down to him

Three stars for having a big bar, one star for the bartenders. Good location on the square with open spaces. This spot use to be the Coffee Pot, the owners of the Tap Room expanded after buying the building. The space had a much better vibe when it was the Coffee Pot... If you want to impress a date, not the place to go... your bartender may be rude! Good spot if you want to watch people on the sidewalk.