About the Brand
Grins is the only restaurant in San Marcos that has an unbeatable Happy Hour for students and locals alike. Where else can you get a frosty margarita for just 99 cents, plus a delicious chicken-fried steak? Nowhere else in San Marcos, that’s for sure.
But Grins doesn’t just focus on drinks, even if they are one of its biggest draws. If you want to enjoy a great southern-style meal in a casual, scenic spot just steps away from the Texas State University campus, this is the place to be. Whether it’s on game days with friends or a Sunday dinner with the family, this historic spot has all of your bases covered! Along with serving Texas-size onion rings and award-winning chips and salsa, we pride ourselves on one thing above all… Not taking things too seriously. All of our staff are either current or ex-students of Texas State, which helps keep our vibe laid-back.
Supporting the local community and serving stellar burgers— that’s how we keep on smiling after 50 years!
Concept Collage
Onliness Factors
What: The restaurant that best embodies the relaxed spirit of San Marcos
How: and employs Texas State students and alumnae,
Who: serving current students and town locals alike
Where: in a historic building-turned-restaurant
Why: and showing its patrons that keeping things classic isn’t always a bad thing
When: in a time where people want a small break from the complex rush of modern life.
Our restaurant is the only scenic hotspot in San Marcos that has helped support the local student community for 50 years.
Identity Basics

Brand Goals
Grins aims not only for “service with a smile,” but something deeper. We try to create a slice of home away from home by embracing our casual college-town vibe, keeping our energy fun, and making sure those grins are genuine. By considering our unique mix of clientele— a mix of native San Marcos residents who consider Grins a solid staple, and new students who are just starting to learn about all of the hot spots in town— Grins makes both feel equally welcome by creating a lively atmosphere while still keeping things simple. Simply delicious, that is.
We believe that at the end of the day, a good meal can fix a whole lot of life’s problems. So why not come to the restaurant that has a 50-year history of cooking just that? Take a seat on our renowned wraparound deck and try it yourself.
