What a fun and unique experience! The food was really good - and unique for this area too. We were really surprised by the number of authentic dishes and ingredients. Here's a tip - the best salsa isn't on the menu, you have to ask for it. It's made with chilies de arbol and tomatillos and it's so good! The service was even better than the food and [[HIGHLIGHT]]the place was nice and homey.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I read more

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Not impressed.. food was pretty bland.. and $8 for a small dish of queso dip is ridiculous.

I came to San Marcos for dinner with my wife because we were in the area for an evening show. It had been 10 years since my last visit here; loooong overdue. We ordered Teslas Fajitas for two and a couple house margaritas. The fajitas came out piping hot as expected with warm flour tortillas. The salad was lettuce, guacamole, sour cream and diced tomatoes. Also on the side was refried beans and Mexican rice. Everything was prepared to perfection and quite flavorful. The margaritas were just right and quite large. The service was exceptional as well. Our server made numerous trips to our table to check food quality and refill waters. Everything was on point! Zero complaints. read more

We found this place on YELP because of the good reviews!!! What a great find it is! [[HIGHLIGHT]]The whole place is clean and nice![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Upbeat Mexican music playing is great too adding to the overall atmosphere.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] As for the food I ordered chicken Fajitas and my husband enjoyed a huge steak burrito. Our server Marcella was terrific. She was very attentive and checked on us plenty. Highly recommended read more

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I just don't understand how this restaurant is comfortable selling an $11 kids meal in this manner. This picture was taken right before my husband left the restaurant with our to go order . A few fries and two pieces of chicken tender. I understand that the economy right now is in a bad place but $11 for a kids meal (no drink), especially presented in this manner seems outlandish. read more

San Marcos - Mexican Near Me - Smithfield, North Carolina

Great service, came at a slow time (between lunch and dinner). Staff were able to make the drink I requested that wasn't on the menu. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Restaurant ascetics are themed, fun and traditional latin American focused.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Free chips and salsa for your table. Food was good and many different typical combinations of options. (Tacos, fajitas, etc). [[HIGHLIGHT]]Plenty of private parking and outdoor patio space.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] A good place for a group dinner just watch the drink prices. read more

San Marcos - Nachos Texanos - Mexican Near Me - Smithfield, North Carolina

Seated immediately on a Saturday evening around 5. Waitress was nice. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Silverware was not the cleanest but we had an extra set at the table with clean utensils, so we just used those.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Ordered the shrimp Fundido and Quesabirria tacos. The shrimp fundido was good, we asked for no bacon but it still came with it, easy enough to remove on our own. The quesabirria was a bit different from what I'm used to. The shell was a little soft, good, but not what I'm used to with quesabirria. The birria and consume was tasty, but a tad too much cheese in the taco. Also had the Moscow mule that was good. Overall, it's your average Mexican restaurant. read more

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[[HIGHLIGHT]]Been here twice, and the bar is not the place to sit. It's ok. Just a bit cramped.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Didn't lead off with the food review. It's good for what it is. Tex-mex. Pretty good presentation. I've had the fajitas and then the Hawaiian plater. Meat cooked to temp. Veggies Sautéed. Refried beens and rice. Cooked. Not over or under. Just nothing special. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Main dining room is open and spacious.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Enjoyed that visit for lunch with a girlfriend. [[HIGHLIGHT]]This visit we ended up in the corner most booth, by the exit. Had to squeeze into the table bay the bar, then had a view of two men's backsides less than two feet away on bar stools.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Going to try other places in the area. Again. Food was ok. Staff was overworked and understaffed. read more

San Marcos - Mexican Near Me - Smithfield, North Carolina

This is my first time going I walked in got seated immediately [[HIGHLIGHT]]the ambiance was very nice[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] the food and drinks were good I would say I had a waitress she had a little attitude and she got my order wrong and when I asked for another burrito it was like she was annoyed with me but overall it was a good experience definitely a good spot. read more

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We came here to celebrate my son's 5th birthday. Since we live out of town, we usually only visit when shopping nearby or for special occasions, and in the past we've always had great experiences. Unfortunately, this visit wasn't the best. My husband's carne asada steak was disappointingly thin--honestly, thinner than the corn tortillas. While the flavor was good, the portion didn't match the price. I also mentioned upon arrival that it was my son's birthday. The staff did come and sing (which we appreciated), but instead of something simple and special like a scoop of ice cream, he was given two fried tortillas with whipped cream to dip--after a $140 bill, that felt underwhelming for a child's birthday treat. On the positive side, our waitress was wonderful and attentive, and most of the food was delicious. However, between the steak portion and the lackluster birthday experience, I left questioning whether it was worth the cost. I don't mind paying $140+ for dinner when it feels worth it, but this time it just didn't measure up. read more

This place is a bit above average versus your regular Mexican restaurant. I feel like they take a bit more pride in the food, service, and their building than most other restaurants. I am shocked there are only 9 reviews as this place has been here forever, I've been going since about 2016. The horchata is really good and comes with free refills so drink up that sugar! And the Camerons el diablo were outstanding. Chips are served warm with really good salsa and are pretty much endless. The quesadilla with steak is another favorite. Mixed drinks are big and well made. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The building and decor would be what I call "fun" as they have some interesting items to split up the spaces.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]The restaurant is pretty clean and has a nice big parking lot.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Lots of other shops in the area to explore before or after dinner. read more

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I guess this is good Mexican food for North Carolina but it was meh, chicken was dry nothing to write home about. read more

San Marcos - Mexican Near Me - Smithfield, North Carolina

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Good food, good service, ambiance is good to. I have tried several of their dishes, but always go back to my favorite, the chimichunga. Wish they would make them more crispy. read more

Chips were too thick for me but the fajitas were excellent. It came with guacamole ( like 1 tablespoon, really?) But everything else was good. read more

I enjoy going to San Marcos. Their margaritas and ACP are always a delicious choice and can't go wrong.

Was in the area for 1 night and this place was recommended to us from the staff at the hotel. It was an easy walk to get there. We were seated right away without having to wait. We have been to many Mexican restaurants and I always order the same thing. Carnitas. It is a hit and miss and this meal was definitely a miss. The meat was so overcooked and tough it could not be chewed. And what I was able to get out of it had a lot of fat and gristle in it. Needed to have more flavor and spices added to make it tastier. But the presentation of the meal was fabulous as was the Sangria. Sangria was a little light on the alcohol though but not too sweet which is they way I like my Sangria's. Hubby's Enchilada's lacked flavor as was reported to me. Again, the presentation was spot on. Service was excellent as well as friendly and helpful. Chips and Salsa came right away. The Salsa was definitely homemade and was full of spices and flavor. read more

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Food was good a bit pricey, no squash in my pollo Feliz, service was mid to not existent. Asked for more chips never provided. Had to ask for refill on drinks and no attention after the food was placed on the table. $42 for dinner and no service was not the experience I expected read more

Food is really good, also this is kind of random, but [[HIGHLIGHT]]there bathrooms are the best public bathrooms I have ever been in. Quality toilet paper not that cheap kind where it breaks when you wipe.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Excellent place! read more

Charged wrong price for quesadillas. Menu price $5.99 charged $10.99. Waitress Darlene was great but food was just okay and management does not have a clue. Being local and will not return to this location. read more

Excellent food. Great salsa. Good service. A lot of Mexican restaurants could take lessons from this place.

We had the most hospitable waiter! He made some really great suggestions and checked on us frequently. My family and I all enjoyed our meals. Lots of fresh options, which I love! Super good! read more

I am IMPRESSED! They know what they are doing here! Food was AMAZING! [[HIGHLIGHT]]The whole restaurant is so beautiful![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]The moment you walk in you are welcomed with such amazing smells that you know you are in the right place for some good food![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We came just after they opened on a weekday so the service was quick and friendly. We're only sad we live so far away to not be able to come back more often. I would give them 6 stars if I could! read more

We bought take outs. Definitely a more high end Mex restaurant. Everything tasted great.

Delicious food and friendly service. We have had several meals here and all were excellent. We will be back again!

We were out in that area looking at a boat and decided to grab lunch. It was a busy place with colorful decorations that suited the theme. The menu was large, the service was efficient and the food was good for the price and standard Mexican American. The drink prices, except for beer, were pretty high. I can see why it's popular. read more

Sunday afternoon lunch place is packed! Sat at the bar and really was able to have great conversation in a relaxed atmosphere. Noise level is low and server was attentive. I ordered shrimp ceviche which was a huge portion (took home half), and delicious! I had a margarita recommended by bar tender. Total bill with tip $40.00. I do recommend this place! Will be going back and officially on the rotation list! read more

San Marcos - Chips n drinks - Mexican Near Me - Smithfield, North Carolina

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Food was great and the Tropical Margarita was fantastic! Service good too. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Typical Mexican restaurant and atmosphere[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]. Even the manager walked around to check in each table. read more

Stephanie was amazing. So kind. Really helpful and courteous. Love this place!!!!

I had never heard of San Marcos restaurant before tonight. I was somewhat skeptical about going there dreading the experience after growing up on the Mexican border. My hotel was across the street and I was hungry so I decided more for convenience I would pop in and at least grab a taco of some sorts. I was beyond pleasantly surprised. The décor, awesome Mexican music playing in the background (perfect volume) and ambiance was pretty near the perfect Mexican restaurant dinning experience. We were greeted and immediately taken to a table. Then a very professional, elegant and soft spoken woman named Chrystal approached our table welcoming us. She treated us like we were the only ones there. When she talked she looked us in the eye and gave us her full attention. Chrystal gave us outstanding service. So outstanding that I feel she should be recognized for it. She really made our dinning experience and we appreciate it. The food was very good. We ordered the steak fajitas. Delicious! The Margarita's were outstanding. Don't pass this place up! It is GOOD!!!! read more

Staff was AWESOME? Food was served fast! Chips where made there,low bar in know... drinks were awesome... you know it's good when they make their own chemol. I didn't exactly love how they do their Ceviche....but it was still really good and the staff gave me what I needed to make it they way I like, extra lime/ and stuff like.. This place is UNDERRATED in my opinon! 9/10 only cause my 10s are reserved for California. read more

The people were all nice but the food was just ok. Service left much to be desired. Had to ask for napkins of which they gave us each a sort of half napkin. House Margaritas are expensive ($12) for a house Margarita and weak. You have to order the small handmade one for $15.50 to get a real margarita. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Ambiance was ok.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] When we travel we often go to Mexican Restaurants. We did stop at this place on our travel south one time before but forgot to review it. After arriving this time after 8 hrs of driving we sat down and then remembered it was just ok with expensive margaritas. Shame on us for forgetting. At that point we just wanted to eat and get to the hotel which was across the street. read more

I go there for the mojara frita (fried whole tilapia). Not many Mexican restos serve it because Americans are repulsed by the idea that cooked fish come with the head still on. Service is normally quick but a little slow when we went there (a weekend). Place looks clean. read more

Fantastic lunch here. If we get back to the area will be eating here again. Large menu with lots of options, including some things you don't see at most Mexican restaurants. Everything we had was fantastic. Our server was prompt and friendly. There is ample parking - the only negative is the area it is in has some odd roads and roundabouts making it a bit hard to get to it. read more

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Kind of surprised not a great experience today. Blanco was our server. Not sure if she was new, but she seemed to be a step behind. We had the Nachos Texacos along with Queso dip and the Xango for dessert. Dip and dessert we're very good but the nachos seemed smaller than normal and had fewer shrimp. Sometimes thing aren't always great. It happens. We are staying at one of the local hotels and we were told they gave a 10% discount for guests. When we went to pay the bill the discount on a $23.24 subtotal was $1.30. I inquired as to why it wasn't $2.34. I was told the discount is only on the meal. Not apps or the queso dip. Yes it's small change but just didn't make sense to me. May be time to try some other place when we are in the area. read more

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Server was slow and pretty much absent during the meal. Offered to refill drinks after we had finished our food. Burritos were mediocre with no cheese and to much red sauce soaked on top. Chips and salsa was good. read more

This place is off the chain. I went in they are not expecting that great food and walked out blown away. They have the best tortilla soup I've ever had in my life also the best jalapeño margarita I've had in my life. My husband and my son also enjoyed their meals. Would highly recommend if you get a chance. read more

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Eaten there a few times over the last couple months. the food is always excellent. the servers are very attentive and accommodating. tonight especially our server was very nice and checked in often. [[HIGHLIGHT]]music is upbeat but not too loud.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] excellent experience overall. thank you! read more

For how expensive it is you really don't get a lot of food. I ordered a burrito that was $16 and it was tiny. I wish I took a picture of it. Better off going to El Barzon read more

So wanted to loved this place but only a like. Started with Queso con Chorizo- wished more sausage and less soupy cheese. Asked for plates as we were sharing and she brought two tiny cups. Had enchiladas with beef and chicken, liked the chicken, beef okay. Had to turn back first time as I got one bean one!!! Husband had the trio enchiladas which had a bean one which he liked..had Flan and fried ice cream which was good as well. Service left us cold due to mistakes... read more

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Disappointed, Disgusting, as a hispanic female this isn't mexican food at all! this restaurant cares more about how the food looks than how it tastes. My boyfriend got a "carne asada" plate and it was so plain and season-less. I got tacos and the tortillas were literally tearing apart and not eatable. Meat was also very plain. The food portions are the size of a toddlers. This isn't MEXICAN FOOD! it's white washed mexican food. read more