Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    The Growling

    4.8 (53 reviews)
    ModerateBeer Bar
    Closed 4:30 pm - 12:00 am (Next day)

    The Growling Photos

    THE GROWLING ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Live music
    Divey
    Hipster
    Casual

    You might also consider

    More like The Growling

    Recommended Reviews - The Growling

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    a glass of beer on a table
    Julie S.

    Great place! Great atmosphere! Great freakin' service! Knowledgeable with beers-(IPAs)- Wish they were here where we live-in a Lubbock suburb.

    Middleton Pecan Amber!
    Donovan S.

    This is a great little dive bar in San Marcos with lots of local beers on tap. The bartender was very nice and knowledgeable and it was not very crowded at all. I love the music they play there as well. It is very low-key so if you feel like just sitting down and having a couple beers in talking with the regulars it is perfect perfect

    Old school street fighter 2
    Kyle S.

    The decor of this place is very unique. You pretty much just have to see it for yourself. The walls are loaded with artwork for sale from local artists. Very interesting pieces. But enough about that. This place is loaded with craft beer from Texas. Texas is apparently pretty big in that regard (and nearly every other regard). For a place as small and intimate as it is, there's a lot of seating packed in it and even some outdoor seating. There's games, lots of games. Card games, board games, darts, pool, and sometimes even a live DJ. If you dig the craft brew scene this place is surely right up your alley. If you find yourself in San Marcos come check em out!

    Just a girl & her growlers.
    Laura K.

    Part of what makes The Growling so delightful, is the atmosphere. I'm new to the craft beer scene -- and this was a perfect welcome. The staff is friendly and can also help me decide what to order if I'm unsure. I've had fun trying to new beers and discovering what have become my go-to selections. (Bonus : All the beer they serve is from Texas!) Between the mix of good people and good beer - this has become my favorite bar.

    Taylor M.

    Went to this local brew house last night and I was absolutely blown away. They have all Texas craft beers, 28 on tap, fresh, and they even have a few selections in cans and some wine! I was shocked when I saw they had The Infinite Monkey Theorem Rose' ....impressive. The vibe is awesome. Super laid back, chill, artsy, and hipster. Loves it. The owners are lovely people. So nice, great service, and very informative on every single beer. They make it their priority to get the perfect beer for you. They have some savory oyster crackers for you to enjoy while you booze it up. Cards Against Humanity is also available to play for free! The decor was my favorite. I was super into the refurbished wooden pallets, the art work, the baby succulents, and the colors! Will definitely be returning many more evenings.

    They let dogs in!
    Michelle O.

    I love this bar! There are dogs! I repeat, this is a dog bar! I wish we had dog bars in San Antonio. I had no idea San Marcos was so cool. This is the first bar I visited in SMTX and I was very impressed. Very cool vibe, lots of dogs to pet and neat art on the walls. I like that they have board games and such. I would definitely go back!

    Dustin W.

    This place has the best tap selection in San Marcos, hands down. No place in town even comes close to getting the quality beers that this bar does. The owner is always a great help for beer selection and a super cool dude. Try a craft beer or get your growler filled. I highly recommend The Growling!

    Beer flight takeoff!
    Toni V.

    Nothing like a craft brew to quench your thirst any day of the week! What a great spot - the staff is very welcoming and friendly and are very knowledgeable about the different brews on tap to help you find the right one to fit those taste buds. The beer flight the bartenders picked/poured for me were great and I look forward to coming back and tasting the other brews on tap. Looks like I found a great alternative to overcrowded beergardens in Austin so cheers to more trips I'll be making to San Marcos!

    a man standing in front of a restaurant

    See all

    Photo of Brent L.
    451
    1514
    5876

    7 years ago

    Helpful 10
    Thanks 0
    Love this 9
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 7
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Karma R.
    164
    11
    8

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Toni V.
    32
    45
    3

    10 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jeff S.
    184
    271
    1226

    10 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Phoebe M.
    33
    48
    33

    9 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    So glad to discover this place! Excellent selection and awesome atmosphere, bar guy, and fellow customers.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Seriously awesome local beers. The bartender is extremely knowledgeable. A true hidden gem for craft brews of Texas.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of LR D.
    151
    57
    3

    10 years ago

    Great selection of Texas beer! Ruben knows his beer let me tell you. He will find the perfect beer for you.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Brad D.
    77
    10
    0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Solid beer selection and friendly service! It is highly likely I may end up here to grade papers between classes.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Gus E.
    26
    55
    13

    10 years ago

    Friendly, awesome environment with a great selection of Texas beers. I enjoyed the twisted X jalapeño Pilsner!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    29 Texas beers on tap, knowledgeable staff, great atmosphere. Ignore any bad reviews this is one of few places I frequent in San Marcos.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - The Growling

    Is there any sort of outside seating to bring a dog? Even if it's a single table out front?

    Yeah there's like one table outside with an ashtray next to it. Not sure what business it belongs to, but the table is there.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - The Growling

    They have all Texas craft beers, 28 on tap, fresh, and they even have a few selections in cans and some wine!

    Mentioned in 3 reviews

    Read more highlights

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    Get access to customer & competitor insights.

    Verify this business

    The Porch

    The Porch

    3.3(31 reviews)
    0.6 mi
    $$

    This used to be a fun an unique spot in San Marcos to hang out and grab a drink. But it has issues…read more 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…read moreand 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.

    Photos
    The Porch - Blah... Where's the Texas beers?

    Blah... Where's the Texas beers?

    The Porch - Bar

    Bar

    The Porch

    See all

    Jack's Roadhouse - the host as elvis from time to time.

    Jack's Roadhouse

    3.9(17 reviews)
    1.8 mi
    $

    My wife and I have recently become regulars at this bar because we enjoy the atmosphere--she likes…read moreplaying the games and I like watching the sports. Unfortunately, our experience has been negatively affected by the behavior of the bar manager as she is often intoxicated. On several occasions the manager has made passive-aggressive comments toward us that made us feel unwelcome. We initially ignored it because we understand that everyone can have an off day. However, during a recent visit the situation escalated significantly. The manager came in while "off duty" and appeared extremely intoxicated (this has happened multiple days). She was stumbling drunk and began speaking aggressively toward customers. During this interaction she directed abusive language at my wife, including calling her a very offensive name. This was shocking and completely inappropriate behavior from someone who represents the business. I attempted to bring the issue to the bartender's attention, but it was clear he was in a difficult position since this individual is his supervisor. I'm sharing this review in hopes that the owner becomes aware of the situation. We actually enjoy the bar itself and would like to continue supporting the business, but no customer should be treated this way by management. I hope the ownership takes this seriously and addresses the conduct of their management staff.

    0/5 stars. Didn't believe my real Arkansas ID. bartenders should taken a course (free by the city…read moreevery few months) on how to check a real ID.

    Photos
    Jack's Roadhouse
    Jack's Roadhouse - The RXS Band puttin' forth some ZZ Top.

    The RXS Band puttin' forth some ZZ Top.

    Jack's Roadhouse - The RXS Band surfing while looking for aliens.

    See all

    The RXS Band surfing while looking for aliens.

    The Growling - beerbar - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...