About Grins Restaurant
Grins has been a San Marcos fixture since Valentine's Day 1975. It is in a house built in 1948 that was turned into a restaurant in 1972 and has been expanded three times since, growing from about 60 seats to about 250. Owners Paul Sutphen and Johnny Ferrell are both Texas State graduates; Paul started as the first cook and Johnny worked in the kitchen during college before buying in in 1978.
The kitchen is known for burgers, chicken fried steak and jumbo onion rings. The draw for many people is the big wraparound deck under the trees, added in stages in 1987 and 1996, plus a newer beer garden. The bar side has margaritas, frozen drinks and beer, and hosts live music; the restaurant says acts like Lyle Lovett and Robert Earl Keen played here in the past.
It is open every day from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., with several dining rooms and private rooms for parties, so it works for families and groups. The restaurant takes reservations and online orders, and also caters birthdays, weddings and work events.
Rough Creek Lavender outside Wimberley is about 25 minutes west on Ranch Road 12. Check the ranch's website for public open days, then stop at Grins on the way back for a late lunch or dinner on the deck.
What to do
- Order a burger with jumbo onion rings
- Try the chicken fried steak
- Eat outside on the tree-shaded wraparound deck
- Catch live music in the bar
- Book a private room for a group or party
Season, hours and prices
- Season
- Open year-round, every day
- Hours
- Current hours (2026): daily 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Tips for your visit
- Reservations can be made online, which helps on busy weekend nights.
- Ask for the deck when the weather is nice; it is shaded by big trees.
- Private dining rooms are available for parties and holiday events.
Pair it with a lavender farm
Rough Creek Lavender · about 25 minutes away
Rough Creek Lavender near Wimberley is about 25 minutes west on Ranch Road 12; check its open days first.
Getting there
Questions
When did Grins open?
On Valentine's Day 1975, in a house built in 1948.
What are Grins' hours?
Every day from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Is there outdoor seating?
Yes, a large tree-shaded wraparound deck and a beer garden.
🗺️ Part of the guide Things to Do Near the Lavender Farms of Blanco & Wimberley, Texas
Checked in October 2026 against the business’s own website and local tourism pages. Hours and seasons change, so check with them before you go. How we check listings · Is this your business? Claim it free
