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About

Ivar's River Pub, the premier Bar & Grill in San Marcos, TX, offers a unique dining experience with breathtaking views of the San Marcos River. Our restaurant serves up delicious American classics with a twist, featuring fresh ingredients and seasonal menus. Whether you're in the mood for a juicy burger, crispy wings, or a refreshing salad, our menu has something for everyone. Enjoy a cold beer or craft cocktail on our spacious patio, perfect for watching the sunset or catching a game with friends. At Ivar's River Pub, we're committed to providing exceptional service, quality food, and an atmosphere that's always lively and fun. Come visit us today and see why we're the go-to spot in San Marcos for great food, drinks, and good times!

Ivar's River Pub Review Summary

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4.3
(1968 Reviews)
5
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1
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ricardo rojo
ricardo rojo -Google user
3 weeks ago
What a great place to eat delicious food and enjoyed the sounds of running water in background and music inside. Definitely a must stop kind of place next time your passing through. The service was excellent and we will definitely be returning soon. I recommend...Read More
$10–20Atmosphere: 43-4 peopleNo waitOutdoor patio / terrace
Brian “Tally Man” Tally
Brian “Tally Man” Tally -Google user
3 months ago
Great food, service, and atmosphere. Alexis did a great job serving our table on back to back nights. She offered excellent food and drink recommendations and was extremely welcoming and friendly. Y'all have a solid asset in her. Keep up the good work!
$10–20Atmosphere: 5Loud, but you can still talk3-4 peopleUp to 10 minHighly recommendSomewhat difficult to find parking
Nicolas Stricker
Nicolas Stricker -Google user
3 weeks ago
Love gem to go with your family. Food is really good. Busy and organized. The view is lovely and very good atmosphere. We all enjoyed. I will definitely go back!
$20–30Atmosphere: 53-4 peopleNo waitIndoor dining area, Bar area, Outdoor patio / terrace, Booth seating
Albana Ochaeta
Albana Ochaeta -Google user
4 months ago
Tried Ivar’s during a recent trip, and…we loved it so much we brought friends back with us to experience it as well! This restaurant is located across from the Rio Vista Park (one of the most popular access points to the San Marcos River), which...Read More
$10–20Atmosphere: 5Loud, but you can still talkSuitable for all group sizesNo waitSomewhat difficult to find parkingFree parking lotDepending on how busy the location is, sometimes they’ll only offer parking in 2 hour time slots. Using their parking to get to the river is prohibited, so make sure you avoid that to not get towed!
Jessica Hellerew
Jessica Hellerew -Google user
2 months ago
This was our 2nd visit to Ivar's this month!Our grandson conquered the Chicken Fried Steak meal, I had the bacon jam burger and mac & cheese, my husband had a speciality burger. All were top-notch!! The Long Island Tea special hit the spot...Read More
$10–20Atmosphere: 5No waitIndoor dining area, Bar area, Outdoor patio / terrace, Booth seatingDifficult to find parkingFree parking lotWith this being right along the river, people try using their parking lot to park. Ivar's staff is good at watching who parks there when they aren't customers and gets them out of their so true customers can park!!
Cortes Home
Cortes Home -Google user
8 months ago
My daughter and I picked this local spot after a long car ride and lots of research taking her back to school. Ultimately chose Ivars after reading the reviews not because of the customers reviews, but because of the way the manager treated those reviewers,...Read More
$10–20Atmosphere: 5
Sherrl Carpenter
Sherrl Carpenter -Google user
7 months ago
A great watering hole.... yummy pub food while hanging out with friends. ADA wheelchair accessible and pet friendly. Great outdoor seating...plus cozy indoor seating. The tubing park is next door so parking is tricky but worth it.
$10–20Atmosphere: 5Chicken Fried Steak, Fried Pickles, Fried Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Wings, Margarita Flight, Pecan Pie Bread Pudding
Marsha Russell
Marsha Russell -Google user
Edited 2 months ago
I live 45 minutes away, so every time I drive down to float down the San Marcos River, the celebration at the end is at Ivar’s. Their brisket nachos are worth the drive all by themselves! We love sitting outside on the deck, where we...Read More
Dine inLunch$20–30Atmosphere: 5Moderate noiseSuitable for all group sizesIndoor dining area, Bar area, Outdoor patio / terrace
Kiel Watson
Kiel Watson -Google user
4 months ago
Awesome spot on the river. Great door and service. Right Across from the swimming spot at the park.
Ruby Vizuet
Ruby Vizuet -Google user
a year ago
I recently had the pleasure of dining at Ivars River Pub in San Marcos, Texas, for lunch with my family, and it was a delightful experience from start to finish. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, with friendly staff greeting us upon …
Bobby M. Holman
Bobby M. Holman -Google user
2 years ago
The pork belly Burt ends were amazing! My waitress was also amazing. I liked being able to sit outside and see all of the people out there in the water tubing. It’s a good place to go have a drink and eat some good food.
Cindy Elledge
Cindy Elledge -Google user
a year ago
♥️ love this place, actually beautiful overlooking the river. I had the chicken-chicken fried steak, so moist on the inside and crispy on the outside - perfect. I loved the garlic mash potatoes and the green beans with garlic. I had the sweetest server, Ruby....Read More
Mark Otte
Mark Otte -Google user
3 years ago
Enjoyed lunch with a group of friends on a Friday. Parking is modest but was adequate when we were there.. you may find it crowded during weekends. We enjoyed the variety of choices for seating.... inside with air conditioning ...or on the …
C
C -Google user
2 months ago
So glad we stopped here!! We always stop somewhere on our way back to Houston from New Braunfels. We have eaten so many disappointing meals, but this place was great!! We came in a Sunday around 5:30 pm, and were immediately seated at a scenic...Read More
Atmosphere: 5Suitable for all group sizes
Amy Maroney
Amy Maroney -Google user
6 months ago
Such a good vibe. Quick service, fantastic bartenders. Sitting at the bar is a GREAT time. We loved the goat cheese crostinis and the pub marg. The house bloody mary and their special drink, "The Willow" are all really good. Bacon jam burger is delicious, and...Read More
$20–30Atmosphere: 4
Coach Ruby
Coach Ruby -Google user
a year ago
Ivar's is phenomenal! Different sections for different vibes - great bar and inside dining with cold AC, outdoor patio overlooking the San Marcos River, and another euro-cooled super dig-fruendlt room. All the food is great with the best iced-tea. Super nice, dog-friendly staff. The place...Read More
Beatrix Kiddo
Beatrix Kiddo -Google user
2 weeks ago
Beautiful views + delicious food - dog friendly patio
Food: 5…
meg G
meg G -Google user
2 weeks ago
I loved everything about my experience at Ivars! Right off the bat, Hamlet greeted me in the parking lot and was so friendly and fun. I was looking for a new dog friendly place to eat and the deck was the perfect atmosphere for my...Read More
Atmosphere: 5
Ann FitzGerald Horst
Ann FitzGerald Horst -Google user
3 months ago
Great setting on the water. Perfect for a first date. My pork sliders were great. Chips not that good though. Service was terrible. Probably someone's first day. Didn't ruin my date though! Was super nice being on the water.
$1–10Atmosphere: 5
Andy F
Andy F -Google user
3 months ago
Great spot to enjoy some good food and drinks with a beautiful view of the falls. If you’re lucky, a group of kayakers will come by and you can watch them each flip trying to navigate the rapids. On-site parking for patrons (lots of tubers...Read More
$10–20Atmosphere: 5Moderate noiseSuitable for all group sizesNo waitSomewhat difficult to find parkingFree parking lot
Amanda
Amanda -Google user
4 months ago
We went to Ivar's for lunch on (Sunday, May 18th) and absolutely LOVED IT. When we got there, we were a little nervous cause we saw ALOT of people walking with floats and didn't think we were gonna find any parking. But alot of...Read More
$10–20Atmosphere: 5Moderate noiseSuitable for all group sizesNo waitPlenty of parking
Eric Morse
Eric Morse -Google user
4 months ago
The food and drinks at Ivars is always consistent and good. The service is always great! The views of the river are amazing! Awesome experience every time!
Atmosphere: 5
Oscar Fuentes
Oscar Fuentes -Google user
3 months ago
The sun was beaming, and my body craved some relief after a day on the water. Floating down the river with friends was an absolute blast, full of laughter and splashes. As the sun began to set, we decided to hit up a local spot...Read More
$1–10Atmosphere: 5
Lisa Vasquez
Lisa Vasquez -Google user
11 months ago
The food, service and atmosphere were great! This was my first time there and would definitely go back! My daughter and I started with burnt ends and then had the platter with fried shrimp, catfish, hushpuppies and fries. …
Lance Mayfield
Lance Mayfield -Google user
10 months ago
Stopped in for a late lunch and was seated immediately. Server was extremely friendly and offered to change the game on the TV for us. Food came out quick without sacrificing quality. I would highly recommend.
Edward Algreen
Edward Algreen -Google user
a month ago
Came across this restaurant while looking for something near the water. This was a perfect find - a gem! The view was perfect- overlooking a place on the San Marcos River where many of the swimmers hang around on their floats, kayaks, etc. We...Read More
$30–50Atmosphere: 5Suitable for all group sizesNo waitIndoor dining area, Outdoor patio / terrace
Rich ริชชี่ Dixon Riddle
Rich ริชชี่ Dixon Riddle -Google user
3 weeks ago
It’s been an awful week, for so many people, in so many ways. I had never been here before and didn’t really expectations but, wow, Chris was just so nice. Like, we need more decent, humble, kind people like Chris in the world. The food...Read More
$20–30Atmosphere: 5Suitable for all group sizesNo waitIndoor dining area, Bar area, Outdoor patio / terrace
Victoria Cockrell
Victoria Cockrell -Google user
a month ago
Perfect location right on the river! Excellent brisket, bbq sauce, burgers, fries, potato salad was amazing, green beans..we had a big group and everyone looooved the food! Plenty of parking, well-organized and easy to get in and get a table. Very clean, and the staff...Read More
$10–20Atmosphere: 5
Unique Bryant
Unique Bryant -Google user
3 months ago
I went here over the past week and I’ll say this, this was the best restaurant experience I’ve had in a very long time. As soon as I got to the door the lady at the front was very welcoming and seated my family and...Read More
$10–203-4 peopleNo waitIndoor dining area, Bar area, Outdoor patio / terrace, Booth seating, Counter seatingNot surePlenty of parkingVery much kid friendly - they even have a great kids menu!Yes.
S Renae
S Renae -Google user
2 months ago
Nick was absolutely fantastic! We've come here quite a few times and it's become a top date night destination. The food, views and service have always been good, but tonight blew it out of the water. The smothered grilled chicken was …

Features

Service options

check icon Outdoor seating
check icon Curbside pickup
check icon No-contact delivery
check icon Delivery
check icon Takeout
check icon Dine-in

Highlights

check icon Fast service
check icon Great dessert
check icon Live performances
check icon Sports

Popular for

check icon Lunch
check icon Dinner
check icon Solo dining

Accessibility

check icon Wheelchair accessible entrance
check icon Wheelchair accessible parking lot
check icon Wheelchair accessible restroom
check icon Wheelchair accessible seating

Offerings

check icon Alcohol
check icon Beer
check icon Cocktails
check icon Coffee
check icon Comfort food
check icon Food
check icon Food at bar
check icon Happy hour drinks
check icon Happy hour food
check icon Hard liquor
check icon Late-night food
check icon Quick bite
check icon Small plates
check icon Wine

Dining options

check icon Breakfast
check icon Brunch
check icon Lunch
check icon Dinner
check icon Dessert
check icon Seating

Amenities

check icon Bar onsite
check icon Restroom

Atmosphere

check icon Casual
check icon Cozy
check icon Trendy

Crowd

check icon College students
check icon Family-friendly
check icon Groups
check icon Tourists

Planning

check icon Accepts reservations

Payments

check icon Credit cards
check icon Debit cards
check icon NFC mobile payments

Children

check icon Good for kids
check icon High chairs
check icon Kids' menu

Parking

check icon Free parking lot
check icon Parking