We love curling up with a book and a latte at an independent coffee shop. Even if your purpose is more work than play, you’ll be able to focus in a welcoming environment at any of our six favorite coffee shops in San Marcos, Texas.
1/ Wake The Dead Coffee House

Credit: Wake the Dead Coffee House
Located close to Texas State University, Wake the Dead Coffee House is a second home for many students who love the atmosphere. But you’ll find the whole community here. Besides the expected coffee and pastry options, the menu features beer, wine, sandwiches, and soup.
Wake the Dead is known for a packed event schedule. There’s something happening almost daily, from movie night, to comedy, to poetry, to live music. See the full schedule at the coffee shop website. ⬇
1432 Ranch Road 12 – Website
2/ Tantra Coffeehouse
Tantra Coffeehouse is always a good bet if you need to settle in for a while, with generous indoor and outdoor seating options. We love the specialty coffee drinks, and large food menu of breakfast, sandwiches, salads, and tacos. The pulled pork tacos get an A+ on every report card.
Events happen here, too, like Bluegrass Night and Open Mic Night. Tantra’s Facebook page is usually the best place to look for updated event details.
217 W. Hopkins St. – Website
3/ Mochas & Javas
Mochas & Javas has four locations in San Marcos you can check out, but the Wonder World location is our personal favorite. The employees always have a smile to share, and the friends who use it as a meeting place add to the positive atmosphere.
In addition to delicious seasonal drinks, food items include breakfast tacos, oatmeal, pastries, and bagels. We always enjoy the in-house banana walnut bread and vegan zucchini bread.
102 Wonder World Dr. – Website
4/ Perk Up

Credit: Perk Up
As you enter Perk Up, the modern design may transport you to downtown in a big city. But don’t worry; the service here is the kind of small-town friendly you’re looking for.
Don’t have a book on you? Just look around the coffee table. Someone here has good taste in more than coffee, so there’s usually a solid read waiting to accompany your cup of joe. There are also food options for breakfast and lunch.
407 S. Stagecoach Trail – Facebook
5/ Summer Moon

Credit: Payton Morey/Summer Moon Coffee
This beloved Austin original now has two locations in San Marcos. Summer Moon’s mysterious “Moon Milk” gives character to many of the menu items. You really haven’t lived until you’ve tried the rich, sweet, and creamy Summermoon latte (or the 1/2 Summermoon, if you don’t have an overpowering sweet tooth).
Besides its Moon Milk, Summer Moon’s claim to fame is its wood-fired coffee bean. First-timers might think it’s all hype, but you really can taste the difference.
817 Chestnut St., Ste. 221 and 1180 Thorpe Lane #206 – Website
6/ Buzz Mill

Credit: Buzz Mill
Buzz Mill’s lumberjack vibe is just plain cool. Also a transplant from Austin, this location opened with a full menu compared to the original. Get more involved by attending an event, or even joining the Lumber Society.
Yes, we said Lumber Society. You’ll have to look it up, but special handshakes may be involved.
5532, 194 S. Guadalupe St. – Website
Leave us a comment to let us know:
- What is your favorite coffee shop in San Marcos, Texas?
- Which of these six have you tried already?
We’d love to hear from you!