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Top picks in San Marcos

Seafood and date spots

Made for those who want to pair the intimacy of a date with the refined simplicity of a seafood dinner.

Based on 665 Opinions
+662
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Updated May 2026
01
Sushi On San Marcos - Japanese Restaurant image 1
Sushi On San Marcos - Japanese Restaurant image 2
Sushi On San Marcos - Japanese Restaurant image 3
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Sushi restaurant offers fresh, high-quality sushi with reasonable prices and a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. The space feels elegant yet comfortable, suitable for casual meals and special occasions. It stays busy with a lively energy and features clean, relaxing decor.

Happy hour offers a relaxed vibe for couples. Different sushi rolls provide variety for shared meals.

Fish stays incredibly fresh with a superb quality that shines through without heavy sauces. Warm dishes like garlic edamame, fried shrimp, and fried calamari come out crispy outside and soft inside.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is so fresh and delicious."

"The seafood here is so fresh."

"The sushi here is amazing and delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3-5pm with great deals on drinks and appetizers.

2

The restaurant offers plenty of parking.

3

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted, but cash is preferred for tips.

02
Felix's BBQ with Soul image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Small dine-in area with cozy, dark interior and loud Motown music creates an informal, energetic vibe. Southern-style barbecue and soul food dominate the menu, featuring unique desserts and large lunchboxes. Atmosphere suits casual visits, though music volume can be intense.

Soul food and BBQ stand out with shrimp 'n grits, fried chicken, and brisket. Fried green tomatoes add a southern touch to the menu.

Shrimp 'n grits and fried chicken stand out alongside fried fish and gumbo. Sides like collard greens and corn bread muffins complement the seafood well.

People are saying

"The American Food here, especially the brisket, is off the hook."

"The fried catfish here is excellent, hot, and fresh."

"The BBQ here is superb and tender, making it a great spot."

Good to know

1

The lunch special runs every day until 4 pm.

2

Lunchbox Meals are priced at $12, offering good value.

3

Prices for meals range from $12 to $15.

03
SHABU-WORKS image 1
Hot pot restaurant

Hot pot restaurant with all-you-can-eat beef belly and self-serve drink and shaved ice bars creates a hip, cozy atmosphere. Spacious layout and modern decor support a comfortable, friendly vibe. Guests boil their own meat in flavorful broths, adding an interactive element to dining.

Offers a casual dining vibe suitable for couples and families. Serves dishes that encourage sharing and interaction, making it a solid choice for a date night.

Seafood options include clams and crab alongside a variety of fish balls and other proteins. The buffet features a seafood selection integrated with rich seasonings and sauces.

People are saying

"I loved the buffet's unlimited meat options and variety."

"This place is a great spot for a date night."

"I loved the wide variety of seafood and sauces available."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended at least an hour in advance, especially on weekends.

2

Kids eat free on Tuesdays, making it a great family option.

3

Expect to pay dinner prices during holidays, even for lunch visits.

04
One More Bite Dumpling--San Marcos image 1

Open design with high ceilings and bright, modern decor creates a spacious, welcoming environment. Relaxing Asian-influenced music adds a calming vibe to the casual, cozy atmosphere. Small size and spotless cleanliness make it feel comfortable and inviting.

Chinese dumplings stand out as a shared favorite, with several appetizers and plates offering a variety of flavors. The dining experience feels intimate and enjoyable for couples.

Steamed and spicy pork and shrimp dumplings stand out with large size and flavorful fillings. Garlic shrimp spring rolls and crab roe fried rice add variety with well-prepared seafood options.

People are saying

"The Chinese food here, especially the dumplings and wontons, is so tasty."

"The steamed shrimp dumplings were fair-sized with lots of shrimp."

"The dumplings here are delicious, with plenty of broth."

Good to know

1

Parking can be quite difficult during busy hours.

2

Reservations are recommended for larger groups to avoid long wait times.

3

Prices are remarkably affordable, with generous portions.

05
Ahi Sushi & Grill image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small, cozy sushi restaurant with a relaxed vibe and welcoming atmosphere. The place fills with fresh, flavorful sushi rolls and offers reasonable prices that attract casual diners. Noise levels can be a bit high, making it less suited for quiet or romantic occasions.

Freshest fish and best sushi create a solid base for a date. Staff shows great care by removing dishes from the bill if not liked, adding to the relaxed vibe that suits casual dates well.

Fresh fish stands out in sushi and poke bowls, with the poke bowl offering a generous amount. Fried rice dishes feature large shrimp and tender beef, complemented by crisp vegetables.

People are saying

"I considered this the best sushi place I'd ever eaten."

"The Date Spots here have the freshest fish and delicious sushi rolls."

"The seafood here is so fresh, especially the sushi."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers lunch specials that provide good value.

2

Expect large portion sizes for the price at this sushi place.

3

The menu features both sushi and cooked dishes for non-sushi fans.

06
The Mining Company image 1
American restaurant

Rustic, cozy design with a mining theme creates a casual and lively atmosphere. Bright, spacious interior includes a game room, private rooms, and a small patio. Regulars enjoy all-you-can-eat salad bar, $3 Sunday mimosas, and a light, affordable lager.

A cozy bar area offers a relaxed vibe with attentive service and solid food options. The tri tip dinner comes cooked to perfect medium rare and pairs well with fries, making it a solid choice for couples.

Shrimp dishes stand out with options like coconut shrimp and shrimp pasta cooked beautifully. Fish tacos and fish dinners offer solid choices for cooked fish lovers.

People are saying

"The dinner spots here are superb, especially the steak."

"The food here is delicious, especially the tri tip."

"I found the fish tacos to be very good."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers discounted dishes from a specific list.

2

Saturdays feature $7 Cadillac margaritas as part of daily drink specials.

3

Prime rib is served only on Friday and Saturday nights.

07
Brickmans Restaurant & Bar image 1

Outdoor patio overlooks a picturesque golf course with fire pits, heaters, and multiple TVs for comfort and entertainment. Atmosphere stays relaxed and casual, with live music enhancing the experience. Patio welcomes dogs and families, creating a friendly and inclusive vibe.

Outdoor seating offers a quiet, relaxing atmosphere with views of the golf course, heaters, and fire pits. Food quality varies, with some dishes like eggs benedict lacking attention to detail.

Large pieces of flaky white fish stand out in their fish and chips. The dish is consistently good, though not always exceptional.

People are saying

"The outdoor seating offers great views of the golf course."

"The fish and chips here are the best I've ever had."

"It's a perfect, relaxing spot overlooking the golf course for a date."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended on weekends and for special events.

2

The restaurant does not accept cash; only credit cards and mobile payments are allowed.

3

Happy hour features a better selection of appetizers and outstanding specials.

08
Panda Garden image 1
Chinese restaurant

Clean, spacious interior with casual, cozy atmosphere and Chinese instrumental music creates a relaxed dining experience. Families and kids feel welcome in this kid-friendly, peaceful setting. The place stands out for its serene vibe and straightforward, no-frills design.

Friendly wait staff creates a warm atmosphere for couples. Service is attentive and cordial, making it easy to relax and enjoy time together.

Shrimp dishes stand out with options like lobster sauce and salt and pepper styles. Honey walnut shrimp includes broccoli, while the seafood sauce tends to be mild.

People are saying

"I found Panda Garden to be a great place to get Chinese food."

"The Chinese food here is fresh, not oily, and a great value."

"The staff here makes Date Spots so friendly and welcoming."

Good to know

1

Big portions make it easy for 3-4 people to eat well for around $50.

2

Lunch specials offer great value and reasonable prices.

3

Easy parking is available in a nearby strip mall.

09
Lutchi and Mary image 1
Restaurant

Restaurant combines modern warm decor with mismatched tables and chairs reflecting cultural roots. Atmosphere stays lively and welcoming, filled with Filipino pop songs and staff singing along. Dining feels like a formal family experience with dishes served on porcelain plates and flavorful traditional Filipino food.

Lunch features Chicken Sisig and beef caldereta as shared dishes. The setting suits casual Sunday meals for couples.

Shrimp sinigang and boneless bangus feature on the menu alongside pork sisig. The chef reacts strongly when asked about missing soup in the fish sinigang, showing a direct approach to seafood preparation.

People are saying

"This halo-halo dessert is packed with classic ingredients."

"The food here is fantastic for date spots."

"The Seafood service was inconsistent, but the waiter was sweet."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to avoid long wait times during peak hours.

2

The restaurant offers a variety of authentic Filipino dishes, including boneless chicken adobo.

3

Expect longer wait times during busy hours; consider ordering ahead.

10
Draft Republic San Marcos image 1
American restaurant

Large space combines arcade, bowling alley, and multiple bars with numerous TVs creating a lively, sports-focused atmosphere. Energy is fun and exuberant, appealing to both adults and kids with plenty of games and outdoor areas. Seating is ample but can be affected by minor issues like wobbly tables.

The spot offers hot wings and steak, with staff ready to address any issues like replacing a dish. It suits casual dates where food preferences matter.

Fish and chips come as large crispy fillets with tender Mahi Mahi inside and a sauce that stands out. The Bang Bang shrimp appetizer offers a flavorful start with a sauce worth noting.

People are saying

"I found the food to be very tasty."

"The fish and chips here are crispy, tender, and served as large fillets."

"It's a fun and welcoming spot for a first date."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with half-price appetizers.

2

Whiskey and Wings Wednesday features special deals during happy hour.

3

Parking validation offers 4 hours of free parking with a receipt.

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San Marcos, California

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