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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to San Marcos

Salad spots

You want a salad that is substantial enough to be a real meal.

Based on 592 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Thai Thai West Mission image 1
Thai Thai West Mission image 2
Thai Thai West Mission image 3
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Thai restaurant

Cozy interior with large booths and beautiful orchids creates a calm vibe. Papaya salad offers fresh flavors that balance spicy curries. Self-service spicy condiments add authentic Thai taste to every meal.

Papaya salad stands out with its fresh flavors and pairs well with sticky rice. It often comes alongside spicy curries, adding a zesty contrast to the meal.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and authentic."

"The food here is excellent and the service fantastic for date spots."

"The papaya salad here is incredible and authentic."

Good to know

1

There is free parking available for customers.

2

The restaurant offers take-out options for those on the go.

3

Most tables are reserved two hours in advance.

02
Que Tortas image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican spot offers generous tortas with fresh, authentic fillings and easy parking. Fruit salad shines with a creamy twist, perfect for vegetarians. Clean space and lively music create a homey vibe that welcomes all guests.

Fruit salad stands out with a twist and a creamy milk component. Vegetarian options include this fruit salad that mixes flavors well.

People are saying

"The ham torta is generously filled and bursting with flavor."

"You have to try their smoothies; they're heavenly with mango, chili, and lime."

"You've got to try their fruit salad with the milk stuff."

Good to know

1

Parking is easy and hassle-free at Que Tortas.

2

The restaurant is clean and well-organized.

3

Que Tortas has a unique menu focusing on freshness and quality.

03
Money Pit image 1
American restaurant

Classic diner style with 50s vibes and walls full of pop culture memorabilia creates a fun, family-friendly spot. Fresh salads like grilled chicken salad offer a healthy twist amid comfort foods. Affordable prices and a drive-thru option make it a convenient local favorite.

Salads here stand out for their freshness and include options like grilled chicken salad and garden salad. They pair well with other comfort foods but hold their own as a solid choice.

People are saying

"I found the food to be fresh and tasty for the price."

"I thought the burgers were the best, juicy and flavorful."

"I found the grilled chicken salad to be the freshest."

Good to know

1

Expect limited seating during peak hours, especially on weekends.

2

Prices are very affordable, making it a great option for budget-conscious diners.

3

The menu offers a large selection of items to choose from.

04
Shores Bar + Kitchen image 1

Bar and grill offers a lively beach vibe with multiple TVs for sports fans. Salads like the Tri Tip Cobb come in generous portions paired with hearty sides. Outdoor patio provides a dog-friendly and quieter spot for those seeking calm.

Salads feature options like the Tri Tip Cobb and Cobb with Cardiff crack dressing. Portions come generous, with salads served alongside hearty sides like elote corn ribs.

People are saying

"You'll find a great selection of draft beer here."

"You can get delicious, thick-cut fries while watching live sports."

"I thought the Cobb salad was very good."

Good to know

1

Shores Bar + Kitchen is dog friendly, allowing pets on the patio.

2

Musical bingo happens every Wednesday night, a fun event to join.

3

Expect average wait times during busy hours like Sunday football.

05
George Burgers image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Older burger joint offers a quiet atmosphere with fun murals and a covered patio. Greek salads with chicken or gyro provide a delicious and satisfying option. Generous portions and a wide variety keep a steady crowd despite long waits.

Greek salads come with chicken or as a gyro version, both offering a delicious and satisfying option. The yฤ“rลs salad stands out as a favorite, balancing flavor and carb-conscious choices.

People are saying

"I thought the burgers here were definitely better than I expected."

"I thought the American food, especially the burgers and fries, was delicious."

"I found the Greek chicken salad delicious."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times for food during busy hours.

2

The cheeseburger combo is $1.50 cheaper than McDonald's.

3

George Burgers offers generous portion sizes for the price.

06
Two Brothers From Italy image 1
Italian restaurant

Small space with intimate seating and a bar top sets a cozy mood. Salads use fresh ingredients and go well with calzones, though forks can be missing. Pizza by the slice with homemade tomato sauce pairs nicely with ice cold local beer for a classic vibe.

Salads feature fresh ingredients and pair well with calzones. Presentation is good but sometimes lacks a fork for convenience.

People are saying

"I loved their pasta and homemade sauce."

"I found the calzones to be huge and yummy."

"I thought the salads were great and made with fresh ingredients."

Good to know

1

Evening deals are available for seniors, making dining more affordable.

2

The restaurant offers large portions at reasonable prices.

3

Pizza is available by the slice from the hot case.

07
The Mining Company image 1
American restaurant

Rustic, cozy spot with a mining theme offers a lively vibe and bright space. Enjoy a fresh, all-you-can-eat salad bar and sip on $3 Sunday mimosas. Spacious interior includes a game room and private rooms for fun and comfort.

An all you can eat salad bar offers a variety of fresh options. The house salad served with meals is smaller but still delicious.

People are saying

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

"I enjoyed the huge salad bar with so many options."

"I loved the huge salad bar with so many options."

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.

08
Mr. Shawarma San Marcos image 1
Middle Eastern restaurant

Small space with a bright interior and a warm vibe sets a friendly tone. Salads burst with fresh herbs and a Chipotle garlic dressing that refreshes the palate. Middle Eastern music adds a joyful atmosphere perfect for casual visits.

Salads come with fresh herbs that add bright, flavorful notes. The shawarma salad features a Chipotle garlic dressing and offers a refreshing flavor that balances the meat well.

People are saying

"The Mediterranean food here is amazing and so flavorful."

"I thought the baklava was divine, truly the best I've ever had."

"The salad fixings were seasoned just right with the shawarma."

Good to know

1

Come early on Friday to enjoy the BOGO Turkish Kumpir, a loaded baked potato.

2

The wait time for a to-go order is 30 to 40 minutes.

3

The price for two sandwiches is $33, which some consider high.

09
PizzaBar image 1
Pizza restaurant

Lively spot with thin, crispy pizza and local craft beers draws families. Salads like Caesar and chopped pair well with garlic cheese bread. Small, hot space with high ceilings and big TVs keeps energy up.

Salads come in various styles including Caesar and chopped. They pair well with garlic cheese bread and complement pizzas and beers.

People are saying

"I loved the pizza, especially the hot honey pepperoni."

"I loved their good beer selection."

"I really enjoyed the good salads here."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs on weekdays from 3 to 5:30 PM with $3 slices and half-priced appetizers.

2

Trivia night happens every Wednesday at 7 PM with no entry fee.

3

Parking is accessible, but the lot can fill up quickly during peak hours.

10
Boudin SF image 1
Bakery

Bakery shines with famous sourdough bread and fresh Little Gem salad options. Friendly vibe suits gatherings despite some cleanliness concerns. Menu blends classic and new dishes for variety.

Salads feature crisp and fresh lettuce with options like the Little Gem salad replacing the Cobb. They taste delicious and get remade promptly when needed.

People are saying

"I tried the brie, apple, and fig sandwich; it was really good."

"I loved the sourdough bread here; it's famous."

"I found the salads here to be delicious and excellent."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times during peak hours, especially on weekends.

2

Online ordering is recommended to avoid long lines.

3

The lunch special can easily feed two people for $14.

11
Panera Bread image 1

Bright interior and dog-friendly seating create a chill vibe. Salads shine with avocado and chicken, like the southwest and strawberry chicken options. Large parking lot with EV chargers makes access easy and convenient.

Salads come with lots of avocado and chicken, especially the southwest salad. Options include a strawberry chicken salad and smaller salads that pair well with soup.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and good."

"The salads here are large and delicious."

"The parking lot has EV chargers, which is awesome."

Good to know

1

Parking lot is large and includes EV chargers for electric vehicles.

2

The restaurant is clean and well-stocked with pastries and other foods.

3

Expect to pay around $17 for a small salad and a cup of soup.

12
Sorrento's Pizza & Italian Restaurant image 1

Small Italian spot feels like an old friend's kitchen with a cozy atmosphere and nostalgic decor. Salads are fresh and crisp, served alongside hearty meals like spaghetti. Quiet and intimate, it offers a family vibe with friendly energy.

Salads come with crisp fresh vegetables and are consistently ready and filling. They arrive fresh and well-packed alongside meals like the spaghetti lunch special.

People are saying

"The owners make you feel like family when you're here for Italian food."

"It's a priceless time capsule, making it feel like home for families."

"The salad here is so crisp and fresh."

Good to know

1

Wednesdays and Thursdays feature chicken parmesan nights with special pricing.

2

They offer a two-person meal special that provides good value.

3

Portions are large, often leading to leftovers.

13
Sushi Huku image 1
Sushi restaurant

Sushi spot shines with fresh fish and special rolls. Salads like seaweed salad and spicy sashimi add bold flavors. Atmosphere turns lively with 90s music, while drinks like soju and large Sapporo beers complete the experience.

Seaweed salad appears often and pairs well with miso soup. The spicy sashimi salad offers a bold flavor option. Poke bowls come loaded with ingredients, making extra greens unnecessary.

People are saying

"The sushi here is so good, especially the lemon roll."

"The miso ramen here is really good."

"The staff here is so hospitable and friendly."

Good to know

1

Each sushi is priced between $13 and $20, which is reasonable.

2

The portions at Sushi Huku are very generous compared to other sushi restaurants.

3

There is plenty of parking available nearby.

14
Felix's BBQ with Soul image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Cozy spot with loud Motown music sets an energetic mood. Southern barbecue shines alongside huge Cobb salad and crisp house salad. Casual vibe suits quick bites or relaxed lunches with unique desserts.

Salads come very generous and crisp here. The Cobb salad is huge, and the house salad pairs well with other dishes like Gumbo.

People are saying

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

"The cornbread muffins are warm and delicious."

"The tri-tip salad was tender, juicy, and had a great smoke flavor."

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.

15
Draft Republic San Marcos image 1
American restaurant

Large space blends arcade fun and bowling excitement with lively bars and many TVs for a sports vibe. Salads shine with lime cilantro vinaigrette, offering fresh citrus chicken and Caesar options. Energy stays upbeat, welcoming all ages with games and outdoor spots.

Salads come with lime cilantro vinaigrette and include options like citrus chicken and Caesar's salad. Side salads are small but flavorful, often paired with fries.

People are saying

"I found the food to be very tasty."

"The outdoor seating has games and TVs showing sports."

"The salads here are great for family meetups and friends get-togethers."

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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