We may or may not all scream for ice cream, but most of us will jump at the chance to discover the best desserts in San Marcos. Thankfully, there are plenty of San Marcos bakeries and other local spots to take care of that sugar craving.
Here are the five don’t-miss places that have some of the best desserts in San Marcos to get your sweet fix.
- Dos Gatos Kolaches
LBJ: 700 North LBJ #102A, San Marcos, Texas 78666
Wonder World: 243 Wonder World Dr. #106, San Marcos, Texas 78666
Established in 2009, Dos Gatos has been serving Czech and Texas kolaches that are local favorites. They have two locations, one on LBJ at Texas State University and the other on Wonder World Drive. Now, what’s the difference between a Czech and Texas kolache? Czech kolaches are more on the sweet side with their fruit fillings. Some also have cheese fillings.
Texas kolaches have bold savory flavors from different types of meats, cheese, and spices. You can expect to find the Texas kind filled with jalapeno and sausage, Philly cheesesteak, ham and cheese, and even a vegetarian sausage patty. If someone isn’t into kolaches, Dos Gatos’ cinnamon rolls have received two thumbs up from reviewers. Something to note is that the Wonder World location serves all kinds of coffee.
- Root Cellar Café and Bakery
142 N LBJ Dr., San Marcos, TX 78666
Going to Root Cellar Café is an experience considering it is located on the first floor of the historic Donaldson Building. It was originally the home of the G.W. Donaldson & Co. hardware store. In the 1930s, it turned into Bond’s Café and Restaurant.
The building is on a scenic corner with four shops. One is Root Cellar Café established in 2005 and next door is its bakery that serves wine and beer, coffee, breakfast, sweets, savory, boards, and artisan bread. You can order custom cakes in different flavors and sizes as well as desserts platters for a party. They also make gluten-free items by request.
- Rhea’s Ice Cream Parlor
318 N LBJ Dr., San Marcos, TX 78666
Pronounced as Ray’s, this ice cream shop is one of the four shops in the Donaldson building that houses Root Cellar. Actually, when Rhea moved to Chicago, she sold the shop to its current owner and The Root Cellar Café to maintain its legacy.
Open since 2009, Rhea’s has been churning out ice cream by hand using the freshest ingredients. You’ll find a variety of flavors, some traditional and some not like goat cheese and raspberry jam. You can get the ice cream in many ways: cup, homemade waffle cone, fresh-baked cookie sandwich, float, milkshake, or on top of a homemade hot brownie. They also serve hand-crafted espresso.
- Lauren’s Wildflower Bakery
1904 Old Ranch Road 12, Suite 110, San Marcos, Texas
This bakery calls itself a real-buttery bakery and aims to please your palate with all natural flavors and not-too-sweet frostings. The San Marcos bakery’s baked goods include sweet and savory scones, cakes and cupcakes, cookies, and brownies. Think blondes have more fun? Sure, you can get some blondies. These are brownies made with brown sugar and butter while skipping the chocolate.
You can even get some Take and Bake where you pick up cold batter that you can freeze for later. Then when you need some sweetness, pop it in the oven to get a warm, delicious treat without the work.
- The Candy Wraptor Dinosaur Café and Candy Store
2626 Hunter Rd, San Marcos, TX 78666
Ever tried phosphate soda? If you have, it’ll bring back memories when you order one here. Never heard of it? Phosphate is a soda with a tangy flavor. It can be made with cream coda, homemade root beer, or homemade cola. You can order sugar-free sodas made with stevia.
This is the place to go for a Candy Wraptor, which is a truffle made with unique ganache flavors and chocolate pairings. They say no two truffles are alike. The store also carries sugar-free and no sugar added truffles. When you go to the Candy Wraptor, you have a choice of cupcakes, cannoli, cakes, and more. They also have vegan sweets, lunch, and dinner dishes.
Looking for some food trucks to try? You got it! Check out these marvelous San Marcos food trucks.
You can have it all when you live in TRACE, a live-play-work community in San Marcos that offers many amenities, a planned retail and business park, and an on-site elementary school. You’ll also be able to enjoy three community parks, an amenity center, and scenic trails with everything you need to enjoy the great outdoors.