The University Star | San Marcos Stars | Thursday, November 20, 2014 | 5
RESTAURANTS MADELYNNE SCALES PHOTO EDITOR
MADELYNNE SCALES PHOTO EDITOR
BEST DATE SPOT: Root Cellar Cafe By Carlie Porterfield SENIOR NEWS REPORTER Root Cellar Café, a restaurant located in downtown San Marcos, has been open since 2005 and is a favorite of both locals and students alike. “We are really proud of everything we serve,” said Kyle Myliuf, owner. “We have fantastic food and fantastic beer we brew here in town.” The restaurant emphasizes using local produce, and has a local seasonal menu. “We try to be a place for the entire community, whether that be students or professionals,” Myliuf said. “We try to make sure to offer something for everybody and be a place where everybody can feel comfortable.” Myliuf said Root Cellar Café offers a wide range of options for many different appetites.
“We have stuff that vegetarians like, but we also have great steak,” Myliuf said. “(All kinds of people) can enjoy our food. That’s our goal.” Kaley Blask, interior design senior, loves the variety of choices at Root Cellar Café. “I’m a pescatarian, so a vegetarian plus seafood,” Blask said. “There are always a lot options for me at Root Cellar, instead of just one or two like at other places.” Blask, who is interested in designing restaurant interiors, loves the feel of the café. “It’s very cozy,” Blask said. “It’s a good place for people to go for Sunday brunch or lunch after church. It’s one of the best places to eat in town.” The “comfortable atmosphere” of Root Cellar Café mirrors the community, Myliuf said. “We really try to put people at ease,” Myliuf said. “I think the ambience is very relaxed, which fits San Marcos.”
BEST MEXICAN FOOD: Garcia’s By Sabrina Flores SPORTS REPORTER Garcia’s has been familyowned and operated since 1988 when Curtis Garcia opened the well-known LBJ location. “To me it’s an honor to receive that award,” said Salena Ybarra, owner of Garcia’s since 2009. “It means a lot to me. We never did think it was going to take off like this.” The Garcia’s staff takes pride on having repeat customers and low prices to appease to Texas State students. Ybarra personally likes to make sure all seven of the locations are clean and presentable. “Customer service is my number-one thing,” Ybarra said. “It is important that they (servers) are trained properly to service my customers.” Garcia’s has two locations in San Marcos. The chain has spread throughout Central Texas in Buda, Kyle, Lockhart, Shertz and Seguin. “I love Garcia’s,” said Ariana Navarro, psychology sophomore. “Me and my friends always go there. I usually get Los Tres Garcia’s plate. It’s so good. You can tell it is made fresh.” The Garcia’s chicken fried chicken is a local favorite. The menu provides a variety of Tex-Mex cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
MADELYNNE SCALES PHOTO EDITOR
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BEST COFFEE SHOP: Mochas and Javas By Nicole Barrios ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR San Marcos residents and Texas State students voted Mochas and Javas as their favorite place for coffee, tea and treats in San Marcos. Owner Kevin Carswell said he thinks his shop won because of its involvement in the community. “It’s exciting, fantastic—it’s always great to win,” Carswell said. Personable staff and customer service help coffee drinkers feel comfortable to sit and stay awhile at Mochas and Javas. “We like to make this place like (customers’) second home,” Carswell said. “We try to educate our customers about our products and not pressure them into buying our products from us.” Candice Brusuelas, Mochas and Javas customer and San Marcos resident, said the shop’s customer service and friendliness stand out among others in San Marcos. “I think they go the extra mile for their customers,” Brusuelas said. “They’re always so friendly and if you’re there for a while you get a refill it’s no problem, and they’re always attentive and willing to suggest new flavors.” Mochas and Javas offers something
extra to customers by adding a free additional shot of espresso in all espresso drinks that customers love, Carswell said. “They’re always very friendly and they have a wide selection of flavors,” Brusuelas said. “They have very good food—I really love their food there.” Brusuelas enjoys drinking Mochas and Javas dark roast coffee and often adds a dash of pumpkin or hazelnut flavoring for a customized touch. She said her favorite food at the coffee shop is any of their sandwiches that feature turkey and a basil pesto sauce. Candy bar flavored drinks at Mochas and Javas’ North LBJ Drive location have recently been very popular as well as the seasonal pumpkin flavored drinks, Carswell said. Mochas and Javas has three shops located on North LBJ Drive, Wonder World Drive and in the main lobby of the Central Texas Medical Center off Wonder World Drive. The first location opened on North LBJ in 2003 and the other locations followed soon after. The location of Mochas and Javas on North LBJ Drive is very accessible to the community, Brusuelas said. “I know we really strive diligently to bring the best quality coffee, tea and food items to our customers every single day,” Carswell said.