Back in the 1840s, this part of Texas was a vast open prairie as far as the eye could see. In fact, the town of San Marcos didn’t receive its official designation from the Texas Legislature until 1848. By then, the Brown and Tarbox Stagecoach Line was already up and running, providing passenger and mail services between San Antonio and Austin.
Stops were established every 12 miles so that coach-weary travelers could stretch their legs, horses could be fed and changed out, and mail could be sent. In 1851, a stop was established at the home of James Purdy Matthews — close to the place where Tarbox & Brown now stands — and that’s where the restaurant’s story begins.
Tarbox & Brown Restaurant & Bar aims to provide
My team has so many recipes and treats for you to try... We can’t wait for you to try them all.
—
Chef Beattie,
Executive Chef Tarbox & Brown the same kind of welcoming crossroads to its guests as its namesake did over 170 years ago. Located adjacent to the Kissing Tree golf course, the restaurant offers a rotating seasonal menu focused on American and international fare with a Texas twist.
Executive Chef Chanel Beattie accomplishes this broad palette of flavors by bringing her unique experience to the table. Her love of cooking first began as a teenager growing up in Beijing and was further distilled by her time in culinary school at the Capsicum Culinary School in South Africa, where she studied French cuisine.
“When creating the menu for Tarbox & Brown, I wanted to share dishes people hadn't experienced yet while also including some familiar favorites,” Beattie said. “We’ll have Asian and Texan dishes, and some French-influenced items as well. I of course also want to add some South African flavor.”
From this varied background, Beattie creates unexpected flavor combinations such as a savory, fork-tender baked pork chop with a brandy- peppercorn reduction, garlicky asparagus and a house risotto. For an appetizer, choose from the Asian-inspired pork potstickers with a house-made honey soy sauce or the oven-baked brie drizzled with hot local honey and garnished with pecans and green apple slices. Another oneof- a-kind appetizer option is the T&B Stuffed Mushrooms, which are filled with smoked cheddar, topped with bread crumbs and parmesan and served on chipotle mac and cheese.
Keeping true to its Texas roots, Tarbox & Brown offers a maple bourbon ribeye steak, a crispy (and huge) chicken fried steak and the (Texas-sized) Stagecoach Burger topped with Vermont cheddar candied bacon and sliced avocado, smothered in T&B maple bourbon glaze. (Honestly, you had me at candied bacon.)
For dessert, go for the creme brulee cheesecake. The crispy, caramelized topping has a deeply-appealing contrasting texture to the creamy cheesecake, and the burnt sugar flavor is the perfect finish to a fine night out.
Tarbox & Brown server Maria Jefferson recommends trying the lunch menu as well. “Try the fish and chips at lunch. The fries are hand cut so they’re thicker than the dinner fries,” she said. Jefferson also recommended the crispy pork belly tacos. “They are spicy, but you’ll live,” she joked.
Lunch items are available on the Golf & Go menu. “Golfers can call in their order from the eighth hole and it will be ready by the time your game is done,” Jefferson said.
From soups, salads, sandwiches and burgers to Texas favorites like tacos and steaks, Tarbox & Brown has something for everyone and a lot to return for.
“My team has so many recipes and treats for you to try,” Beattie said. “We can’t wait for you to try them all.”
Tarbox & Brown also has a full bar menu, so guests can enjoy post-golf drinks or watch a big-sky sunset over cocktails from the wide outdoor patio.
Tarbox & Brown is located at 201 Kissing Tree Lane, Building 5, south of San Marcos. The restaurant is open for breakfast from 7 - 11 a.m. daily. Lunch hours are Saturday – Tuesday from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Wednesday – Friday from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Dinner service is offered Wednesday – Friday from 5 – 8 p.m. Guests can make a reservation at Tarbox & Brown by calling (512) 7491031 Ext. 2 or online at tarboxandbrown.com/.
