Flowerland & Cutie Pi's
Many flower shops seem very chain-like to me even when they aren't, and I didn't find that to be true with Flowerland. They offer the standard range of flowers, vases, and services, but their arrangements are more creative than others in bigger shops I've visited. The staff are very helpful and knowledgable and seem almost excited to help you. I recommend Flowerland definitely.
PROS: nice arrangements, great staff
CONS:
San Marcos Public Library
I volunteered briefly at this library and would visit it often when I didn't feel like dealing with the on campus library and needed someplace to study. I have nothing but good things to say about it - though it's not huge, it is big for a library in a town the size of San Marcos. The location and interior are welcoming and well maintenanced. The selection of books is good for both adults and children. There are educational programs scheduled regularly for children and adults. The librarians here generally stay out of your way, but are very helpful if you ask.
PROS: selction of books, staff. programming
CONS: none
One Of A Kind Detailing
I have only dealt with One Of a Kind Detailing once, but I was very happy with the job they did detailing my car. It really seemed like they didn't miss a spot, when in the past and since then I have dealt with places that cut corners in their detailing. There is not much space to wait and it's quite boring in the shop, so I would recommend having someone drop you off if possible. The prices are standard.
PROS: great service
CONS:
A1 Starter & Alternator
If you need an alternator in San Marcos, I definitely recommend this place. As the name implies, they specialize in rebuilding and repairing alternators and starters. True, the location and shop are not exactly customer friendly, and the staff could work on their social skills, but they get the job done and give honest, accurate estimates.
PROS: price, quality of work
CONS: location
Central Texas Medical Ctr
I have both worked and been a patient at Central Texas Medical Center. It is fine for a medium sized town hospital, and also services several smaller surrounding towns. The ER, if you have to go, is probably less of a wait than at an ER in Austin or San Antonio, but there are still many, many people there just because they have no other way to get medical care (not really an emergency in the strictest sense). The staff is generally friendly, but overworked and occasionally snippy like at most other hospitals.
PROS: service, staff
CONS: wait time in ER
Colloquium Bookstore
As I have had to deal with a lot of bookstores in my collegiate career, I can safely say this is one of the best. The books are as fairly priced as you're going to find locally in San Marcos, and the store is spacious and easy to get around even when it's busy. The staff are helpful - I get the feeling it is family run, so they are a bit more responsive to your requests than perhaps a typical part time employee would be.
PROS: location, selection
CONS:
Roxy Nails
Roxy Nails is what you would expect from the outside appearance. It's located in a strip mall. It's fairly easy to get in and out quickly, and there's nothing either bad or outstanding about the staff or service. I have only had pedicures here, though they do manicures as well. The prices are again, what you would expect.
PROS: quick service
CONS:
The Flower Bucket
I don't know much about flowers, but I always enjoy shopping at The Flower Bucket. It's easy to navigate, colorful (of course), and the staff is very friendly. Unfortunately, I had to visit in order to buy an arrangement for a funeral, and I was touched with how warm and helpful the staff was. The arrangement, which I largely left in their hands, was unique yet tasteful.
PROS: wonderful staff
CONS:
Old Pecan Street Cafe
The food here is not disgusting by any means, however it is far from outstanding. Old Pecan Street has been operating in Austin for a long time, which is one of the few reasons they still have customers. I have attended one event that they catered, and the menu was wholly unimaginitive and mediocre.
PROS: decent prices
CONS: food not that great
Pc Doctors
After a very serious computer crash, I couldn't even get my computer turned on. I thought I would have to buy another, and that I would lose most of the files on my hard drive, but I have PC Doctors a shot. My computer was ready the next day, and it worked perfectly for more than a year from then. The prices seemed very fair as well.
PROS: price, service
CONS:
