San Maximum: Fun Under 21

By Claire Hansen
Blog Content Contributor

Up until just a few months ago, I was one of the unlucky few who had to live with the pain of knowing I’d be left at home whenever my friends went out to the bars. For the past three years actually, I could say that has been a basic sum-up of my life! As I try to live it up for my final year, I am passing down what I’ve learned on how to survive as a minor in San Marcos, onto those who haven’t made it to the promised land yet. After writing about how to cope with FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) last week, I felt it was only the most appropriate to follow that with a list of places that have always helped me feel better. Between my freshman, sophomore, and junior year, I have spent much time seeking out those spots that would appreciate my non-alcoholic business. Below are my findings:

Chimy’s

Chimy’s just happens to be one of the very first places I paid a visit to after moving to San Marcos as a freshman. It was a popular spot amongst my older friends, and I soon realized why. Chimy’s is almost always poppin’. By poppin’, I mean it is one of those places where you can show up anytime and always expect there to be a solid, cheerful group of people there with just the right vibes. They’re always playing lively music and whenever there’s a big game, they broadcast it on all of their TVs, which line the walls inside and outside on the patio. They serve a great queso, as well as a tasty assortment of other greasy Mexican plate choices. Minors are allowed to stay until 10 each night, so it’s an excellent place to go with your friends before they hit the Square.

Kiva

Ironically, I didn’t actually visit this place for the first time until after my 21st birthday,

but I had been hearing for a while that minors are always welcome. After checking it out this past weekend, I am seriously just upset I didn’t go sooner! It’s the ideal spot for those like me who love that underground vibe. It’s a relatively small venue, with the low ceilings and tunnel-like layout you find exclusively in those dark, hole-in-the-wall clubs that always spin the best tunes. Yet Kiva is also spaced out in a way that separates the vibes, which, in my opinion, is a great thing because it gives you options when you get tired of standing in the same place for too long. They host all different types of live music several nights a week, supporting mostly local bands but occasionally bigger names too, like Zeds Dead and The Floozies. What I like most about Kiva is that I feel as if I could go there in any type of mood and have a great time. They have everything a good venue needs, from the pool tables to the eclectic food choices. I recommend checking out one of their weekly events, Underground Tuesdays.

Louie’s

While I’ve only been to Louie’s a handful of times, it quickly became one of my favorite places on the Square just after visiting once. This spot is almost entirely outdoors and is decorated with picnic tables and a ground of sand, setting the tone for a relaxed, yet entertaining experience. It’s a great place to go during the day if you’re just looking for a place to enjoy some time with friends. They often have live bands play on their small stage setup outside, and they occasionally host crawfish boils as well! The rest of their food is downright delicious as well, or at least what I’ve had of it. Also, one of the best things about Louie’s is that you can bring your dog during the day. Hooray for puppers!

The Marc

Lastly, we have The Marc. For a minor in San Marcos, The Marc is a place that must not be overlooked. It was another one of those first stops for me, and the anarchic chaos that exudes from the doorways simply had me hooked. If you’re really looking for somewhere to get crazy one night, this is the place for you. They have a VIP section upstairs that’s 21 and up, but downstairs, minors are allowed to roam freely. Unfortunately though, they do charge a $5 cover for the underage folk, even if you already have a ticket to the show. I think it’s just to make up for alcohol sales, but still, I cannot tell you how many times I had to pay that dang fee… Anyways, The Marc can get a little berserk at times but it’s the perfect place to be if you’re new to San Marcos and want to get a taste of how we do things here. I would recommend checking out Excision there for their annual Halloween event, Shot in the Dark, on October 20.

Listen, I know how crappy it can be to not be able to go out with your friends because you’re underage. Still, don’t waste your time with fake IDs. Spend that time saving money and bettering yourself for when you are able to participate in the good stuff. The Square and 6th Street may sound like loads of fun, but I can assure you that it is not worth the consequences that could possibly result. After your 21st birthday, you have the rest of your life to go to those places. Don’t get worn out before the fun even starts!

Featured image by Claire Hansen.