University Star

Grin’s happy hour offers students a relaxed atmosphere after a long week of classes.

For more than 30 years, Grin’s Restaurant has seen the developing stages of San Marcos college life. Paul Sutphen, owner of Grin’s, said while he attended Southwest Texas State University, along with restaurant partner Johnny Ferrell, San Marcos used to be a suitcase college.

Sutphen said it was common for students to clear out of the college every weekend. He said the atmosphere of the ’70s and ’80s in San Marcos was completely different than what it is now. To give back to the new, young generation, Sutphen said he and his partner wanted to reward college students by creating the 99 cent margaritas and $5 beer buckets served during happy hour.

“It’s a good atmosphere for students and being a half block away from the university doesn’t hurt at all,” Sutphen said.

The margaritas are made fresh every morning, especially on Thursdays to accommodate the students who stop by the restaurant once classes let out. Samantha Huthlett, manager at Grin’s, said the restaurant usually starts filling around 3:30 in the afternoon and once again at seven. The margaritas are sold more than any other item the restaurant serves.

Sutphen said he wanted to thank the students and community for voting Grins as “Best Happy Hour” in San Marcos. He said he was proud of the university and the way it has grown, especially in athletics. Sutphen said Texas State alumni and San Marcos locals thrive on the students who stay behind every weekend, moving the university away from its suitcase college reputation.

“We can’t ask for a better university or town to be in than San Marcos,” Sutphen said.