Tarbox & Brown

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