A small town with a proud past, Marlin’s culinary roots stretch deep into Southern tradition, honky-tonk life, and some of the best home-cooking in Central Texas.
The Blue Duck Kitchen & Bar
Set in a charming brick building downtown, The Blue Duck mixes Southern classics (shrimp and grits, fried green tomatoes, biscuit sandwiches) with upscale comfort and a creative touch.
The patio glows at night and the craft cocktails come strong—locals and visitors alike call it a surprise gem.
Whup’s Boomerang Bar-B-Que
Pit-smoked brisket, ribs, sausage, and “Texas Twinkies” (stuffed jalapeños) headline this no-frills city institution.
The brisket sandwich is a rite of passage, and Friday nights mean line dancing, live music, and full tables.
Sides—mustard potato salad, pinto beans, jalapeño cornbread—feel like Sunday at grandma’s.
Los Pepe’s Mexican Restaurant
Every small Texas town needs its taqueria, and Los Pepe’s delivers: fluffy breakfast tacos, enchiladas topped with yolky eggs, birria on weekends, and salsa with lingering heat.
The friendly staff and always-busy drive-thru make it Marlin’s go-to for busy nights and breakfast on the fly.
Lakeview Drive-In
An old-school burger shack, Lakeview slings chili-cheese dogs, bacon burgers, crispy onion rings, and milkshakes in baskets with picnic tables by the lot.
The kind of place where the town’s Little League teams celebrate and teens gather after football games.
Rudy’s Fried Chicken
Southern fried chicken so juicy and crispy it should come with a warning. Mashed potatoes, gravy, and golden buttery biscuits round out epic plates. It’s the ultimate Marlin “guilty pleasure,” with a line out the door on Sundays.
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