Co-owner Lance Gill believes the laid-back, small-lounge atmosphere of Brick Oven Bistro—and its breakfast taco delivery service—will gain his restaurant a strong following on the edge of Old RR 12 in San Marcos.

Gill, along with co-owner Sara Nadeau, are aiming to create an oasis of sorts just past the bustling buildings and businesses of downtown San Marcos. With the available food variety in that area being limited to coffee, pizza and Mexican fare, Gill and Nadeau wanted to bring new choices to students and neighborhood residents when they opened the bistro in early June.

"We just needed something out in this area," Gill said.

A former chef for the Coffee Pot Bistro in San Marcos, Gill said his love for cooking and good food drove him to help open Brick Oven Bistro. His styles range from Italian to Tex-Mex and Asian-style cuisine.

Out of all of his cooking abilities, however, Gill said he makes his brick oven–smoked chicken fajitas the best.

Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, Brick Oven Bistro dishes out food within a price range that Gill considers to be "pretty low." The restaurant's options include barbecue, salads and a variety of bistro fare. Coffee and tea are also features on the menu.

Patrons can also request custom breakfast tacos when certain ingredients are in stock, such as black beans and mushrooms. Brick Oven Bistro also offers delivery options for its breakfast tacos.

"I talked to a lot of people, especially students, who are studying or have been up late the night before," Gill said. "There's really not a lot of options getting breakfast delivered."

Customers will also encounter what Gill describes as the restaurant's "eclectic bohemian" style. Ornate scarves that mask fluorescent lights line the ceiling, complementing the different kinds of quirky hanging art and contrasting colors of the furniture, including tables and couches.

Gill and Nadeau also hosted the bistro's first live music show June 23. Gill, who is a musician, said he hopes to provide a venue for others who wish to perform in an outdoor setting, filling a need that goes beyond downtown San Marcos.

"Anything not right on the Square, there's not a lot of options," he said.