After years of traveling to various European countries, Amy Ramirez knew that when she created Blue Dahlia Bistro with help from her husband, Sam, she wanted to bring that overseas feeling back to the U.S. “I love the vibe of Europe, and I think you can feel it through our food and decor,” Amy said. “We have communal seating tables and sharable dishes, and our extensively trained staff members provide five-star services.” The restaurant, located at 107 E. Hopkins St. in San Marcos, opened in July 2017. Blue Dahlia serves European-inspired breakfast, lunch and dinner items, such as crepes, sharable platters and tartines; the menu also includes desserts, coffee, espresso, wine and locally crafted beer on tap. Customers can enjoy their meals while surrounded by exposed-brick walls, low lighting and patio seating that is meant to give the impression of the narrow streets of ancient European cities. “The building we found for our San Marcos location was just perfect,” Amy said. “We have a beautiful garden courtyard with walls that are the oldest structure in San Marcos, dating back to the 1800s.” The Ramirezes’ efforts to preserve the building did not go unnoticed: The landmarks committee of the Heritage Association of San Marcos annually awards up to four projects in structures at least 75 years old; in 2017 the Ramirezes were honored along with two other property owners. They have also become involved in the community, turning the restaurant’s July 27 anniversary celebration into a benefit for those affected by the July 20 fire that killed five people and left 200 homeless. The San Marcos Blue Dahlia is the third in the region—the first location opened in 2007 in East Austin and the second in 2012 in Westlake—and the Ramirezes are now looking to expand further into events. “I’d like to grow our catering business,” Amy said. “Our next goal is to start off-site catering, especially for weddings. We just started pick-up catering but we don’t have a means to deliver yet. Regardless, we love Blue Dahlia and all that we can do for the community.” BLUE DAHLIA BISTRO 107 E. Hopkins St., San Marcos 512-667-9539 www.bluedahliabistro.com Hours: Mon.-Thu. 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Fri. 10 a.m.- 10 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-10 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.-9 p.m.