Jeff Colasurd, the owner of Tantra, a beloved San Marcos coffee shop and live music venue, is on a mission to preserve the charm of Tantra’s past while also finding innovative ways to enhance the business. Originally known as Tantra Coffeehouse, the cafe first opened its doors on Hopkins Street in 2005. It quickly became a local hotspot for live music, socializing, and drinks, with its weekly Bluegrass Nights drawing in crowds of music enthusiasts.
Unfortunately, like many businesses, Tantra was forced to close its doors at the beginning of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, last November, the cafe reopened under new ownership with Jeff Colasurd at the helm. Colasurd, who had been a regular at Tantra’s Bluegrass Nights since moving to San Marcos in 2015, saw an opportunity to revive the cafe and put it back on the map as a prominent live music venue in the community.
Taking over ownership of Tantra was no small feat for Colasurd. The cafe underwent a complete renovation, with Colasurd having to obtain his general contractor’s license to oversee the extensive remodeling process. The 11-month renovation included releveling the foundation, installing new electrical, plumbing, and heating and air conditioning systems, refurbishing the stage and outdoor area, and adding a new bathroom. Colasurd described the transformation as Tantra “growing up a little bit,” with the house’s interior being stripped down to the studs and rebuilt from scratch.
Despite the challenges of renovation, Colasurd’s vision for Tantra extends beyond just physical improvements. The cafe’s menu has been revamped to offer a variety of coffee, tea, and espresso drinks, along with specialty beverages like the ‘Busy Bee’ made with honey, orange juice, and maté. All syrups, including vanilla, lavender, amaretto, and strawberry, are housemade, adding a unique touch to each drink. In addition to beverages, Tantra serves from-scratch breakfast, lunch, and snacks, with menu items like bagels, breakfast tacos, loaded sweet potato fries, and hummus with pita bread.
One of the highlights of Tantra’s reopening has been the return of Bluegrass Nights, held every Wednesday night. Local and out-of-town artists also grace the stage throughout the week, bringing a diverse range of musical talent to the cafe. Colasurd emphasized that live music is a driving force behind Tantra’s appeal, attracting both longtime regulars and newcomers to the venue.
As Tantra continues to thrive under Colasurd’s ownership, the cafe remains a hub for creativity and community engagement. Colasurd encourages his team to explore new ideas and initiatives, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration. Despite its unassuming appearance as a “small purple house” on Hopkins Street, Tantra is a powerhouse of creativity and community spirit, with Colasurd and his team dedicated to keeping the cafe’s legacy alive while also pushing boundaries and exploring new possibilities.