The residents of Austin Lofts do much of their grocery shopping at the nearby Whole Foods Flagship store, a spectacular 80,000-square-foot, 2-story market that provides fresh and organic groceries, restaurant areas and ready-made healthy meals. Another option for fresh produce and other foods is downtown’s Republic Square Park, which hosts a weekly Farmers’ Market, as well as “Movies in the Park,” “Yoga in the Park” and other popular events throughout the year.
The 2nd Street and Warehouse Districts are only a few blocks away and are brimming with lovely boutiques and shops, great bars, fine restaurants and fun clubs. Shops include Eliza Page, Plain Ivey Jane, Patagonia, Estilo, BoConcept, Mercury Design Studios and Etcetera, Etc. Jewelry, accessories, fashion forward apparel, sportswear and gear, gifts, furniture and home décor with more than a touch of class are some of the exceptional finds. In the Warehouse District, restaurants and clubs are in renovated former warehouses. The Ginger Man, Fado and Cedar Street Courtyard are only a few of the live music venues in this vibrant area.
South Congress (SoCo), just a few minutes away, offers an eclectic array of clothing, gift and accessory boutiques unlike any others in the city. SoCo also has a variety of locally owned cafes and restaurants.
Exclusive Brands and Major Malls
The Domain, Austin’s premier shopping destination, is just 15 minutes from home. Exclusive retailers such as Niemen Marcus, Tiffany & Co., Louis Vuitton, Diesel, the Apple Store, Arhaus and Cole Haan are among about 100 stores and restaurants, all arranged in a fabulous outdoor setting. Restaurants include the California Pizza Kitchen, Copper Restaurant & Dessert Lounge, Sushi Zushi and more.
There are nine more major shopping destinations within a 15-minute drive of the Avenue Lofts including Barton Creek Square Mall, the Arboretum at Great Hills, the Village at Westlake, Shops at Arbor Walk, Sunset Valley Market Fair, Escarpment Village, Southpark Meadows, Gateway and Arbor Trails. Together, these shopping centers host more than 600 retailers, department stores, movie theaters, restaurants, local merchants and services.
Electric Nightlife Within Easy Walking Distance
6th Street is just a block away with its highly charged blend of dining and nightlife. Popular nightlife spots include Casino el Camino, Jackalope, BD Riley’s Irish Pub, Old School Bar & Grill and many others. Violet Crown Social Club, Midnight Cowboy, The Library Bar and Maggie Mae’s are just a few of the nightlife venues featuring live music that are usually hopping from Happy Hour until closing.
French-Style Bistro, Austin’s Best Wurst and Texas Cream Puffs
Downtown Austin boasts everything from distinctive food carts (the Best Wurst serves restaurant-quality food at great prices) to some of the most romantic and upscale restaurants in town, like the luxurious dining offered at the Driskill Grill or the innovative menu at Congress.
Chez Nous is an unpretentious but elegant bistro around the corner from the Avenue Lofts. Chez Nous opened in 1982, the brainchild of three Parisians who came to Austin in the late 1970s. Chez Nous quickly established itself among the most authentic French bistro-style restaurants in Texas. Chez Nous has continued to delight both its regular clientele and new customers with delicious food in a warm and elegant but relaxed atmosphere. The menu is what you might expect to find in a Paris bistro. Popular and delicious appetizers include escargot and baked goat cheese on toast. Entrées include a mouthwatering duck confit, veal sweetbreads, tender steaks and a variety of fish dishes. Profiteroles and crème caramel top the list of several tempting desserts.
Walton’s Fancy and Staple, a gourmet deli and bakery owned by Sandra Bullock, serves decadent sandwiches and wonderful baked goods. The Gobble is filled with fresh turkey, alfalfa sprouts, avocado, onion, goat cheese and baby spinach served with balsamic vinaigrette on multigrain bread. The Reuben is a favorite, consisting of corned beef, sauerkraut and Swiss cheese with Thousand Island dressing on caraway rye. For dessert, the Parisian Macaroons, Chocolate Mousse Tower, Texas Cream Puffs, cupcakes and a variety of muffins, scones and cookies can be found in “The Cookie Jar” at this deli.