In addition to being among Austin’s most prestigious neighborhoods, Cat Mountain is conveniently located. In fact, the neighborhood is within 15 minutes or less of six major shopping centers. All together, these six retail malls represent more than 400 excellent department stores, local and national retailers, boutiques, movie theaters, and restaurants.
For weekly grocery shopping, neighbors head to Randalls, HEB, or the Whole Foods Market at the nearby Gateway Shopping Center. All three options are 10 minutes or less from home.
Fine Food, Couture Fashion and Luxurious Fun at The Domain
Just over 10 minutes from home, The Domain is the most upscale and exclusive shopping center in Austin. Stores include Neiman Marcus, Louis Vuitton, Barney’s, Macy’s, Coach, Sephora and many other fashionable boutiques and shops. The Domain is also home to noteworthy restaurants such as NoRTH, The Daily Grill, Blackfinn’s, Maggiano’s Little Italy, and McCormick & Schmick’s.
Even the movies at the Domain are a luxury experience. The 9-screen iPic theater is decked out with posh leather seats, some of which recline and are accompanied by side tables. The “concession stand” is actually a small restaurant that sells freshly prepared food such as wings and Angus beef sliders, as well as carefully crafted cocktails.
Dinner, a Movie and More Shopping
The Arboretum, an upscale shopping destination in a park-like setting, is also about 10 minutes from Cat Mountain. The outdoor mall is home to more than 40 restaurants and shops, including Pottery Barn, Restoration Hardware, Saks Fifth Avenue, custom jeweler Kirk Root Designs and Jos. A. Banks menswear, to name a few. Among the restaurant options at the Arboretum are Drunk Fish, where neighbors enjoy a fusion of Japanese and Korean cuisine, and Zoe’s Kitchen, a family-friendly eatery offering Greek soups and salads.
Just across the highway from The Arboretum, Gateway Shopping Center hosts an REI, Best Buy, Old Navy, Container Store, Crate & Barrel, as well as a Regal 16-screen multiplex movie theater among many other businesses.
Superfine Reubens, Grilled Salmon and Romano-Crusted Eggplant
For a family night out or special occasions, there are plenty of tempting restaurant choices nearby, including some great comfortable hangouts. Austin favorite Waterloo Ice House is a burgers-and-more eatery that’s a popular choice for post-game festivities. And there are a couple of great delis less than five minutes away including NeWorld Deli (they make a superfine Reuben) and the Kosher Store.
There are also a number offashionable destinations within easy reach of Cat Mountain. Brio Tuscan Grille, an upscale-but-affordable Italian place about 10 minutes away, has built a loyal and enthusiastic following serving delicious food with a smile. The whole family can find something to love. The children’s menu not only offers the usual favorites like mac and cheese, cheese pizza, and cheeseburgers, the kids can also get smaller portions from the regular menu or kid-adjusted dishes such as grilled salmon.
Appetizers such as a traditional Caprese salad, or spicy shrimp and eggplant — pan-seared shrimp and slices of Romano-crusted eggplant all with an irresistible creamy black pepper sauce — are a great start. The restaurant prepares many of their popular dishes on the grill, but the grilled items aren’t the only standouts. Among the popular entrée choices is Brio’s signature crab and shrimp cakes served with roasted vegetables.