Shopping, dining, and entertainment abounds for homeowners at the Speedway Condominiums. For starters, Whole Foods Market, Wheatsville Food Co-op, and Central Market are each a popular choice for grocery shopping. All of these markets are noted for their fresh produce, organic selections, and a complete inventory of everything for a well-stocked pantry and refrigerator. Wheatsville is only a 10-minute walk, while the other two are less than a 10-minute drive from home.
For a fun day of food and shopping, “The Drag” is within easy access. The section of Guadalupe opposite the University of Texas campus, features a large selection of boutiques, shops, and dining options. Just a few of the many popular boutiques include Manju’s, Cotone Italian Clothing, and Urban Outfitters. Popular places to eat include Madam Mam’s Thai Restaurant, Teji’s Indian Restaurant, VERTS Kebap, and the Burrito Factory, a venerable hole-in-the-wall that is both a bar and restaurant, and features live original music every week. All of this is a 10 to 15 minute walk from the Speedway Condominiums.
Funky SoCo, Trendy Downtown and Eight Major Shopping Malls Nearby
About 10 minutes from home, South Congress (or “SoCo”) is another uniquely Austin shopping district with local boutiques, galleries, gift shops, and specialty retailers such as By George, Parts & Labour, Creatures, Blackmail Boutique, and many others. Homeslice Pizza, Hopdoddy Burger Bar, and Jo’s Coffee House are a few of the local foodie favorites for a bite to eat on SoCo.
Of course, downtown is less than a 10-minute drive and features fabulous shopping in the 2nd Street district; nightlife, restaurants, and bars in the Warehouse District and on 6th Street; and an emerging hip series of youthful restaurants and clubs on Rainey Street.
Plus, there are eight major shopping malls within about 15 minutes of the Speedway Condos. Together, these malls and shopping centers represent about 650 additional department stores, retailers, restaurants, movie theaters, and more.
Authentic Tex-Mex, Classic Burgers and All-Natural Barbecue
Nearby restaurants are plentiful, most are reasonably priced, and there are several standouts close to the Speedway Condominiums. Trudy’s and El Patio (both Austin institutions) serve authentic Tex-Mex favorites. Trudy’s outdoor patio and indoor bar serve the most delicious Mexican Martinis in town. Torchy’s Tacos has exploded in popularity over the last several years on the strength of their delicious, inventive tacos and uniquely great chili con queso.Another local favorite, Dirty Martin’s “Kum-bak Place,” established in 1926, still serves a tasty classic burger, delicious fries, and yummy shakes and malteds.
The Mellow Mushroom Pizzeria is famous for their unusually delicious stone-baked pizzas such as the Philosopher, a fresh concoction of all-natural grilled steak, portabella mushrooms, artichoke hearts, kalamata olives, provolone, feta and mozzarella cheeses. The natural, grass-fed beef served at Ruby’s Barbeque is some of the best in town, and Spiderhouse Coffee House, just a few blocks away, is a hugely popular gathering place for studying, dining, sharing a beer, and even enjoying live music.
Delectable Mediterranean Food from a Charming Man
Milto’s Mediterranean Café, about a 10-minute walk from home, has held its corner on 29th and Guadalupe for more than 35 years. What’s more, it is still under the leadership of the original Milto himself. Milto came to the United States from Italy when he was a boy, and learned about food from his father who was in the spice trade. As soon as he was old enough, Milto opened a restaurant in New York, and succeeded.
Milto fell in love with Austin on a visit and opened Milto’s serving the same kind of food he still serves there today: lovingly made lasagna, cacciatore, chicken and eggplant parmigiana, souvlakis, gyros, and of course pizzas. But it isn’t just excellent food that has made Milto’s an institution for over 35 years, Milto is a charming man who makes friends easily and seems to love each customer. His slogan has always been: “Milto’s — Make a Friend.”