Retail Roundup: West Campus Area Shopping, Dining and Entertainment

With its centralized location, the West Campus neighborhood enjoys incredibly convenient access to Austin shops, eateries and entertainment.

Local foodies rave about the award-winning Carillon New American Grill located on the UT campus. Excellent appetizers such as the Jonah Crab Salad, including smoked salmon and American caviar, or beef tartare begins the meal, with the signature dish of incredible veal tenderloin served with sweet potato hash, summer squash, mustard greens and bacon gastrique as the main dish, and incredible desserts, cognacs and cheeses to end the meal with a splash.

Everyday dining out choices near West Campus include Chipotle Mexican Grill, Madam Mam’s Noodles and More, and the Mellow Mushroom which serves mouthwatering pizza and scrumptious salads. Refreshing ice cream and smoothies, as well as several coffee shops are within close range of the neighborhood.

Unique Shopping and the Best Live Music in the World

Local shoppers enjoy “The Drag,” located along the west side of campus, where both eclectic and unique gifts, clothing and accessories are found, as well as more utilitarian needs at the University Co-op. South of West Campus is “SoCo,” a shopping mecca also known as South Congress. Delightful restaurants offer fantastic food, and residents enjoy the diverse shopping options showcasing handcrafted jewelry and gifts, specialty thrift stores and designer clothing.

For mainstream shopping, Barton Creek Square mall is just a 15-minute drive, featuring more than 180 retailers, including Nordstrom, Macy’s, Dillard’s and JCPenney. Only 10 blocks north is 26 Doors — a one-of-a-kind collection of quaint boutiques, cafés and gift shops. Grocery stores include a Whole Foods downtown as well as a Wheatsville Co-op in the neighborhood, plus HEB and Central Market within a 15-minute drive.

As a college town, Austin is home to some of the greatest live music in the world, and residents of West Campus enjoy an abundance of live music performances on campus and at area restaurants and venues. Fall brings the annual Austin City Limits Music Festival in nearby Zilker Park, while springtime features South by Southwest, another renowned music festival that draws artists from around the world. The Frank Erwin Center, ACL Live and UT’s Bass Concert Hall offer numerous national and international performances throughout the year.