Retail Roundup: Long Canyon Area Shopping, Dining and Entertainment

Just because homeowners in Long Canyon live in the middle of nature’s serene magnificence, doesn’t mean they have to be far away from convenient options for delicious dining and sensational shopping. Quite the contrary.

For everyday necessities, The Village of Westlake Shopping Center is about 10 minutes away from Long Canyon, and is a popular choice for neighborhood homeowners. In addition to an HEB for groceries, the center includes an Office Depot, Twin Liquors, GNC, Alyson Jon Interiors, Finley’s Barbershop, Gold’s Gym, Jos. A. Bank Clothiers, Westbank Dry Cleaners and several other retailers. Hungry and thirsty shoppers can also enjoy their favorite hot or cold beverage at Starbucks, or a tasty meal at Izumi Sushi, La Madeleine and a few of the center’s other eateries.

Shopping in the Park

Also about a 10-minute drive, the Arboretum at Great Hills is an open-air mall featuring more than 40 specialty shops and restaurants, as well as a park, water feature and picnic area. Some of the Arboretum’s most popular retailers include Barnes and Noble, Chico’s, The Gap and Gap For Kids, Jos. A. Bank, Pottery Barn, Z Gallerie, Coldwater Creek, GameStop, SAS Shoes and AZIZ Salon and Day Spa, to name a few. There are also a number of restaurants to enjoy, including Five Guys Burgers and Fries, Brio Tuscan Grille, Zoe’s Kitchen, Estancia Churrascaria, Cheesecake Factory, and Amy’s Ice Cream, among others.

Within a 15-minute drive, Long Canyon shoppers can support their favorite retailers at three of Austin’s most popular regional malls, The Domain, Lakeline Mall and the Barton Creek Square Mall. Together, these major shopping centers include over 430 stores and restaurants.

Sunset Views, Burgers and Barbecue in a Serene Setting

There are a lot of great dining options within a few minutes of the neighborhood. The Oasis on Lake Travis, the self-proclaimed sunset capital of Texas, offers delicious cocktails, good food, and unforgettable lake and sunset views from its many terraces and patios.

Long Canyon residents feel like Ski Shores Café belongs to them, in a way. While the rest of Austin has to trek some significant distance to the place over land or by boat, Long Canyon residents live close enough to stop in on a whim. Revered for its burgers, the menu also features chicken, shrimp, fish, veggie burgers and salads. Taking full advantage of its Lake Austin location, Ski Shores offers tree-shaded outdoor seating right on the water accompanied by complimentary and spectacular views.

Fine Wine and Delicious Food in the Grove

The oaks that gave The Grove Wine Bar and Kitchen its name also lends the place a magical, romantic atmosphere. Its delectable food is made from scratch, using organic produce and only the freshest of ingredients. With a variety of small plates and samplers to choose from, among the popular choices are the Grove Crispy Oysters served on house-made chips with spicy aioli and mango-poblano pico. The Grove is only about 10 minutes away in West Lake Hills.

Many regulars recommend pies from among The Grove’s delicious specialty pizzas. The menu also includes pasta dishes, soups, paninis, and a wide variety of grilled items.

And of course the Grove has a stellar wine list. While always happy to suggest a pairing, the philosophy about wine here is that customers should drink what they like with the food they enjoy. Offering wine by the glass, by the flight, or by the bottle, The Grove invites patrons to relax beneath the grand live oaks on the outdoor patio and experience chic, casual dining at its finest.

So Many Restaurants, So Many Choices

Hunan Riverplace is popular for its delicious Chinese and Korean menus. Many frequent diners recommend the excellent bulgogi. Bamboo Grille, a popular lunch spot that also serves dinner, specializes in Chinese and Vietnamese food. Waterloo Ice House has become an Austin favorite for being a laid back place that serves cold beer, and hearty hamburgers. It has a large kid-friendly outdoor seating area. The County Line on the Lake, a beautiful spot on a quiet inlet to Lake Austin, has been delighting barbecue lovers with their friendly family-style menu options for decades. Maudie’s Milagro is the go-to Tex-Mex restaurant in the area, with abundant outdoor seating, delicious margaritas, and the best queso, enchiladas, and fajitas for miles.

Long Canyon residents have a broad variety of restaurant and dining options within just a few minutes of their homes — everything from casual hamburgers to fine dining. With so many quality options, it may appear difficult for Long Canyon neighbors to choose. But it makes finding a place that suits them — whatever their mood — simple.