Exploring downtown is an adventure in fresh ideas, innovative design and funky artwork, as well as diverse shopping and dining. From the bars and music of historic 6th Street and the Warehouse District to shopping on 2nd Street, downtown Austin has a wide range of conveniences that are just steps from the Austonian.
Located in the booming 2nd Street District, a few minutes walk from the Warehouse district and the nightlife of 6th Street, Austonian residents enjoy proximity to more than 100 restaurants and nightclubs, as well as some of the best clothing and furniture boutiques downtown Austin has to offer. Mercury Studios, Design Within Reach and BoConcept, all just steps away from the Austonian, sell sleek, beautiful contemporary furniture and home furnishings.
And locals love shopping at local retailers downtown. For instance, finding chic fashions at Francesca’s, great casual denim from Girl Next Door, or Austin’s finest in locally crafted jewelry and exciting accessories at Eliza Page. Men’s fashion retailers in the area include Bonobos, Estilo and Urban Outfitters.
Exclusive Brands and Major Malls
The Domain, Austin’s premier shopping destination, is just 15 minutes away. Exclusive retailers such as Niemen Marcus, Tiffany & Co., Louis Vuitton, Diesel, 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 Austonian 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.
Austonian residents also enjoy the nearby Whole Foods Flagship store, a spectacular 2-story market that provides fresh and organic groceries, restaurant areas and healthy take-home meals, just minutes away.
Fine Dining in Your Own Building
Congress, one of the best and most praised restaurants in town is actually in the same building as the Austonian. While the food and service are, well, fancy, it’s Austin, so dining in a pair of jeans and an oxford shirt will cut it just fine. The chef is known for inventive and creative dishes with bold flavors. Each Monday through Saturday, the restaurant creates three-course and seven-course tasting menus, available with wine pairings.
While the menu is changed daily to allow Chef David Bull to follow his inspiration in creating the freshest and most flavorful dishes from the best seasonal ingredients, diners can expect surprising and incredibly delicious food every time.
Another upscale dining option is The Roaring Fork, Austin’s only award-winning wood-fired steakhouse. Featuring market-fresh fish and mouth-watering steaks masterfully cooked over an open flame, the restaurant promises a unique grilled taste that can’t be found anywhere else. Regulars recommend trying the bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin and the green chile mac and cheese, although everything on the menu is well conceived and well executed.
More Local Foodie Favorites
Of course, there are plenty of casual places to catch a great meal around downtown, too. Downtown Austin is full of great, relaxed places to eat. Some of the best hamburgers and chili cheese fries in Austin are available at 6th Street watering hole Casino El Camino — and there’s not another Bloody Mary in town that will beat one of Casino’s fiery delicious concoctions on a weekend morning.
The Best Wurst sausage and hotdog food cart has been receiving rave reviews from diners since they sold their first brat. Don’t miss out on the curry ketchup or unbeatable sauerkraut, either. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. There are many other food stands and bars with delicious food to explore.
And there are plenty more fine dining restaurants within walking distance, too. Parkside, Swift’s Attic Gastropub, Eddie V’s Prime Seafood and the Four Season’s TRIO restaurant are just a few of the many within walking distance of the Austonian.