Within walking distance, there is a vast array of boutiques and upscale shops offering stylish silhouettes, alluring accessories, upscale home décor and gifts galore, some crafted by local artisans. Adventuresome shoppers are in for the time of their lives.
Local shops and boutiques include Lush Cosmetics, Texas Running Company, Hem Jeans, Hatbox, Design Within Reach, Wild About Music, Nest Modern, and Austin Diamonds and Jewelry.
In addition, residents do much of their grocery shopping at the nearby flagship Whole Foods Market or Central Market, not far away. Each Saturday morning, Republic Square Park hosts a popular Farmers’ Market— the place to find the tastiest, farm-fresh produce and the best seasonal fruits in town.
Fine Dining at the “Number One Restaurant in Austin”
With seemingly endless options for dining, a few restaurants stand out. Ancho’s, Driskill Grill, The Backspace, and The Roaring Fork are all excellent.
The Driskill Grill has been an Austin institution since 1929 and has always been known for its posh elegance and romance. When The Grill was still known as The Driskill Dining Parlor, President Lyndon B. Johnson and future First Lady Claudia (Lady Bird) Taylor went on their first date to Driskill in 1934. Exquisitely romantic to this day, the Driskill Grill is a graceful and beautiful restaurant for any occasion.
Repeatedly ranked “the number one restaurant in Austin,” the Driskill Grill has scrumptious signature dishes such as Cornbread-Stuffed Texas Quail, Dijon-Crusted Colorado Lamb Chops, Dakota Farms American Buffalo and a Prime Aged Filet Mignon. Known for their superior wine list assembled by Certified Sommelier Chris Ota, wine lovers can consult with Ota and his expertly trained waitstaff to find perfect pairings. For dessert, diners swear by the Chocolate Caramel Crush Bar — a mini chocolate cremeux accompanied by a homemade chocolate bar crunch with candied hazelnuts.
Another Local Foodie Favorite
The Roaring Fork specializes in serving bold American flavors cooked on a wood fire. Harkening back to the old American West where food was prepared over at camp or on a stone hearth over a wood fire, the Roaring Fork imbues each of their dishes with that kind of authentic American taste. Serving lamb, chicken, beef, pork and fresh fish entrees all prepared with the kitchens’ wood fired rotisserie, open flame grill, or wood oven roasting.
The Roaring Fork is known for its happy hour; some of the popular drinks include frozen margaritas, blue bikini martinis and bourbon berry lemonade. Diners enjoy the “Big Ass” Burger served with poblano pepper, cheddar, smoked pepper bacon, lettuce, tomato, onions and pickles with crispy French fries and spicy slaw.