Although the bustling downtown nightlife is only a few minutes away, Allandale residents don’t have to go far for a wide variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
Old and new merge seamlessly in Allandale’s many eclectic boutiques and locally owned shops. Vintage lovers and antique bargain hunters appreciate the wide selection of shops and stores on Burnet Road, including the Austin Furniture Depot, which offers a delightful mix of knick-knacks and yard art, as well as unique decor and furniture for every room of the house. Remixologie Home and Uptown Modern both offer high quality mid-century furniture and accessories to perfectly balance today’s chic with one-of-a-kind vintage design.
For entertainment, The Alamo Drafthouse, located in the nearby Village Shopping Center, is a prime spot for catching the latest releases or a fun special theme night. With special themed showings like Terror Tuesday, Girlie Night, and Broadway Brunch, the Alamo features an ever-changing mix of timeless classics, forgotten favorites, and obscure titles. Movie buffs partake in both local and national beers on tap and a diverse menu with satisfying dinner and dessert options.
After the movie, or just to play a few games with friends, locals gather next door at The Goodnight for an evening of bowling, table tennis, shuffleboard or pool. Here, old-fashioned fun gets a modern spin with sophisticated ambiance, creative craft cocktails, and fish tacos or the delicious hummus plate.
Great Food with a Taste of Austin History
A couple of local food favorites include the Fonda San Miguel, famous for its authentic savory Interior Mexican flavors, and Mikado Ryotei, which serves mouth-watering sushi, steak teriyaki and other Japanese cuisine. Locals also love the wonderfully exotic flavors of Madras Pavilion for delightful south and north Indian vegetarian dishes.
But to experience local history and great food, friends get cozy together in the dimly lit booths at The Night Hawk Frisco Shop or sit side-by-side at the diner’s bar. A local favorite for over 60 years, The Frisco isn’t just another Central Texas landmark; it’s an Austin tradition and rite of passage for newly-minted Austinites to experience the authentic home-cooked flavor of chicken-fried steak and mashed potatoes or other American fare.
“Ninety percent of the patrons who dine at The Frisco are true regulars in every sense of the word,” says Deborah Donovan, manager of the Frisco and long-time Texan. “In fact, some can be found in the same seats almost every day, sometimes twice a day. Most of the folks who eat with us have been eating with us for years. But the city’s constant growth has introduced us to a new following of patrons looking for an authentic Austin experience.”