There is nothing quite like downtown Austin when it’s time to go shopping for unique apparel, home goods, gifts, accessories, and other fun fashion finds. Residents typically do their shopping here and also enjoy the shops that line nearby South Congress for their eclectic mix of boutiques and eateries.
South Congress is the icon of Austin’s unique local entrepreneurial spirit, and one of the most popular places for street-level people watching. Lined with fun, funky, and fashionable local shops like Creature Boutique (women’s shoes and fashion), Maya Star (jewelry and women’s fashion) Tesoros (unique clothing, jewelry and other treasures from around the world) Parts & Labor (accessories, and jewelry), Lucy in Disguise (costumes, wigs, and other fun stuff all year long), and many others. And there are a few great places to get a snack (or even stop for some fine dining) on SoCo as well. Jo’s Coffee Shop is a popular place to rejuvenate and charge up with an Iced Turbo or Belgian Bomber for those making the rounds of people watching, window shopping, and buying little gems up and down the most colorful street in Austin.
More Shopping Opportunities
For everyday shopping, Barton Creek Square mall is less than 10 minutes away. With more than 180 stores and restaurants, favorites include Nordstrom, Dillards, Apple, Sephora and Coach. The 14-screen AMC Barton Creek Cinema is wonderfully convenient for those who want to check out the latest screenings.
The number of convenient shopping and dining opportunities for people who live in this central location are staggering. In addition to downtown’s 2nd Street Shopping District and the Barton Creek Square Mall, there are nine more major shopping centers less than 15 minutes away. These shopping centers like The Domain, Arboretum at Great Hills, Gateway, Arbor Trails, Shops at Arbor Walk, Escarpment Village, Sunset Valley Market Fair, the Village at Westlake, and Southpark Meadows host a collection of more than 520 high quality department stores, prestigious national specialty retailers, boutiques, local merchants, all kinds of restaurants, and more.
Many residents visit the neighborhood’s own Randalls for day-to-day grocery needs, and for even more options, the Whole Foods Market flagship store downtown is just about five minutes away.
Blended Coffee, Coconut Fried Shrimp and Fluffy Pancakes
Mozart’s Coffee Roasters on Lake Austin is a popular favorite weekend morning destination. The on-site bakery satiates the sweet tooth and the blended coffees are delicious either hot or cold. With extraordinary lake views and the popular outdoor patio, residents can enjoy live music on the deck. Sipping on a Lake Austin Blend Café Au Lait and eating a scrumptious Mystic Fruit Tart with various fruits and berries is the perfect way to start or end the day. Residents love the atmosphere and the desserts get a 5-star rating.
Hula Hut, another brainchild of the restaurateurs who launched the fabulously successful Chuy’s restaurants — shares a parking lot with Mozart’s. Hula Hut serves Mexican food with a kind of a luau twist and outdoor seating down a pier perpendicular to the dining room and out over the water. The Tiki-Mex cuisine includes delectable dishes such as the Coconut Fried Shrimp, Mango-Poblano Chile Quesadillas, Tubular Tacos and the Hawaiian Fajitas. The Hawaiian Fajitas are a favorite: charbroiled beef or chicken glazed in a Polynesian Plum Sauce with red bell peppers, green onions and Hawaiian pineapple. The menu also includes burgers, sandwiches, salads and veggie burgers. Their legendary, delicious margaritas are a perfect complement to the beautiful lake view.
Residents have a vast array of eating establishments to choose. For instance, Fabi + Rossi serves elegant classical dishes in a fine dining atmosphere. Abel’s on the Lake — between Mozart’s and Hula Hut sharing the same parking lot — serves traditional American food with a lake view; and the original Maudie’s is just around the corner for good old fashioned Tex-Mex. And the Magnolia Café is an Austin stalwart, having occupied its shady spot for decades. While they do serve a complete and delicious dinner menu, breakfast is the thing. Fluffy pancakes, delicious omelets, and other morning favorites are available throughout the day. There are a number of other popular restaurants close by, and live entertainment is just a mile or so away.