High-end living demands world-class shopping, and nearby Barton Creek Square Mall aims to fulfill the needs of residents living west of the city. With more than 180 shops, restaurants and stores, anchored by Macy’s, Nordstrom, Dillard’s, Sears, JCPenney, and an Apple Store, Barton Creek Square Mall offers all of the national retailers one would expect in an upscale setting. And, with its own AMC IMAX 14-screen theater, it’s easy to find something for everyone to do on a Saturday night.
There are two other major shopping centers near the Seven Oaks neighborhood. The Hill Country Galleria, just about five minutes away, hosts not only a Cinemark multiplex movie theater and about 100 other stores and restaurants, but it is also home to a nearby Whole Foods Market. Whole Foods Market is the international leader in providing high quality, healthful and organic groceries.
Another shopping center in close proximity is Village at Westlake Shopping Center, just over five minutes away. The center hosts an HEB supermarket and restaurants like La Madeleine as well as an Office Depot, Starbucks, and Jos. A. Bank Clothiers — just some of the 32 shops, restaurants, and services available.
Excellent Dining in the Neighborhood, Including Finely Prepared Rattlesnake
Local foodies rave about Abuelo’s Mexican Food Embassy with its courtyard atmosphere and made-to-order cuisine. The Queso Flameado Supremo is its signature appetizer. Made from creamy melted white cheese blended with roasted poblano and red peppers, mushrooms, spinach, cilantro and tomatoes and served in a flaming bowl, it’s a delicious and fun starter. The dish arrives at your table accompanied by warm flour tortillas.
For a more upscale experience, locals visit the popular Grove Wine Bar & Kitchen with its superb Mediterranean food and excellent wine selection. It offers a homey outdoor patio and relaxing fountains. A favorite among regulars is the seared miso glazed Sea Bass, with tamari-sherry broth, sesame, garlic, spinach, shitake mushrooms and pickled ginger.
Jack Allen’s Kitchen is a popular destination for local diners looking for a locally owned, top-quality fine dining experience with a distinct Texas twist. Jack Allen’s is centered on Southern-inspired dishes with an infusion of southwestern flavors to create plates that are at once intriguing and comforting. The restaurant is devoted to sourcing its ingredients from vendors close to home. The vast majority of ingredients in every dish are seasonally appropriate and are grown within the state of Texas.
Frequent diners at Jack Allen’s Kitchen recommend first considering one of the unique daily specials, but they also insist newcomers try something from the “Chicken Fried Anything” options — especially the chicken-fried New York Strip steak. Jack Allen’s Sunday brunch is famous among diners all over Austin for its fresh and tasty mimosas and extensive buffet.
Hudson’s on the Bend is a critically acclaimed fine dining restaurant famous for serving the finest locally sourced ingredients, and adventuresome, inventive dishes featuring wild game. Freshly caught game and the best produce and dairy from local farms and ranches are expertly prepared for a truly distinctive and unforgettable Texas flavor. The signature dish is their Espresso Chili: tender elk backstrap smoked and rubbed with chocolate, then topped with generous chunks of fresh blue crab. More adventurous souls can also try their mixed grill, offering local exotic meats such as bison, elk, and even rattlesnake.