The folks in Old Enfield have one of Austin’s most enjoyable, old-timey grocery stores right in their backyards. Founded in 1927, there are currently only two Fresh Plus groceries left in town — one on West Lynn just a block or two south of Old Enfield and the other in Hyde Park.
The West Lynn location feels a little more complete and expansive than its sibling in Hyde Park. By modern terms, though, the place is exceedingly compact and easy to navigate. With a full inventory of grocery items and a sterling produce section that consistently showcases a healthy selection of organic fruits and veggies, Fresh Plus is a super-convenient lovable little jewel. The exceedingly popular Whole Foods Market flagship store — two stories tall — offers an even larger selection of healthful groceries only a few minutes south of the neighborhood.
Locally Owned and Iconic Austin Retailers
Locals find a uniquely Austin shopping experience at nearby stores, boutiques and shops on North Lamar. Austin-based Hem Jeans offers premium denim clothing (and in-house tailoring) just minutes away a block off of North Lamar, and By George, an Austin fine apparel and accessories store that started with humble roots, now has a major flagship store near the neighborhood on North Lamar. Austin’s own Whole Earth Provision Company also operates a store with top-shelf camping and outdoor gear on Lamar, and local iconic booksellers Bookpeople (across the street from Whole Foods Market) is the largest local independent bookstore still operating in Austin.
Six Regional Malls within 15 Minutes
A few miles down Mopac and less than 10-minutes away, Barton Creek Square, one of the largest malls in Texas features more than 180 specialty retail shops and department stores. Retailers in the mall include such names as Nordstrom, Dillard’s, Macy’s, Abercrombie & Fitch, Ann Taylor, Apple, Banana Republic, Bath & Body Works, Chico’s, Gap, Lane Bryant, Old Navy and many others.
The mall also offers some great dining options, including favorites such as California Pizza Kitchen, Charley’s Grilled Subs, Frullati Café & Bakery, Ruby Thai Kitchen, Sarku Japan, Steak N Shake, Villa Pizza, and more. And for date night or family fun, movie buffs also love to check out the latest blockbusters at the 14-screen AMC Barton Creek cinema.
Five other major shopping centers – the Domain, Arboretum, Gateway, Shops at Arbor Walk, and Village at Westlake — are within 15 minutes of Old Enfield. Together, these shopping centers represent about 250 major and local retailers and restaurants.
Mouth-Watering Food, World-Class Service
When people who live in Old Enfield want to be taken care of by one of the best upscale restaurants in Austin without leaving their own neighborhood, Jeffrey’s is ready to make them feel special.
Opened in 1975, Jeffrey’s has been earning rave reviews and national acclaim for decades. Then, in 2013, the original owners turned the restaurant over to Austin chef Larry McGuire and his talented team, who re-imagined the restaurant, enlivened it, but held fast to the quality that had built the name.
Jeffrey’s has been named one of the 2013 Top 10 Best New Restaurants in the country by Bon Appétit magazine. The restaurant, located only minutes away, is legendary for its impeccable service and extreme attention to detail. The menu is constantly changing, but a foodie favorite choice to look for is the Niman Poulet Rouge Porchetta with crispy prosciutto, herb gnocchi, savoy cabbage, purslane, hen of the woods and truffle mustard sauce.
An Unmatchable Cup of Coffee and Several Unique Eateries
At Caffé Medici on West Lynn, the talented baristas craft some of the most beautifully prepared coffee in the city using locally roasted Cuvée Coffee. The seven-bean Medici house blend is rich and full-bodied, while the espresso blend is sweet and fruity with a chocolate finish. Every cup is prepared with expert care and served in traditional white cups — perfect to pair with a tangy lemon blueberry muffin or delicious citrus cookie.
For a vintage Austin experience, locals flock to Nau’s Drugstore, a landmark mom-and-pop establishment dating back to the 1950s with classic burgers and an old-school soda fountain.
Nearby Lamar Boulevard is pulsing with the Austin beat. Lamar has its own selection of unique restaurants, such as Wink, 24 Diner, Austin Java, The Tavern and many more.
Homegrown Music and Direct Access to the Bright Lights of Austin
For music lovers, a number of venues in the area feature live music with their food and drink menus. Waterloo Ice House, Threadgill’s and even Whole Foods natural grocery showcase live performances to satisfy the soul while quenching a thirst and tantalizing the taste buds. Only a short drive to the busy nightlife of downtown Austin, Old Enfield is also nestled next to Mopac, a popular expressway that provides direct access to most of the city’s highlights.