Surrounded by upscale trendy stores, cafes and distinctive entertainment venues, it seems like there is food, shopping and live music everywhere for Brazos Lofts homeowners. For starters, residents do their grocery shopping at the 80,000 square foot Whole Foods or the ever-popular Central Market. And on Saturdays, nearby Republic Square Park’s Farmers’ Market offers the freshest produce in town.
As the name implies, in downtown’s Warehouse District, many of the shops, clubs and restaurants are renovated former warehouses. Some of the fine boutiques include Eliza Page (jewelry and accessories), Plain Ivey Jane (women’s clothes), Patagonia (sportswear), Estilo (men’s and women’s clothing), BoConcept (fine furnishings) Etcetera Etc. and Mercury Design Studios. Pubs and music venues include Fado, The Ginger Man, ACL Live at the Moody Theater, and Cedar Street Courtyard.
Fine, Funky SoCo and Legendary 6th Street
South Congress (“SoCo”) offers an entire avenue lined with local and funky boutiques, as well as a wide variety of fine dining and casual restaurants. Legendary 6th Street features restaurants, pubs and nightclubs, offering the most vibrant slice of Austin’s nightlife.
And, as if that all weren’t enough, there are nine major malls within a 15-minute drive of the Brazos Lofts. Together, these shopping centers host more than 700 retailers, department stores, movie theaters, local merchants, and restaurants.
Maine Lobster and Shrimp Bisque with Cognac
For an exquisite fine dining experience, Eddie V’s Prime Seafood, Steak, and Rhythm Restaurant is just a few of blocks from home. Eddie V’s is a destination for all of Austin, even those who have to drive a significant distance for their place at a table. Eddie V’s prides itself on its upscale atmosphere, live jazz, and uniformly excellent seafood and steaks. Regular diners will recommend the Maine lobster tacos with grilled sweet corn pico de gallo from the appetizer menu — especially during Eddie V’s swank and fabulous happy hour. The lobster and shrimp bisque with cognac is velvety, rich, slightly sweet, and overall irresistible.
The kitchen’s deft hand is evident in the preparation of delicate North Atlantic lemon sole. Crusted gently with parmesan, dressed lightly with lemon butter, and served with an elegant tomato and herb salad, even the subtle flavors shine, and all combine for a divine entrée. If for some reason a diner is not in the mood for extraordinarily well-prepared seafood, Eddie V’s also serves legendary steak. Or for someone who wants both a fantastically prepared steak and seafood, there is filet mignon served with cold water lobster tail. Everything at Eddie V’s is well calibrated to evoke sparkling elegance and a refined yet effervescent atmosphere. For a special night out, this is the place. Of course even the most ordinary night becomes something special at Eddie V’s.
More Foodie Favorites and Austin’s Best Entertainment
A few of the other nearby foodie favorites include Garrido’s, Second Bar & Kitchen, Lambert’s Downtown Barbeque, La Condesa, Home Slice, Hopdoddy Burger Bar, Barley Swine and Stubb’s Barbecue.
Stubb’s Barbeque, probably the city’s most popular mid-size concert venue is also a wonderful eatery. Stubb’s restaurant — independent of the concert space — serves flavorful smoked meats, sensational side dishes and an impressive selection of locally crafted beer. Along with Stubb’s famous barbeque sauce, the Angus beef brisket, pork spare ribs, sausage, turkey breast, chopped beef and pulled pork are delicious on a sandwich or as a combo plate. Sides include fried okra, coleslaw, pinto beans, hand cut fries, potato salad, mac and cheese, onion rings and an assortment of salads. Stubb’soffers a cross- section of elements that make Austin great all in one location — live music, cold beer, and great barbecue.
For outdoor entertainment, nearby Auditorium Shores hosts concerts, festivals, and other events periodically throughout the year. And the University of Texas at Austin has popular Longhorn sporting events such as football, basketball and baseball for the sports fanatics who faithfully attend the games on campus.