Shopping is a breeze for the folks in Rancho Alto. The neighborhood is only about 15 minutes from five major shopping centers representing more than 450 department stores, local and national retailers, restaurants, and movie theaters.
Southpark Meadows is among those five shopping centers and is located just 10 minutes from home. An all-encompassing retail, dining and entertainment experience, Southpark Meadows is a great place to indulge in a little retail therapy — or relax and recharge with a refreshing margarita. The center has over 100 stores where residents can find everything from groceries and electronics to the latest fashions, and is also home to many excellent restaurants.
People from the neighborhood do much of their grocery shopping at a convenient Randalls less than 10 minutes away, or a local HEB just over five minutes away, while some choose the SuperTarget in Southpark Meadows.
Two Popular Approaches to Mexican Food — Tex-Mex …
Austin’s newest branch of long-time favorite Serrano’s is located at Southpark Meadows. One of Austin’s favorite Tex-Mex restaurants, Serrano’s offers a very popular happy hour featuring a large, tasty selection of exotically flavored margaritas. The icy cool melon and sparkling sangria margaritas are delicious.
Of course the food is also a major draw. Serrano’s mesquite grilled fajitas — beef or chicken — are beautifully tender and have a unique mesquite-infused flavor that elevate them above the pack. Another popular dish is pollo poblano – mesquite grilled chicken breast topped with sautèed poblano peppers, onions, white wine poblano cream sauce, and monterey jack cheese. And the sweet and spicy BBQ brisket enchiladas have the perfect amount of kick.
… And Mex-Mex
Rancho Alto residents are lucky to live less than 5 minutes from Mi Ranchito Taqueria, a modest-looking and inexpensive place that a number of food critics and chefs around town have called their “go-to Mexican restaurant in Austin.”
It isn’t the menu or the atmosphere that sets Mi Ranchito apart — the difference is in the quality and flavor of the food. Diners who order breakfast or dinner tacos, tortas, gorditas, or platters with entrees such as carne guisada, pork in salsa verde, lightly-breaded chile rellenos — or even hamburgers — rave that its some of the best Mexican food anywhere. Mi Ranchito’s special hamburger comes with a tremendous beef patty topped withjack cheese, generous amounts of bacon, ham, and avocado. The regular burgers come topped with flavorful Mexican chorizo — a perfect complement to an already tasty burger.
Exceptionally Tasty Japanese Cuisine with Elegant and Traditional Ambiance
Shogun Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar, an authentic family-owned foodie favorite, is less than 10 minutes from home. Shogun is decorated elegantly and simply in a traditional style, and even has a room for groups and special occasions with tatami mats where guests remove their shoes before sitting on the floor for dinner. Loyal patrons love the warm greeting that the family who owns and operates the restaurant gives every guest.
The sashimi is remarkable and fresh, and the sushi rolls range from firmly traditional to some that incorporate a few new ideas. It’s one of those places where patrons eagerly recommend dishes, happy to share their appreciation for the carefully crafted and exceptionally tasty food. Among some of the most popular entrees are yakisoba and udon noodle dishes, and katsudon (a lightly fried pork cutlet with rice, condiments, and sauce), gyoza (pot stickers), and teppan (crispy grilled) tofu.
Dinner and a Movie — At the Same Time
Residents also enjoy the nearby Alamo Drafthouse on Slaughter Lane. As the newest Drafthouse in Austin, the theatre has an incredible sound system and luxurious seating, along with everything else the chain is famous for: delicious food, an extensive drink selection and unique movie theatre events, such as sing-a-longs and comedy nights.
One of the best things about this location is the 400 Rabbits bar tucked alongside the Drafthouse. This swanky jazz bar with its eye-catching dark interior and array of creative and delicious cocktails has a lovely laid-back atmosphere. Evocative of a modern speakeasy, this little gem of a bar is the perfect place to stop for a drink before heading over to the Drafthouse. The attentive staff will even remind you how long you have until your film begins.