Retail Roundup: Sabine on 5th Shopping, Dining and Entertainment

The condominiums at Sabine on 5th are a convenient walk to the abundant local shopping, restaurants that cover downtown.

Fashion and modern home furnishings dominate the 2nd Street District, highlighted by the chic fashions at Francesca’s, great casual denim from Girl Next Door, and Austin’s finest locally crafted jewelry. Men’s fashion choices include Bonobos, Estilo, and Urban Outfitters. Contemporary home furnishings are available from stores such as BoConcept and Design Within Reach.

And there is plentiful mainstream and upscale shopping at 10 major shopping centers within 15 minutes or less of the Sabine’s outstanding central location. All together, these shopping centers represent a staggering 600 fine department stores, local and national retailers, movie theaters, boutiques, restaurants, and more.

Living in the Middle of Austin’s Legendary Music Scene

Nightclubs, restaurants, and live music venues are the backbone of Austin’s downtown nightlife. And its all just steps from residents’ doors. Austin’s legendary 6th Street is just a block away, with scores of popular bars and music venues including Jackalope, Casino el Camino, Maggie Mae’s, Iron Cactus, and SoHo lounge.

The Sabine is also very close to Red River, a street famous for its original live music performed by notable local and national acts. The Mohawk, Red 7, Elysium, and Stubbs are a few of the places all within easy walking distance of home. The Warehouse District — less than a 15-minute walk — has an entirely different set of nightclubs and upscale restaurants including such popular spots as Congress, Sidebar + Kitchen, Gingerman, Bess Bistro, and Garridos.

From Food Trucks to White Linen, Dining Downtown Is a Rewarding Adventure

There are food carts with gourmet takes on wurst, walk-up pizza, and some great hamburgers and other casual food downtown. But there are also dozens of top-rated, excellent, and delicious high-end places.

Eddie V’s Prime Seafood, Steak, and Rhythm Restaurant, just a short walk from the Sabine, is a fine dining destination for all of Austin, even for those who have to drive some significant distance to reach it. Eddie V’s prides itself on its upscale atmosphere, live jazz, and uniformly excellent seafood and steaks.

Maine Lobster Tacos and Gently Crusted Lemon Sole

Eddie V’s regulars will recommend the Maine lobster tacos with grilled sweet corn pico de gallo from the appetizer menu — especially at their swank and fabulous happy hour.  The lobster and shrimp bisque with cognac is velvety, rich, just the right amount of 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 brilliantly. Eddie V’s also serves legendary aged steak, and surf and turf plates. 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.

Inventive Gourmet Fare: Lite, Raw, Hot and Full

Another popular choice for fine dining is The Carillon New American Grill. While various ingredients and techniques may be unfamiliar to some diners, nothing the Carillon prepares is done solely to be trendy or chic. Each ingredient and every technique work together in graceful and flavorful combinations that delight and excite the restaurant’s growing legions of repeat customers.

The menu has four sections: Lite, Raw, Hot, and Full. The Lite section features salads like a spinach salad with apple, with a blue cheese emulsion, maple gastrique and sliced pecans. Selections in the Raw section are carpacci, sashimi, tartare, and occasionally cured but uncooked proteins. The Hot section is a selection of small plates such as the unbelievably delicious crisp pork belly with Asian pear salad. Finally, the Full section is where diners find entrees like Colorado rack of lamb, prepared sous vide, served with rosemary cornbread pudding and Brussels sprouts.