Retail Roundup: Shoalmont Area Shopping, Dining and Entertainment

Shoalmont is close to several major thoroughfares, all lined with stores and restaurants that also afford easy access to all of Austin.

Neighborhood homeowners frequently shop at Northcross Mall, only five minutes away. Northcross Mall features an indoor skating rink, a Guitar Center, Brownlee Jewelers, Dress Barn, Bagel Bin and Deli, Walmart, and Walgreens.

The Arboretum at Great Hills is less than 10 minutes away, and offers a unique open-air, park-like shopping experience. There are more than 40 specialty shops and restaurants, as well as a grassy picnic area, sculptures, and water features. Some of the most popular retailers at the Arboretum are Barnes and Noble, Chico’s, The Gap and Gap For Kids, Jos. A. Bank, Pottery Barn, Z Gallerie, Coldwater Creek, GameStop, Estancia Churrascaria, SAS Shoes and AZIZ Salon and Day Spa, to name a few. Among the popular restaurants in the center are Five Guys Burgers and Fries, Brio Tuscan Grille, Zoe’s Kitchen, Cheesecake Factory, and Amy’s Ice Cream.

Shoalmont’s central location positions homeowners to reach eight other major shopping centers in 15 minutes or less. These shopping centers include Barton Creek Square Mall, the Domain, Shops at Arbor Walk, the Gateway Shopping Center, Village at Westlake, Lakeline Mall, Arbor Trails, and Sunset Valley Market Fair. Together, these shopping centers host almost 560 stores and restaurants.

Neighbors in Shoalmont shop for groceries at Whole Foods’ Market Gateway location and the homegrown upscale Central Market (each just 10 minutes away) and a neighborhood HEB less than a minute away.

Date Nights, Hummus, and Shoalmont’s Hippest Brewpub

Date night calls for a memorable meal at legendary Austin restaurant Fonda San Miguel, just 2-3 minutes away, where residents savor renowned interior Mexican specialties such as achiote-seasoned gulf shrimp and grilled beef tenderloin served with guacamole.

For something exotic, locals go to Sarah’s Mediterranean Grill & Market, located in an unassuming strip center just a few minutes from Shoalmont. Sarah’s offers great service and serves some of Austin’s best hummus, tabouli, falafel, and Mediterranean-style roast chicken, as well as other flavorful delights.

Another foodie favorite, Little Deli & Pizzeria in nearby Crestview, is a tiny place with a huge reputation among locals for fantastic sandwiches and pizza, served in a friendly neighborhood location. The tables on the walk, shaded by a canopy and grand oaks, stays comfortable even on very hot days. Not to be overlooked, the menu at the Apothecary Cafe & Wine Bar is constantly evolving — but it is always fine, fresh, delicious, and carefully crafted from the best ingredients.

After dinner, folks in Shoalmont walk to local favorites Amy’s Ice Cream and Hey Cupcake! for dessert, both less than a mile away.

A weekend night out in the neighborhood often includes a few beers and a slice or two at Pinthouse Pizza, just a few blocks from Crestmont Park. This hip brewpub features more than 40 craft beers, as well as specialty pizzas such as the Armadillo, topped with artisanal sausage, poblano peppers, ricotta, and cilantro.