Retail Roundup: Westlake Highlands Shopping, Dining and Entertainment

Westlake Highland’s well-placed location gives residents easy access to the shops, restaurants and nightlife of downtown Austin, but the Westlake area itself also gives shoppers plenty of options close to home.

There are three major shopping malls within 15 minutes or less from home, including Barton Creek Square Mall, Gateway, and Arboretum at Great Hills. Together, these three shopping centers host more than 250 fine department stores, local a national merchants, movie theaters, and restaurants.

Food and Fashion at the Village of Westlake

The Village at Westlake presents convenient shopping near Westlake Highlands. Among the most popular retailers in the center, Tyler’s Sports has been keeping Austin athletes in style since 1976. Owned by the creator of the “Keep Austin Weird” motto, the store offers everything from skate shoes and swimsuits to hiking and skiing gear, as well as casual fashions for men, women and kids. In addition, fashionistas keep up with the latest trends and styles at Francesca’s.

The Village also features casual dining favorites such as P. Terry’s Hamburgers, and Thai Spice for more adventuresome eaters. The Village’s HEB grocery store offers plenty of fresh options for the family pantry and the added benefits of an in-house sushi bar, in-store cooking classes and valet grocery services.

Relax Beneath the Mature Oaks and Enchanting Texas Sky

Many neighborhood foodies enjoy going to The Grove Wine Bar & Kitchen for a night out. The Grove, about 10 minutes from home, serves up a popular, fresh selection of bistro burgers, specialty pizzas, Panini sandwiches and fresh salads — not to mention a selection of over 200 fine wines and handcrafted microbrews, craft beers and seasonal brews from Central Texas and beyond.

The Grilled Patagonian Salmon (fresh caught organic salmon served with cilantro pesto couscous and mixed summer vegetables with a citrus verde salsa), is a favorite. Another popular dish is the hearty Roasted Airline Chicken Breast served with portabella mushrooms, shallots, tomatoes, roasted fingerling potatoes all topped with a savory natural au jus sauce.

Grilled Pork Tenderloin and Oysters Rockefeller with a View

Westlake Highlands is also convenient to several restaurants with sterling views of the hills and sunsets to the west. For instance, Eleven Plates and Wine’s upstairs dining affords impressive views of the canopied West Austin landscape. There, diners savor fantastic dishes that delight even the most discerning palate, such as crispy tiger shrimp and grilled pork tenderloin.

For a casual meal out with a group of friends and neighbors, Maudie’s Milagro is a popular choice for its spicy tacos, cold margaritas, outdoor deck, and beautiful vistas. And homeowners celebrating a special occasion often go to Gumbo’s Steak and Seafood, where they can enjoy elegant Oysters Rockefeller or a prime filet grilled to order. A perfectly chilled bottle of Veuve Clicquot adds a distinctive touch of elegance and style to any celebration.