Austin Official Visitors Guide 2008-2009 - (Page 10) WAREHoUSE DISTRICT The STreeTS: Congress Ave. west to Nueces St.; Cesar Chavez St. north to Seventh St. The STory: Upscale and trendy with a refined industrial character, this renovated entertainment district attracts a hip and artistic crowd. The restaurants are tapas-style hot spots and sushi bars, with plenty of stylish dining rooms serving continental cuisine. Live music, of course, is a big part of life in the Warehouse District. Home to La Zona Rosa and Cedar Street, the Warehouse District presents live shows just about every night of the week. The SMASh hiT: Saba Blue Water Café — Featuring award-winning tropical cocktails, Saba combines Austin atmosphere with Caribbean influences. With these Austin institutions bringing thousands of people to the area on a daily basis, a variety of independent shops and brand-name branches have sprung up within a four- or fiveblock radius. With the shopping also comes an influx of urban living developments, including condos, lofts and apartments. A true mixed-use area, the neighborhood is quite walkable, so park the car in a central location and enjoy the offerings on foot. The SMASh hiT: BookPeople — Texas’ leading independent bookstore since 1970, BookPeople is known for its local flair and offers a widespread selection of books and friendly staff. 2ND STREET DISTRICT The STreeTS: 2nd St., from San Antonio to Colorado. The STory: Austin’s latest urban concept, the 2nd Street District is a pedestrianfriendly, six-block stretch with extra-wide, tree-lined sidewalks. You’ll find cutting-edge retail, a day spa and outdoor cafés bumping storefronts with barbecue, sushi and wine restaurants. The SMASh hiT: Lamberts Downtown Barbecue — Head here for classic Texas barbecue and a menu loaded with woodgrilled steaks, Kobe beef short ribs and ravedabout mac and cheese. MARkET DISTRICT The STreeTS: Centered along West Sixth St. from Lavaca to Lamar. The STory: Sibling to the nearby Warehouse District, the options here broaden to include shopping. Named for the enormous headquarters building and flagship grocery store of Whole Foods Market, this neighborhood has grown up around three primary anchors — Waterloo Records, BookPeople and the aforementioned Whole Foods. Above: Austin’s districts offer a diverse selection of live music and the city’s laid-back vibe makes it easy to stop in and catch a show any night of the week. Photography: ©Denise Chambers/Weaver Multimedia Group, ©iStock
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