In Austin, we like to keep it weird. Our music, our breakfast tacos, our citizens and, of course, our malls.
The Domain, located off Mopac, is about as far from a traditional mall as Austin could get. Over 100 luxury and Austin-based retailers are spread out over an urban green space including benches, fountains, and - of course - a small stage for local musicians. Forget crowded food courts: the Domain features some of the city's best restaurants and a Whole Foods grocery. Oh, and did we mention the theater, bowling alley, mini golf, and residential areas?
FYI: When we're talkin' about The Domain, we mean the entire area, but it's important to note that there are two parts of the domain owned by two separate entities: The Domain, a Simon center, spans the space from Dillard's to Neiman Marcus. DomainNORTHSIDE, an Endeavor property, is located on the opposite side of Domain Drive. Simon and its center, The Domain, are not associated in any way with the DomainNORTHSIDE. The properties are separately owned and operated.
Contributed by Page Jensen-Slattengren
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WHAT TO DO
photo via instagram
11010 Domain Dr
Trick your eyes at the Museum of Illusions. There are tons of exhibitions that will deceive your perceptions and give you some great photo opps, too! Some of the current illusions include the Tilted Room, Reversed Room, and Vortex Tunnel. The museum is open to all ages, and you can get tickets to experience the 70+ exhibits here.
3225 Amy Donovan Plaza
This luxury movie theatre offers up the latest and greatest movies with the comfort of leather seats, premium cocktails, and superior food. iPic Theaters feature cushioned recliners to sit back and relax in, chef-prepared menu items, and a bar where you can order a few rounds of handcrafted cocktails. It's a good spot to watch football games or take a much-needed break from shopping.
11310 Domain Dr
A social club in the truest of senses: Punch Bowl is home to an 8 lane bowling alley, darts, ping pong, billiards lounge, shuffleboard, pinball, karaoke, skeeball, and arcade games. After you've worked up an appetite with all those activities, chow down at the attached restaurant featuring upscale gastropub foods, sodas, fizzes, shakes, and creative cocktails.
2700 Esperanza Crossing
This is the future of golf. Top Golf is a multilevel complex featuring a variety of ranges suitable for golf players of all levels. Your hits rack up points through your microchipped golf ball. Bring an early date to Top Golf to share a bucket of beer and fire up some friendly competition.
photo via facebook
10910 Domain Dr. #120
One of the newest additions to The Domain, The Dirdie Birdie brings an elevated twist to the classic mini-golf that we all love. They have 12 one-of-a-kind holes with art installations that feature uniquely Austin things like the South Congress bats. They also have great cocktails and food, perfect for the first (or last) stop on your tour of The Domain.
3100 Esperanza Crossing Suite 100
Video game fans, you're going to want to check this one out. Sandbox VR is one of the world's most advanced virtual reality experiences. Their location at the Domain has four virtual reality rooms for gaming, offering full-body motion capture and high-quality haptics. You can go with groups of up to six, perfect for bachelor parties, spending time with family, or just a fun day with friends.
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11506 Century Oaks Terrace #124
North Italia is a swanky spot for lunch or dinner, serving up wood-fired pizzas and authentic antipastas. It's a little taste of Italy right here in Austin, and our pick for a Domain dinner date.
Cava is known and beloved for its fast and casually delicious environment. Customers begin with a base and a protein prior to delving into build-your-owl bowl condiment heaven. We repeat, Cava is condiment heaven. Their array of dressings (sriracha greek yogurt, anyone?) toppings, dips, and spreads is unparalleled. This popular restaurant, relatively new to Austin, was started by three friends who grew up around Greek food and environments and who wanted to make Greek food both satisfying and healthy. They pride themselves on making bold, crave-able meals that are perfect for on-the-go lunches.
3401 Esperanza Crossing 106
There’s nothing that can compare to hand-pulled fresh noodles. Here to prove it is Xian Sushi and Noodle. Owned by 2 brothers, this string of restaurants has secured its rightful spot on the must-eat list of Austin. These cute modern eateries are perfect for dates or hanging with friends. We’re going to strongly suggest you savor the Dan Dan noodles for yourself.
Some of our other favorite spots for a quick bite or nice meal near the Domain are: Mexican Sugar, Blue Sushi Sake Grill, Perry's Steakhouse & Grille, Flower Child, Shake Shack, Jinya Ramen Bar, Sweetgreen, and Velvet Taco.
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WHERE TO DRINK
photo via facebook
11500B Rock Rose Ave
One of the best Irish pubs in Austin, Jack & Ginger's, is located right in the middle of the Domain right next door to plenty of other places to drink, perfect for bar hopping. Stop by to watch a game or catch some live music. They also have a great happy hour on weekdays until 7 PM, with $6 select beer flights.
11721 Rock Rose Avenue
Culinary Dropout's beer and wine selections are satisfyingly lengthy, and house cocktails (like Fly Like Paper) run the gamut from classic to funky. This spot really shines when it comes to finger foods, though, like the pretzel bites with provolone fondue.
Some other fun places to drink around the Domain are: Wonder Bar, Lavaca Street Bar, and The Dogwood.
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WHERE TO SHOP
photo via facebook
If you are secretly Sporty Spice:
11410 Century Oaks Terrace
Stylish, comfortable, and offering ultimate performance enhancement. Alo purveys clothing perfect for Austinites, whether they are doing pilates, practicing yoga in the park, or running a trail.
11600 Century Oaks Terrace Suite 116
Yoga-inspired workout-wear shop Lululemon offers top-of-the-line yoga and exercise clothing that allows you to breathe (and look great) while you are on the go, be it running a marathon or stretching through an afternoon yoga class.
If you're fancy:
11601 Century Oaks Terrace
Ah, yes... the signature little blue box containing the key to every girl's (and boy's) dream: diamonds. Rings, tennis bracelets, drop necklaces and more - Tiffany and Co. caters to all diamond encrusted fantasies.
11600 Century Oaks Terrace #120
The beautiful designs of David Yurman jewelry are sure to set your loved one's heart racing. The signature cable bracelet is a no-brainer for any stylish sweetie.
If you need to relax:
3201 Feathergrass Court #100
Located in the heart of the bustling shopping district, Caesar's Nalls and Spa is the best place to get away from it all. Manicures, pedicures, facials, and waxing; they even offer princess manicures and pedicures to your little ones.
Some other stores we usually go to the Domain for are: Zara, Nordstrom, Aritizia, Anthropologie, Free People, Madewell, Sephora, and Reformation.
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WHERE TO STAY
photo via lonestarcourt.com
10901 Domain Drive
This boutique hotel serves up the Texas lifestyle. Snooze in one of Lone Star Court's traditional rooms featuring cowskin hides, and enjoy the hotel's romantic fire pits, live music, and a resident food truck serving up Texas-style Southern food. Love it? You can get married there as well. Howdy. Check out our full review of this gem here.
3121 Palm Way
Offering rooms with balconies, fireplaces, and even regal canopy beds, The Archer Hotel is a luxe staycation waiting to happen. You can explore the Domain, treat yourself at the neighboring Viva Day Spa, or just post up at the pool patio to enjoy gourmet snacks.
