Old West Austin: Area's Oldest Neighborhood Offers Unique Shopping and Dining

There are neighborhoods and then there are old neighborhoods. Then there are really old neighborhoods like those found in Old West Austin. For those of you who wax nostalgic for afternoons when your grandparents treated you to a rootbeer float at the drugstore soda fountain, seek no more. Old West Austin's merchants and eateries, most of which are located on West Lynn Street, are a real blast back to the past, but updated for modern sensibilities. Old West Austin, comprised of the Clarksville, Tarrytown and Pemberton Heights neighborhoods, is worth a look if only through a driving tour of the area's towering live oaks, colorful flower gardens and exquisite architecture (many homes are designated historical landmarks).

Texenza
3110 Windsor Lane

If you crave your morning cup o' joe, Texenza is your first port of call. In addition to a variety of specialized caffeine creations that easily give Starbucks a run for the money, Texenza also offers a variety of coffee made from its own blend of beans. The cheerful counter staff is made up of some of the friendliest folk you'll find in Old West Austin. You won't want to ignore the case of baked goods provided by a local bakery. Pain au chocolate, buttery croissants, pumpkin bread (highly recommended), and muffins are only a few of the tasty treats that await you.

Tarrytown Pharmacy
2425 Exposition Boulevard

Don't let the name fool you. Tarrytown Pharmacy, which has been around for more than 65 years, is a well-known, one-stop-shop for gift seekers. In addition to an overwhelming array of greeting cards for every occasion, Tarrytown Pharmacy offers just a veritable festival of candy assortments by Whitman's and Russell Stover, an entire corner devoted to children's stuffed animals, and racks of festive sun hats for ladies. Tarrytown Pharmacy also carries bath and body products such as Thymes, Olivina and Crabtree & Evelyn and an abundance of candle brands, Votivo, Voluspa and Yankee Candle to name a few.

T. Kennedy
1011 West Lynn Street

For the best climate-appropriate clothing T. Kennedy shoots to the top of the list by offering a large selection of linen and cotton ladieswear at a sensible price. The store carries only all-natural fibers that "breathe" on those hot summer days in Austin. Match Point, Flax and Comfy U.S.A. are some of the brands you'll see. Customer service is exemplary; expect to get compliments and practical suggestions from the boutique's friendly staff. T. Kennedy has frequent mark-downs for the shopper on a budget. No, you're not seeing things: That really is a $10 sale box at the store's entrance.

El Interior
1009 West Lynn Street

This funky boutique/import store gives credence to the local motto "Keep Austin Weird." A visitor to El Interior is first greeted with an eye-shocking display of the vibrant colors of its wares: Oaxacan rugs, wooden Day of the Dead carvings, and ornate, hand-embroidered San Antonio dresses (also known as Mexican wedding dresses) and shirts for both women and men. The elaborately-stitched Tehuantepec clothing is stunning, if more costly. Shoppers are dared to leave without having an "I gotta have it!" moment: El Interior also carries quirky, budget-priced gift items such as beer cap earrings, intricate beaded jewelry, milagros, embroidered velvet purses, and "saints" bracelets.

Sledd Nursery
1211 West Lynn Street

This family-owned nursery has been keeping gardens in Old Austin looking pretty since 1978. Native trees, bulbs, flowers and border plants are the focus here, but you can also find antique rose bushes, bird houses, and a variety of hearty indoor plants. One can't help but to be enthralled by the unique topiaries, which come in such shapes as horses, elephants, lions, monkeys, and swans. The nursery also sells clay planters of all sized, potting soil, compost, and fertilizers, making it the perfect one-stop-shop for avid gardeners. Look for the bright magenta bougainvillea plants out front.

Nau's Enfield Drug
1115 West Lynn Street

Nau's opened its doors in 1951 and has been going strong ever since. Along with Bond's Televisions & Electronics (below), Nau's is perhaps one of the few Old West Austin businesses that has remained true to its original flavor. Nau's old-fashioned candy counter, with its selection of Clark's Teaberry gum, Chick-O-Sticks, Beechies and Necco Wafers, whispers to the inner child, as does the swiveling Marvel comic rack, where one can read of Spiderman's latest adventures. But there is a reason why locals refer to Nau's as the "Crown Jewel of Clarksville:" Its soda fountain and grill. Nau's burgers were voted "Best of Austin" by locals, and the drugstore serves up ice cream concoctions in obscenely generous portions (you might want to share). Early birds can purvey the breakfast menu, which yields an assortment of breakfast tacos, malted waffles, and plain old egg and bacon plates.

Cipollina West Austin Bistro
1213 West Lynn Street

Regardless if you want to dine in or carry out, Cipollina will please the weary shopper with its prompt table service and large selection of modestly-priced Italian cuisine with a Texas flair. Cipollina's chefs whip up nightly specials, which are posted at the front register. Recommended: prosciutto aand goat cheese pizza, grilled chicken Caesar salad, and Cipollina's famous stracciatelle, a yummy tomato-based egg drop soup. Happy hour is from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., during which time pizza is half-priced. Don't leave without sampling a pistachio-coconut cookie, the cafe's flagship dessert item.

Caffe Medici
1101 West Lynn

Those who take their java seriously will appreciate this small neighborhood coffee house. Service takes longer because Caffe Medici staff do it right. With it's foamed milk adorned with elaborate coffee swirls, your latte will be too pretty to drink. Coffee is processed through a French press. Read: Strong! Caffe Medici's small wooden tables and intimate atmosphere make it the perfect meet-up spot for couples and friends, but it's just as fun to go solo. Caffe Medici has wireless Internet connection for customers, making it the perfect spot to surf the Internet and catch up on your email.

Bond's Television and Electronics
1010 West Lynn Street

Bond's is another neighborhood business that's been around since the mid-50's. Don't let its innocuous rose brick facade fool you. Step inside Bond's, and you'll find state-of-the-art plasma and LCD televisions, home theaters, and sound systems, competitively priced. Experience and anecdotal evidence indicates that Bond's courteous staff apply the old school sales technique of working with customers within the parameters of what they can afford. Bond's is also one of the few local stores left that offer an in-store credit plan and warranties. But Bond's is also a treasure trove for the bargain hunter, featuring a huge stash of barely-used televisions and electronics. If you don't mind your technology being a couple of years old, Bond's is the first place to look.

Galaxy Cafe
1000 West Lynn Street

A relative newcomer to the Clarksville neighborhood, Galaxy Cafe adeptly caters to Austin's laid-back palate by offering moderately priced salads, sandwiches, wraps, and pasta dishes. Numerous vegetarian items are also available. The Galaxy is notorious for its eclectic brunch menu and unique side items, including whipped sweet potatoes, sweet potato fries, and creamy macaroni and cheese. Take a gander at the circular glass windows in Galaxy's interior. Confused? You shouldn't be; this seemingly odd decor is a courteous nod to the spot's former incarnation -- the neighborhood laundromat, which also opened in the 50s. It's always nice when new owners remember.