Where To Eat and Hang Out in Austin’s Highland Neighborhood

Where else in Austin can you find an arthouse movie theater down the street from both an Asian supermarket and a handmade art gallery? Highland is an often overlooked area well worthy of your time.

🍿 Catch a Movie

Whether you want to watch the blockbuster movie of the year or an indie classic, Highland has you covered. The recently remodeled Galaxy Highland has the most comfortable recliners of any theater in town (sorry, Alamo Drafthouse). With a short walk across Middle Fiskville Road, you could make it a double feature to cleanse your palette with an arthouse film at Austin Film Society Cinema.

👜 Art Shopping

Need to shop for gifts and want to keep it local? If it’s the holiday season, check out Blue Genie Art Bazaar for handmade home goods, decor, clothing, and more. If you really want to impress someone, stop by Jerry’s Artarama and pick up art supplies to make them a personalized gift. Or, if your gift recipient loves to write, head to Kinokuniya for their massive selection of pens and stationery.

🤤 Lunch, Then Groceries

The Crescent Shopping Center at North Lamar Boulevard and Airport Boulevard is home to some great Asian food. Don’t fear if you make the mistake of going grocery shopping at 99 Ranch while hungry! Pop over to Bun Belly to get their Sober Noodles or the Vietnamese Crepe. Pro tip: If the parking lot is packed, which it often is, there are extra spots behind the shopping center near St. Johns Avenue.