The North Loop neighborhood is a district in north-central Austin that is a mix of residential homes, condominiums and businesses. Along a pedestrian-friendly stretch of North Loop Boulevard are several vintage boutiques, bookstores and a record shop.
West Koenig Lane is the northern boundary and Interstate 35 is the eastern boundary, extending all the way through to East 15th Street. The L-shaped neighborhood follows Red River Street back north to East 51st Street before heading west to North Lamar Boulevard, the western boundary of the neighborhood.
A lively neighborhood, there’s a lot to do in the North Loop. The west side of the district has several restaurants, ranging from tacos to hamburgers to Thai cuisine. North Loop Boulevard is home to a few intriguing coffee shops, bars and taverns. There’s a bakery, a pizza shop and a sushi kitchen just off Airport Boulevard. To the northeast, near the Highway 290 and I-35 intersection, are more restaurants, hotels and a seafood market. Most of the big-box stores are located east of I-35, like Target, Ross Dress for Less, Home Depot and Staples.
North Loop Austin Vacation Rentals
This quaint part of town has a good collection of single-family homes that were built after World War II. Many of the homes are built bungalow style. A bungalow is a small cottage or house that is a single story or has a second story built into a sloping roof and may be surrounded by verandas. Bungalow-style residences originated in England around the mid-19th Century.
The North Loop area of Austin is a popular spot for vacation rentals because many of the older homes have been revamped or completely remodeled. Some have a more contemporary look and feel these days while many retain the classic charm and style of yesteryear.
The University of Texas at Austin is not far from the North Loop neighborhood. The proximity to the university makes it a popular home for students who live off-campus. It is a draw to young professionals and families, but also artists and longtime residents who have been here for years.
A Mix of Contemporary and Vintage
For years, downtown Austin has been under seemingly continuous construction as the core of the city is updated to 21st Century standards. However, a few neighborhoods north of the university are surprisingly retro. Historic districts such as Hyde Park have retained their original luster, while newer restaurants and stores pop up all the time. North Loop Boulevard is where you’ll find vintage books and clothing, coffee shops and dive bars that wholly embrace the “Keep Austin Weird” mindset.
Some areas of the North Loop, like South Congress Avenue and Burnet Road, are evolving from relaxed and vintage to trendy and luxe. Other parts, like North Loop Boulevard between Lamar Boulevard and Airport Boulevard, seem determined to keep their old-fashioned ambiance.
Attractions in North Loop Austin
At Workhorse Bar on North Loop Boulevard, you can try countless draft brews, including several locally brewed favorites, cocktails, house shots and tasty bar comfort food. DrinkWell is a distinctive gastropub that serves Japanese whisky cocktails and a full menu of superior pub food.
Hungry? Hit up P. Terry’s Burger Stand and see how the Texas staple stacks up against In-N-Out for burgers, fries and milkshakes. The retro diner has multiple locations around the city. Or grab a bite at Home Slice Pizza, an Austin favorite. For a more upscale experience, head to Foreign & Domestic for farm-to-table delights like venison tartare and squash blossom risotto.
Big Bertha’s Paradise features ritzy costumes and high-end fashion from the Roaring ‘20s to today. Room Service Vintage offers clothing, jewelry, belt buckles, furniture and music from the 1950s to the 1970s. Blue Velvet is a mother-daughter vintage shop with cool retro gear, while Ermine Vintage focuses on more esoteric garb like faux furs and fringe dresses.
Feeling frisky? Indulge your senses at Forbidden Fruit, a long-established adult toy store. If you’d rather get your groove on, sift through the vinyl selections at Breakaway Records. For a good read, stop in and get a solid recommendation from the volunteer staff at Monkeywrench Books.
Why Stay in North Loop Austin?
There are lots of reasons why it makes sense to reserve a vacation rental in the North Loop neighborhood for your Austin vacation. Although it is in the north-central part of the city, it is in the middle of all the activity. Downtown is only a few blocks south and the University of Texas isn’t far away, either. It’s also near the big-box stores, numerous parks and open spaces, and a slew of restaurants and nightlife establishments. When you choose to stay in the North Loop, you won’t be far from anything.
The other distinctive feature of the North Loop is the wonderful selection of private homes that are available so close to the city’s core. There are some condominiums in the North Loop that have one, two or three bedrooms. Homes in the area are typically bigger, offering five or more bedrooms in some instances. Homes are in quiet residential neighborhoods on the side streets.
Vacationers choose to stay in the North Loop because it’s an ideal mix of old and new Austin. You can browse the thrift shops during the day and find a cool bargain, and then head out to an amazing four-star dinner with friends or that special someone. Or you can catch the Longhorns game and then celebrate with the locals at a dive bar afterward.
Find Your Perfect Austin Vacation Rental
Sifting through all of Austin’s vacation rentals can be a daunting task. It’s hard to determine what’s legit, what’s a scam and what’s a good deal unless you do your homework. We’re experts in Austin rentals and have been helping vacationers have the getaway of their dreams for years. We’re always happy to help you by recommending a vacation rental that has everything you’re looking for! Call us or contact us today and we’ll send you some options immediately.