The Domain in Austin, Texas: An Insider’s Guide to Austin’s Second Downtown

With the addition of The Domain’s Northside and Rock Rose, the Domain has seen tremendous growth in the past several years in all aspects of real estate including retail, restaurants, residential, hotel, and office.

To discover the best places to try out as well as see which major tenants in the area, keep reading.

Read Next: Northwest Austin: Understanding the Arboretum/Domain Micromarket

Click the links below to jump to a specific section:

• Where is the Domain?
• Why is the Domain a good place for offices?
• Who are the largest tenants in the Domain?
• What are the largest properties in the Domain?
• What are the best restaurants in the Domain?
• What are fun things to do in the Domain?
• How has the Domain expansion added to the appeal of the area?
• How will the Domain continue to grow?
• The Domain Infographic

Where is the Domain?

The Domain is located in North Austin and is a part of the Northwest micromarket.

Why is the Domain a good place for offices?

The area has a fantastic live-work-play environment. There are many restaurants, bars, and things to do in the area that have a huge draw to these younger employer bases. Businesses can pay less to be in the Domain compared to downtown, have more access to talent, and get similar amenities in the area (all with less traffic than Downtown Austin).

Q2 Stadium, home to the Austin FC team is also a huge draw for companies and residents alike. The games have become a must-see Austin event for both residents and visitors.

Companies like Vrbo, Amazon, Indeed, and Facebook all have office space in the Domain and we see no signs of growth in this area slowing. 

Who are the largest tenants in the Domain?

Office

Retail

What are the largest properties in the Domain?

Office

What are the best restaurants in the Domain?

If you want to eat somewhere that has a great environment with live music, you can go to Culinary Dropout. If you are feeling something healthy, then head to Whole Foods or Flower Child.  

If you want to watch a football game at a bar with good food, then you can check out Lavaca Street Bar. You then have to top off dinner with a cupcake from Sprinkles! You won’t regret it (unless you eat too many).

Culinary Dropout

What are fun things to do in the Domain?

If it’s a nice night, I like to walk around and explore. There are so many new restaurants, bars, and shops that it seems like I always find something new each time I get out.

I also enjoy going to TopGolf on Friday or Saturday when they have live music. The secret is getting a bay on the top floor where they have an outdoor bar and music playing.

If you can get a ticket, attending an Austin FC game is one of the best things you can do in the Domain. These games are high-energy and authentically Austin.

Wonderbar on Rock Rose.

How did the Domain expansion add to the appeal of the area?

It has brought in a ton of new restaurants and shops that have helped keep the Domain area on the rise. The “old” Domain as I call it was a little outdated. It is interesting to see some of the retailers that were located in the first phase of the Domain moving to the Rock Rose/Domain Northside area. I think where they have really hit it big in Phase 2/Rock Rose area was bringing in a ton of new Austin restaurants. It feels a lot more like you are on West 6th now.  

How will the Domain continue to grow?

They will continue to add more office space to The Domain which will create a cool and fun lunch vibe throughout the week. 

You can easily spend a long weekend at the Domain and never get bored, it has definitely earned the title of Austin’s second downtown.