Holiday Shopping: The Anti-Mall

For those who loathe the mall experience, IBIZ districts offer a way to find that perfect gift at clustered – but far more eclectic – stores with neighborhood character. Or eat a soulful meal. – K.G.

---

Guadalupe IBIZ District

Along and off Guadalupe, between 29th and 32nd

Sample stores:

Toy Joy, 2900 Guadalupe, 320-0090

Wheatsville Food Co-op, 3101 Guadalupe, 478-2667

Antone's Record Store, 2928 Guadalupe, 322-0660

Celebration! Eclectic Gifts, 3110 Guadalupe #100, 453-6207

Oat Willie's, 617 W. 29th, 482-0630

Breed & Co., 718 W. 29th, 474-6679

Next Event: "Third Thursday" evening, Dec. 21.

---

North Loop Strip IBIZ District

North Loop, between Chesterfield and Martin

Sample stores:

Austin Modern, 306 E. 53rd, 419-0488

Forbidden Fruit, 108 E. North Loop, 453-8090

MonkeyWrench Books, 110 E. North Loop, 407-6925

Room Service Vintage, 107 E. North Loop, 451-1057

The Shanghai Collection, 401 E. 53rd, 517-0576

Next Event: Holiday Shopping Block Party, Sunday, Dec. 10, noon-8pm.

---

South Lamar IBIZ District

South Lamar, between Hether and Bluebonnet

Sample Stores:

SoLa, 2005 S. Lamar, 441-7370

Amelia's Retro-Vogue & Relics, 2024 S. Lamar, 442-4446

Bead It, 2058 S. Lamar, 693-2323

Roost Home Decor, 2110 S. Lamar, 916-4445

Irie Bean Coffee Bar, 2310 S. Lamar #102, 326-4636

Next Events: Holiday Party, Tuesday, Dec. 12, 7-10pm, 2110 S. Lamar shopping strip

Holiday Shopping Happy Hour, Thursday, Dec. 14, 7-10pm, 2310 S. Lamar, Irie Bean patio.

---

East End IBIZ District

East 11th, between Branch and Navasota

Sample restaurants:

Ben's Long Branch Bar-B-Q, 900 E. 11th, 477-2516

Ms. B's Authentic Creole Restaurant, 1050 E. 11th #100, 542-9143

Gene's New Orleans Style PoBoys & Deli, 1209 E. 11th, 477-6600

Dandelion Cafe, 1115 E. 11th, 542-9542

Victory Grill, 1104 E. 11th, 472-8669

Next Event: "Fourth Friday" evening, Dec. 29.