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Highland Mall
Category: Shopping Shopping Centers Shopping Centers [Edit]
6001 Airport BlvdAustin, TX 78752
(512) 454-9656
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 10 am - 9 pm
Sun 12 pm - 6 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Stacey M. said: "My old mattress was old and painful, so I decided to get a new one. I shopped around at a few places, and decided to buy from these guys because I couldn't find a better deal elsewhere. The salesman was really friendly but not overly…" read more »
63 reviews for Highland Mall
Review Highlights
"...the most awesomely outlandish food court I have EVERRR seen."
(in 10 reviews)
"I love Macey's and the other smaller stores."
(in 34 reviews)
"...fact that a lot of other people don't like it, so it is not..."
(in 4 reviews)
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63 reviews in English
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Review from Ashley S.
4/29/2011 3 photos
Highland Mall was a big part of my childhood full of memories, back in its glory days before all the drama surrounded it as it does presently and its ever looming closure that is certain in most eyes.
Did you know it became the first enclosed shopping mall in the Austin area in 1971?
My mom's family lived less than a mile from the mall. Fast forward to the early 1990s. My grandparents still lived there, I spent my summer and weekends with my grandma walking to the mall to shop and hang out with her while she got her hair done. Fast forward some more years. Same house, aunt, uncle & cousins moved into the same house. All the cousins, and siblings would walk to the mall, hang out at the mall, stole from that mall & stalked boys at that mall. So many summer days spent in and around the mall.
-Remember when Macy's was Foley's?
-Remember when Dillard's wasn't suing Highland mall?
-Remember JCPenney's? They pulled out and I had to follow them up north to their stand alone location to get my hair did
-Remember when the NCAAP was livid because the mall wanted to close due to the Texas Relays?
-Remember when people didn't consider this to be a bad area of town?
For crying outloud there's a porsche dealership right across the street.
I really enjoy the fact that a lot of other people don't like it, so it is not crowded when I want to go at peak times. I don't have to park a mile away, it has the necessities I need. Unfortunately I came here recently, unknowing that Macy's was 6 days away from completely being done at Highland mall. Its become quite a ghost town. I like this mall because it feels familiar, and because I knew where all the stores were. It wasn't too big, too small or too new. Whats in store for my favorite uncrowded mall?
"Look at the immediate surroundings in every direction, and it's generally what people refer to as Class B," it could be Class B office or retail space, or Class A industrial. I don't anticipate seeing Highland Mall transform into the next Domain or Mueller or La Frontera."
Look at me getting all sentimental. Either way, it seems everyone's rapidly giving up on this place. It is and always will be a part of old the Austin which most noobs who moved here will never know.Listed in: North Loopin' Airport Blvd.
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Review from Eddie S.
1/21/2012 1 Check-in Here
Hey, psst, you smell that? It's the death of what was once a beautiful little mall that I have not visited since 1995. Do you see that up in the air? It's the business buzzards circling around waiting for the inevitable death of the last businesses taking the liking of Custard's last stand.
What the h3ll happened to this mall?!!! This place used to be cheery, busy and bustling with happy people of all ages, but my time machine from 15 years ago mislead me into thinking everything is permanent. I felt a very sad hurt inside like I came back to visit a neighborhood and found out that one of my good friends passed away, you know that feeling, the lump in my throat reminded me of the hurt. (Insert Kansas's "Dust in the Wind" song here).
My friend and I that came all the way from Houston to visit here quickly exited after the last straw of seeing the food court during peak lunch time of noon with about enough people to pack a mini van. Something is amiss here, let's get out of here before zombies start crashing out of walls or corners, yikes, creepiest feeling that I have EVER had in a mall in my entire life.
Did a google search to see what happened and something about "Mall management racism, NCAAP, Boycott" And a piece about somebody getting killed in the escalator. Yikes, I'm so outta here! Will not be back. Went to the mall 20 minutes down the road, ah! That's where everybody went, hello! -
Review from Jenny L.
9/17/2011 2 Check-ins Here
"Highland Mall : Where businesses go to die."
What the hell happened to this place? In my younger years, there was plenty of shopping and patrons. It's dead.
The girl kid wanted earrings. I said, sure, let's go get your ears pierced. No, she wasn't really for that, she wanted magnetic earrings. Okay, I'll look for some this weekend. She searches online, and reports that "Some place called Claire's has them!"
Christ. A trip to the mall. (By the way, Claire's is expensive now. Still cheaply made shit, but pricier.) In and out within five minutes, but I left Highland Mall feeling like a bad person.
Skip this place. It seems like everyone else does.Listed in: We are broken up!
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Review from Errol M.
Updated - 12/23/2010
Before I post my 200th review - which in all modesty, is the best thing I've ever written and will probably offend many Yelpers - I wanted to slip in this update for Highland Mall. I've never done a reversal from one to four stars before, but there's a first time for everything. And I think they deserve it.
You need to know I'm a big walker, and I usually walk the track at Camp Mabry, but not if I need multiple layers of clothing to keep the delicates toasty. Indoor malls are the next best thing for me, but at this time of year Barton Creek and Lakeline become obstacle courses; it's cumbersome to continually dodge people who become more numerous and physically wider during the holiday season. This brings me to Highland Mall, the classic Austin venue that has seen better days.
Well, from about 9:30-11am, no one shops here. That may not bode well for the mall, but it's perfect for me. Just for some perspective, I counted 34 stores on the second-level open for business, 37 lower-level ones (I counted Macy's only once) and exactly 7 places left in the food court to eat. I'm pretty sure there are Saturday morning farmer markets now with more booths than that. Being here in the morning is like having your own private gym - I can hustle eight laps around the upstairs level without breaking stride or having to sidestep anyone.
Whatever the fate of this mall is, I'm first to acknowledge it's spotless inside, and the plants here get better care than they would in most people's homes - I nod to the folks I see every day maintaining the place. And for every stunning woman that actually shops here, you'll find fifteen of them shopping at Barton Creek Mall or at The Domain - a totally insignificant observation, but a convenient way to end this update. In all seriousness, I am mildly curious what Highland Mall will look like this time next year. I kind of hope it doesn't go away.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/5/2009
Wow, what happened to this place?
When I first came to Austin, this was the best place to shop--in… Read more »
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Review from Liza W.
Austin, TX
2/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
Never again, Highland Mall, never again.
You scare the heeby jeebies right through me. -
Review from Savvy W.
Austin, TX
1/28/2011
I feel like I've been a yelp consumer forever now, but have been selfish about not taking time to write reviews after finding businesses on yelp.
Well, I'm not gonna slam Highland Mall today, even though I've read the other reviews. What I will do is show you what I've found that I think is cool. A redeeming factor, perhaps.
I went to UT back in the day, and after trekking to MN and AZ for a bit, I came back to Austin in 2005. I've grown to love Austin, and events like these is one of the things I like about it:
http://www.highlandmal...
I'm gonna be at the first event, "King's Salute" on 2/19, in honor of Black History Month. In fact, my fine arts org will be performing there. Opportunities like this for non-profit groups like ours to add to the local Austin vibe.
Another thing others have found is more inventory on things other locations have sold out on. Last last Christmas, I called around to find a brimmed beanie for my ex-bf, and the only Journeyz that carried one was at Highland. Off I went. Nice dude there helped me out.
Not sure when this was updated, but there's a sale listed for early 2011, so I figure it was updated fairly recently. I'll keep you posted.
Other tip: I expect to find at least a few good deals at Victoria's Secret Semi-Annual and Charlotte Russe on my upcoming trip.
Last thing: I'm not a student, but several stores give discounts valid with a student ID, which is cool for students out there (or those who still carry around their student IDs?).
http://www.highlandmal...
:) Anyway, I'm with the non-profit group Living Springs Arts. If you decide to come out 2/19, say hello and let me know you saw my post on yelp. Might be kinda cool to meet a fellow yelper at the King event here in Austin.
Cheers! -
Review from Marcella P.
Pflugerville, TX
8/9/2010
When I go to this mall I send a mass text to my friends telling them where I'm at so if they don't hear from me ever again...it is likely I was murdered on the escalator.
Also, the Hot Topic has way too little headband selection. -
Review from Meredi W.
Austin, TX
5/17/2010
Highland Mall is a disappointing heroine in her death throes, waiting to become immortalized in a Lifetime movie.
Highland stepped onto the scene years ago as the first "mall" in Austin -- this high-class, convenient, all-purpose shopping experience. Over the years, Lakeline, Round Rock and Barton Creek malls strutted the runway, taking that spotlight and making it their own. Dear Highland lost business after business; Dillards began closing in 2009, still trying to throw off its Highland carcass a year later. Hallmark card shop left in January, moving onto better things for the new year.
Although Highland retains her diamond earrings from her glamorous days -- a blue-tiled pool with a waterfall and beautiful plants, a grandiose, spacious staircase, skylights over the food court -- she can't deny her lack of friends. Other than the early morning elderly mall-walkers, few people even stop to say "hi" anymore; her employees are constantly on severe surveillance for theft, both internal and external, creating an extreme tension around the decaying heiress.
Here's hoping she's put out of her misery soon; mercy euthanasia should be legal for businesses. -
Review from Erica H.
Austin, TX
7/17/2010
I just moved to Austin last week, and needed to buy a mattress. Macy's! Great!
NOOOOOOOOOOOOO.
At first I thought I'd gotten the wrong place, because there were practically NO cars in the parking lot - a huge, vast, mall-type parking lot, nearly empty. Like, the only cars there are the employees'. I drove all the way around before I decided to suck it up and go in - after all, it's a Friday, so maybe people don't go to malls on Fridays here...?
Inside, it was CreepyTown. There were NO people walking in the main areas, just sad looking cart employees begging you to look at them. Now, I'm not a zombie devotee, but DAMN, there is no way you can't think "zombieland, Zombieland, ZOMBIELAND!!!!!" while you're walking through. Sadly, neither Bruce Campbell nor Woody Harrelson ever showed up.
I used to be a store planner a loooonnngggg time ago, and I've been to several dead or dying malls, but this one is by far the worst.
Another reviewer sad she liked the place because she hates shopping (internet, darling, internet!) but there's a big difference between a mall going downhill and empty and this place. Seriously. DO NOT GO HERE.
If you were in a movie and you had a choice between going in the basement alone or going to Highland Mall with a football team escort, I'd be yelling "DON'T GO IN THE MALL!!!!!" from my seat. Even if the horror vibe doesn't get you, the soul-crushingly depressing atmosphere will. -
Review from Melissa C.
Houston, TX
6/20/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Ghost Town!!!! Once a great mall, but no longer. Not even really sure why it is still open. It's a shame, there really should be a mall there and one would think it would do well.
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Review from Felicia G.
San Marcos, TX
7/30/2011
Cool, its a friggen dead mall! Literally, over half of this place has shut down and its pretty ghetto.
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Review from Alexander W.
Houston, TX
3/30/2010
I want to suggest a scene from Zombieland as the first photo. Highland used to be a mall that you see in a normal run of the mill city. Now it is a mall you see in a horror movie. I half expect to see a vampire or werewolf jump out and bite me.
Shady characters lurk in every corner. Half the stores are boarded and gated up. The stores that are open have non-existent service. It is better to go to Barton Creek Mall, the outlet malls, or The Domain for your shopping needs... unless you want to get rabies. -
Review from Lisa M.
12/13/2009
As a person who does NOT enjoy shopping**, I have to strategize to make the experience as painless as possible. ESPECIALLY during the Christmas shopping season.
Highland Mall is my current darling. Here's why:
Parking: plentiful (My parking space today -- a Sunday -- was mere steps from the Macy's entrance.)
Crowds: sparse (Really, it was so dead it was spooky.)
Bargains: galore (I found 3 Macy's tops at sub-Walmart prices.)
Perverts: undetected (But if you like perverts who expose themselves -- and then some!! -- see my Norwood Park Walmart review.)
Shopping at a mall that is in its death throes has its advantages.
**This is an understatement. Rather than shopping, I'd prefer to spend the afternoon at the gynecologist. Or the dentist. Or both. -
Review from stephanie s.
Austin, TX
8/1/2008
NO. NO. NO. NO.
Where to begin.
I would NEVER choose to come to Highland Mall if I didn't have to be there.
I was only there yesterday because I needed to do some wardrobe returns for a job and it was near Academy where I had just done a return.
My experience at Highland was equally painful at each of the 3 stores I went to. The customer service at each was the worst I have ever experienced, and I was able to experience them all at the same place, on the same day!
First up: Dillard's to return 2 pairs of shoes.
Can't find anyone that seems to be working in the shoe department. Both check out's are empty (this would set the pattern for my entire day, but I digress).
Finally find a guy who trudges begrudgingly toward the register. He taps around for a bit and then tells me the system is down and to come back later. I ask if there is another option.
"Well you can go up to customer service, and they could exchange them there."
Great! I sprint towards the elevator.
Once I get to customer service, I am "greeted" by an elderly woman who is perplexed as to why anyone would have sent me up there. She also has issues operating her computer and seems utterly confused. While waiting for a manager to help, she goes on and on about how the guy should have helped me downstairs and that her job was "killing her" and made her "want to go back to Tennessee."
After 20 minutes, she finally finishes the return, but sternly tells me to tell the guy who sent me up to her not to do that again because he needs to help people down there and he should know better.
Yeah, I'll be sure to get right on that.
Moving on to Macy's.
After searching Macy's for fucking EVER for someone who was manning the checkout booth, I found one.
This woman instantly hated me, and tried to tell me I had to go to another department within Macy's to do my return.
I told her I have shopped and returned at Macy's many times, and this has never been the case before.
At this, she visibly rolled her eyes, exhaled loudly, and never made eye contact with me again.
When I thanked her anyway as I was leaving, she shut the register drawer and turned her back to me.
Yep, so bad that's it's funny.
FInally, Foot Action. I had to come back twice to this one, as they couldn't do a cash return for....wait for it...$12.00...because they didn't have cash funds. At noon.
Came back later and told the kid up at the entrance I needed to make a return.
"Yee, but you gotsta wait fo' a manger."
I haven't broken stride and am walking toward the manager, who I recognize from the scenario earlier.
He sees me coming and disappears into the back shoe room.
After 5 minutes of waiting, I walked up to the kid at the front and asked him again about the return.
"I TOLE YOU, YOU GOTSTA WAIT FO' THE MANGER"
When the "manger" did come back, he was none to happy to see me.
I will NEVER be back to this mall.
No stars. -
Review from David N.
6/23/2011
Terrible mall.
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Review from Cati C.
Austin, TX
1/13/2007
I say Highland Mall is underrated and overshadowed! It has all the basics you need out of a mall (if you wanted something other than Gap t-shirts, there's local boutiques a-plenty all around you). It's got some of THE best people watching in town - there's nothing I like more than seeing some baby mama drama, and I have a sneaking suspicion you secretly agree.
Finally, and most importantly, it has the most awesomely outlandish food court I have EVERRR seen. The place looks like a Saved by the Bell set, as if A.C. Slater's about to come around the corner at any minute looking for Jesse "I'm so excited/scared" Spano. The restaurants are all lit up in old school neon and they have the most ridiculous, most generic names. Is there anything that sounds more like a part of an 80s TV set than an eatery called "The Potato Club"? Which, by the way, features 30 different kinds of baked potato and something called a "potato crusted chicken chicken"!!! Every time I hit Highland, I squeal with delight at this anachronistic and surreal culinary congress. Give me "Gaylord's Hamburger Palace" over a Sbarro's any day. -
Review from Teri R.
Austin, TX
7/4/2008
Oh, Highland Mall, how I loved you back in the day. You had Yaring's, Mohans, T. Edwards, and Stuarts all under one roof! I could get my 80's fashion groove on and check out the hot dudes shopping at Pat McGee's.
But you're like a sad story of that guy who peaked in high school. Cool car, awesome hair. He's forty now, and in jail. -
Review from Helena M.
Austin, TX
12/17/2010
Not even sure why it's called a mall...
Everytime I go there, more and more stores seem to disappear.
If it werent for the fact that my fav nail salon is in there & it has the closest Macys to my house I'd never go.
Awful! -
Review from Charlotte S.
Austin, TX
3/29/2008
I am always amused at the ridiculous carts set up in this mall. Gold Teeth? Giant belt buckles? Custom chain bling? And there are always fools lined up for this stuff with their 5 kids in tow, buying gold freaking grills while their kids are wearing clothes with holes in them. Great prioritizing your spending there.
This mall is truly ghetto. I used to shop here when I was a kid and we didn't have a lot of money. Only when my dad got a better job and we moved and started going to Barton Creek did I realize how tacky and run-down this mall really is. I hope they go in and update this mall like they did with Barton Creek because it is begging for someone to chase the gangsters out and make it feel safe enough to shop comfortably. -
Review from Gabo L.
Austin, TX
Updated - 4/10/2009
This was in the Austin American Statesman today April 10, 2008- this is my point ...read on:
Dillard's is suing Highland Mall, alleging that the owners have let the mall decline to the point that it is a "ghost town." The company is seeking to void its lease obligations at the center.
The department store chain said last month it plans to close its two Highland Mall stores later this year.
The mall is owned by Simon Property Group Inc. and General Growth Properties Inc., two of the largest mall operators nationwide. The mall is on Airport Boulevard west of Interstate 35 in North Austin.
The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Austin, says the owners have allowed the center "to deteriorate in character and quality such that it is now approximately half vacant" and that it now has a "poor tenant mix" that is inconsistent with the first-class shopping center Dillard's signed on for when it opened there 22 years ago.
The lawsuit details numerous problems, including a leaky roof on the Dillard's mens store, which it leases from the mall. Dillard's owns the other store, where it sells women's clothing.
"Customer traffic has dropped considerably and (the mall's) demographics changed significantly," the lawsuit states, adding that the owners "took no obvious steps to solve its burgeoning problem of poor tenant mix, store closings and vacancies."
Dillard's is asking to be released from paying rent on the store and common areas.
Dillard's has been closing underperforming stores, and said the Highland stores, totaling 300,000 square feet, were among them.
Highland lost another major anchor in 2006 when J.C. Penney left the mall.
Julie Bull, a spokeswoman for Dillard's, said the company does not comment on legal issues "as a matter of policy."
Jim Graham, senior director of public affairs for General Growth, and Les Morris, a spokesman for Simon, both declined to comment, citing the pending litigation1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/5/2009
I did a review about Highland Mall many months ago. It stayed up. But then I received an email… Read more »
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Review from Revlynn L.
Austin, TX
2/24/2008
When I was in high school (many, many, many moons ago)...THIS was the mall to go to. Not that far flung one called Barton Creek. All the cuties were here from the nearby schools and you could flirt, get phone numbers and plan your weekend a la an old John Hughes film. You actually had to write the numbers down...on actual paper...with a real pen...no pagers or cells phones.
*sigh*
All that has changed and this is the go to mall for cheap, disposable clothing. Papaya, Forever 21, etc...Wear it once and throw it away cuz if water hits it, it will shrink and if you happen to be standing too close to a candle, you'll become a human bonfire.
I just learned that Banana Republic has closed. The Body Shop shuttered its doors a few months ago. Ann Taylor left a year or so ago. And the selection at the remaining stores (Gap, Victoria's Secret, Dillard's and Macy's) leaves a lot to be desired. Even the Pier One that used to be right outside the mall deserted the area. Adios to Haverty's too. Thank God Spec's stepped in to warm the chill left by all this desertion.
The ONLY reason I will even venture into this mall is for the Godiva boutique. Surprisingly, the Barton Creek location is only a kiosk so the selection is far superior at Highland Mall. PLEASE don't leave us!!!
Oh yeah...and I can grab some Proactiv here too...shhhhh...our little secret! HAHAHA...I grab chocolate and acne cleanser at the same time!!!!
I am hoping that someone will wipe the dust out of their eyes and see what's going on in the surrounding neighborhoods. There is a resurgence of people moving into this area and spending money. I hate that I have to drive clear across town for MAC. This mall can be saved. Just bring stores that people actually want to go to. And make sure the stores that are here aren't dumping grounds for leftover/clearance type merchandise. All these dayum subsidies we're shelling out for new stuff, invest in what's already here!Listed in: All that's good in my…
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Review from Erin L.
Austin, TX
7/19/2007
So I came here for a watch battery the other day, not knowing this place even existed and, well, yeah. It's sketchtastic. There is a hodgepodge of stores where I might shop/where I would never shop. That said, to the individual who must have Victoria Secret underwear, Forever 21 tops AND a grill(Nelly-style), this is your one-stop shop.
It's too bad, because this is such a good location. -
Review from Michelle C.
Austin, TX
7/15/2007
As malls in Austin go, Highland Mall is slowly sliding to the bottom of the heap. The only other mall that I can think of that's more dead than Highland at this point is Northcross. Of course, Northcross is the subject of MAJOR controversy right now due to their plan to revitalize themselves with an "upscale Walmart" (oxymoron, anyone?) - however you feel about that issue, the energy surrounding the debate may well make Northcross more "alive" than Highland right now.
Highland is in a great, central location, so it baffles my mind that the management of this mall can't get it together to lure some nice anchor stores and get people in the doors. But apparently, the management of this mall hasn't figured that out, yet. I have to dress professionally in my line of work, so Ann Taylor is a staple of mine. When I travel in smaller cities and wonder whether a mall is worth going to, my benchmark question often is, "Is there an Ann Taylor there?" Alas, Highland does not meet that standard; their AT store closed down a while back.
The serious flocks of grackles here are worth mentioning. They are thick around dusk - if you're going to be here at that time, you and your car had better avoid the trees or pay the price of being used for target practice. -
Review from Sasha R.
Chicago, IL
1/6/2010
It's a recession. Yeah, yeah, yeah.. we're all aware. But DAMN, Highland Mall and the stores within must have been hit pretty hard, because it really ain't looking too good.
Sure, Highland was never particularly special, but I once found it useful for a typical indoor-mall shopping experience. Plenty of stores, always a convenient parking spot, and friendly sales associates. Well, it has been a few months since I have been in Austin, and therefore since I've visited this mall, but this place is practically a ghost mall now. It has got to have the highest store turnover rate I've ever seen! So many stores have closed, and many of the spaces they once filled remain empty. Every store that I ventured into had about half the merchandise it once did, most of which was not very aesthetically pleasing, and thrown around haphazardly. I also received none of the attentive service I used to. Even at Victoria's Secret, where you usually have to dodge the pushy sales associates, the employees were nowhere to be found! I mean what kind of bizarro universe is this?!
Oh well, even though Highland Mall pretty much sucks now, I guess the silver lining is that I didn't leave with an empty wallet! Just (mostly) empty shopping bags.Listed in: Austin, TX
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Review from Amy H.
Austin, TX
1/18/2008
So, I know most people don't like this mall. It is kind of in decline, it is not as clean, and there used to be rumors of lots of car break-ins in the parking lots there. And I don't know if any of those are true or not. I used to live south, and I definitely was spoiled by Barton Creek before I started coming here.
I have to say though, Highland Mall has grown on me. I really enjoy the fact that a lot of other people don't like it, so it is not as crowded when I want to go at peak times. I also like that the Macy's there is very well stocked with home goods, so I know if I can't find something at another Macy's, it will likely be there. I also love the Macy's furniture department and I'm on a first name basis with the furniture manager there, so I'm a bit of a shopaholic.
For pro's, I'd say Macy's, Express, Banana Republic, Victoria's Secret, and a couple of cute boutiques that have trendy, kitschy clothes (Papaya, Charlotte Russe, etc.). And a pretty varied but terribly fattening food court. Also Aldo for shoes. Cons would be that the mall is not exactly clean all the time, the parking lot is a bit sketchy, there's lots of crazy teenagers running around, and there are some really weird stores in there. But what mall doesn't have those things?Listed in: On the North-East side, Finding Clothes for us Short…
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Review from Mary V.
3/14/2010
It's a shame how much of a ghost town this place has become. A lot of the stores I would visit, e.g., Forever 21, Hallmark, Payless Shoes, etc., are long gone now. Even the ones I never stepped into have gone out of business.
The whole place looks like it's holding on for dear life, but it's most likely going to reach its inevitable end soon. I've heard different rumors about what's going to happen once this place meets its demise, but hopefully some developer will find a way to breathe life into this location again.Listed in: The Worst of Yelp
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Review from Sarah M.
Austin, TX
12/6/2006 2 photos
Although Highland is less than five minutes from my house, I'd almost always rather trek southwest to Barton Creek.
Pros:
1) Good location. Highland sits on a large property in close proximity to the convergence of Airport Blvd., HWY 183, and IH-35. It's easy to get to for a huge portion of the Austin population and there is ample parking.
2) Highland has over 120 stores, including a few specialty (Family Christian Store, Jessica McClintock, Papaya).
3) Like Barton, a one-stop shopping center. They offer services such as optical/eyewear and jewelry repair.
4) A generally more affordable mall. There's a better chance of finding a deal here.
Cons:
1) A key hang-out for middle school and high school age kids. The rambunctious loitering in the food court, outside the stores, and on the perimeter of the property can be an annoyance.
2) Crowded. Always crowded.
3) Lesser variety and fewer stores than the alternatives (Barton or even Tanger or RR outlets).
4) Typical food - Auntie Anne's Pretzels, pizza, chinese, sandwiches.
To me, the cons outweigh the pros here. Highland is to Northeast Austin what Barton Creek Square is to Southwest. The problem is, Barton offers both better quantity and quality. (The malls are not affiliated.)
Highland's fine in a pinch, but for a better experience, try Barton.
Humdrum Highland. -
Review from Larry M.
Austin, TX
4/12/2007
Going here ONLY for Lenscrafter's service (never again), I've found myself inside what feels like a dying beast.
Stores on one end are closed, the cheapness of the kiosks reign supreme with the bored mall workers, they do have Banana Republic and the Gap, and the food court is, Cati C., you observant hottie, impressive with good Indian and the coveted Chick FilA.
But depressing, dark, and in need of a face lift. And being anchored by Macy's makes it LCD Central.
As East Siders and hoods north of Hyde Park are now being more sophisticated hoods, as well as Mueller going full throttle, Highland Mall would benefit from an upgrade.Listed in: Do you really, Really hate…
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Review from Urwhatuea T.
Austin, TX
3/29/2008
I managed to live in Austin 6 years before ever going to a mall. Congratulations, me!
Anyway, this one is a heck of a lot easier to deal with than that-other-mall and I love the fact that it's practically deserted except on weekends. I can zip over on the backroads, park by whatever store I'm headed to, right near the door, and be in and out and back home in under a half hour. On the other hand, That Other Mall is like a day-trip, and who wants to spend the whole damn day at the mall? Well, maybe some people do (teenagers), but I sure don't.
But those birds are a horror movie. They're downright creepy. And they'll shit all over you and your car if you dare park in 'their' parking lot at dusk. -
Review from Ian B.
Austin, TX
3/5/2011
Ten years ago, Highland Mall was my favorite of the Big Three in Austin (Barton Creek, Highland, and Lakeline). Today, Highland Mall is but a shell of its former self ("Wasteland" is a good word for its current state). Most of the shops have packed up and left, including the department stores, leaving the once bustling mall a virtual ghost town. If you are looking for somewhere to shop, I suggest either heading north to Lakeline, or south to Barton Creek, both of which still resemble typical malls.
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Review from Natalia B.
Austin, TX
Updated - 7/26/2008 1 Check-in Here
I haven't spent much time in this mall in quite awhile. Today I went, and it just made me depressed. A lot of the store fronts were empty, and those stores that were in business were what I consider "junky."
There are a few decent stores left. They've got Victoria's Secret, Express, Dillards, Nine West, and Aldo. Other than that, I recommend heading down to Barton Creek Mall. It's a much more pleasurable shopping experience.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/22/2008
I affectionately refer to this mall as "sh#t mall." I don't really think it's that bad. I can… Read more »
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Review from Kristen F.
Austin, TX
4/29/2007
Oh my god- how has no one mentioned the birds at Highland Mall yet? For some reason, it's the first thing I think of when I consider this mall.
Ever seen Hitchcock's "The Birds?" Well, the parking lot is like that movie. There are thousands and thousands of them, so many that it's a little creepy and scary.
The inside of the mall is decent, though. Avoid leaving at dusk. Don't park under a tree. -
Review from John D.
Round Rock, TX
12/6/2006
A bit of nostalgia - one of my ears was pierced at the goofy cheap jewelry shop in Highland mall many moons ago. The loop in my ear is gone, but the mall remains.
If you like Greenspoint Mall in Houston, Highland is the place for you. (dead silence) In other words, it's a pass.
The best thing about Highland Mall is the nearby Porsche dealership at which you can ogle the nice cars. Other then that, the mall has virtually zero offerings that you wouldn't be better off finding somewhere else or bypassing for the online version all together.
The mall is generally dirty, crowded, and uninteresting after ten minutes.
So, why two stars? The service and expertise from the head jewelers at the Samuel's Jewelry in Highland mall put the nearby non-mall Americus Diamond to shame. So, that counts for something. -
Review from meredith g.
Washington, DC
9/28/2008
i used to love this mall (in the world of malls that is, which i don't really like, well maybe that isn't exactly true...). Anyways, I preferred Highland to Barton Creek. Highland's Banana Republic had the best selection. Now, it is gone, along with most of the other stores. The Aveda still seems to be there but it was closed at 4pm on a Sunday so i think its days are numbered as well.
what i remember of you highland mall, r.i.p. -
Review from Alexander Aaron P.
Los Angeles, CA
3/16/2009
Highland Mall... oh what to say about it, to all you Yelpers.
First off, you could call it the ghetto mall (compared to Barton Creek, The Domain, Lakeline...)
Secondly, if you don't feel comfortable around mixed races AKA Blacks and Mexicans, you probably will hate this place.
Thirdly people, Highland Mall stores are geared more toward ethnically diverse people. You will see more Southpole, Ecko here than the Versace, Gucci bitches.
And finally, the stores, the workers, the customers, the whole personality of this mall is complete opposite of your gotta-look-good-to-impress-the-hot-white-people mall.
Bitch. Haha.
;D -
Review from P M.
Austin, TX
10/5/2009
We went there the other day to make an exchange at a store, with this location being the closest to us.
It was midday Saturday and people were very sparse.
We were pleased to find enormous sales (70%+ discounts) at the Dillards, but other than that the trip was uneventful and boring.
I will likely only go here when I need to find a store that is only here, and elsewhere would require a significant drive.
When I emerged from the mall, I was reminded that it actually is 2009 after all -- not 1992 as the interior of the mall had tricked me into thinking. -
Review from Susie G.
12/6/2006
I would rather go anywhere then highland mall. When I was younger it was the Oasis. All of us wanted to be grown up and cool enough to get to go to Highland Mall. By Ourselves! Now times have changed. What used to be a hustling, bustling center of fun and shopping has become a crowded, less attractive place to stay away from. Sarah's right, this mall has some homing device that draws middle and high school kids together in large groups. The food court is bland and none of the stores make me scream for joy. Or maybe its that I just got spoiled by malls like Lakeline, with its beautiful architectural design and upper scale food court.
Skip out on highland, that's my opinion. But if you do go, check out the store with the massage chairs right across from the food court. You can take a break from shopping and veg out away from all the teeny bopper kids . -
Review from John S.
Austin, TX
12/2/2008
When my girlfriend and I first moved to Austin we were shown around by an apartment finder. He pointed out a few things in the general area of the neighborhood we wound up settling on. "Yeah, there's an H-E-B about a mile away, Walgreens right here on the corner, Target up on 183. Oh, and there's the mall over there... or what's left of it."
I've been a couple of times. It's got some good stores but it is profoundly ghetto. Aside from some specialized purchases or brand hunting or INCREDIBLE BOREDOM, I can't think of a singular reason why I would go to this mall over going straight to a local business. -
Review from Matthew B.
Austin, TX
11/4/2010
I noticed I didn't have any 1 star reviews and thought hrm where is the worst place I have ever been.
It's the Highland Mall. Burn this mother to the ground. -
Review from Mark L.
Austin, TX
10/8/2009
For reasons too numerous to mention, Highland Mall has it's glory days behind it. Some of those reasons are a matter of great debate but it's not a forum I want to delve into here.
Many of th shops have left without being replaced. Anchor stores are on there way out. There are various rumors as to what will be done with the mall if and when it closes. Let's hope that whatever does go in it's place serves the maximum amount of folks in the city of Austin.
