Rice Village

Rice Village Area

It takes a village to depict the charming, yet oh-so-sophisticated, personality of this historic Houston landmark. Minutes from the famed Texas Medical Center, family-friendly West University Place lies to the west, while tree-lined, residential grand dames Southampton and Southgate grace the east. They first sprang up to support Rice University and still thrive as Houston’s own version of the Ivy League.

The Village itself is a mix of retro, street-side strip centers and new mall-like structures, such as the Village Arcade, which boasts nostalgic design touches like its vintage movie-theater sign. It’s best to stroll the Village so you can admire such devoted die-hards as G&G Model Shop, Dromgoole’s Writing Supplies, Houston Numismatic Exchange and the 5&10 Variety Fair. They continue to operate amidst a sea of Gap stores, Chico’s, Talbots, American Eagle and Starbucks.

Shoppers can also get back to nature at Urban Outfitters, prepare to take center stage at Leapin’ Leotards, step out at Fleet Feet, or go gracefully into motherhood at A Pea in the Pod. You can even get serious about fashion at Ann Taylor or Lot 8, featuring the designs of Houstonian Chloe Dao, a winner on Bravo’s Project Runway.

Other local treasures are Cookie Bouquet, for that deliciously different gift; the Village Flowery, for all things green; Candilicious, an old-fashioned treat for any age; Half-Price Books, where you’ll always find a must-read; and British Isles, for the anglophiles among us.

After walking several blocks in the name of fashion, shoppers flock to the Village’s premier salon/spa—a stand-out since way before spas were cool—Beautique. Find skincare wares there, or go to Sephora, nearby.

At night, the Village sets the stage for local productions at Main Street Theater. But those looking for libations will find a variety of pubs and clubs. Don’t forget to sample such divine dives as Kay’s, a favorite for students, and The Big Easy, for live blues aficionados.

And for a pint or two, folks flock to The Ginger Man, as simple as it gets in an old house, while great Scots like the Kelvin Arms. The newer Brian O’Neill’s Irish Pub offers pub grub, as does Baker St. Pub and Grill and Two Rows Brewery.

This brings us to the real reason most people visit the Village—to dine on its delectable and international cuisine. Starting on University, you can savor Spanish tapas at Mi Luna, Cuban fare at El Meson or Chinese cuisine at Fu’s Garden. Then, eat your way north, visiting Prego, a longtime Italian favorite from the folks who brought us Backstreet Cafe; or benjy’s, the pride of the Village, dishing up beautiful food for the beautiful people.

Francophiles will love Croissant Brioche, a small bakery café, as well as La Madeleine, a larger venue serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Café Rabelais continues to get rave reviews as one of Houston’s best French restaurants.

An Asian infusion permeates the Village with the tiny Patu Thai Cuisine, the unpretentious Miss Saigon, the inventive Café Chino, and the ever-popular Thai Spice. Indian food also reigns supreme with the elegant Bombay Brasserie, as well as the cozy Shiva.

One of the Village’s oldest international restaurants is Hungry’s, though it has been revamped to match its environs. Across the street is Ruggles Bakery, an offshoot of the popular Montrose restaurant whose desserts were so good they decided to let them star in this fun spot. Simple fare is also found at Kahn’s Deli, Fuzzy’s Pizza, Le Peep and Buffalo Wild Wings, and you can top off your meal with a scoop of Ben and Jerry’s, now with its own counter café.

Just a couple of blocks away from the Village are the premier restaurants of Jim Goode, who has become a Houston icon himself. It all started with Goode Company Barbecue, many would say the best in the city, served in a rustic barn-like setting with outdoor seating. Since opening more than a quarter-century ago, Goode has launched Goode Company Texas Seafood, Goode Company Burgers and Taqueria and Armadillo Palace. Goode’s motto says it all, about his places and the Village: “You might give some serious thought to thanking your lucky stars you’re in Texas.”