Local Neighborhood Guide: Rice Village

Local neighborhood guide: rice village

We all know that Houston is one of the biggest cities in the US. You can practically drive an hour in any direction and still be in the greater Houston area! That being said, we would love to show you all of our favorite places in each neighborhood. Today we wanted to talk about – Rice Village, a bustling shopping area that draws residents, tourists, and students from nearby Rice University. With boutiques and chain stores, bars, coffee shops, and international restaurants, Rice Village is worth checking out! Check out some of our favorite places!

 

Shop in the Rice Village District

2400 University Blvd, Houston, TX 77005

outside the shops

At the center of the neighborhood is the massive Rice Village Shopping District. The expansive mall is the perfect place to spend on a beautiful day. From big name retail stores to local shops, it’s the perfect place to find something!

 

Badolina Bakery & Cafe

5555 Morningside Dr #110, Houston, TX 77005

yummy bakes goods, like bread along with some white wine

Badolina Bakery & Cafe features a variety of flavors bringing cultural specialties to life. Modern Middle Eastern and Israeli baked goods, famous bread loaves, sweet and savory pastries, custom cakes, desserts, babkas and signature coffee. 

 

Helen Greek Food and Wine

2429 Rice Boulevard, Houston, TX 77005

an interesting shrimp dish with a glass of white wine

Helen Greek Food and Wine is Houston’s first modern Greek restaurant and also has the second largest all-Greek wine menu in the country. Serving a seasonal menu of modern takes on traditional Greek dishes, Helen’s does not disappoint. Don’t leave without trying Helen’s famous Texas pecan baklava sundae!

 

Main Street Theater

2540 Times Blvd, Houston, TX 77005

a play on stage at the theater

Looking to sit back and enjoy a show? Since 1975, this professional theater has been enriching the city’s culture through theatrical performances. The program includes thoughtful and passionate plays for both adults and children. Check out the current season’s lineup here

 

The Owl

2424 Dunstan Rd Ste 150, Houston, TX 77005

outdoor LED sign to the owl

The Owl is your warm, friendly, casual neighborhood bar. The perfect place to make new friends or catch up with old ones, dance, relax and have fun. Stop by for cocktails, darts, fresh pizza, and a free jukebox! 

 

Coppa Osteria

5210 Morningside Dr, Houston, TX 77005

delicious Italian meatballs, pasta dishes, and pizza

Whether you’re looking for a place for a romantic dinner or to bring the family for a pizza, Coppa Osteria is the place for you. Enjoy house-made pastas, meat and cheese boards, sandwiches and a pizza window where you can quickly snag a slice! 

Bitty & Beau’s

2367 Rice Boulevard, Houston, TX 77005

one of the friendly waiters at bitty and beaus

Bitty and Beau’s is more than just a cup of coffee, as they advocate for the value, acceptance, and inclusion of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities by employing them in their coffee shops nationwide. The only thing sweeter than the drinks and pastries is the meaning behind this little coffee shop. You’ll definitely want to check this place out!

 

a map showing the different neighborhoods of Houston
As multi-generational Houstonians who work every day with people who live in or are new to Houston, we love sharing fun things to do around the city we love! 
Know someone looking to rent or buy furniture in Houston? We’ve got plenty of new looks coming in this fall – come stop by or browse our whole inventory online!