The tree-lined Rice Village and West University area lies between Highway 59 and the 610 Loop and is home to the prestigious Rice University. But its proximity to the campus isn’t the only reason this location is so sought-after.
Rice Village and West University also offer a lot of things to do. Here are just 5 of them:
- Experience brick-and-mortar shopping in a 1930s open-air mall
While buying stuff online is the growing norm, nothing beats the brick-and-mortar shopping experience at Rice Village Shopping District. The sprawling, 16-block, open-air mall has been popular with the locals since the 1930s. Discover big name brands like Victoria’s Secret, Banana Republic, Bath & Body Works, Sephora, and Clinique located in charming spaces. Delight in the local boutiques and some of the one-of-a-kind items they offer. Buy stylish new outfits at The Impeccable Pig or exquisite, handcrafted jewelry at Almaza Jewelers. The little ones will enjoy Fundamentally Toys and you can buy baby items in stores like Purple Mango and Doodles.
- Try an astonishing variety of good food
The Rice Village and West University area boasts an eclectic restaurant scene. Residents’ favorites range from Local Foods, which has locally sourced ingredients like Gulf-caught shrimps and crabs, to benjy’s, which highlights modern American cuisine and serves one of the best brunches in town. Brave the queue at YoYo’s Hot Dog stand for the decadent “All the Way” hot dog – a concoction smothered in cream cheese, spicy mustard, curry ketchup, crunchy fried onions, honey mayo, and Sriracha. Another hotspot in the area is Helen Greek Food and Wine serving scrumptious Greek fusion with a touch of Texas and boasting the second largest Hellenic wine list in America.
- Indulge in spa treatments or sip cocktails at a nail salon
If you’re tired from all the shopping, treat yourself to a relaxing day at Beautique Spa where you can get the usual mani-pedi and massage but also spa treatments such as steam exfoliation, Swiss showers, Vichy showers, and a hydration tub. Bliss Nail Spa, on the other hand, is a chic nail bar with bright colors patterned after Neapolitan ice cream and a bevy of drinks from coffee to cocktails.
- Immerse yourself in the arts
Featuring year-round shows and a repertoire the includes classic plays and more contemporary ones, The Main Street Theater has been entertaining and moving audiences with its Main Stage productions since 1976 . The Main Street Theater also serves as a lab for budding thespians with its youth theater program. Another place to check out is The Moody Center for the Arts, a facility that’s chock full of art galleries, a black box theater, an atrium suitable for wood and metal working, studio classrooms, audiovisual editing booths, a technology lending library, and rapid prototyping areas.
- Enjoy the nightlife
Light up the night and head on over to the best bars in Houston. The variety of dive bars, cocktail bars, sports bars, and more is enough to make your head spin. Check out the best blues and zydeco music in the city and grab a quick drink at The Big Easy. For vibrant, Mexican flavors, visit Under the Volcano, a themed bar based on the holiday Día de los Muertos, and make sure you order their specialty craft beers using squeezed juices and fresh herbs. For something a bit more familiar, find your spot at Little Woodrow’s, a popular sports bar with great bar food, delicious tap beers and craft cocktails, and TV screens to watch big games on.
Be a part of the lively West University and Rice Village area. Call Hunter Real Estate Group, specialists in Houston real estate, to find a home right in the midst of great food, great buys, and great experiences. Call (713) 572-0824 or send an email to trace@hunterrealestategroup.com.
