Rice Village captivates with its charming shops, eateries, and boutiques. Locally-owned stores offer handcrafted goods, designer fashions, and eclectic finds to delight every style.
Rice Village, a charming hotspot in Houston, Texas, awaits explorers, foodies, and shopping enthusiasts alike! In this lively district, you’ll find all kinds of local shops, eateries, and trendy boutiques that cater to a wide range of tastes and style preferences. Conveniently located just minutes away from downtown, the Texas Medical Center and NRG stadium, Rice Village in Houston is an ideal destination for a relaxed afternoon or an exciting evening with friends.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the many shops and eateries that make this area so unique!
Rice Village Shopping District
Hemline boutique is a fashion-forward women’s clothing and accessories store known for its diverse and stylish collection reflecting the latest trends.
The Rice Village Shopping District is a goldmine for those in search of extraordinary discoveries that go beyond the typical mall offerings. While you can check out some well-known brands like Banana Republic and Victoria’s Secret in Rice Village’s shopping district, what truly sets this area apart are its specialty shops and boutique gems. Here are some must-visit stores:
British Isles: For those who love all things British, this store is brimming with gifts, home décor items, and beauty products from across the pond.
Emerson Sloan: Emerson Sloan is the go-to spot for those seeking stylish and unique items to elevate any celebration. Renowned for its carefully curated selection of cool gifts, party decor, and toys, Emerson Sloan is the perfect destination for adding a touch of flair to any celebration, be it large or small.
Fig Tree Accessories: While you can find some Fig Tree Jewelry lines in certain larger retailers, the Fig Tree Store in Rice Village stands as the premier destination for exclusive handmade accessories. From vibrant semi-precious stones adorning delicate jewelry designs to the Fig Tree Handbag line’s handmade leather, python, and cowhide pieces, the store exudes a captivating boho-chic ambiance.
Hemline: Hemline is a fashion-forward boutique that stands out for its diverse and stylish collection of women’s clothing and accessories. With a keen eye for the latest trends, Hemline offers a unique shopping experience for those seeking contemporary and chic wardrobe pieces.
La Taste: Step into the charming La Taste in Rice Village, where an intimate boutique awaits with a curated selection of ceramics, perfumes, kitchenware, skincare, and more—all sharing a common thread: everything is made in France.
King Ranch Saddle Shop: King Ranch Saddle Shop in Rice Village, Houston, offers high-end Western and rodeo gear, hats, saddles, accessories, gun cases, shooting gear, luggage, and even office and home furniture. King Ranch is synonymous with top-tier leather goods and luxurious cowboy fineries, with a well-earned reputation for exceptional products and customer service.
Murder by the Book – A paradise for mystery and crime novel enthusiasts, this store hosts author events and houses an extensive book collection. Children’s mysteries are in the back.
Raspberry Rose Boutique: Raspberry Rose in Rice Village strikes the perfect balance between fun and fresh trends and practical wearability. Recognizing that the latest styles may not always suit every occasion, they curate a diverse selection, ensuring a range of options for work, casual outings, and everyday life, appealing to a wide spectrum of customers.
Purple Mango Kids: Purple Mango Kids in Rice Village features an assortment of handpicked classic and fashion-forward children’s clothing, shoes, toys, accessories, and decor. If you’re seeking something fun and stylish for the little ones in your life, Purple Mango is the perfect place to explore!
Rice Village Dining Scene
Craving gourmet sandwiches and glazed salmon? Local Foods hits the spot. Unwind on the patio with a cider, then browse the one-of-a-kind foodie finds at the LFM Market next door.
Whether you’re craving a cozy coffee shop experience, a laid-back meal with friends, the joy of dining outdoors on a charming patio, or the sophistication of fine dining, Houston’s Rice Village has it all. And let’s not forget the irresistible dessert spots that will satisfy your sweetest cravings. Here are some spots that you should definitely consider visiting while you’re in Houston:
Coffee shops in Rice Village
Bitty & Beau’s Coffee is more than just an excellent cup of coffee. This welcoming café offers meaningful employment opportunities to people with disabilities, in an inclusive space with indoor and outdoor seating.
Bitty & Beau’s: Bitty & Beau’s Coffee serves outstanding coffee and provides a welcoming lounge space with indoor and outdoor seating options. More than just a coffee haven, the establishment is dedicated to offering meaningful employment opportunities to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Established in 2016, Bitty & Beau’s has grown to over 20 locations, employing over 400 people with disabilities. To learn more, click here.
The Teahouse Tapioca & Tea:The Teahouse Tapioca and Tea, known for its distinctive blend of traditional Taiwanese cream tea with tapioca pearls, has been a local favorite for over a decade.
Casual dining and outdoor patio restaurants in Rice Village
With its delicious, inventive flavors and casual vibe, Mendocino Farms is a great spot for a tasty lunch break while exploring Rice Village’s charming boutiques and cafés.
Local Foods: Local Foods in Rice Village serves up gourmet sandwiches, soups, and a relaxed atmosphere. With an outdoor patio for those looking to unwind, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a meal. Plus, their local market next door offers unique food items you can take home to savor later!
Salento Bistrot: Salento Bistrot in Rice Village is a versatile establishment, transforming from a casual cafe serving breakfast and light fare during the day to a Modern European Bistrot offering Tartines and a unique wine selection in the evenings.
Hungry’s Cafe: Hungry’s is a culinary gem, bringing together a harmonious fusion of international cuisines. With a blend of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors enhanced by a touch of Southwestern influence, the cafe offers a diverse menu featuring seasonal lunch and dinner specials accompanied by an extensive wine selection. The cafe also has a specialty brunch menu on the weekends!
Sweetgreen: At Sweetgreen in Rice Village, the dining experience is all about choice and freshness. Choose from an array of expertly crafted salads and signature bowls, or you build your own meal!
Mendocino Farms Sandwich Market: A Lodgeur favorite for it’s delicious chopped salads. Tucked away in the heart of Rice Village is Mendocino Farms, a laidback eatery serving up sandwiches and salads with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Popular menu choices include the Not So Fried Chicken sandwich, the Vegan Banh Mi, and the Farm Club! With its delicious flavors and casual vibe, Mendocino Farms offers a tasty lunch break amidst a day of exploring Rice Village’s boutiques and cafés.
The Rice Box: A visit to the future, The Rice Box offer updated Chinese-American standards like fried rice, dumplings and egg rolls.
Fine dining in Rice Village
With 60 wines on tap that rotate often, Sixty Vines pairs tasty apps and hearty meals with your choice of wine, cocktails or draft beers.
Coppa Osteria: Coppa Osteria, a charming Italian eatery nestled in Rice Village, presents a contemporary take on traditional Italian fare. With a menu showcasing Neapolitan-inspired pizzas and signature delights like Spaghetti Carbonara, the restaurant offers a vibrant bar and a spacious outdoor patio, creating an ideal setting for relaxed evenings with a delightful glass of rosé.
Sixty Vines: If you’re eager to broaden your wine palate or simply unwind with friends, Sixty Vines is the perfect spot. With a rotating selection of 60 wines on tap, complemented by delicious appetizers and hearty meals, it’s a popular choice for wine enthusiasts. And if wine isn’t your preference, they also have delicious cocktails and a selection of draft beers to explore.
ROMA: Honored as one of “Houston’s Best New Restaurants” by CultureMap in 2019, ROMA has remained a cherished destination for those who love homemade pastas, innovative Italian cuisine, and a carefully curated selection of wines ever since. This restaurant dining room is on the ground floor of a renovated historic home.
Riel: A trendy, upscale spot that serves up Canadian cuisine with a hint of Southern flare.
Best Happy Hour specials in Rice Village
Hopdoddy Burger Bar is a great place to stop by for happy hour in Rice Village!
Hopdoddy Burger Bar: Known for its juicy, hand-crafted burgers, Hopdoddy Burger Bar brings high-quality ingredients and signature flavors to Rice Village. This lively burger joint uses fresh-ground beef as well as chicken, tuna, and vegetarian patties to satisfy every craving, along with hand-cut fries, shakes, and local craft beers on tap. Sit at the bar between 3-6 pm from Sunday to Thursday to enjoy half off Hopdoddy’s entire menu! It’s the perfect way to enjoy some delicious burgers for a great price. To learn more, click here.
Helen Greek Food and Wine: Located on Rice Boulevard, this restaurant delivers an authentic Greek culinary experience, and their charming patio is a perfect spot to enjoy a warm evening. Beyond the delectable cuisine, they also offer enticing Happy Hour specials. To discover this week’s deals, click here!
Icecream shops, Creperie, and other dessert stops in Rice Village
Sprinkles Cupcakes in Rice Village caters to all cravings with gluten-free, vegan, and sugar-free sweets alongside classic cupcakes and layer cakes. You can also grab a customized cupcake from their ATM for an instant dessert on-the-go!
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream: Van Leeuwen Ice Cream crafts delectable frozen treats by using simple, high-quality ingredients. Beyond their rich dairy options, they also offer a selection of vegan-friendly ice creams, ensuring everyone can indulge in their delightful creations.
Sweet Paris Creperie & Café: Sweet Paris in Rice Village, where it all began, is a delightful creperie celebrated for its delectable range of sweet and savory crepes. The charming interior adds to the appeal, providing a cozy atmosphere to enjoy frozen mimosas, lattes, milkshakes, waffles, and more!
Winfield’s Chocolate Baraka The Chocolate Bar: Winfield’s Chocolate Bar in Rice Village, Houston, is a chocolate lover’s paradise, celebrated for its exquisite array of unique and delectable treats. From the finest-quality homemade chocolates to tempting ice cream, cakes, pies, cookies, and brownies, it’s a sweet haven for those seeking premium, handcrafted chocolate delights in the heart of Rice Village.
Sprinkles Cupcakes: From cupcakes and layer cakes to cookies and brownies, Sprinkles’ diverse menu includes gluten-friendly, vegan, and sugar-free options, ensuring there’s something for every dessert enthusiast. And if you’re in the mood for a sweet treat on the go, take advantage of their convenient cupcake ATM right outside the store to order a cupcake instantly! (We ordered the belgian dark chocolate cupcake and spoiler alert: it’s amazing.)
Check out Rice Village in Houston, TX
Rice Village is an absolute treasure in Houston and has something for everyone, from fashion-forward shopping to cozy coffee houses to fancy dinners. We hope this guide gave you some inspiration for your next visit to the area. Happy exploring!
Book your stay near Rice Village
Want to be close to Rice Village during your next trip to Houston? Book your stay with Lodgeur. Experience the comfort of a stylish, fully-furnished apartment, whether it’s for a few days, weeks or months! To learn more, click here.
