Explore Rice Village: A Walking Tour of West University

Located deep within the heart of Houston’s metropolitan center is the prestigious West University Place.

Boxed in by “Kirby Drive to the east, Union Pacific St. Louis Southwestern Railway railroad track to the west, Bellaire Boulevard/West Holcombe Boulevard to the South, and Bissonnet and Law Streets to the north,” this Neighborhood City has become home to the area’s affluent professionals over the years (Family Median Income: $157,312).

Despite its illustrious ranking as Houston’s third most exclusive neighborhood, West University houses the Rice Village shopping center, where patronage runs the gamut from scenesters to soccer moms.

The Village’s wingspan stretches over nearly sixteen blocks and houses over 300 shops, boutiques, and restaurants ranging from specialized local shops to national chains. Consequently, navigating the Rice Village in its entirety could take a few days, so we’ll focus on a two-block venture.

Several streets in this nearly century-old locale are named for poets, scholars, and institutions of higher learning (due to its proximity to Rice University), so our walking tour begins on University Blvd, headed east away from Kirby.

West University’s Rice Village Walking Tour – Half Price Books and Swirll

While there are over a dozen stores, the first noteworthy stop heading east on University is the oversized Half Price Books near the intersection at Kirby. They offer a variety of items, including an impressive selection of memoirs and other popular reads.

Continue your journey down University and you’ll soon discover Swirll, one of the premier yogurt shops in the area. Recently renovated, Swirll offers a fresh atmosphere alongside unique toppings like Fruit Loops to mix with their assortment of yogurt flavors.

Half Price Books
2537 University Blvd
Houston, TX 77005
(713) 524-6635

Swirll
2531 University Blvd
Houston, TX 77246

West University’s Rice Village Walking Tour – Urban Outfitters

Urban Outfitters is an essential stop for any style enthusiast. They offer a diverse range of goods, including trendy clothing and unique accessories. Look out for the helpful staff who can assist with your shopping experience.

Urban Outfitters
2501 University Blvd
Houston, TX 77005
(713) 529-3023

West University’s Rice Village Walking Tour – Mi Luna

Moving forward, you’ll find Mi Luna Tapas Restaurant and Bar, ideal for a lively meal with friends. The menu offers a delightful array of tapas and refreshing cocktails such as mojitos, ensuring a fun and flavorful experience.

Mi Luna
2441 University Blvd
Houston, TX 77005
(713) 520-5025

West University’s Rice Village Walking Tour – Little Woodrow’s

Next, head to Little Woodrow’s, a casual neighborhood hangout. While it may not be flashy, its laid-back atmosphere combined with an extensive beer selection makes it a local favorite.

Little Woodrow’s
5611 Morningside Dr
Houston, TX 77005
(713) 521-2337

West University’s Rice Village Walking Tour – The Bead Shop and Thai Village

Next on your tour is The Bead Shop, a treasure trove for craft enthusiasts. With a comprehensive array of beads available, it’s a must-visit for anyone looking to create something unique.

Continuing west, you’ll discover the delightful Thai Village Restaurant. Make sure to handle the spice levels cautiously, as their dishes can become quite fiery!

The Bead Shop
2476 Times Blvd
Houston, TX 77005
(713) 523-9350

Thai Village Restaurant
2512 Times Blvd
Houston, TX 77005
(713) 524-8682

West University’s Rice Village Walking Tour – Shiva Indian Restaurant

A short walk away is Shiva Indian Restaurant, renowned for its excellent vegetarian options. This restaurant has gained numerous accolades for its flavorful dishes, including the highly recommended Boti Kebab Shahnaz.

Shiva Indian Restaurant
2514 Times Blvd
Houston, TX 77005
(713) 523-4753

West University’s Rice Village Walking Tour – Bicycle World of West U.

On the other side of the street from Shiva is Bicycle World of West U., a charming bike shop that contributes to the Village’s character. The selection of bicycles and accessories is substantial, and repairs can typically be done quickly.

Bicycle World of West U.
2519 Rice Blvd
Houston, TX 77005
(713) 529-0140

West University’s Rice Village Walking Tour – Main Street Theater

To conclude your tour, attend a performance at Main Street Theater. This quaint venue showcases a variety of productions, ensuring a delightful theatrical experience despite occasional challenges with parking.

Main Street Theater
2540 Times Blvd
Houston, TX 77005
(713) 524-6706

West University’s Rice Village Walking Tour – Back to the Beginning

After walking nearly two miles, simply head north through the shops along Kirby to return to the starting point in about four minutes.

Thank you for accompanying me on this delightful journey. I hope you enjoyed it and I look forward to our next adventure!