Welcome to Rice Village
Houston’s Walkable Garden District
A place for business to bloom and neighbors to dwell,
for relationships to blossom and all life to thrive.
A walkable, historic haven tucked in the true heart of Houston—between the oak-lined avenues of the city's finest residences, its medical district, and the leafy reaches of Rice University—the Village has remained an iconic landscape for shopping, dining, and discovery for generations.
Our Response to COVID-19
Things have changed. Our commitment to our community hasn’t. We continue to follow CDC and city guidelines and maintain a safe and healthy environment. We’re also truly grateful for the support shown for our healthcare workers. Through Fare for Care, we collectively donated 15,000 meals to local hospitals—and helped Houston restaurants along the way.
Question
What stores and restaurants are open?
Answer
Many of our retailers and restaurants are open for curbside pick-up and delivery orders as well as indoor shopping and dining with limited capacity. For additional updates, you can also refer to our Shop & Dine page and see our Instagram and Facebook for more information.
Question
How is COVID-19 affecting store hours?
Answer
Rice Village is now open:
Monday–Saturday | 11am–7pm
Sunday | 12pm–5pm
Store and restaurant hours may vary, so we recommend checking individual sites and our Shop & Dine page before stopping by. You can also find updates for all of Rice Village on our Instagram and Facebook.
Question
Whose guidelines does Rice Village follow to ensure a safe environment?
Answer
Based on recommendations from the CDC, the City of Houston Health Department, and the Texas Department of State and Health Services, we work with our cleaning and maintenance staff to continuously improve our program.
Question
What is Rice Village doing to comply with health recommendations?
Answer
We’re taking additional measures to keep our stores, restaurants, and grounds clean for all who work in and visit our Village. Here’s how we’ve adjusted to address safety guidelines:
- Cleaning surfaces with virucides designed to deactivate and destroy viruses
- Increasing the frequency of cleanings of elevator doors and buttons, escalator railings, benches and chair armrests in public areas, and door knobs to service corridors and common areas
- Providing alcohol-based hand sanitizers in public restrooms
- Instructing our staff and employees to remain home if sick
Question
How can we support our local restaurants and shops?
Answer
Although some of our stores and restaurants are closed for now, many of them are open for curbside pick-up, delivery, and in-person orders—and they truly appreciate your support. You can stay up-to-date with their weekly promotions, menus, and hours by following us on Instagram and Facebook and signing up for our Village newsletter.
Happenings
Farmers Market:
Cooking Throwdown
This fall, our first two Farmers Markets—September 5th and 19th—also host six chefs as they participate in a Chopped-style cooking competition. Their primary ingredients? Our seasonal produce. Villagers will get a chance to not only watch the event live, but also learn how to cook our local bounty in a variety of ways.
In addition, we’ll have several fundraising activities benefiting Kids Meals Houston. Test your aim with our inflatable football throw or buy $5 raffle tickets for the chance to win seats at a Rice University home football game.
CB2
Now Open
We’re proud to welcome CB2 to our Village. Stop by the store on University Boulevard any day of the week to peruse a curated assortment of modern furniture and housewares.
West Elm
Now Open
From natural materials to nontoxic finishes, West Elm’s mid-century and modern home goods unite value, quality, and responsible manufacturing. Almost 60% of their products support at least one of their sustainability initiatives, making it even easier to feel good about how home comes together.
Lovesac
Now Open
The ultimate modern furniture store, Lovesac features high-quality bean bag chairs, sectionals, and accessories in a variety of colors, patterns, and fabrics.
Krewe Tiny Home
Now Open
Krewe’s camelback shop features their entire collection of sunglasses to help Houstonians beat back the summer heat.
Bādolina Bakery
Now Open
Badolina Bakery serves a variety of freshly baked breads, pastries, custom cakes, and house-grounded coffee with flavor profiles from around the world.
Van Leeuwen
Now Open
Started in 2008 out of a yellow scoop truck on the streets of NYC, Van Leeuwen is on a mission to make good ice cream from good ingredients. They’ve innovated beyond the original dairy recipe and added cashew-milk vegan ice cream and oat-milk vegan ice cream to their 30+ flavors.
Farmers Market
First and third Sundays
We’re opening our Village up to all our community has to offer and welcoming Houston’s farmers, chefs, and makers to our outdoor market. Grab a fresh coffee from a barista before strolling through tents filled with small batch chocolate, salted margaritas, savory chef-made plates, locally grown produce, and more.
Interested vendors can contact ricevillagefarmersmarket@gmail.com to apply.