Rice Village isn’t a mall — it’s a 16-block open-air shopping district right next to Rice University in West University Place, with about 130 boutiques, restaurants and bars spread across walkable streets. The directory below covers the 50 stores most worth a stop, the ones that draw shoppers from across Houston rather than just the neighborhood.
What makes Rice Village different from a typical Houston mall is the mix: independent boutiques like Lucy’s Hat Shop and Sloan/Hall sit next to national favorites like Lululemon, kate spade new york, Warby Parker and Sephora. We’ve spent plenty of Saturday afternoons wandering between Bookstop, Half Price Books and the Kendra Scott color bar. If you’re hunting for a gift that doesn’t scream “mall kiosk,” this is where to start.
Quick planning tips:
- Parking: The Village garage on Kelvin Drive is free for the first 2 hours with validation from most retailers.
- Best time: Weekday mornings or after 7 PM on weekends — Rice student traffic eases up.
- Pair with dining: Stop at Hopdoddy, Local Foods or Torchy’s Tacos before browsing.
Use the categories below to jump straight to fashion, jewelry, specialty shops or dining.
Our directory is grouped into four categories below. Each table lists the current tenants, with links where available so you can check hours or shop online before your trip.
Men’s, Women’s and Children’s Fashions
| Banana Republic | Fashion for Kids, Women & Men |
| Bluemercury | Fashion for Kids, Women & Men |
| Blue Leaf | Fashion for Kids, Women & Men |
| ChicoÕs | Fashion for Kids, Women & Men |
| Express | Fashion for Kids, Women & Men |
| GAP | Fashion for Kids, Women & Men |
| Gymboree | Fashion for Kids, Women & Men |
| Hemline | Fashion for Kids, Women & Men |
| New York & Company | Fashion for Kids, Women & Men |
| Soma | Fashion for Kids, Women & Men |
| Talbots | Fashion for Kids, Women & Men |
| Urban Outfitters | Fashion for Kids, Women & Men |
| VictoriaÕs Secret | Fashion for Kids, Women & Men |
| White House / Black Market | Fashion for Kids, Women & Men |
Jewelry & Watches & Accessories
| Almaza Jewelers | Jewelry & Watches |
| Ann Taylor | Accessories |
| Athleta | Accessories |
| ClaireÕs | Accessories |
| Everything But Water | Accessories |
| Gap | Accessories |
| Grace AnnaÕs | Accessories |
| Kendra Scott Jewelry | Jewelry & Watches |
| Lily Rain | Accessories |
| Sunglass Hut | Accessories |
| Talbots | Accessories |
| The Impeccable Pig | Accessories |
Specialty Shops
| Bath & Body Works | Health & Beauty |
| Beautique Day Spa | Health & Beauty |
| Clique Salon | Health & Beauty |
| Le Creuset | Houseware |
| Mac Cosmetics | Health & Beauty |
| Myth Salon Day Spa | Specialty Store |
| Origins | Health & Beauty |
| Papyrus | Specialty Store |
| Sephora | Health & Beauty |
| Stylingbar | Health & Beauty |
| The Pretty Kitty | Specialty Store |
| Yankee Candle | Houseware |
Dining & Foods & Drinks
| 55 Restaurant & Bar | Restaurants, Foods & Drinks |
| Black Walnut Cafe | Restaurants, Foods & Drinks |
| Bombay Brasserie | Restaurants, Foods & Drinks |
| d'Amico's Italian Market Cafe | Restaurants, Foods & Drinks |
| El Meson | Restaurants, Foods & Drinks |
| Jason's Deli | Restaurants, Foods & Drinks |
| La Madeleine | Restaurants, Foods & Drinks |
| Miss Saigon Caf | Restaurants, Foods & Drinks |
| Starbucks | Restaurants, Foods & Drinks |