Maru's Guidebook
What’s around you?
Just a quick list of places around the apartment which may be helpful to you. You are close to the Rice Village, Rice University and the Texas Medical Center. You are south of downtown There are several great places to eat within 1000 feet from the apartment
Our neighborhood bakery just around the corner. Great for breakfast, lunch and dinner! Only 1000 feet from the apartment.
James Beard nominated bakery! They have some delicious desserts
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Common Bond Cafe & Bakery
2278 W Holcombe BlvdOur neighborhood bakery just around the corner. Great for breakfast, lunch and dinner! Only 1000 feet from the apartment.
James Beard nominated bakery! They have some delicious desserts
The Village” is the anchor of the neighborhood. It is 3/4 miles from the apartment. Restaurants, shops, farmers market and bars but also nice place to walk around
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Rice Village
2376 Rice BoulevardThe Village” is the anchor of the neighborhood. It is 3/4 miles from the apartment. Restaurants, shops, farmers market and bars but also nice place to walk around
Our closets pharmacy. Just feet away you can find most of what you urgently need.
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CVS
9838 Buffalo SpeedwayOur closets pharmacy. Just feet away you can find most of what you urgently need.
If you want to go for a walk/run, there is a 2.5 mile loop around Rice University. Walking the pretty campus is nice too. You can walk there as it is about half a mile away. Want a longer route? Connect to Hermann Park and make it a 6 mile route by using the path that goes around the zoo/golf course.
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Rice Universität
6100 Main StIf you want to go for a walk/run, there is a 2.5 mile loop around Rice University. Walking the pretty campus is nice too. You can walk there as it is about half a mile away. Want a longer route? Connect to Hermann Park and make it a 6 mile route by using the path that goes around the zoo/golf course.
1.5 miles away. It is huge &probably best to get there by vehicle although it is within walking distance. The light rail train goes by it so you can catch it there. It gets you to midtown and downtown.
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Texas Medical Center
1.5 miles away. It is huge &probably best to get there by vehicle although it is within walking distance. The light rail train goes by it so you can catch it there. It gets you to midtown and downtown.
Inexpensive but good sushi and ramen if you don’t mind a bit of a dive. Walking distance from our house but also plenty of parking behind the restaurant
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Tamashi Ramen and Sushi
2518 W Holcombe BlvdInexpensive but good sushi and ramen if you don’t mind a bit of a dive. Walking distance from our house but also plenty of parking behind the restaurant
Very close to the apartment. It is literally across the street ! And food is great, as is the ambience. Even if you don’t like ramen, you will find something you like here. The apps are delicious!!
Did I mention they have cocktails too?
Japanese Ramen Gachi
Very close to the apartment. It is literally across the street ! And food is great, as is the ambience. Even if you don’t like ramen, you will find something you like here. The apps are delicious!!
Did I mention they have cocktails too?
Two Guys Pizzeria
2250 W Holcombe BlvdBig slices close to the apartment. About 1000 feet away.
Food scene in Rice Village
A list of our favorites eateries in the Rice Village which is only 3/4 of a mile away. A 15 minute walk
One of our favorites in the Rice Village. Great upscale Greek food. The Greek wine selection is fantastic and the staff will walk you through the wines.
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Helen Greek Food & Wine
2429 Rice BoulevardOne of our favorites in the Rice Village. Great upscale Greek food. The Greek wine selection is fantastic and the staff will walk you through the wines.
A small French restaurant. Very cute and great food. (In Rice Village)
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Café Rabelais
2442 Times BlvdA small French restaurant. Very cute and great food. (In Rice Village)
Gratify
5212 Morningside DriveOur neighborhood bistro. They have outdoor dining (In Rice Village)
Coppa Osteria
5210 Morningside DrGood food and casual scene. (In Rice Village)
You have to try this place for lunch!
(In Rice Village)
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Local Foods Rice Village
2424 Dunstan RdYou have to try this place for lunch!
(In Rice Village)
Our favorite tacos in the Village. The ambiance is pretty cool too and they have good parking. (In Rice Village)
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Velvet Taco
4819 Washington AveOur favorite tacos in the Village. The ambiance is pretty cool too and they have good parking. (In Rice Village)
Badolina Bakery & Cafe
5555 Morningside DrIsraeli bakery. (In Rice Village)
We like it for coffee and pastries/quiche but they also serve meals and wine. (In Rice Village)
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Salento Bistrot
2407 Rice BoulevardWe like it for coffee and pastries/quiche but they also serve meals and wine. (In Rice Village)
Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café
2420 Rice BoulevardDelicious Crepes!! (In Rice Village)
CoCo Crêpes, Waffles & Coffee
218 Gray StCrepes and ice cream!! (In Rice Village)
Wine and dine on eco-friendly tapped wines (yes, wine on tap!). Farm to table cuisine and casual vibe.
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Sixty Vines
2540 University BlvdWine and dine on eco-friendly tapped wines (yes, wine on tap!). Farm to table cuisine and casual vibe.
It is a chain but good for burgers. They have a huge outdoor patio where you can eat, hang out and play cornhole. If you and your guest want to eat at different restaurants, there are more choices that share the outdoor space (Italian, sandwich shop, and tacos nearby).
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Hopdoddy Burger Bar
4444 Westheimer RdIt is a chain but good for burgers. They have a huge outdoor patio where you can eat, hang out and play cornhole. If you and your guest want to eat at different restaurants, there are more choices that share the outdoor space (Italian, sandwich shop, and tacos nearby).
Shake Shack
1002 Westheimer RdFor burgers! Another chain
Mediterranean/Israeli. The food is upscale and very good. The restaurant is beautiful and the service impeccable.
Hamsa
Mediterranean/Israeli. The food is upscale and very good. The restaurant is beautiful and the service impeccable.
Navy Blue
Seafood restaurant in the Village. Upscale, nice bar and ambience
Lees Den
Eau Tour
With only 10 guests at a time, and a hand-selected 12 piece sushi tasting is served at the counter—omakase style. Bring Your Own Liquor (BYOL): There is a Corkage Fee.
Sushi by Hidden
With only 10 guests at a time, and a hand-selected 12 piece sushi tasting is served at the counter—omakase style. Bring Your Own Liquor (BYOL): There is a Corkage Fee.
Kasra Persian Grill
Great Persian food and friendly staff/manager
Food scene beyond our hood
Here are just some great restaurants that we love and are outside of the Rice Village. Certainly not an exhaustive list. Houston has so many great restaurants and we have not visited even 5% of them!
Spanish food that is reinvented. Be sure to make reservations well ahead of time
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BCN Taste & Tradition
4210 Roseland StSpanish food that is reinvented. Be sure to make reservations well ahead of time
The wild-child younger sister to BCN. The scene is much more hip and laid back. They sometimes have a DJ and they have a huge bar.
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MAD
4444 Westheimer RdThe wild-child younger sister to BCN. The scene is much more hip and laid back. They sometimes have a DJ and they have a huge bar.
Georgia James
3503 Westheimer RdUpscale Chris Shepherd steakhouse in the Montrose area.
Georgia James Tavern
737 Preston StreetA more casual Georgia James (ie, a lot cheaper!). Located in Downtown
Great southern food and cool ambience. Located in the Museum District. Reserve ahead for Sunday brunch. Well worth it!
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Lucille's
5512 La Branch StGreat southern food and cool ambience. Located in the Museum District. Reserve ahead for Sunday brunch. Well worth it!
Our favorite!! Modern bistro. Located in trendy EaDo. You must make reservations
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Nancy's Hustle
2704 Polk StOur favorite!! Modern bistro. Located in trendy EaDo. You must make reservations
Great southern food. We love this place for brunch, lunch and dinner.
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State of Grace
3258 Westheimer RdGreat southern food. We love this place for brunch, lunch and dinner.
Kiran's
2925 Richmond AveUpscale Indian food. Pricey but food is GREAT!
Italian food. Has a nice outdoor patio. Located near Montrose and Museum District
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OSTIA
2032 Dunlavy StreetItalian food. Has a nice outdoor patio. Located near Montrose and Museum District
Bludorn Restaurant
807 Taft StreetNew American.
Modern Vietnamese fusion. They have a large outdoor patio. Located near the Washington corridor
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Xin Chao
2310 Decatur StreetModern Vietnamese fusion. They have a large outdoor patio. Located near the Washington corridor
An institution in Houston. Great for brunch. Located on the edge of Midtown
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Brennan's of Houston
3300 Smith StAn institution in Houston. Great for brunch. Located on the edge of Midtown
Uchi
904 Westheimer RdCreative Japanese located in the Montrose area
If you are looking for something different go to Reil. It is described as Ukrainian twist on Gulf Coast cuisine. Located in the Montrose area
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Riel
1927 Fairview StIf you are looking for something different go to Reil. It is described as Ukrainian twist on Gulf Coast cuisine. Located in the Montrose area
Kata is one of our go-to Japanese restaurants and pretty close to the Rice Village but we do NOT recommend you walk it. Servers are masked and vaccinated.
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Kata Robata
3600 Kirby DrKata is one of our go-to Japanese restaurants and pretty close to the Rice Village but we do NOT recommend you walk it. Servers are masked and vaccinated.
The best hot dog you will ever eat. You have to stand in a long line but it is well worth it. He has moved to 8th Wonder Brewery in Eado
Yoyo’s hotdog
2504 Amherst StreetThe best hot dog you will ever eat. You have to stand in a long line but it is well worth it. He has moved to 8th Wonder Brewery in Eado
Traveler's Table
520 Westheimer RoadLocated in Montrose area
Great hot dogs!! Also good beer selection. Very cool vibe. This is a dive and entirely outdoors so come prepared.
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Moon Tower Inn
3004 Canal StGreat hot dogs!! Also good beer selection. Very cool vibe. This is a dive and entirely outdoors so come prepared.
The Hay Merchant
1100 Westheimer RdGastropub. Good food and beer in the Montrose area.
MF Sushi Houston Museum District
1401 Binz StreetUpscale sushi. Located in Museum District
This is a small version of Tiny Boxwoods. It is a great brunch place with outdoor seating. It is within walking distance (located in West University neighborhood adjacent to ours) and a good walk.
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Tiny's No. 5
This is a small version of Tiny Boxwoods. It is a great brunch place with outdoor seating. It is within walking distance (located in West University neighborhood adjacent to ours) and a good walk.
BBQ! James Beard nominated chef Ronnie Killen brings Southern comfort food to the Heights.
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Killen’s
101 Heights BoulevardBBQ! James Beard nominated chef Ronnie Killen brings Southern comfort food to the Heights.
Grab lunch or dinner here after visiting the Menil collection across the street
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Bistro Menil
1513 W Alabama StGrab lunch or dinner here after visiting the Menil collection across the street
One of our favorite restaurants! Focus on approachable, albeit innovative, items incorporating seasonal ingredients from land and sea. The restaurant is dedicated to locally sourcing all ingredients with fresh produce from nearby farms and Gulf Coast seafood. Located in a small house near our neighborhood. Outdoor seating available
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Nobie's Restaurant
2048 Colquitt StOne of our favorite restaurants! Focus on approachable, albeit innovative, items incorporating seasonal ingredients from land and sea. The restaurant is dedicated to locally sourcing all ingredients with fresh produce from nearby farms and Gulf Coast seafood. Located in a small house near our neighborhood. Outdoor seating available
Underbelly Burger
2520 Airline DriveLocated in The Houston Farmers Market, this is a Chris Shepherd burger restaurant.
Food hall that’s very popular. Located in the north side of downtown. Great rooftop garden with nice views of the city.
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POST Houston
401 Franklin StFood hall that’s very popular. Located in the north side of downtown. Great rooftop garden with nice views of the city.
The Gypsy Poet
Great pizza! Try the Nutella pizza dessert
Luna Pizzeria
3435 Kirby DrZanti Cucina Italiana - River Oaks
Yummy Pizza Slices (particularly if you grew up on Sbarro)!! Cool place too—close to Holman draft hall
Home Slice Pizza
Yummy Pizza Slices (particularly if you grew up on Sbarro)!! Cool place too—close to Holman draft hall
Winnie's
Interesting and delicious food. Right on the Lightrail too
Try the Oyster Shooter
Farmer’s Markets
always double check the times online as these may have changed. Rice Farmers market is within walking distance. All others require a vehicle
1st & 3rd Sundays 9am-1pm @Kelvin Dr & Amherst St in Rice Village. We LOVE this farmers market which is in walking distance. Great food, live music, fantastic products (olive oil, meal kits, breads, pet treats, beer, meats, veggies, etc)
Rice Village Farmer's Market
1st & 3rd Sundays 9am-1pm @Kelvin Dr & Amherst St in Rice Village. We LOVE this farmers market which is in walking distance. Great food, live music, fantastic products (olive oil, meal kits, breads, pet treats, beer, meats, veggies, etc)
Every Saturday 9am-1pm
2120 Ella Blvd in the Cavatore's Italian Restaurant parking lot
Eleanora's Market
2120 Ella BlvdEvery Saturday 9am-1pm
2120 Ella Blvd in the Cavatore's Italian Restaurant parking lot
Open daily 5:30am-6pm.
Houston’s oldest farmer’s market established in the 1940s—recently got a major facelift. It feels like you are in another country with lots of exotic fruits and veggies. There is also a butcher shop that’s amazing, R-C Ranch Texas Craft Meats.
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Der Houstoner Bauernmarkt
2520 Airline DrOpen daily 5:30am-6pm.
Houston’s oldest farmer’s market established in the 1940s—recently got a major facelift. It feels like you are in another country with lots of exotic fruits and veggies. There is also a butcher shop that’s amazing, R-C Ranch Texas Craft Meats.
Braeswood Farmers Market
5501 Stella Link RdOpen Wednesday 4pm-8p, and weekends from 9am-1pm
Urban Harvest Farmers Market
2752 Buffalo SpeedwaySaturdays 8am-noon
Showcases Black-owned businesses in a historic neighborhood in the Fourth Ward, built by a community of newly freed salves.
Freedmen's Town Farmers Market
Showcases Black-owned businesses in a historic neighborhood in the Fourth Ward, built by a community of newly freed salves.
Farmers Market on the first Wednesday of each month is from 4-7pm. Cooking demonstrations offered too!
Hope Farms Urban Agricultural Showcase and Training Center - Recipe for Success
Farmers Market on the first Wednesday of each month is from 4-7pm. Cooking demonstrations offered too!
Wine shop
Our favorite wine boutique and bar. Hang out at the bar and drink some wine or do some shopping.
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Vinology Bottle Shop + Tasting Bar
2314 Bissonnet StOur favorite wine boutique and bar. Hang out at the bar and drink some wine or do some shopping.
Coffee shops
Agnes
2132 Bissonnet StBrasil
2604 Dunlavy StSalento Bistrot
2407 Rice BoulevardIn the Village. Great pastries and other breakfast foods. Great coffee too. Only the locals eat here!
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Croissant-Brioche
2435 Rice BoulevardIn the Village. Great pastries and other breakfast foods. Great coffee too. Only the locals eat here!
Can’t decide on coffee or cocktails? This is the place for you. Right on the lightrail too
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Double Trouble Caffeine & Cocktails
3622 Main StCan’t decide on coffee or cocktails? This is the place for you. Right on the lightrail too
Parks
1 mile away from the apartment, Hermann Park is a 445 acre urban park in our neighborhood. Features the Japanese Gardens, Centennial Gardens (vegetable garden), paddle boats, a train, science museum, the zoo, golf course, running/hiking trails, fishing (no license required) and Miller Outdoor Theater.
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Hermann Park
6001 Fannin St1 mile away from the apartment, Hermann Park is a 445 acre urban park in our neighborhood. Features the Japanese Gardens, Centennial Gardens (vegetable garden), paddle boats, a train, science museum, the zoo, golf course, running/hiking trails, fishing (no license required) and Miller Outdoor Theater.
Japanischer Garten
6000 Fannin StAt Hermann Park
An urban garden, including a very large vegetable garden at Hermann Park
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McGovern Centennial Gardens
1500 Hermann DriveAn urban garden, including a very large vegetable garden at Hermann Park
A Texas sized rooftop park with an urban farm. Enjoy downtown views while you walk the gardens. The massive 550,000 square-foot building— formerly a mail sorting warehouse — sits on 16 acres and boasts a first-floor food hall, concert venue, office space and rooftop gardens tucked inside Houston’s skyline. Very cool!
Skylawn
401 Franklin StreetA Texas sized rooftop park with an urban farm. Enjoy downtown views while you walk the gardens. The massive 550,000 square-foot building— formerly a mail sorting warehouse — sits on 16 acres and boasts a first-floor food hall, concert venue, office space and rooftop gardens tucked inside Houston’s skyline. Very cool!
There is always something going on here so go online to check it out
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Discovery Green
1500 McKinney StThere is always something going on here so go online to check it out
Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
4501 Woodway DrMemorial Park
6501 Memorial DrGo for a run and then check out the arboretum
Buffalo Bayou Park
Memorial DriveEastern Glades
Washington AvenueHouston’s newest park
This decommissioned underground reservoir was built in 1926 & now features art installations. It is cool down there in the summer!
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Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern
105-B Sabine StThis decommissioned underground reservoir was built in 1926 & now features art installations. It is cool down there in the summer!
A small park in Bellaire (an adjacent upscale neighborhood). The main attraction is going to have brunch at Betsy’s, an outdoor casual restaurant with good tacos and mimosas). Currently (2021) the park is undergoing some construction. While this park in walking distance, it is a pretty long walk and requires you to walk along Holcombe for a small stretch.
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Evelyn's Park Conservancy
4400 Bellaire BlvdA small park in Bellaire (an adjacent upscale neighborhood). The main attraction is going to have brunch at Betsy’s, an outdoor casual restaurant with good tacos and mimosas). Currently (2021) the park is undergoing some construction. While this park in walking distance, it is a pretty long walk and requires you to walk along Holcombe for a small stretch.