Fodor's Expert Review Rice Village

Just west of Rice University, this pedestrian-friendly shopping district is a pleasant, laid-back place to stroll, with an eclectic mix of restaurants, bars, boutiques, and galleries. This is where you'll find a jam-packed five-and-ten store around the corner from yet another Urban Outfitters, plus mainstream national retailers like The Gap, Express, and of course, Starbucks (there are two here). College students abound (you'll bump into quite a few Rice Owls at Two Rows Restaurant and Brewery and Jason's Deli).