Where to Brunch Near Rice University

In our Where to Brunch series, we search Houston’s vast array of neighborhoods for the very best brunch offerings.

Set on a picturesque 294-acre campus, there is plenty to experience at Rice University.

But nearby, there is also plenty to eat, including these college budget–friendly brunch spots.

Note: This list covers neighborhoods near Rice University, including Rice Village, West University, the Med Center and the Museum District.

Where to Brunch Near Rice University

Agnes Café & Provisions

Over in the oak tree–lined Broadacres off Bissonnet, this pristine all-day cafe features buzzy cocktails like the espresso milk punch and strawberry rhubarb spritz, plus a stellar lineup of brunchy stuff.

Choose from quiche du jour, baklava granola, hot smoked salmon tartine, shareable mezze plates, and baked goods from lemon tea cake and vegan banana bread to daily house made scones.

Badolina Bakery & Cafe

If you want to experience the magic of Israeli hotspot Hamsa on a dime, just hit this little sibling bakery and cafe, where you can enjoy a pleasant brunch on the charming patio.

Linger over cappuccinos, cold brews and mint tea as you nosh on seasonal quiche and sweet and savory pastries filled with things like cardamom and pistachio or spiced tomato and feta in the style of shakshuka.

And make sure to grab some freshly baked sourdoughs, popable biscuits, and crackly cookies to bring back to campus.

Hungry’s Cafe

Score a seat out on Hungry’s shaded terrace along Rice Boulevard and enjoy croissant French toast, farmer’s goat cheese omelets, and chipotle cheddar burgers with some brunch bloodys to wash it all down.

Or visit its 21-and-up Upstairs Bar & Lounge, perched on the second level among the Live Oaks and dig into a Saturday and Sunday Brunch on the Balcony from 10am to 3pm.

Sweet Paris Crepêrie & Café

Transport yourself to France on a dime with one trip to this adorable Rice Village crepêrie.

Parisienne-style crepes are offered in both the sweet and the savory, from the more traditional smoked ham, gruyere and béchamel or four-berry jam with sweet cream, to more inventive numbers filled with things like carnitas, queso fresco, and refried beans or Argentine dulce de leche.

Tack on cappuccinos, hot chocolate, and mimosas.

Open daily at 8am.

Torchy’s Tacos

Breakfast tacos are big and bold at this crowd-pleasing taco chain.

Meat lovers should try the Ranch Hand, locked and loaded with tender beef fajita, scrambled eggs, shredded cheese, and fiery Diablo sauce.

The Migas taco is another fan-favorite, stuffed with eggs and cheese, crisp corn tortillas strips, green chiles, avocado, pico, and tomatillo sauce.

If you’re feeling lunch, tacos also come stuffed with things like hand-battered baja shrimp, Jamaican jerk chicken, and smoked beef brisket.

Monday through Friday opens at 7am; Saturday and Sunday open at 8am.

Other great brunch options near Rice University

Sip “bottomless” mimosas at Cyclone Anaya’s; get all-day breakfast plates at Buffalo Grille; fill up on crepes, waffles, and coffee at CoCo Crepes, Waffles & Coffee; go beast mode on the Sunday brunch buffet at Seco’s Latin Cuisine; rise and grind at Grinder’s Coffee Bar; enjoy baller brunches at Navy Blue and Gratify; and check out our list of Museum District and Rice Village/West U brunch spots for a few more splurge-worthy options.

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