Where to Brunch in Rice Village & West University

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

Walkable mixed-use district Rice Village and its neighboring community of West University Place (aka West U, natch) are two beautiful pockets of the city. The picturesque, tree-lined hoods appeal to both the young and the young at heart, boasting a landscape of shopping, entertainment, and brunch opportunities for all.

Note: For this list, Rice Village and West University are defined as the area bound by 610 to the west, Greenbriar to the east, Bissonnet to the north, and Holcombe to the south.

Where to Brunch in Rice Village & West University

Hamsa

Sit on Hamsa’s lush patio or vibrant dining room and experience one of the best brunches in Rice Village.

The modern Israeli restaurant impresses with kicked up traditions like the Shakshuka complete with spiced tomato, egg, sourdough, and the option to add merguez sausage; mushroom hummus with caramelized onion and soft-boiled egg; decadent chocolate babka French toast; and newer creations like the green omelette, featuring feta, labane, and kasseri cheese. Tack on tahini brandy milk punch or Turkish coffee.

Sunday from 11am to 2:30pm.

Navy Blue

Anchoring the corner of Times Boulevard and Kelvin Drive in Rice Village, Navy Blue is a stunning new American seafood concept from talented chef and restaurateur Aaron Bludorn. Top-notch hospitality is a key element here, as is a menu that pays homage to the gems of the Gulf Coast.

At brunch, dine on oysters three ways, crawfish risotto, crab benedict, and seriously good cinnamon rolls swirled with brown sugar caramel and vanilla glaze.

Saturday and Sunday from 11:30am to 2pm.

Local Foods

Three days of brunchin’ await at the Rice Village outpost of local empire Local Foods. Go for acai bowls, buttermilk ricotta pancakes with cane syrup, blackberry chia jam, and fresh whip, smashed avocado toast, ancho chile carnitas, and TX wagyu cheddar burgers.

Friday to Sunday from 10am to 3pm.

Tiny’s No. 5

Nestled in the old JMH No 5 Grocery Store in West U, Tiny’s No. 5 offers deliciousness like pastry boards, pancakes and bacon, migas, and quiche provençal.

Don’t forget to turn the corner to snag freshly baked cookies at Tiny’s Milk & Cookies before you go.

Saturday from 8am to 3pm and Sunday from 9am to 2pm.

Upstairs at Hungry’s

Perched in the oak trees lining Rice Boulevard on the second floor of Hungry’s (which also rocks brunch), Upstairs bar and lounge offers a lazy day weekend brunch worth lingering over.

Dig into crab cakes eggs benedict, croissant French toast, southern crispy chicken and eggs, and farmers goat cheese omelets. On warmer days, you’ll definitely want to #FrozéAllDay.

Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 3pm.

More Great Brunch Options in Rice Village & West University

Pair Huevos Rancheros with Mimosas at Cyclone Anaya’s; get all-day breakfast at West U spot Buffalo Grille; hit Australian style brekkie favorite Bluestone Lane; go for an awesome fast-casual brunch at Black Walnut Cafe; fill up on sweet and savory crêpes at Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café; and indulge in French classics at Cafe Rabelais.

---

Don’t Miss Out on Tomorrow’s Fun!