The Rice Thresher | Rice Recs 2017

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We asked the Rice community to tell us their favorites in dining, entertainment and service. We’ve tallied the votes and now it’s time to share the winners.

Every Rice student has been told time and time again to explore “outside the hedges” and this guide makes it easy. Whether you want to try a new restaurant for Saturday dinner to break the monotony of servery food, or find the best local coffeeshop to grind out all the homework you left until Sunday, this insert will guide you to some of Rice students’ favorite options. Now that you know where to find the best brunch and best outdoor space (check out pg. 9) there’s no excuse to not take a mental break, eat good food and enjoy the short-lived fall weather in Houston.

Not sure where to take the hottie in your Gen Chem class on your first date? Having trouble deciding where to go for a night out? Flip through this year’s inaugural Rice Recs insert for inspiration.

After all, the recommendations of your fellow Rice students can’t be wrong. We hope that this insert encourages you to explore more of this beautiful city we live in!

ICE CREAM

GROCERIES

DATE SPOT

AMY’S

H-E-B

MFAH

Known for their far out flavors and creative crush-in’s, Amy’s Ice Creams will not disappoint. Next time you are looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, hit up Amy’s to soak in some quirky Austin vibes. If you’re super lucky, you might get to see scoops soar while you wait in line!

Free samples. Quality food. Huge beer and wine selection. Delicious private-label products (think Trader Joe’s but more Texan). Most out-of-staters may never have heard of H-E-B — all-Texas with a subsidiary in Mexico — but they’re actually among the top 20 largest privately-held companies in the country. You wouldn’t know it as you walk down their salsa-filled aisles, though; their range of products is broad and quirky enough to offer different experiences for everyone.

Play it classy for your first impression by taking your date to Houston’s pride and joy: The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. Basic?

Maybe a little, but not as much as Agora.

Just don’t forget that while the light tunnel may seem like the best place to make the first move, there’s totally a docent watching you the whole time.

photos courtesy of Amy’s Ice Cream, CBSNews and PaperCity

THE RICE THRESHER

8 RICE RECS

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2017

LATE NIGHT

COMFORT FOOD

PIZZA

BBQ

WHATABURGER

THE HALAL GUYS

STAR PIZZA

GOODE COMPANY

Spreading from a mere Manhattan food cart on 53rd and 6th, The Halal Guys brings that authentic “greasy but not too greasy” feeling that only comes from a food cart. Located conveniently close to campus, it offers a great late-night food opportunity and is an excellent option regardless of your dietary preferences. Rest assured - the gap that was left in the the plaza on Lexington and Greenbriar — and in our hearts — has been wonderfully filled by the Halal Guys and their incredible white sauce.

Regardless of which side of the New York Style vs. Chicago Deep-Dish pizza debate you stand on, Star Pizza has some of the best pies in Houston. This laid-back pizza parlor serves up an impressive array of pizzas, Italian specialties, and craft beer that can be enjoyed either inside or outside on their trademark wraparound patio, which is perfect for large groups. With a pet-friendly attitude as well as whole-wheat and gluten-free crust, there is no excuse not to try out this special spot.

Sure, what’s most notable about President Leebron’s backyard barbeque during O-Week is his strangely clammy handshake. But the Goode Company Barbeque food served at the event is a close second.

It’s even better at the restaurant itself, decked out in old west decor. Unlike Leebron’s handshake, there’s nothing weak about the brisket or ribs. Make sure to grab a piece of jalapeño cheese bread, too. Once you’ve finished your main course, top the meal off with a slice of pecan pie, and you’ll leave feeling even better than good.

This fast food restaurant might be the only thing Texans love as much as Texas. It’s rare that you find something so cheap and close by that also happens to be open 24/7. Head to the Shepherd or Holcombe locations near campus and you’ll likely to run into a few Rice students on a late night food run.

It’s hard to go wrong with your order, but frequent favorites include honey butter chicken biscuits, patty melts, shakes and (of course) burgers.

HAIRCUT

SPORTS CLIPS

Though known for its sports-centric atmosphere, you don’t have to be a sports lover to love SportsClips. The staff is always friendly and capable, and the haircut is always spot on. For sports aficionados, there are televisions at every haircutting station, so you don’t have to worry about missing the game. SportsClips is a great value for anyone looking to get a quick and effective haircut in a fun and friendly atmosphere.

FOOD TRUCK

OH MY GOGI An odd, but lick-your-fingers good combination: salty, spicy kimchi beautifully meshed in quesadillas and tacos.

Whether you’re going for a late night dinner or a 3 a.m. drunken snack, Oh My Gogi is ready to serve you mouth-watering Korean-Mexican fusion that is inclusive of both carnivores and vegetarians with their bulgogi burger and kimchi fries. The food comes out fast, flavorful and filling — just what you need for your midnight munchies.

photos courtesy of Whataburger, The Halal Guys, Star Pizza, Goode Company BBQ, Amazon, Oh My Gogi!, Yelp, Teahouse, Good Eats Houston, Houstonia, VisitHouston, Local Foods, Houston Chronicle and

THE RICE THRESHER

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2017

COFFEE

RICE RECS

BOBA

AGORA

Curling up with a good book at Agora is akin to stretching out in your own bed - with the added bonus of a really good chai latte and its complimentary biscuit next to you. The natural lighting and cushy armchairs make the space cosy and warm, although the cafe slash wine bar has larger tables for spreading out or group work. Finding an ideal space can be difficult - during the day you’ll find plenty other Rice students getting ahead (or catching up, really) on work and as the sun sets, you’ll overhear plenty of date night banter.

Expect to turn into a regular after a couple evenings spent here.

TEAHOUSE

CHINESE

BRUNCH

SANDWICHES

MALA SICHUAN

COMMON BOND

LOCAL FOODS

The Chinese food scene around Rice might be weak, but the Sichuan spice level at Mala Sichuan is anything but. With locations in both Montrose and Chinatown, Mala Sichuan is readily available for your Saturday dinner needs. Infamous Sichuan peppercorns will give you a spicy experience found nowhere else. Come for mouth-numbingly good fish, tofu, popcorn chicken and cold noodles. Stay for the intimate ambience and proximity to decent boba that’s not Teahouse.

Truly the perfect place to go if you want to experience the Great British Bake Off, but in real life. Common Bond’s cafe space is light and airy, and the food is well suited to the trendy, aesthetic environment that this café and bakery serves up.

Come to Common Bond for breakfast, lunch or dinner, and then stick around to snap some hip polaroids for your hipster Instagram. Pro tip: If you order the “bread board”, they’ll literally just give you a platter of bread, butter and jam. It’s the dream.

Boasting a variety of locally sourced ingredients in every dish, Local Foods offers a gourmet selection of sandwiches that can be enjoyed amidst the restaurant’s trendy, hipster ambience. Ranging from the popular “Crunchy” Chicken sandwich to tasty vegetarian options like the Garden Sammie, the wide assortment of sandwiches pairs wonderfully with their seasonal sides and soup. Although it’s a little pricey, the freshness of ingredients, savory pretzel buns and (relatively) guilt-free dining experience are enough to justify the cost.

OUTDOOR SPACE

BAR

HERMANN PARK

LITTLE WOODROW’S

Hop on board the Hermann Park Railroad to get in touch with your inner child or stroll around the gardens, including the Japanese Gardens and McGovern Centennial Gardens, and of course, don’t forget to admire yourself in the Mary Gibbs and Jesse H. Jones Reflection Pool, which reflects the iconic Pioneer Memorial obelisk. Hermann Park is perfect for a jog with friends or a romantic stroll (another classic date idea: take out a paddleboat in the park’s lake). Be sure to pack a picnic and attend a musical or theatrical performance at the park’s Miller Outdoor Theatre.

As apt for the final stop of your night as the first, Little Woodrow’s charmingly saloon-ish atmosphere juxtaposes well and welcomely with the young crowd it attracts.

Special promotions every evening, thirty beers on tap and a social front deck with plenty of space make this a great spot to dip your toes outside the hedges while not going so far as leaving an area still tattooed with the name “Rice.” You’re not gonna get a $2 Bud, but that means you’re probably not drinking Bud (go you), and the vast selection of $5ish and under beers should satiate your need for intoxication if you’re too afraid to hang out with grad students at Valhalla.

Conny Ramirez

When it’s too late for coffee and a smoothie seems too healthy, it’s time for boba. You may know Teahouse as every club’s favorite fundraiser, but it’s worth a trip to one of their many Houston locations to try some of their more interesting varieties, including rose lychee, pina colada and brown sugar ginger tea.

BURGER HOPDODDY Even out-of-staters know this name. Not only is it home to beautifully fluffy brioche buns, succulent beef patties bursting with flavor and of course, the famous parmesan truffle fries, but it also serves margaritas and beers to go with your decadent meal.

Next time you’re craving a little indulgence, be sure to stop by to bask in the hip, outdoor spacing as you chomp down on the best burger beyond the hedges.

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THE RICE THRESHER

10 RICE RECS

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2017

VEGETARIAN FRIENDLY

CONCERT VENUE

LOCAL FOODS

HOUSE OF BLUES

If you ever need to remind yourself that vegetarianism does not doom you to an eternity of shoveling just handfuls of raw spinach in your mouth, Local Foods is there for you! Featuring tree-hugging hippie favorites such as quinoa, kale and good old-fashioned veggies and bread, everything is made from locally sourced, seasonal ingredients and is chock-full of plant-based (and some non-plant-based) deliciousness.

As far as concert venues go, one can only hope to find good acoustics, appealing line-ups, and an enjoyable atmosphere. House of Blues Houston, characterized by its intimate ambience, fills its calendar with great artists and while you unwind to the music you can also take advantage of their food and drink options. The venue often holds happy hour before their shows, and if you like performing better than standing in the audience you can show off your talents at one of their open mic nights.

BREAKFAST TACOS

TORCHY’S TACOS

Even if you’re not crazy about tacos, Torchy’s might change your mind with its tasty and interesting taco combos. It’s hard to go wrong with any order here and with its variety of tacos you will find the one that fits best with your appetite. It also has great vegetarian options and the chips & queso is a plus. Maybe soon enough Torchy’s will become your No. 1 motivation to go to some on-campus events.

TEX-MEX

SUSHI

HAPPY HOUR

DONUTS

CHUY’S

UCHI

BODEGAS

SHIPLEY

Regardless of whether or not you’re a Texas native, there’s nothing better than great Tex-Mex. And there’s no greater Tex-Mex in Houston than Chuy’s. Known partly for their signature creamy jalapeñno dip and quirky, eclectic decor, this Houston favorite serves up all your favorite Tex-Mex classics: sizzling fajitas, cheesy enchiladas, giant burritos and more, all made with their handmade tortillas. With it’s unmistakable retro neon sign and crazy flavors, Chuy’s is impossible to ignore.

While the price is prohibitive for a casual Saturday night dinner, Uchi’s innovation and quality is unbeatable and a great place for celebrating a special occasion (just make sure you make reservations in advance). The award-winning sister restaurant to Uchi Austin is truly fine dining, with carefully presented dishes whose appearance rivals taste. Alternatively, make it in time for happy hour to check out a selection of sushi rolls and small plates that won’t completely break the bank.

We’d be lying if we said that we went to Bodegas for the food. The options are abundant, even if pricey, but what gets hoards of Rice students to illegally ride the METRORail to the museum district station is the margaritas. Sold individually or in pitchers that are ready to be shared with friends, the margs can be bought on the rocks or frozen. The outdoor seating is plentiful and great for large parties and truly meant for that Saturday night pregame before your real pregame.

Whether you are a traditional glazed donut lover or a more adventurous, sausage-cheese-jalapeño kolache kind of person, Shipley Do-Nuts is the perfect place to satisfy your donut and kolache cravings. With options ranging from the cinnamon sugar donut to the Devil’s food donut, it will be hard to decide what to complete your dozen with. Their quick service, convenient drive-through and 10 p.m. closing time make it simple to get donuts at any time without even having to change out of your pajamas.

photos courtesy of CultureMap Houston, Wayne Wendel, Torchy’s Tacos, BizBash, Uchi, Houston A-List and Shipley Do-nuts