There is almost nothing more central to human life and culture than food. Not only is it a necessity in life, but it is a powerful tool for bringing people and communities together, serving as the centerpiece of so many of our gatherings and traditions. From hang-outs to study-hour, food plays a part in it all, and the students of The Village School are more than familiar. For The Village School students, it is none other than the restaurants of the local strip mall, 1809 Eldridge Pkwy, that are the backbone of the student’s lifestyle. But what exactly is it about these places that leads students to spend hours snacking, studying, and socializing in these cafes and restaurants?

In this strip mall, one can find none other than a boba-centric cafe, Muse Tea: a shop full of chill vibes and, more often than not, students. The cafe offers a wide variety of drinks, from coffees to smoothies, juices, and of course, milk tea, alongside a few addictively tasty snacks. Although its prices average a bit more expensive than your typical Houstonian boba shop, Muse more than makes up for this with the quality of its drinks. The cafe also offers tons of seating, friendly staff, great music, and even table-top games, creating a comfortable atmosphere that makes it a more than suitable place for studying or casual get-togethers. Open six and a half hours after the average weekday, Muse is often quite busy, and their staff reports that nearly half of all of their customers are students, especially during school days. Overall, despite being quite busy and moderately pricey, the Muse Tea environment and menu provides a worthwhile after-school experience to Village students.

But if perhaps Muse just isn’t your cup of tea, rest assured, for there is more to explore in this strip mall. Just a few doors down from Muse is beloved Matcha Mia. Matcha Mia is a family-run establishment that has it all: meals, pastries, drinks, and of course, its froyo bar, where customers can choose from a variety of yogurt flavors and toppings to create something delicious and colorful. Matcha Mia’s menu items can be pretty splurgy, but they price froyo by weight, so being strategic can get you a good deal if you’re in the mood for some sugar. Its vibrant menu is paired with an equally vibrant and cozy (and very pink) atmosphere, plus friendly staff, making it a great place to study, hang-out, or just treat yourself to a nice bowl of froyo after a long day of school. Although Matcha Mia isn’t nearly as busy as Muse often is, it is equally worth the attention (and you don’t have to agonize over finding a seat). A sister cafe to Muse Tea, Matcha Mia serves you what everyone loves about cafes and more, not to mention the atmosphere to compete.

In the middle of the strip mall lies the beating heart of fun and flavor for the local community, Flip ‘n Patties. This Filipino-American restaurant has been around since 2017, but was born a food truck way back in 2012, and the restaurant kept its authentic food truck vibes in its food and environment. Flip n’ Patties is home to a fun loving atmosphere equipped with arcade games and the occasional karaoke night that can be a much needed escape for students after a long day of school. Meanwhile, Flip n’ Patties has an extensive and unique menu, with items like the Flip n’ Fries or the Chicken Pupu Plate that deliciously showcases Filipino-American culture and flavor– it’s hard for someone not to find something to enjoy on their menu. While it may not be the best place for studying, Flip n’ Patties is a great place for your Friday evenings and weekend hangouts, with a mouthwatering menu that you can always take-out if you’re too busy for the vibes.

Houston cuisine wouldn’t be complete without the taste of South America. At the end of the strip mall one can find Venezuelan restaurant Pastelitos Café. Almost as old as the Village High School itself, Pastelitos staff reports that their customer base has included Village students and staff for years. And it’s understandable why; Pastelitos has a menu of Venezuelan pastries and cuisine, as well as a variety of other South American food that is both delicious and homely. Pastelitos, unlike other places in this strip mall, is very much a sit-down restaurant, so it’s the type of place you only visit when you have the time. It’s a great place for a nice dinner after school or for seniors to drop by during lunch. But if you’re still craving some tequeños or an empanada, they offer takeout, though expect a bit of a longer wait. Partaking in a taste of this little piece of Venezuela is a worthwhile experience for Village students.

Finally comes the most recent addition to this culinary collection, Rice n Mix. Whether you’re looking for a study-snack or after school dinner, this Korean BBQ place has got your back. They have an extensive and endlessly delicious menu with classics like rice dishes, rolls, and noodles, as well as a mouth watering, customisable fried K-Corn Dog and Korean fried chicken. Although bear in mind that, while Rice n Mix offers seating, it’s not the type of place where many people hang out. If you just want to get a quick meal in, feel free to stay there, but if you’re looking for somewhere to study or chill in the company of a mozzarella corn dog, you’ll need to get it to-go and look somewhere else. Overall, a great place for a Viking meal, but less so a place to hang out.

High school isn’t just about the daily academic grind; it’s also about hanging out with friends when the day’s done, studying in the sunset with a drink, enjoying a nice snack after a long day, and in 1809 Eldridge Pkwy, the Vikings can do it all– all over the comfort of a good meal. The local strip mall absolutely has its perks, with a great variety of delicious food and a good pick of places to visit after school, but it’s not perfect. Although there are good places to study, they’re often busy, with limited seating or alternative/public spaces to be in if you need somewhere else to relax. None of the aforementioned restaurants take cash, either, which can be a difficulty for students in particular, as many don’t carry card. Despite all of that, this strip mall has played an essential part of The Village School’s life and culture, and hopefully will for years to come. 1809 Eldridge Pkwy deserves at least an 8/10 for its role in the The Village community.