We've watched as several of Houston's shopping malls have withered and died over the years. Northwest Mall, once a bustling spot, lost its big names stores one after another, but it's still hanging on - barely. These days it houses a giant antique mall and most of the eastern side of its parking lot has been taken over by the expansion of Highway 290. (We have our fingers crossed that once the construction is over, Northwest Mall will bounce back, but, sadly, we doubt it.) There are some malls that are hanging in there, and there are some that are flourishing. Taking into account, the variety and number of shops and restaurants, parking, event schedule, parking and atmosphere, here's our list of the top 10 shopping malls in the city.

10. Willowbrook Mall 2000 Willowbrook, 281-890-8000

Macy's anchors the Willowbrook Mall at one end. There are also JCPenny's, Sears and Dillard's stores, along with a good number of smaller shops (in comparison) including a Michael Kors and Apple. Food choices are good, though we do wish there was more high-end, sit down alternatives. Most of the clerks give good directions to shoppers who are a little lost. And the crowd is well-behaved (no mad dashes to the sales counters or groups of unruly teens hanging around). Hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, noon to 6 p.m. Sundays.