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- Wheelchair accessible entrance
oChef » Rooster & Rice – San Francisco
Rooster & Rice - San Francisco
Photo from Rooster & Rice
Rooster & Rice at a glance
San Francisco Union Square
- 🌶️ Thai Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 33 of the guests
#2034 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#43 Thai Restaurant out of 46 in San Francisco
Good
6.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
281
Reviews
61.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Flavorful chicken
- Satisfying broth
- Quick service
Frequently criticized
- Poor value
- Uncomfortable seating
- Dry chicken
The restaurant Rooster & Rice brings you a taste of authentic Thai cuisine right in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant Union Square neighborhood. You’ll discover a welcoming, casual atmosphere perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
This spot is known for its commitment to fresh ingredients, offering an array of healthy and organic options. You can enjoy delicious food that also feels good, with plenty of vegetarian choices available to satisfy your cravings.
Overview: Introducting Rooster & Rice
Rooster & Rice offers a straightforward yet satisfying meal, centered around well-prepared chicken and fluffy rice. Many appreciate the flavorful broth and distinctive sauce that elevate the experience, making for a fulfilling dish.
While the food is a clear draw, some find the setting less appealing, noting it can feel crowded with minimal seating. It’s a place where the culinary focus shines, despite a less polished atmosphere.
Good
6.4
out of 10
281
Reviews
61.2%
Satisfaction
84
negative
25
neutral
172
positive
Rooster & Rice earns an overall score of 6.4, placing it in the average range, with customer satisfaction at a mixed 61.2%. This suggests a generally acceptable experience, though there’s room for improvement.
The insights come from 281 customer observations, with 172 positive remarks balancing 84 negative ones. Digging deeper, the Food (6.9) stands out as a clear strength, frequently praised for its quality.
Service (6.0) is deemed average, while Ambience (4.7) and Value (3.1) appear to be areas where the restaurant struggles to impress, indicating a less comfortable setting and concerns about pricing.
What people like
- Flavorful chicken and rice
- Satisfying broth and sauce
- Prompt, efficient service
What people don't like
- Questionable value proposition
- Uncomfortable, tight seating
- Dry chicken breast
If you prioritize a straightforward, flavorful meal, Rooster & Rice could be a good option, especially for a quick bite. The focus here is clearly on the culinary experience, which generally satisfies.
However, with a recommendation score of 6.7, be mindful of potential drawbacks regarding comfort and overall cost. It’s a place to consider when the food itself is your primary concern, rather than a full dining experience.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Rooster & Rice
Food (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark with a 6.9 score, showing its a good contender, even if customer satisfaction is a bit mixed at 67.6%. Many diners, with 140 positive remarks, rave about the quality chicken and jasmine white rice, often describing the dishes as healthy and authentic with delicious sauce that makes all the difference. However, not everyone is completely won over.
Among the 46 negative comments, some found the brown rice to be dry or even raw, and there were concerning mentions of undercooked chicken. A few also noted bland food or too salty sauce, ' suggesting some inconsistency in execution.
Food
207
Reviews
67%
Satisfaction
46
negative
21
neutral
140
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Quality chicken
- Delicious flavorful sauces
- Healthy authentic options
What people don't like
- Dry brown rice
- Undercooked chicken
- Bland or salty food
Often praised
- chickenMy experience at the restaurant was defined by a simple yet incredibly satisfying meal. The steaming bowl of chicken broth was perfect, complemented by perfectly boiled chicken and fluffy rice. A side of crisp broccoli completed this recipe for pure culinary bliss.
- foodIt was so packed, and the staff was working hard to get the orders churned out. While it's not the cutest restaurant, the food is so delicious! Their sauces are really good.
- sauceThe sauce made all the difference!
- riceMy experience at the restaurant was defined by a simple yet incredibly satisfying meal. The steaming bowl of chicken broth was perfect, complemented by perfectly boiled chicken and fluffy rice. A side of crisp broccoli completed this recipe for pure culinary bliss.
- chicken brothMy experience at the restaurant was defined by a simple yet incredibly satisfying meal. The steaming bowl of chicken broth was perfect, complemented by perfectly boiled chicken and fluffy rice. A side of crisp broccoli completed this recipe for pure culinary bliss.
- broccoliThe steaming bowl of chicken broth was perfect, complemented by perfectly boiled chicken and fluffy rice. A side of crisp broccoli completed this recipe for pure culinary bliss. It's a testament to how the simplest meals can leave the most lasting impression.
- brothsip of your broth while it's fresh and hot! Warms up the soul
- chicken riceMy experience was with a very good chicken rice. The quality meat was amazing, complemented by an amazing sauce and broth.
- portionFilling portion but I didn't feel sick afterwards
- Hainanese Chicken RiceThis dish is a typical boiled chicken preparation found across Southeast Asian countries. My friends from Singapore particularly love this place because the Vietnamese version here is very close to their national dish: Hainanese Chicken Rice. It's a really great option for cold days when soup doesn't sound appealing, or when you're not feeling your best.
Frequently criticized
- chickenThe chicken is mediocre and only really edible with their hot sauce
- sauceToo little sauce given.
- chicken breastchicken breast is really dry with chalky texture
- foodfood was expensive, bland, and very basic
- portion sizeportion size was too small for the price
- 3 saucessupposed to be served with 3 sauces
- FoodFood:2
- basic foodfood was very basic
- bland foodfood was bland
- broccolireceived no broccoli
If youre looking for a generally good and healthy meal, especially their chicken and rice with flavorful sauces, its worth a try. Just be mindful that some experiences point to inconsistencies, particularly with brown rice or occasional blandness, so manage your expectations.
Service (6 out of 10)
mentioned by 42% of the guests
For many, the service here is all about speed and efficiency! Out of 37 total opinions, 24 positive remarks highlight the quick, fast service and prompt order pickup, making it a great choice for a speedy meal. Customers often appreciate the hardworking and attentive staff, especially when ordering ahead to beat the lunch crowds.
However, it's not always a perfect experience. With 13 negative comments, some diners faced rude staff interactions and frustrating order mistakes, like missing items or incorrect requests. There were also mentions of missing utensils and confusion around self-service expectations, leading to a somewhat inconsistent experience.
Overall, the service earns an average 6, with customer satisfaction sitting at a mixed 64.9%.
Service
37
Reviews
64%
Satisfaction
13
negative
0
neutral
24
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Quick, fast service
- Prompt order pickup
- Hardworking staff
What people don't like
- Rude staff interactions
- Order mistakes
- Missing utensils
Often praised
- serviceFriendly enough service
- Serviceshe said #1, it was steamed chicken breast on rice with cucumber, broth
- wait timehad to wait about seven minutes
- fast choiceGreat healthy and fast choice
- lunch crowdsserve a lot of lunch crowds. Good speed.
- order aheadbest to order ahead and just pickup
- pickupbest to order ahead and just pickup
- prompt serviceexcellent, prompt service
- quickquick, inexpensive and delicious lunch
- quick fast foodQuick fast food for Southeast Asian style Hainanese Chicken Rice.
Frequently criticized
- servicerefused service 15 minutes before closing
- ServiceService:2
- cleaning and clearing tablescleaning and clearing the tables ourselves
- extra cucumbersI never get extra cucumbers
- parkingBe careful but we were able to park on the yellow curb for 15 mins and did not get a ticket, luckily
- staffVery rude in the process
- staff at the counterI was disappointed with my experience. The staff at the counter messed up my order. I asked for broccoli but received none.
- tipping policyMy experience at this restaurant was marked by great taste and perfectly juicy chicken. However, I was confused by the tipping policy, as we were expected to tip even though we were responsible for cleaning and clearing our own tables.
- utensilsthey didn’t include utensils even though they were requested
- young cashierThe young cashier doesn't know how to talk to people
If youre looking for a quick and efficient meal, especially with an order ahead, youll likely be pleased with the speed here. Just be aware that service can be a bit of a gamble, with some experiencing less friendly interactions or order mix-ups. It's a good spot for fast food, but manage your expectations regarding consistency.
Ambience (4.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 23% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, some folks really appreciate the setup here. Based on 6 positive remarks out of 19 total observations, guests have noted a 4.7 score for the ambience, finding it has a nice sitting area and a pleasant atmosphere. The simple yet smart concept also adds to the overall feel, with some even enjoying the intense chicken aroma that greets you.
However, the customer satisfaction for ambience sits at a rather low 31.6%, indicating significant room for improvement. With 10 negative comments, many have pointed out issues like very minimal seating, struggles with table cleanliness, and the place often feeling quite crowded. The uncomfortable chairs also seem to discourage lingering, making it less than ideal for a relaxed meal.
Ambience
19
Reviews
31%
Satisfaction
10
negative
3
neutral
6
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Nice sitting area
- Pleasant atmosphere
- Smart concept design
What people don't like
- Limited seating space
- Often feels crowded
- Uncomfortable chairs
Often praised
- atmospherepleasant atmosphere
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- chicken aromayou're hit with an intense chicken aroma
- conceptDo not let the simplicity of this place fool you – the concept is simple but smart! My friend and I both ordered the original, which came with a side of chicken broth.
- sitting areanice sitting area to enjoy your meal
Frequently criticized
- atmospherecrowded and a tight fit
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:2
- chairsvery uncomfortable chairs it's like they discourage you to stay longer
- crowdedthe place was quite crowded
- kid-friendlinessKid-friendliness:Very bad
- minimal seatingThe sauce and broth were delicious as well. However, the restaurant has very minimal seating inside, and it appears they struggle with table cleanliness between customers. The price also feels quite high for such a simple meal, but despite this, the food was very good.
- place to sitThere was not a place to sit
- restaurantNot the cutest restaurant
- table cleanlinessstruggle to keep the tables clean between customers
If youre looking for a quick bite and dont mind a bustling, no-frills spot, the food might be worth it. However, if a comfortable, spacious, and clean dining experience is high on your list, you might find the ambience here quite disappointing due to minimal seating and crowding.
Value (3.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 25% of the guests
When it comes to value, some folks have found a silver lining, noting it can be a great lunch with good value for money, especially for an inexpensive lunch in SFs financial district. However, with a score of just 3.1 and customer satisfaction at a low 11.1%, theres definitely significant room for improvement, despite the 2 positive remarks. On the flip side, the overwhelming sentiment, expressed in 15 out of 18 total comments, points to significant concerns.
Many feel the portions are too small for the price, describing the food as expensive, especially for a simple meal. There are also frustrations about menu price discrepancies and unexpected fees, making the overall cost feel much higher than anticipated.
Value
18
Reviews
11%
Satisfaction
15
negative
1
neutral
2
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Inexpensive lunch option
- Good value for money
What people don't like
- Too expensive
- Small portions
- Hidden fees
Often praised
- priceinexpensive lunch in SF’s financial district
- value for moneyMy experience at this restaurant was a great lunch with good value for money. They run a brisk business with a small menu serving Thai chicken rice.
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at the restaurant was that the sauce was good. However, I found that you can get similarly tasty stuff in Chinatown for half the price.
- expensiveIt's bit expensive for what it is
- expensive foodfood was expensive
- extra saucepay $2.50 for an extra little cup of sauce.
- feesbullshit fees I expected way more
- meal priceMeal is already almost $20
- menu priceMenu price does match the charged price
- menu pricesmore $$ than it said on the menu
- pricesRang up my order for more $$ than it said on the menu
- reselling part of mealtaking part of my meal and reselling feels like i just got robbed
If you're looking for a quick, inexpensive lunch in a specific area, you might find some value. However, be prepared for potentially small portions and a higher-than-expected bill, as many customers feel the pricing is quite steep for what you get.
How are the prices at Rooster & Rice?
You’re looking at roughly 20 per person – reported by 33 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Thai Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests find prices clustering right in this sweet spot, though there are a few options if you’re looking to spend a little more.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 33 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
For a Thai restaurant, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers good value without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Rooster & Rice
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
3
Expensive and Basic Thai Meal
My experience at the restaurant was centered around a rather basic meal. The food consisted of just boiled chicken, rice, and Thai sauce. While the food was okay, I found it to be a bit expensive for what was offered.
The reviewer's metadata indicates a food score of 3, service of 1, and atmosphere of 1.
- food5
- expensive3
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Healthy and Tasty Lunch Option
My experience at the restaurant was very positive, especially for lunch. I enjoyed a very healthy lunch that was also tasty. The “riceless” option was perfect for meeting my dietary goals, providing a good amount of vegetables and protein.
The chicken was tender and moist, and I appreciated that the sauce was served on the side. The broccoli was fresh and steamed without any added butter or oil. The portion size was good, making it a satisfying meal.
- lunch8
- riceless option9
- chicken9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
7
First Visit: Promising Food, Room for Improvement
I discovered the Financial District location in San Francisco after a successful job interview, and was pleasantly surprised to learn it's a franchise chain with a Santa Clara location near my condo. The restaurant was conveniently located next to a FedExp, offering WiFi. Upon entering, I asked the young lady for a recommendation, and she suggested the #1 dish: steamed chicken breast on rice with cucumber and broth. I also ordered a Mexican coke regular after she inquired about my preference for diet.
I'm looking forward to trying the Kha Soi once I secure the job offer, which I hope will allow me to provide a more comprehensive review on consistency.
- steamed chicken breast on rice with cucumber and broth8
- Mexican coke regular7
- Kha Soi6
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Great Healthy and Fast Lunch Choice
For what it is, my experience at this restaurant was amazing. It's a great choice for a healthy and fast meal, especially for lunch. The portion sizing was excellent as well.
- healthy choice9
- fast choice9
- portion sizing8
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
2
Disappointing Lunch Experience
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing, especially if you're traveling and looking for a good meal. The chicken was dry and bland, and the sauce was nothing special. I would not recommend wasting your time or money here.
- chicken2
- sauce2
What Rooster & Rice offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Catering
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options are available at Rooster & Rice?
At Rooster & Rice, you can enjoy a variety of dining options throughout your day. You’ll find delicious choices for both lunch and dinner, making it a great spot for any meal. They also offer catering services, perfect for bringing their tasty Thai dishes to your special event.
Does Rooster & Rice offer healthy and vegetarian options?
Yes, Rooster & Rice is dedicated to providing healthy and organic dishes. You’ll find a wide selection of vegetarian options on their menu, ensuring there’s something for everyone. For your convenience, they also offer no-contact delivery, takeout, and standard delivery services.
What is the overall verdict on Rooster & Rice?
Rooster & Rice holds an overall score of **6.4**, indicating an average experience. Its **Food** (6.9) is a strong point, while **Service** (6.0) is average. However, **Ambience** (4.7) and **Value** (3.1) are areas that could see improvement.
What do customers say about the food at Rooster & Rice?
Customers frequently praise the flavorful chicken, fluffy rice, and satisfying broth. The sauces are also noted for enhancing the meal, making for a simple yet enjoyable dish.
Is Rooster & Rice a good value, and what is the dining atmosphere like?
Opinions on value are mixed, with some finding it expensive for what’s offered. The atmosphere is often described as crowded with minimal and uncomfortable seating, suggesting it’s more suited for a quick meal than a leisurely dining experience.