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oChef » Rooster & Rice – San Francisco
Rooster & Rice - San Francisco
Photo from Rooster & Rice
Rooster & Rice at a glance
San Francisco Cow Hollow
- 🌶️ Thai Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 20 of the guests
#2090 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#45 Thai Restaurant out of 46 in San Francisco
Good
6.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
243
Reviews
53.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Flavorful dishes
- Pleasant atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- High cost
- Poor service
The restaurant Rooster & Rice is a popular Thai Restaurant located in San Francisco’s vibrant Cow Hollow neighborhood. You’ll discover a welcoming spot known for its healthy options and quick bites, perfect for a casual meal.
Whether you’re seeking a nutritious lunch or a satisfying dinner, this San Francisco gem offers a delightful culinary experience that caters to your preferences.
Overview: Introducting Rooster & Rice
Rooster & Rice offers a focused menu, with many appreciating the chicken and rice for its tender texture and flavorful profile, often recalling traditional preparations. The accompanying sauce and broth also receive praise for their depth.
However, some find the dishes can be inconsistent, occasionally bland or overpriced for the portion. While the staff is often described as friendly and efficient, there are notable concerns about customer interactions and the overall value proposition.
Good
6.2
out of 10
243
Reviews
53.9%
Satisfaction
82
negative
30
neutral
131
positive
Overall, Rooster & Rice earns a Restaurant Score of 6.2, placing it in the average category. Customer feedback indicates a Customer Satisfaction of 53.9%, suggesting a mixed experience for many.
This assessment is drawn from 243 customer comments, with 131 positive remarks and 82 negative ones, showing a noticeable split in opinions. The Food (6.9) stands out as a strong point, frequently praised for its quality and flavor.
However, the Value (3.3) is a clear area for improvement, often cited as a concern. Service (5.1) and Ambience (5.2) both fall into the average range, indicating they are generally acceptable but not particularly distinguishing.
What people like
- Flavorful chicken and rice
- Delicious sauces, broth
- Clean, pleasant atmosphere
What people don't like
- Overpriced for portions
- Unfriendly staff incidents
- Limited seating options
Rooster & Rice presents a focused menu with a clear strength in its core dishes, particularly if you appreciate well-prepared chicken and flavorful accompaniments. However, be mindful of the pricing, as many find the overall value to be a significant drawback.
With a Recommendation Score of 6.6, it’s a place worth considering for a quick, satisfying meal if you prioritize taste over budget. Just manage your expectations regarding the cost and potential service inconsistencies.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Rooster & Rice
Food (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
The food here generally hits the spot, earning a 6.9 score, which is good, though customer satisfaction sits at a more mixed 63.5%. Based on 106 positive remarks, many diners rave about the tender chicken, flavorful rice, and delicious sauces. It's often celebrated as simple, tasty comfort food, with options like gluten-free dishes and generous portions.
However, among the 40 negative comments, some point to concerns about dropped quality, with mentions of bland flavor, dry chicken, or overly salty rice. A few also felt the portions were small for the price, and some vegetarian options like tofu were described as tasteless, suggesting room for improvement.
Food
167
Reviews
63%
Satisfaction
40
negative
21
neutral
106
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Tender, flavorful chicken
- Delicious, varied sauces
- Comforting, simple meal
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Bland, dry ingredients
- Small portions, pricey
Often praised
- foodHowever, there are three small tables outside that can do the trick if you need to eat there. The food is very light and flavorful. They have a 'M' size if you think 'G' is too much food.
- chickenEach meal consisted of a portion of rice, two sliced pieces of chicken, about 6 slices of cucumber, a small container of sauce, and a container of broth. The quality of the chicken was good and it was well cooked, plus the order comes with a decent amount of chicken. At the end of the day though, it's almost $20 for a bowl of chicken and rice.
- chicken and riceMy experience at this small shop was fantastic. I had some seriously amazing chicken and rice. I ate until I was full and then ate more because it just tastes so good!
- saucedang that sauce was GOOD!
- soupthe soup was a nice touch
- brothBroth is extremely flavorful and satisfying, leaving you wanting more.
- chicken riceThis restaurant brings back childhood memories of Hainanese Chicken Rice. The chicken was juicy and tender, complemented by flavorful chicken rice and the accompanying sauces and condiments. It was a delightful experience that reminded me of simpler times.
- riceThey specialize in only one dish, Thai Chicken Rice, with three variations available, including a vegetarian option. The chicken was tender and the rice was flavorful. The sauce served with it was the absolute best.
- basic dishthe basic dish already has plenty of food
- ChickenChicken is cooked to perfection everytime
Frequently criticized
- chickenI've visited two different locations, and the food is consistently tasteless. The chicken is mealy and bland, the rice is overly salty, and the vegetables are old and overcooked. It's truly sad to see this change, and I wish the old quality would return.
- ricerice had no chicken flavor
- saucesauce could be better
- tofuI ordered the tofu bowl, which was mediocre at best. The tofu itself was bland, lacking any seasoning, spice, or enhancement. Due to this experience, I won't go back.
- Marina optionthe Marina option is rather bland
- chicken ricechicken rice was not good
- chicken rooster ricethis s really bad chicken rooster rice
- chicken, rice and broccoliit's just chicken, rice and broccoli. Regrettably, it was underwhelming.
- congeecongee and this was not it. A poor version of it
- dishThe rice isn't what I would get in Thailand, but I wasn't expecting it to taste exactly the same anyway; it's futile to compare. The oddest feeling was to eat this dish with a fork! I have never had this dish without the use of a spoon before.
If you're craving simple, comforting chicken and rice with standout sauces, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that some experiences mention inconsistent quality or smaller portions, so set your expectations accordingly.
Service (5.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 34% of the guests
Lets talk service! Based on 32 customer remarks, theres a good chunk of positive feedback, with 15 people highlighting the bright spots. Many appreciated the friendly staff and super nice owners, often noting quick service and fast preparation speed.
This contributes to an overall average 5.1 score, showing that when things go well, the team really delivers a good experience. However, the picture isn't entirely rosy, as reflected by a mixed 46.9% customer satisfaction. There were 16 negative comments, pointing to some significant issues.
Concerns included rude service from the cashier or lady at the register, with some describing zero customer service skills and an unprofessional phone demeanor. It seems there are moments where the service falls short, leaving customers feeling disappointed.
Service
32
Reviews
46%
Satisfaction
16
negative
1
neutral
15
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Quick service
- Super nice owners
What people don't like
- Rude service
- Unprofessional cashier
- Arrogant worker
Often praised
- serviceFor me, it was great because I just wanted something light and nutritious. The staff provided excellent service, especially since I wasn't familiar with all the dishes on the menu, so 'The Marina' was a good choice.
- staffFriendly and nice staff too
- ServerServer was friendly and checked in
- experience5/5 food+experience
- ownersThe owners were also super nice and friendly
- preparation speedit was prepared very fast
- service speedSuper quick
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe service was disappointing. The Asian worker/owner was arrogant and unfriendly
- cashiershe was the worst cashier I have never seen
- customer serviceexperience what is the bad customer service
- human beingThis lady must be fired as she offers a "more" unpleasant experience for foreigners. If you want to see and experience bad customer service and an awful human being, please try this restaurant :) Oh! By the way, after you order for takeout, check the order inside the restaurant because they will "forget" at least one thing.
- lady at the registerI also had a bad experience here. The lady at the register didn't understand me, nor did she understand what I asked for. She offered me vegetables and didn't explain that they were extra.
- lady wearing glassesthe lady who wear a glasses which I assumed the rude one was extremely awful
- orderthey will “forget” at least one thing
- parking situationParking situation some times difficult
- phone demeanorWe called the shop back to explain the situation to the female who took our order, but she was extremely unprofessional with zero customer service skills. Her phone demeanor was intolerable to our concerns about our previous requests. We then requested a refund for the order, and she agreed but quickly hung up without taking our name, CC#, or any order-related information.
- refundshe agreed to refund but quickly hung up
Given the mixed feedback, your service experience here could be a bit of a gamble. If you catch them on a good day, you'll likely enjoy friendly and quick service. However, be prepared for the possibility of encountering less-than-stellar customer interactions.
Ambience (5.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 25% of the guests
Lets talk about the vibe! This place has some definite upsides, especially with its outside seating and charming decoration. Guests often praise the clean tables on the sidewalk and the overall pleasant atmosphere, even noting its eco-friendly touches.
With 9 positive observations among 22 comments, theres a decent appreciation for these elements, contributing to a customer satisfaction of 40.9%, which is a bit mixed. On the flip side, there are some clear areas for improvement. Several customers pointed out issues with the seating arrangement, specifically the lack of indoor or outdoor seating for dining in, making it primarily a takeaway spot.
Other concerns include the store being super smelly and the absence of a bathroom. Some even found the tables outside unstable. These points contribute to an average score of 5.2, suggesting a mixed bag for the overall atmosphere.
Ambience
22
Reviews
40%
Satisfaction
8
negative
5
neutral
9
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Pleasant outside seating
- Cool decoration
- Simple, clean vibe
What people don't like
- No indoor seating
- Store is smelly
- No client bathroom
Often praised
- atmosphereAtmosphere:5
- cleanlinesssimple, clean "rooster and rice"
- decorationthe decoration is cool
- eco friendlyand eco friendly
- establishmentCute small "hole in the wall" establishment
- outside seatingthe outside seating was also pleasant
- sitting outsideLove sitting here outside with my dog
- tables on the sidewalktables on the sidewalk that were clean and well lit
Frequently criticized
- San Francisco eateryWe then requested a refund for the order, and she agreed but quickly hung up without taking our name, CC#, or any order-related information. This was the worst experience we’ve had at a San Francisco eatery in a long time, and we are planning to never eat at this location ever again. 😞
- bathroomBeware no bathroom for clients here
- folded in halfone of them folded in half when I sat down
- no indoor or outdoor seatingI highly recommend trying the poached egg congee that was recently added to the menu. Please note that pickup only is currently available, with no indoor or outdoor seating.
- seatingOnly lack the seats
- seating arrangementOtherwise, the taste and price were just okay. They don't have seating arrangement inside the shop, it is mostly for take away. However, the outside seating was also pleasant.
- smellysuper smelly in the store
- tables outsidethe tables outside are not stable
If youre looking for a quick bite and dont mind taking your food to go, especially if you can snag a pleasant outdoor spot, this place might work. However, be prepared for very limited seating, potential smells, and no client bathroom. It's a mixed bag, so manage your expectations for the overall atmosphere.
Value (3.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 27% of the guests
When it comes to value, theres a glimmer of hope, with one positive opinion noting the place is Pretty affordable for San Fran. This contributes to an average customer satisfaction of 4.5, hinting that for a few, the price point might just hit the mark. However, the overall sentiment paints a different picture, with a poor score of 3.3.
A significant 18 negative opinions highlight concerns about the price being insanely expensive and overpriced for what you get. Many felt the extras like add a damn egg or extra egg and veggies quickly made the meal not worth it, especially for a plate' that felt small.
Value
22
Reviews
4%
Satisfaction
18
negative
3
neutral
1
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
What people don't like
- Overpriced for value
- Extras add up quickly
- Not worth cost
Often praised
- affordabilityPretty affordable for San Fran
Frequently criticized
- priceThe quality of the chicken was good and it was well cooked, plus the order comes with a decent amount of chicken. At the end of the day though, it's almost $20 for a bowl of chicken and rice. Just not worth it.
- $19They do the staple dish well. I cleaned my plate, but the plate was small, and it cost $19. Oh sf…
- add a damn egg$2 to add a damn egg!
- affordabilitydon't think it's so affordable
- bottled Cokebottled Coke is $3.20
- charging me moreShe offered me vegetables and didn't explain that they were extra. And she ended up charging me more than I asked for. I won't be back either.
- extra egg and veggiesAdding extra egg and veggies could be expensive
- extrasMy experience at the restaurant centered around a simple concept of poached chicken and rice, served with chicken broth on the side. While the core dish was straightforward, I found that the extras can add up quick.
- overpricedsuper overpriced for the quality of food and service
- overpriced for what you geta little overpriced for what you get here
If youre heading out, be prepared for prices that lean towards the higher side, especially if youre tempted by any extras. While some might find it affordable for San Fran, many feel its overpriced for what you get', so manage your expectations carefully.
How are the prices at Rooster & Rice?
On average, you’ll spend around 22 per person – from 20 guests. That places this Thai spot in the $21–$30 category. For a Thai Restaurant in San Francisco, thats a solid mid-range price point.
While the average hovers around 22, its interesting to see that a good chunk of diners (12 out of 20) actually spend a bit less, in the $11–$20 range, suggesting there are some great value options. However, a few guests also opt for a more premium experience, pushing the spend up to 40 – 50 $.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 20 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels fair for a Thai Restaurant in San Francisco, offering options for different budgets while maintaining a mid-range average.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Rooster & Rice
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Bad experience with service and billing
I also had a bad experience here. The lady at the register didn't understand me, nor did she understand what I asked for. She offered me vegetables and didn't explain that they were extra.
And she ended up charging me more than I asked for. I won't be back either.
- vegetables5
- lady at the register2
- charging me more1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
2
Expensive and Unstable Tables
My experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing. The price was very high for the small portion of rice and chicken served. Adding to the negative experience, the tables outside were not stable.
One of them folded in half when I sat down, causing all my food to fall on the ground. Due to these issues, I won't be buying anything else here.
- rice and chicken2
- tables outside1
- folded in half1
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Delivery
9
Light, Nutritious, and Great Service
In truth, the place is more for deliveries. However, there are three small tables outside that can do the trick if you need to eat there. The food is very light and flavorful.
They have a 'M' size if you think 'G' is too much food. They also serve a chicken broth as a side. For me, it was great because I just wanted something light and nutritious.
The staff provided excellent service, especially since I wasn't familiar with all the dishes on the menu, so 'The Marina' was a good choice.
- food9
- portion size8
- chicken broth7
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Amazing Protein-Packed Meal for Gym Bros!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic, especially for someone focused on fitness. The food is consistently a 10/10; it's incredibly filling and packed with protein, making it the best meal for gym bros! The atmosphere and service were both rated a perfect 5, contributing to a great overall dining experience.
- food10
- protein10
- meal10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
10
Delicious Gluten-Free Option with Helpful Staff
My experience was really delicious! The chicken and rice bowl with the ginger sauce is gluten-free and celiac safe. The staff was super helpful, and I appreciated their attentiveness.
I have celiac and their rice bowl with the ginger sauce is gluten free! I loved it.
- chicken and rice bowl10
- gluten-free10
- ginger sauce9
What Rooster & Rice offers
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of dining options and dietary choices does Rooster & Rice offer?
Rooster & Rice offers diverse dining options including lunch, dinner, and dessert, with counter service and catering available. You’ll find healthy and vegetarian options, making it a great spot for a quick and satisfying bite in San Francisco.
What is the atmosphere like at Rooster & Rice, and what service options are available?
Rooster & Rice offers a casual atmosphere. For your convenience, they provide dine-in, delivery, and no-contact delivery. Outdoor seating is available if you prefer to dine al fresco, and dogs are welcome to join you outside.
How does Rooster & Rice generally perform according to customer feedback?
Rooster & Rice holds an overall Restaurant Score of 6.2, indicating an average performance. While Food (6.9) is a highlight, Value (3.3) is a notable concern. Service (5.1) and Ambience (5.2) are considered average.
What do customers particularly enjoy about the food at Rooster & Rice?
Many customers praise the chicken and rice for being flavorful, tender, and well-cooked. The accompanying sauce and broth are also frequently highlighted as delicious and satisfying.
Are there any common complaints about Rooster & Rice?
Yes, a frequent concern is the perceived high price, with many finding the portions small or extras expensive, leading to a feeling of poor value. Some also report issues with unfriendly staff or limited seating.