Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
oChef » Rooster & Rice – San Francisco
Rooster & Rice - San Francisco
Photo from Rooster & Rice
Rooster & Rice at a glance
San Francisco Transbay
- 🍗 Chicken Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 14 of the guests
#1732 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#12 Chicken Restaurant out of 31 in San Francisco
Good
6.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
177
Reviews
65.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious chicken
- Outdoor seating
- Flavorful sauces
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent service
- High prices
- Cramped space
The restaurant Rooster & Rice is a popular chicken restaurant located in San Francisco’s vibrant Transbay neighborhood. You’ll find a welcoming, casual atmosphere perfect for a quick bite.
This spot is known for its healthy options and organic dishes, making it a great choice for a wholesome meal in the city.
Overview: Introducting Rooster & Rice
Rooster & Rice offers a straightforward dining experience, often lauded for its simple yet satisfying fare. Many appreciate the clean space and availability of outdoor seating, making it a pleasant spot for a meal.
However, the experience isn’t without its caveats. Some visitors have noted that the location can feel a bit cramped, especially when it gets crazy busy during peak hours, which can impact the overall comfort.
Good
6.9
out of 10
177
Reviews
65.5%
Satisfaction
42
negative
19
neutral
116
positive
Rooster & Rice achieves a respectable restaurant score of 6.9, with customer satisfaction sitting at 65.5%. This indicates a generally positive but somewhat mixed reception, suggesting that while many leave content, there’s room for improvement in certain areas.
This assessment is drawn from 177 customer remarks, comprising 116 positive and 42 negative observations. Diving deeper, the Food (7.4) stands out as a clear strength, frequently praised for its quality.
However, Ambience (6.6) receives a moderate rating, while Service (5.8) and Value (4.8) are areas that appear to be less consistent or fall short for some patrons. The contrast between the strong food and the lower scores in service and value is notable.
What people like
- Delicious chicken dishes
- Flavorful sauces
- Pleasant outdoor seating
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service quality
- Perceived high prices
- Crowded, cramped space
With a recommendation score of 7.3, Rooster & Rice is a solid choice if you prioritize well-prepared chicken and rice dishes in a casual setting. It’s particularly appealing for those seeking a quick, healthy lunch, especially if you can snag a spot in their pleasant outdoor area.
However, be mindful that the overall experience might be a mixed bag. While the food generally satisfies, be prepared for potentially inconsistent service and consider if the pricing aligns with your expectations for this style of meal.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Rooster & Rice
Food (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 92% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot truly shines with a good score of 7.4 and a good customer satisfaction of 72.7%. Based on 88 positive remarks out of 121 total, diners consistently praise the delicious poached chicken, flavorful homemade sauce, and comforting chicken broth. Many appreciate the healthy options and well-prepared meals.
However, not every bite is perfect. With 19 negative comments, some guests have noted concerns about portion sizes and a limited selection, especially for those avoiding unhealthy meal options. A few found the chicken bland or described it as boiled chicken, and there was even a rare mention of food poisoning, though this seems to be an outlier.
Food
121
Reviews
72%
Satisfaction
19
negative
14
neutral
88
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious poached chicken
- Flavorful homemade sauce
- Healthy meal options
What people don't like
- Small portion sizes
- Limited menu selection
- Bland chicken sometimes
Often praised
- foodThe food was simple but so good
- sauceThe sauce is the star of the dish and they get it right
- chickenThe chicken had a bit of a supple, moist flavor with which had a nice vinegar like taste from the sauce with some spice.
- chicken brothTHE BEST chicken broth you've ever had!
- PaleoThe Marina or the Paleo is perfect
- Paleo chickenPaleo chicken were both pretty good.
- Thai Chicken and RiceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed their tasty Thai Chicken and Rice, which is a San Francisco favorite. You literally can’t get any healthier than this dish.
- brown ricesubbed brown rice. Tasted great
- chicken and ricethe chicken and rice is top notch
- chicken ricemost delicious chicken rice I've had in SF
Frequently criticized
- foodwhat the modern world calls "food"
- sauceadded their sauce and was underwhelmed
- vegetablesMy experience at the restaurant was initially disappointing due to the raw tofu and undercooked vegetables. However, once I moved past that, I found the rice and sauce to be pretty good.
- Hatyai fried chickenhat yai fried chicken but it was pre-packed and became cold and not crispy at all
- boiled chickenlooking for boiled chicken and boiled rice
- boiled chicken breastpaid $18 for a boiled chicken breast
- boiled ricelooking for boiled chicken and boiled rice
- chickenslightly dry chicken
- chicken riceplaces that have better chicken rice than this place
- food poisoningfour of us got food poisoning
If youre looking for a healthy and flavorful meal, especially their signature poached chicken with homemade sauce, this place is definitely worth trying. While there are minor concerns about portion sizes and selection, the overwhelming positive feedback suggests youll likely leave satisfied.
Service (5.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 29% of the guests
Alright, lets talk service! Based on 19 customer observations, it seems the team here can really shine, especially when handling the lunch rush. Many folks praised the friendly staff and crew, noting super fast and efficient service.
Its great to hear they can keep things moving, with positive mentions often highlighting the staff and service for their speed and friendliness. However, the service isnt always a home run. With a score of 5.8, placing it in the average range, and customer satisfaction at a mixed 52.6%, theres definitely room for improvement.
Some experiences included unwelcoming interactions, coldest service, forgotten items, and frustrating wait times, particularly for pick up orders. It sounds like consistency is key here, with some seller interactions being less than ideal.
Service
19
Reviews
52%
Satisfaction
8
negative
1
neutral
10
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, fast service
- Handles lunch rush
- Exceptional crew
What people don't like
- Unwelcoming staff
- Forgot order items
- Cold service
Often praised
- servicetheir service is pretty fast
- ServiceService:5
- crewThe crew here is exceptional
- lunch rushhandle the lunch rush well
- open lateMy experience at this restaurant was positive. It's a nice place to eat and is still open to a reasonable time when everything else around it is closed.
- order aheadso order ahead or through Caviar
- staffFriendly staff too
- take outOrder a take out
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe coldest service I've gotten
- every personhave to respect for every person
- forgot to add itemsThey forgot to add a few items to our order
- hot water instead of broththey gave me hot water instead of broth!
- people for pick upNo manner for the people for pick up
- sellerSeller is very very unwelcoming
- wait timeI had to wait for the rest 2
If youre looking for a quick bite, especially during a busy lunch, you might be pleasantly surprised by the speed and friendliness. However, be prepared for a potentially inconsistent experience, as some customers have encountered less welcoming service or issues with order accuracy. Its a bit of a gamble, but the fast service can be a real plus.
Ambience (6.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 29% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot gets a 6.6, landing it in the average-to-good range, with customer satisfaction sitting at a mixed 66.7%. Many guests, 14 out of 21 remarks, absolutely love the outdoor seating, especially the lovely outdoor plaza and gardens. The live jazz music during weekdays and the modern, clean space also contribute to a friendly atmosphere that people enjoy.
On the flip side, 5 comments point out some drawbacks. Some found the location a bit cramped, describing the atmosphere as small, or noting it gets crazy busy during weekday lunch hours. The entryway can also get crowded, which might detract from the overall experience during peak times.
Ambience
21
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
5
negative
2
neutral
14
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent outdoor seating
- Live jazz music
- Modern, clean space
What people don't like
- Cramped location
- Gets crazy busy
- Crowded entryway
Often praised
- placeMy experience at this restaurant was that it's a nice and healthy place for lunch. It is a bit expensive, but the quality of the food makes up for it.
- outdoor seatingLots of outdoor seating though
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- clean spaceit's a nice, clean space
- friendly atmosphereIt's very bright and very modern styled spot with a friendly atmosphere.
- live jazz musiclive jazz music during weekdays
- modern styled spotIt's very bright and very modern styled spot with a friendly atmosphere.
- nice placeIt's a nice place to eat
- outdoor plazanice outdoor plaza too where you can eat
- outdoor spaceIt was also well priced, and they seemed to handle the lunch rush well. I particularly enjoyed the excellent outdoor space to sit and enjoy my food.
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereThere’s not much to the atmosphere there, as it’s a small store
- crazy busyIt gets crazy busy during weekday lunch hours
- entrywayit gets crowded at the entryway
- exitHowever, the chicken was a bit cold and seemed bland to me, definitely needing sauce. The location is a bit cramped, and they need a separate exit.
- locationThe location is a bit cramped
If you're looking for a spot with great outdoor seating and perhaps some live jazz, especially outside of peak lunch hours, this place could be a lovely choice. Just be prepared that it might feel a bit cramped or busy if you visit during a rush.
Value (4.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 27% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot has a bit of a split personality! While some guests found it to be excellent value for quality food and affordable, especially for the amount of protein, others felt differently. Based on 4 positive remarks, the general sentiment was that the fare was wonderfully simple, tasty, and well-priced.
However, the overall picture for value is a bit challenging, with a score of 4.8 (average) and customer satisfaction at a low 25% (poor). Many of the 10 negative comments highlighted that the price seems high, expensive for what you get, and that lunch prices are pushing the upper limit, making it feel not worth its price for some.
Value
16
Reviews
25%
Satisfaction
10
negative
2
neutral
4
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent quality for value
- Affordable by local standards
What people don't like
- Prices are too high
- Expensive for offerings
- Not worth the cost
Often praised
- priceThe fare and menu were wonderfully simple, but the taste was excellent. It was also well priced, and they seemed to handle the lunch rush well. I particularly enjoyed the excellent outdoor space to sit and enjoy my food.
- affordableaffordable per SF standards
- value for quality foodExcellent value for quality food
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was good, but I found it to be expensive for what it is. I'm not sure why Google Maps suggests this place is a single dollar sign ($).
- add veggiesIf you add veggies ($2) it's really only a few pieces of broccoli
- dollar more in costyou have to pay about a dollar more.
- expensiveA bit expensive but nice
- lunch pricesI had no complaints about the atmosphere or the quality of the food. However, they are really pushing the upper limit on lunch prices, with chicken and rice costing $12, which felt a bit steep.
- pricingPriced kinda high
If you're looking for simple, quality food and are mindful of portion sizes, you might find decent value here. However, be prepared that many feel the prices are a bit steep for the overall offering, so it might not be the most budget-friendly option.
How are the prices at Rooster & Rice?
You’re looking at roughly 16 $ per person – reported by 14 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Chicken Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at the data, most diners spend in the $11–$20 range, with a few venturing into the $21–$30 bracket. So, prices are pretty consistent around that average.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 14 reviews.
Comparing the value for money of this restaurant to similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels quite fair for a Chicken Restaurant in San Francisco. It offers good value for a casual meal without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Rooster & Rice
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
6
Good food, but service issues
My experience at the restaurant was mixed. The food was good, but there was a significant issue with the service. I ordered three items, but the staff misheard me and only brought one.
This resulted in a considerable wait time for the remaining two items, which caused me to miss my Uber. While the food quality was satisfactory, the service inaccuracy and the resulting delay were frustrating.
- food8
- service3
- wait time3
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Perfect Lunch Spot with Jazz!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I could eat here every day. The service was super fast, and the outdoor seating was lovely, especially with the live jazz music during weekdays.
The food was also great, earning a perfect score.
- service10
- outdoor seating9
- live jazz music9
Visit Type
- Delivery
Service Type
- Takeout
2
Poor service at pickup
My experience at the restaurant was marked by a lack of respect for people picking up orders. The staff needs to show more consideration for everyone who comes to the establishment.
- people for pick up2
- every person2
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
3
Declining Value and Options
My experience at this restaurant has become increasingly disappointing over the past two years. While I appreciate their healthy eating model, the price has become a significant issue. I consistently spend over $25 for a single meal for myself, which feels excessive for the simple items offered.
I've noticed that the portion sizes seem to have shrunk since I first started coming here. For example, $25+ for a single chicken breast over brown rice, some cucumbers, cilantro, a small container of broth, 2 eggs, and veggies feels like poor value. Furthermore, the selection is limited, especially if you're trying to maintain a healthy diet.
I can't easily opt for half brown rice and half veggies in my bowls without paying extra for a side of veggies. The lack of unhealthy meal options is also a drawback for those who might want more variety. The food is decent from a healthy standpoint, but it doesn't offer much beyond that.
The atmosphere is also quite basic, with a small store and ordering primarily done through a kiosk. There's minimal staff presence unless they're delivering food. I'm writing this review because after two years of patronage, I do not intend to return.
I urge the restaurant to step up their game by offering more options, increasing portion sizes to match the prices, or lowering their prices. Otherwise, I hope this review helps others avoid wasting their time and money.
- healthy eating model7
- simple items5
- food5
- price2
- portion sizes3
- selection3
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Colleagues
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
8
Good Food, Minor Service Hiccup
I've visited multiple Rooster & Rice locations across San Francisco, and this was my first time at this particular spot. It's situated under office buildings, giving it a corporate lunch vibe. While they did forget to add a few items to our order, the food consistently delivers, especially the traditional dish.
- food8
- traditional dish9
- corporate lunch location6
- forgot to add items3
What Rooster & Rice offers
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Organic dishes
- Healthy options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options and services does Rooster & Rice offer?
At Rooster & Rice, you can enjoy both lunch and dinner with comfortable seating available. For your convenience, the restaurant provides onsite services, takeout, and delivery. You can also opt for outdoor seating to enjoy your meal.
Is Rooster & Rice accessible, and what payment methods are accepted?
Yes, Rooster & Rice features a wheelchair accessible entrance, ensuring ease of access for all guests. When it comes to payment, you have several flexible options, including credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.
How is Rooster & Rice generally rated by customers?
Rooster & Rice holds a restaurant score of 6.9 with 65.5% customer satisfaction. While Food (7.4) is a strong point, Ambience (6.6) is moderate, and Service (5.8) and Value (4.8) could see improvement.
What do customers particularly enjoy about the food at Rooster & Rice?
Many customers praise the simple yet delicious food, especially the chicken and rice dishes, highlighting the flavorful sauces and healthy options like the Paleo chicken.
Are there any common concerns regarding Rooster & Rice?
Some patrons find the restaurant’s value to be a concern, noting that prices can feel high for the portions. Additionally, service can be inconsistent, and the ambience can feel cramped during busy times.