Snob Factor 10, Satisfaction 0.
We regularly dine out in the DC metro area and have frequented numerous Thai establishments (from the pricey to the dicey). We like to do our research prior to dining, and as such we'd read rave reviews of Rice from Corina Lothar (The Washington Times), Tom Sietsema (The Washington Post) and Aaron Fynn (The Washington Blade). Dining out several times every week, Thai is a staple of our diet. We know a good Thai restaurant, and Rice is not one.

- The Noise: While the limited space and spartant furnishings give Rice a zen-like decor, they also result in extremely poor acoustics. When you combine a large crowd packed into a small space with bare walls (which amplify sound), the result is a roar which drowns out any hint of the classical guitar music Washington Post Food Critic Tom Sietsema cited as contributing to "the restaurant's Zenlike mood." Zen is peaceful and tranquil. Rice is not.

- The Wait: Roughly 45 minutes. It took 20 minutes standing at the bar just to get drinks. At that time, we ordered and paid for an appetizer which never materialized. When the hostess came to seat us, I informed her that we would need to have our appetizer delivered to our table. The manager, however, overheard the conversation and pointedly informed us that we would have to re-order the item from our waitress. It seems our original order (placed 20 minutes into our wait and 25 minutes prior to our seating) had never been submitted to the kitchen.

- The Portions: Simply put, the size of the servings at Rice are indirectly proportional to the cost. While the food presentation is artisticly zen in its simplicity, we were left hungry and unimpressed. Snob factor = 10. Satisfaction factor = 1.

- The Flavors: Of the three entrees and four appetizers we sampled, none really stood out. While the inappropriately named Crab Dip (nothing more than crab meat with a hint of flavor) had a pleasantly spicy bite, the chicken in the Chicken Satay was on the dry side. The shrimp in the Shrimp Salad was overcooked and thus extraordinarily chewy. As for the Spring Rolls, I'm thoroughly confused how they ended up in the "Healthy Green" section of the menu. They are nothing more than tightly rolled tubes of fried phillo dough. If there was a filling involved, it was left in the kitchen. While the Fried Chicken with Crispy Lemongrass was sufficiently tender and pleasant, the portion was more appropriate for an appetizer menu item. The Chicken Pad Thai was a saving grace, not because it was exceptionally tastey but rather because it was just like every other Chicken Pad Thai we've ever had.

- The Management: In one word, RUDE. While it was obvious that the restaurant was extremely busy, ALL restaurants get extremely busy during peak hours. Having worked over a decade both in the front and back of the house as both staff and management, I understand the pressures involved. The management, however, cannot afford to be rude to guests. When we inquired about getting an itemized check (to clarify a billing error involving the purchase of an appetizer and drinks incurred during our 45 minute wait), the manager stomped off in an obviously annoyed huff. Upon his return, he threw the check onto the table. He proceeded to pound the table with his pointer finger, pronouncing in an authoritarian manner that we had not been double charged for the item in question. "SEE!" he exclaimed. Such charm and grace.

- The Staff: The only place for praise at Rice is with the wait staff. It's not that they're exceptional, but it was obvious that they're doing the best that they can with what they've been provided. Our waitress swiftly addressed our requests and was polite throughout our dining experience (in stark contrast to the manager's demeanor).

Final thoughts... If you can even find Rice, avoid it. To dine at Rice is to waste your money, your time, and your patience. If you've got your heart set on being seen in a trendy new "hotspot," Rice is an excellent choice. It is regularly packed with a young, chic Dupont Circle crowd. If, however, you desire excellent Thai fare at a reasonable price with generous portions, check out Thai Pilin. While it's not downtown DC, its two locations in Falls Church and Tysons Corner consistently combine excellent service with outstanding flavor.    [06 Mar 2004 14:07:32]

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Recommended Dishes: Chicken Pad Thai

     ­Eric Paul Engel   

Great New Restaurant
Fantastic Thai food with a nouvelle twist. Perfectly sized portions, for normal sized people. Good neighborhood ambience and attentive prompt service. Highly recommended.    [23 Jul 2004 19:04:15]

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Recommended Dishes: eggplant appertizer

     ­Anonymous   

Rice: Cardboard never tasted better
I came upon Rice by accident and decided to order food to go. The menu was limited and seemed more focused on Asian fusion than authentic Thai dishes. I ordered a broad sampling of dishes, and found the portions rather small for the price. My overall impression of the food's taste was as if I were eating the plastic food displays often found in the windows of Asian restaurants rather than digging into a tasty Thai meal with friends. If I had purchased the food simply to look at it, I would give Rice a 10 out of 10. In fact, some of the dishes could be perfect decorations for one's living room. But if you actually want to eat Thai food, find some other place. Bonus: The interior and crowd seemed rather trendy, so this could be a good place to go to have a drink and nibble while chatting with friends, but you'll walk away hungry if you expect to have dinner (unless you're an anorexic supermodel). Management seemed a bit brusque and unhelpful, which was off-putting.    [23 Sep 2006 10:44:46]

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Recommended Dishes: Sticky rice with green dye (if it's St. Patrick's Day)

     ­Douglas G., Washington DC   

well... I LIKE this place
I've been to many Thai restaurants, in DC and through out the USA , and the world. In fact, I've spent months in Thailand eating thai food. Don't know if all that qualifies me to write a review but I gotta say, RICE is a really nice restaurant.

Some of the combinations on the menu are not to my taste, but many things are, and I find the food to be quite good. Portions? Ok, I'll concede that if you are looking for (what I would call "unnecessarily") large American portions, then this place isnt going to fill you up. Shoot, order another dish, it's not gonna kill your budget to do so. With food, I'd rather pay for quality over quantity anyday.

iIlike that RICE serves colored rice. Some days its green, other days yellow, other days blue. I like the Zen aspect of the place (ok, its not quiet like the ryoanji zen rock garden in Japan, but come on! we're in a modern American city!). I like the outdoor seating area on the sidewalk. I like the staff.

Guess I would have to say, ultimately, try this restaurant on your own. Dont be swayed by any of these reviews- even mine. Obviously, RICE is not for everyone. but it is for me.    [16 Nov 2006 17:47:48]

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     ­dave power   

one of the best Thai restaurants I've been to
Seems to me that the sour reviews are from folks who were predisposed to dump on Rice just because it's trendy. Thai food is my favorite cuisine and I eat it often. I've equally enjoyed the fusion dishes and the more traditional fare at Rice. The sake martini is extremely tasty as well. Give it a try (perhaps on an off-peak night) before writing it off based on the negative reviews.    [31 Dec 2006 12:49:00]

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Recommended Dishes: spaghetti w/anchovy and basil; chicken w/string beans

     ­Noel