Rice Bird NYC

- 334 E 9th St, New York, NY 10003

New York City's East Village is a hub of culinary diversity, and nestled among its many gems is Rice Bird NYC, an Asian-owned restaurant that stands out for its unique blend of regional cuisines. This isn't just another Asian restaurant; it's a place where the rich and varied flavors of Taiwan, Thailand, Japan, and Hong Kong come together under one roof. Rice Bird NYC offers a refreshing and delightful culinary journey, showcasing a menu that is both expansive and deeply authentic. This article will serve as your comprehensive guide to this unique establishment, providing insight into its atmosphere, its must-try dishes, and what makes it a local favorite.

Rice Bird NYC’s menu is a testament to its commitment to a broad Asian dining experience. While many restaurants focus on one specific cuisine, Rice Bird NYC dares to present a masterful selection from across the continent. One reviewer praised the menu for being "broadly Asian," highlighting standout dishes like "Taiwanese crispy salted chicken," "Thai pork jowl," and "Japanese onigiri." These items, along with their house special "Cantonese clay pot" dishes, demonstrate the kitchen's versatility and expertise. The clay pot rice, in particular, is a house special that brings a taste of authentic Hong Kong and Singaporean comfort food to the heart of New York. The menu also features delicious appetizers like "Soy Garlic Shrimp" and an assortment of dim sum and noodles, ensuring there is something to satisfy any craving.

Beyond the food, the atmosphere at Rice Bird NYC is a major part of its appeal. It’s described as a "great cozy spot" with a casual yet trendy vibe, making it perfect for a variety of dining occasions. Whether you're grabbing a solo lunch, having a quick dinner with family, or meeting up with friends, the restaurant offers a comfortable and welcoming environment. The service is consistently praised, with one reviewer noting that the staff was "great" and made them feel right at home. This warm and friendly hospitality, combined with the restaurant's commitment to being an LGBTQ+ friendly and transgender safe space, makes it a truly inclusive and inviting place to dine. It’s the kind of neighborhood spot that makes you want to become a "regular," as one satisfied customer stated.

This guide will provide a detailed look at Rice Bird NYC, covering its convenient location, the full range of services it provides, its unique features, and the compelling reasons why it should be your next dining destination in New York.

Rice Bird NYC is conveniently located at 334 E 9th St, New York, NY 10003, USA. This places it in a charming and bustling part of the East Village, a neighborhood known for its vibrant community and diverse culinary offerings. The location on a side street provides a cozy, tucked-away feel, while still being easily accessible from major avenues.

Accessibility is a key advantage for this restaurant. The East Village is well-served by New York City's extensive public transportation system. The restaurant is within walking distance of several subway stations, including the L train at 14th Street-Union Square and the 6 train at Astor Place. This makes it a straightforward and convenient destination for anyone in Manhattan or the outer boroughs. For those who prefer to drive, both free and paid street parking options are available in the vicinity, though it's always wise to anticipate some competition for spots in this popular neighborhood.

The restaurant's central location in a popular neighborhood makes it a natural choice for both locals and tourists looking for a great meal. Its proximity to other neighborhood attractions means you can easily plan your meal as part of a larger outing, whether it's exploring the area's shops, bars, or parks. The ease of access combined with the welcoming atmosphere makes Rice Bird NYC a highly appealing dining spot.

• Curbside pickup: For a convenient and quick experience, customers can order ahead and have their food brought to them at the curb.
• No-contact delivery: Rice Bird NYC offers no-contact delivery, allowing you to enjoy your meal safely from home.
• Delivery: A full delivery service is available, bringing the diverse menu right to your doorstep.
• Takeout: You can place an order for takeout and pick it up at your convenience.
• Dine-in: The restaurant offers a comfortable and casual dining experience with seating available.
• Accepts reservations: For planning a meal, especially during peak hours, the restaurant accepts reservations.

• Broadly Asian Menu: The restaurant offers a wide variety of dishes from different Asian cuisines, including Taiwanese, Thai, Japanese, and Cantonese.
• Chef's Recommendations: The menu features a dedicated section of chef-recommended dishes, highlighting favorites like "Taiwanese Braised Pork With Rice" and "Thai Pork Jowl."
• Unique Onigiri and Claypot Rice: Rice Bird NYC specializes in authentic Japanese onigiri (rice balls) and flavorful Cantonese claypot rice, which are not commonly found at other restaurants.
• Casual and Trendy Atmosphere: The dining space is described as casual and trendy, making it a great spot for a relaxed meal.
• BYOB Policy: A notable feature is that the restaurant is BYOB, allowing diners to bring their own beer or wine to enjoy with their meal, which is a great value.
• Inclusive Environment: As an Asian-owned, LGBTQ+ friendly, and transgender safe space, the restaurant creates a welcoming and comfortable environment for all patrons.
• Family-Friendly: The restaurant is good for families and provides high chairs for children.

Address: 334 E 9th St, New York, NY 10003, USA

Phone: (646) 370-1304

Mobile Phone: +1 646-370-1304

Choosing Rice Bird NYC is a decision that promises a culinary adventure, and there are several specific reasons why it's a top choice in the East Village. The menu's diversity is its greatest strength. Instead of being pigeonholed into a single type of cuisine, you can explore a range of authentic and delicious dishes. The onigiri, in particular, is a standout, with a reviewer calling the pieces "delicious." For a quick and affordable meal, "The Hot Chick" or "The Meat Ball" onigiri are perfect choices.

For a more substantial meal, the Chef's Recommendations are where the kitchen's expertise truly shines. The "Taiwanese Braised Pork With Rice" is an incredible example of authentic comfort food, featuring tender, flavorful pork that is slow-cooked to perfection and served over rice. This dish is a taste of home for many and a wonderful discovery for others. The "Thai Pork Jowl" and "Taiwanese Crispy Salted Chicken" are also highly praised, showcasing the restaurant's ability to execute a variety of regional classics with skill and care.

The overall dining experience is what ties everything together. The great service, cozy atmosphere, and the unique BYOB option make it a place you’ll want to visit again and again. The staff is consistently described as kind and helpful, which adds a personal touch to the meal. This welcoming environment, combined with the fact that you can bring your own drinks, makes it a great value and a fantastic spot for a night out. While one review mentioned a dish being a bit bland, the general sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with many people praising the food’s great flavor and the restaurant's overall quality. For anyone seeking a delicious, diverse, and genuinely authentic Asian dining experience in the East Village, Rice Bird NYC is an excellent choice.

Rice Bird NYC

334 E 9th St, New York, NY 10003, USA