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Rooster & Rice (Marina)
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Rooster & Rice (Marina)
7.9
Single-focus Thai comfort shop specializing in khao mun gai—poached chicken over jasmine rice with ginger-chili sauce and a side broth. Simple, clean, and perfect for fast, healthy lunches in Cow Hollow.
Must-Try Dishes:
Khao Mun Gai (classic), Crispy Chicken Rice, Chicken Broth & Rice set
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Laser-focused khao mun gai with house chili-ginger sauce.
Who should go: Fast, healthy lunch hunters
When to visit: Weekdays 11–12 to miss peak queues
What to order: Classic khao mun gai; crispy chicken rice; extra sauce
Insider tip: Order extra broth to pour over the rice for more depth.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Union and Fillmore; easier before noon or after 7 pm.
Dress code: Casual — workout gear and jeans are common.
Noise level: Low — quiet enough for solo meals or work breaks.
Weekend wait: 10–15 minutes at peak hours, mostly takeout flow.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait if you arrive before 12:15 pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — tofu rice bowl available upon request.
Vegan options: Limited — base dishes use chicken broth, but some modifications possible.
Gluten-free options: Mostly gluten-free — rice-based menu; verify sauce ingredients if sensitive.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a first date — it’s more of a fast-casual, counter-service lunch spot than a sit-down dining experience.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — no reservations accepted; tables turn quickly and many orders are takeout, so seating is usually available.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — simple, mild flavors and quick service suit families with kids, though space for strollers is limited.
Best For
Better for: Healthier and more consistent than most Thai takeout spots, ideal for quick solo meals or light lunches.
Skip if: You’re seeking variety or a full dining experience — the menu is limited to chicken-and-rice dishes.
Rooster & Rice (Marina)
7.6
Counter-service specialist for Thai khao mun gai—poached or fried chicken over fragrant ginger rice with soulful broth and gingery sauces. Efficient, consistent, and ideal for a quick, satisfying lunch or light dinner.
Must-Try Dishes:
Khao Mun Gai (poached chicken & ginger rice), Fried Chicken Rice, Extra Broth with Herbs
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Single-focus Thai chicken rice done with fragrant rice, clean broth, and punchy sauces.
Who should go: Fast, healthy lunch seekers
When to visit: Late lunch 2–4pm to skip lines
What to order: Poached chicken rice, fried chicken rice, extra broth
Insider tip: Ask for extra ginger–garlic sauce; it lifts every bite.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Chestnut and adjacent side streets; easier mid-afternoon, tight during peak dinner hours.
Dress code: Casual—athleisure or work attire is fine; come as you are for quick service dining.
Noise level: Low to moderate—counter seating and short stays keep it conversationally easy.
Weekend wait: 10–15 minutes at most; turnover is quick and takeout orders move fast.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait except brief rushes around noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—occasional tofu rice bowls but main draw is chicken.
Vegan options: No—sauces and broth contain animal products.
Gluten-free options: Yes—chicken rice plates are naturally gluten-free; confirm sauces if sensitive.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a first date—it's counter-service and fast turnover, better for a quick lunch or casual catch-up.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—no reservations needed; most diners eat quickly so tables open often.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for quick family meals—simple chicken-rice dishes work well for kids, though seating is limited and highchairs are not always available.
Best For
Better for: Faster, cleaner, and more consistent Thai chicken rice than most takeout spots; ideal for balanced weekday meals.
Skip if: You want a full Thai menu, sit-down service, or broader flavor variety beyond chicken rice.