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Handsome Rice
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Handsome Rice
7.8
Handsome Rice is a compact counter-service spot in Murray Hill serving rice and salad bowls built around Korean BBQ meats and vegetables. It’s a weekday staple for nearby office workers who want something fast, filling, and more thoughtful than a generic lunch chain.
Must-Try Dishes:
Handsome Rice meat-lover bowl (galbi, bulgogi, jeyuk, chicken), Jeyuk spicy pork BBQ bowl, Bibimbap-style salad bowl with gochujang
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Korean BBQ bowl shop turning galbi and bulgogi into efficient everyday meals.
Who should go: Lunch and early-dinner crowds needing quick, satisfying Korean bowls.
When to visit: Weekday lunch rush for freshest turnover and shortest waits.
What to order: Handsome Rice combo bowl, jeyuk pork bowl, bibimbap salad.
Insider tip: Opt for purple rice and add extra banchan-style veggies to stretch leftovers into another meal.
Handsome Rice
8.2
Handsome Rice is a compact Murray Hill Korean counter where dosirak-style lunch sets share the menu with surprisingly serious burgers. Patties come layered with house sauces and crunchy toppings that lean Korean, making it a smart move when you want something more interesting than a standard cheeseburger.
Must-Try Dishes:
Handsome Burger, Rib Eye Burger Dosirak, Kimchi Mac & Cheese
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Korean dosirak-style plates and burgers with bold, house-made flavors.
Who should go: Office workers and locals craving Korean-inflected comfort burgers.
When to visit: Weekday lunches or early dinners before peak delivery rush.
What to order: Handsome Burger, Rib Eye Burger Dosirak, Kimchi Mac & Cheese.
Insider tip: Order ahead online; dine-in seats fill quickly during lunch.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive; nearby garages are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Casual — jeans, sneakers, and workday office attire all fit right in.
Noise level: Low to moderate — counter-service hum but easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during peak dinner hours
Weekday lunch: 5–15 minutes during the noon rush, minimal wait after 1:30pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — vegetarian dosirak plates and sides are available.
Vegan options: Limited — a few rice bowl and vegetable-based options with modifications.
Gluten-free options: Limited — rice-based dishes work best, but burger buns and some sauces contain gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, low-pressure first meet than a romantic date — it’s cozy and unfussy, but not intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter service with limited seating, so you just walk in and order. Going slightly off-peak helps secure a seat.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who enjoy burgers and rice bowls, but the tight space isn’t ideal for strollers or large families.
Best For
Better for: Korean-influenced burgers and dosirak rice plates at a fast-casual price point with real flavor depth.
Skip if: You’re looking for a full-service dining experience, cocktails, or a classic American diner-style burger.
Handsome Rice
8.2
Handsome Rice, opened in 2018 by Chef Hansong Kim, is a compact Murray Hill spot specializing in Korean dosirak lunch boxes built around mains like galbi short ribs, barbecue pork, and grilled eel. The focus here is on neatly composed rice boxes rather than smokehouse platters, but the Korean-style BBQ short ribs offer one of the neighborhood’s most reliable rib options for a quick, balanced meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Galbi dosirak with Omaha beef short ribs, Barbecue pork lunchbox with seasonal pickles, Signature meat lover’s box with mixed proteins
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.1
What makes it special: Modern Korean dosirak boxes spotlighting galbi short ribs in a fast-casual format.
Who should go: Office diners craving Korean short ribs in balanced lunch boxes.
When to visit: Weekday lunch hours before peak delivery and takeout rush.
What to order: Galbi dosirak, barbecue pork box, seasonal dumplings.
Insider tip: Order ahead online during lunch; the tiny space fills quickly and counter seats go first.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and metered; expect to circle during weekday lunch. Nearby public garages available on 3rd Avenue for $20–$30.
Dress code: Casual and practical—office wear, athleisure, and jeans all fit right in.
Noise level: Low to moderate—quiet enough for relaxed solo meals and one-on-one conversation.
Weekend wait: Not applicable—primarily a weekday lunch-driven spot with limited evening service.
Weekday lunch: 10–20 minutes during peak noon rush; minimal wait before 11:30am or after 1:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — rotating vegetable-based dosirak boxes and sides like seasoned greens and tofu.
Vegan options: Limited — possible with vegetable rice boxes and select sides, but cross-contact may occur.
Gluten-free options: Partial — rice-based meals work, but many marinades and sauces contain soy.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual daytime meetups than romantic dates—the space is compact and lunch-focused, ideal for low-pressure conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there’s no reservation system. Seats are first-come, first-served, and turnover is quick.
Is it kid-friendly? Best for older kids who enjoy Korean flavors; the menu is straightforward but space is tight for strollers.
Best For
Better for: Fast, balanced Korean BBQ in a clean lunch-box format—great for individuals who want ribs without the commitment of a full grill experience.
Skip if: You’re seeking a sit-down Korean BBQ dinner with tabletop grilling, shared platters, or late-night energy.