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Rice'N Bread
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Rice'N Bread
8.4
Vibes:
Brunch Bliss Spots
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Rice'N Bread is a longtime Wrigleyville diner-turned-Korean cafe serving omelets, Akutagawa stir-fries, and bulgogi plates from breakfast through late-night. Its roots stretching back to 1959 and hundreds of recent reviews make it a uniquely historic Korean-influenced staple near Wrigley Field.
Must-Try Dishes:
Akutagawa stir-fry, Bul Dak Fried Chicken, Bulgogi Beef
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Decades-old Wrigleyville diner that layers Korean staples onto classic short-order cooking.
Who should go: Fans of hearty plates before or after Cubs games.
When to visit: Breakfast, lunch, or early dinner around Wrigley event times.
What to order: Akutagawa, bulgogi beef over rice, Bul Dak fried chicken.
Insider tip: On non-game days, sit at the counter for faster service and more banter.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street and metered parking in the surrounding Wrigleyville blocks; availability drops significantly during Cubs games and events — nearby paid garages on Clark/Addison are the most reliable fallback.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable — game-day jerseys, jeans, and everyday wear are all common.
Noise level: Moderate to loud on game and concert days; generally moderate and conversational during non-event hours.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes around pre- and post-game rush; shorter waits outside event windows.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait except during peak baseball season.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several egg dishes, veggie omelets, and customizable rice plates can be made meat-free.
Vegan options: Limited — a few rice and vegetable combinations may work with modifications; confirm ingredients with staff.
Gluten-free options: Some rice-based and protein plates can be adapted, but there is no dedicated gluten-free prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual, low-pressure meetups than a romantic first date — the diner-style setting and game-day traffic lean relaxed and practical over intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s primarily walk-in. Arrive outside game start/finish times for the shortest waits, especially on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — portions are hearty, service is welcoming, and booths work well for families; it’s busiest and louder during Cubs games, so earlier visits are best for younger kids.
Best For
Better for: Hearty Korean-influenced diner plates, reliable breakfasts, and pre/post-game fuel at approachable prices in a historic neighborhood staple.
Skip if: You’re looking for upscale Korean dining, quiet ambiance, or a leisurely date-night setting — choose a more formal Korean restaurant instead.
Rice'N Bread
7.9
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Comfort Food Classics
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Hidden Gems Heaven
Rice'N Bread is a long-running Wrigleyville diner where omelets, burgers, and Korean comfort staples like bibimbap and jjigae share the same compact menu. Outside of game days, it’s a low-key, affordable option for straightforward business lunches that don’t need much ceremony.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bibimbap, Korean Fried Chicken, Kimchi Fried Rice
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Decades-old diner with an unusual American–Korean menu that works for casual, affordable meetings.
Who should go: Colleagues comfortable with unfussy, diner-style surroundings and hearty plates.
When to visit: Non-game weekdays at lunch for the quietest, most functional experience.
What to order: Bibimbap, Korean Fried Chicken, kimchi or spam fried rice.
Insider tip: Check the Cubs schedule; avoid day games if you need to actually talk or share a laptop at the table.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Clark and nearby side streets; availability varies widely on Cubs game days and evenings — expect delays during events.
Dress code: Casual and work-casual — jeans, polos, and everyday office wear are all appropriate.
Noise level: Moderate during normal weekdays; can become loud and crowded on game days or peak baseball weekends.
Weekend wait: Typically short waits when there is no game; during Cubs home games, waits can fluctuate or seating may be limited.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; easy to be seated quickly outside of game-day traffic.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Some options available (bibimbap with vegetables, omelets, fried rice variations). Customization is possible but not a dedicated vegetarian menu.
Vegan options: Limited — a few dishes can be modified by removing egg/meat, but sauces may contain animal products; confirm with staff.
Gluten-free options: Informal accommodations only — rice-based dishes are the safest bet, but cross-contact is likely and there is no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for casual meetups than a first date — the space feels more like a diner/coffee shop than a polished date setting, and game-day noise can interrupt conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s primarily walk-in friendly, especially at weekday lunch. Avoid Cubs home games if you need predictable seating or quiet conversation.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — simple diner seating, familiar menu items, and casual service work well for kids. Best for ages 6+ due to compact tables and limited stroller space.
Best For
Better for: Affordable, low-key business lunches where hearty portions, quick turnaround, and Korean–American comfort staples are priorities over ambiance.
Skip if: You need a polished, presentation-worthy business setting, guaranteed quiet during baseball season, or extensive vegan/gluten-free accommodations.