Ricewood — Restaurant in Ann Arbor

June 28, 2023 5/5 stars, more if I could!

WOW! This was some amazing BBQ that we just had for lunch. First time ever and never knew there was a second location off N. Maple in Village plaza. Shout out to Walid at Dimo's Deli for the recommendation!

Even though we weren't super hungry yet, we wanted to try ALL the proteins offered on the menu to get a sense of what kind of BBQ they served.

Pork belly burnt ends are only offered on Wednesdays, so we had to try it. The girl working the register suggested we get that as a ricebowl, and we can add a 4oz serving of pork belly as well. We also added kimchi.

The rest of the order included a tofu ricebowl with cucumber and kimchi added. Then to cover all the meats, we got 4oz orders each of brisket, pulled pork and chicken thighs; plus 4 ribs, and lastly an order of waffle fries.

Now... let's get into the actual review! Presentation was appetizing for the ricebowls and generous portions. EVERYTHING, even the tofu, was delicious! Well seasoned, heavy on black pepper for some, and the homemade BBQ sauce was yummy and just perfect. But really, you didn't even need it.

What I told my kids was that a good brisket is usually the sign for me of some good bbq, and this was hands down, one of the best! Tender, juicy and flavorful.

The pork belly in the bowls had just the right amount of crispness to the top like a crust, with enough fat and pork to go with the rice. The burnt ends were chunky bites with a chew to it.

None of the items were dried out, which can happen with bbq... everything was tender. My son loved the ribs too.

We didn't know the fries would be waffle fries. Nice and crispy, not overdone. Side note, they're not salted, at least ours were not. But that's ok, dip in ketchup, BBQ sauce, or enjoy them just out of the fryer.

This place is self-service. There's a pop station with Coke plus variety of local Michigan branded sodas that we also tried every flavor. Orange, rock and rye, root beer, lemonade to name a few.

Location has limited seating. Counter space with stools along the windows. There's handicap level seating to accommodate wheelchairs too.

I do want to mention that you have to go earlier in the day to order, if you want meats, because by the evening, they're completely sold out. You can also call ahead to check.

Last, but not least, great customer service from the register to the kitchen staff. All of the food was prepared with care.

We will definitely be back!...

Amazing food, great service, friendly people, convenient location!

Food: Everything was great. We ordered 5 rice bowls for a work lunch, and got everything but the pulled pork. Everything was cooked to perfection. Succulent pork belly, tender brisket, and juicy chicken thighs.

Be aware that "medium" spice was still plenty hot for us and we're all used to some spicy food. I wouldn't jump straight to "hot" unless you've tried Medium first, or get it on the side. Cucumbers were a nice choice to take the edge off the heat, red onions were tasty, kimchi is nice and crunchy (spicy too) and the crispy chilis are HOTTT!

Service: I got there early around 11 AM and it only took about 10 minutes to put together a pretty big custom order. Labeled with names so no mixups, served with compostable containers and bags and utensils.

This is perfect take-out food, and they also have about 15 chairs lined up around a window bench if you want to dine-in.

People: Very friendly and energetic, happy to explain their menu and options -- it's not a complicated menu but it's nice to get some explanations if it's your first time there. You get the impression they really take pride in their work.

Price: Pretty reasonable for Ann Arbor, $11-20 isn't crazy for a fast lunch/dinner that will either leave you very full, or with leftovers that reheat quite well...

Update: Catering! We had ricewood cater our event for 45 people. Food was amazing. We had several people comment on how good the RICE! Was!

These folks are the absolute best!

No Photos.... it was dark, we just left the stables and we were hungry. However, here is what I have to say:

The brisket bowl isn't a beautiful fusion of two amazing food cultures. No, it is a bowl of pure culinary magic. The flavors, textures and even just the aroma as you open the door are to die for. You will leave with your hunger completely satisfied, your imagination sparked and if you're anything like me... practically dancing with delight.

We know BBQ. (check some of my other reviews) Traveled across our nation, just to try various BBQ joints and Ricewood holds it's own amongst a pretty competitive crowd. However, it is the Korean fusion that really makes it special. Go full on, get all the fixings thrown in your bowl and enjoy. Kimchi....? What! YES! But hold the phone...

Not since returning from the UK have we had such amazing chips!! (French fried taters) I usually shy away from waffle cut fries.... but these absolutely blew me away. Lightly crispy on the outside and delightfully fluffy on the inside. Wonderful color and the taste was sensational.

Ricewood... flat out, my new favorite...