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Welcome to Ricewood

At Ricewood, nestled in Ann Arbor, MI, culinary traditions converge. The brand masterfully blends southern BBQ with vibrant Asian flavors, creating dishes that tantalize the taste buds. As you step inside this cozy eatery, the inviting atmosphere and friendly staff set the stage for an unforgettable dining experience. Whether you’re savoring tender brisket, spicy ribs, or the unique meatloaf sandwich, each dish showcases fresh, bold ingredients and meticulous preparation. The emphasis on quality over quantity is evident in their simple yet refined menu. Ricewood is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavor, passion, and culinary artistry.

Ricewood: Reviews & Ratings

Jim B.
Jim B.

Food was insane some of the best brisket I've had music was crazy good too staff was dope go here PLEASE 5 STARS

Aarash B.
Aarash B.

Amazing Food and Fresh Ingredients! Ricewood never disappoints. The food is always delicious, and you can tell they use super fresh ingredients. The flavors are bold, and everything is cooked perfectly. If you're looking for great food made with care, this is the place to go!

Karim J.
Karim J.

Stopped here for some brisket as it was recommended based on the reviews I read. Very small place with a simple menu (which I love). I find places that focus on a few items and perfect those dishes tend to have better food. I went with the brisket bowl that included rice, scallions, tomatoes and soy vinegar. I also requested pickled onions and red cabbage slaw. Very good lunch overall which set me back a little over $20. Everything had good flavor and complimented one another, but I think adding the pickled onions and red cabbage slaw made my dish too acidic so I have to keep that in mind for next time. Despite being a little on the dry side, the brisket had good flavor. However the rice was not my favorite if I'm being honest. I dunno what kind of rice is being used, but it just seemed more firm than I expected. Overall these minor issues did not deter from the fact this is quality food, but I definitely have a good sense of how to order from here in the future because it is a great place for some Asian inspired BBQ.

Andrew G.
Andrew G.

As a longtime customer, I cannot sign enough praise for Ricewood. While many restaurants nowadays are just putting some meat and sriracha mayo on fries and calling it Asian fusion, Ricewood's dishes are truly a marriage of southern bbq and Asian spices and flavors. Some examples include their Szechuan flavoring for their chicken and tufu, add on "Bombs" that are akin to Korean banchan, and presence of pork belly on the menu, which is not a "traditional" bbq meat. While it meatloaf sando may not look that impressive, it certainly packed a punch. The toasted bun was light and airy with a slightly sweet flavor; the meatloaf was thicc, had a nice slightly crunchy exterior, and tons of smokey good flavor; and the onions and blue cheese sauce provided complexity to the flavor and texture of the bite. Overall, I'm happy to continue coming back as a regular customer.

Maxwell L.
Maxwell L.

Very similar to the Ricewood I had at York but much more calm and chill. The cashier and employees were all super smiley and friendly. We got the ribs and brisket over rice. While not cheap, they made up for it in quantity. Each bowl comes heaping with rice and in different spice levels. I made the mistake of getting hot, and it is def no joke! The barbecue is super flavorful and yummy. The ribs had a meaty bite, and the brisket was super tender (my favorite meat)! Although, I def had to take regular water breaks because the spice was pretty intense. Don't let anyone tell you Ann Arbor doesn't have good BBQ!

Jason C.
Jason C.

First time at this location, their bbq meat taste didn't change from their original location. What did change was the prices and looks like the veggies that were included is now upcharge. Very simple layout, definitely a take out location, but they have seats along the window for dine-in option. The service was good, ordered and food was ready in few minutes. Wasn't fan of the "tipping" when paying, but I guess everyone has to get one board. I got the brisket, ribs and pork belly with the extra veggies for all (all med), came out to like $64 for three bowls. Favorite was the ribs and pork belly, the brisket was bit dry.

Katy C.
Katy C.

I saw Amanda L's review of Ricewood recently and knew I had to check it out while in town. This location is in a little suburban strip mall type spot, they do have some seating but we saw quite a bit of takeout happening. The guy taking our order was really helpful with suggestions as it was our first time. I went with the brisket rice bowl, medium spice, and added kimchi. Nate got the pulled pork sandwich. We also got the sesame cucumbers and a side of fries. They threw in a drink for free which was really nice. (Although they didn't have any diet options at the time. I just got some soda water and mixed in a little lemonade.) The food came out and I was shocked at the portion of the rice bowl specifically. I got a ton of brisket for $17 and the bowl felt like it weighed five pounds. We definitely could have split it (and probably should have)! The brisket was pretty tender and there were about 7 perfect slices. The rice was cooked pretty well and seasoned nicely and the kimchi was really good. (Better than the kimchi I had at Miss Kim!) The spice level was perfect for me, not too hot but a nice kick. I had some of the pork from the sandwich and it was tender and not dry. The sesame cucumbers were just okay, I don't think we'd get those again. And the fries were a massive portion. I really like the idea of the Korean/BBQ fusion (not to be confused with Korean BBQ) and think this concept would do really well in Grand Rapids. They have vegetarian options - I'd love to try the Szeuchuan tofu!

Amanda L.
Amanda L.

I've been dying to try Ricewood after all the buzz I have heard about it. I came to the Maple location, which is definitely more of a "to-go" sort of place, with just a few bar counter style seating along the wall and window perimeters of the store. My friend and I were meeting up for a quick lunch though, so it worked perfectly for us! Ricewood's menu is pretty straightforward and simple, which I love to see, because that typically means they know what they're good at and they don't need to bother with anything else and I'm here to CONFIRM that that's the case! I ordered the brisket rice bowl, which is definitely their signature. The brisket is so PERFECT! So tender, easy to pull apart or bite into, without being too mushy. The vinegary rice pairs so well with it and with all the other fixings in the bowl, which you can customize on what you want to add or leave out of it. They give you so much within a bowl of theirs, it's super impressive and I had leftovers to take home with me. Heating it up in the microwave with an ice cube did the trick and it tasted just as good at home! For eating right then and there, they basically have rice bowls with different kinds of proteins (including tofu for vegans and vegetarians!) and sandwiches, which subs the rice for buns and has all the same protein options as well. My friend ordered the sandwich and it was also massive and definitely way more messy, so it just depends on what you're in the mood for! Another super cool thing Ricewood offers is their meats by the pound that you can take to go! I was sooo tempted to get some of their delicious brisket! It's all cooked and glorious and I'm sure they would probably provide reheating/general serving instructions if you asked as you took the meat home, but I definitely think I'll be back to take advantage of this option in the near future! I haven't been able to stop thinking about that brisket!!

Michele O.
Michele O.

Ricewood is an American BBQ Asian fusion restaurant, which sounds a little odd at first, but is actually genius and delicious. It's located in a strip mall and is small with limited indoor seating. We came pretty late in the day so they were out of most of the meats, which wasn't the worst thing in the world because they did have pulled pork. The guy at the counter was very apologetic and went out of his way to make sure the dietary restrictions I have were accommodated. I got a pulled pork bowl with kimchi and pickled onions and was fully not prepared for how big it was. It had to have been 1-2lbs of food in that bowl. I ate maybe half of it before I started going into a food coma and saved the rest for later. It made great leftovers! I'll definitely be back next time I'm in Ann Arbor, but earlier in the day to try some different meats!

Linda I.
Linda I.

This is partly a review for Ricewood (Maple) and partly a review for Ricewood hosted Meogjia pop up events (which I think have happened twice now!). I stopped by here yesterday for the second Meogjia pop up, and am so happy that Ricewood hosts these, supporting local/small businesses - Meogjia who sources from other local/small businesses Q Bakehouse and Dave Makes Pasta. All the food at these pop ups are always a hit. This time I got the Korean Bolognese Lasagna and the Taiwanese 3 Cup Chicken Meatball Sub. Yum and yum. Last time I got a Pimento Cheese Bulgogi Sando and Polenta Cake Dakbokkeomtang. Everything we've tried has been SO tasty with a real depth of flavor. Part of the proceeds also go to Ozone House. Shoutout Meogjia and props to Ricewood for hosting these! The only bummer (though totally makes sense logistically) is that I can't also get Ricewood while I'm there for these pop ups! Would love to take home Ricewood BBQ while I'm at it, as their meat is SO GOOD. The Ricewood Rice Bowls are insanely tasty, and unique compared to other BBQ joints in the area given the Asian flavor fusion. Every meat I've tried has been tasty, but I especially love the tender brisket. And I love all the add ons. Plus the Maple location has waffle fries!! I've also ordered just the meat (priced by weight) to go as well, which has really elevated my at home bowls/salads.

Location

  • Ricewood
    245 N Maple Rd Ann Arbor, MI 48103 United States Hotline:

Welcome to the vibrant world of Ricewood, a culinary gem nestled in the heart of Ann Arbor, MI. Located at 245 N Maple Rd, this trendy spot is making waves in the food scene for its unique blend of Southern BBQ and Asian flavors, creating a dining experience that goes beyond the ordinary.

From the moment you step inside Ricewood, you're enveloped in a friendly atmosphere, where the staff is as enthusiastic about the food as the patrons. Customer reviews shine a light on the incredible dishes, mentioning everything from the 'insane' brisket to the 'crazy good' music that sets the perfect backdrop for a memorable meal. It's clear that Ricewood has struck a chord with its guests, offering food that is not just tasty, but also cooked with genuine care.

  • Fresh Ingredients: Many patrons, like Aarash B., rave about the freshness of the ingredients used in each dish. This commitment to quality is evident, as every bite bursts with bold flavors that transport your palate.
  • Creative Fusion: Ricewood artfully combines the rich traditions of Southern barbecue with tantalizing Asian spices. As Andrew G. notes, the menu delights with innovative dishes such as Szechuan chicken and pork belly, and even a unique meatloaf sandwich that surprises with its smoky goodness.
  • Signature Dishes: The brisket bowl is a standout, perfectly paired with scallions, tomatoes, and soy vinegar, although some diners suggest balancing acidity with toppings like pickled onions. The ribs and brisket over rice come highly recommended, offering hearty portions and spice levels to suit all bold appetites.
  • Warm Ambiance: The casual yet inviting vibe, combined with friendly staff, fosters a feeling of community, making it the perfect place for a laid-back meal or a gathering with friends.

As you explore Ricewood's menu, prepare for an adventure of flavors. Each dish is thoughtfully crafted, ensuring that every element complements the others. Though some diners have mentioned minor nuances, like rice texture and spice levels, the overall experience remains consistently high—it's clear this restaurant is committed to excellence.

In a world where dining can often feel impersonal, Ricewood stands out as a beacon of creativity and passion. If you're searching for a place that serves not just food, but a heartfelt meal, put Ricewood on your must-visit list. Trust me, you won't be disappointed!