As summer internships draw students to Washington, D.C., finding convenient dining options becomes essential, especially with limited GW dining locations open.
One location that stands out for its quick and delicious offerings is RICE, situated on 14th Street right above Logan Circle.
Just a two-minute walk from the well-loved Barcelona Wine Bar, RICE has become a favorite among interns looking for fresh and easy meal alternatives to frozen options.
Founded in 2003 and renovated in 2020, RICE added a downstairs market that features pre-cooked meals and meal packages.
Both the restaurant and market operate from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday through Thursday and extend their hours to 10:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
For those in need of a quick meal, RICE’s takeout counter is open daily until 8:30 p.m.
Inside the market, offerings include an array of dishes such as Pad Thai, Sautéed Pumpkin, Pad See Ew priced at $14.95, Drunken Noodles at the same price point, and several curry dishes for $11.95.
Interestingly, the designated shelf for sushi was empty during my visit, likely due to the lunchtime rush.
The upstairs restaurant area boasts a sushi station visible to diners and a cozy seating section adorned with statement light fixtures, creating a dim ambiance perfect for lunch breaks.
Meanwhile, the downstairs market is vibrant with grocery items, a fresh produce section filled with mangoes, lemons, and eggplants, as well as home goods showcasing cookbooks from various cuisines, shelves of wine, condiments, and uniquely designed pottery bowls and mugs.
Additionally, visitors can find an educational kitchen facility on a second level, which often hosts classes like wine pairing.
For those short on time, the checkout process is straightforward, with pre-made takeout dishes conveniently displayed for a grab-and-go experience.
During my recent visit, I chose the Pad See Ew takeout option for $14.95 and decided to dine al fresco on a black leather bench in the outdoor seating area.
While the outdoor environment provided some tables and chairs, it lacked sufficient shade from the blazing June sun.
The Pad See Ew arrived in a paper bowl layered with wide, soft noodles and topped with chicken and vegetables.
The portion size was generous; in fact, I had enough leftover to take back to my office.
This dish could easily be shared, particularly when coupled with appetizers or other selections from the menu.
The chow featured chewy Sen Yai noodles that served as a delightful base for the hearty toppings.
However, the vegetables were not finely chopped, which made it challenging to mix the ingredients effectively in each bite.
Yet, the tender carrots and broccoli added to the overall appeal of the meal, bringing a nice texture that was pleasing without being overly soft.
I found the sauce to be a delightful mix of sweet and salty, although the saltiness took center stage in its lingering aftertaste.
On my next visit to RICE, I plan to explore the upstairs dining options further, perhaps trying their sushi rolls or a classic wok dish.
I’m excited to also discover the full array of options in the market when I have more time to browse, making RICE a go-to destination for both quick lunches and culinary exploration in D.C.
image source from：https://gwhatchet.com/2025/06/13/dish-of-the-week-rice-markets-pad-see-ew/
