This was my first time trying Brown Rice and I was not disappointed. I love the fact that it's basically just like Chipotle but you make your bowl with Korean inspired sides instead. There is a large selection of vegetables to choose from and the meat is tasty. In addition, the place was very clean and appealing and the staff was friendly, patient (with my indecisiveness), and helpful!
(4)
C W.
Great place to try out Korean food. Love the set up. You see exactly what you're ordering. Know that there are more protein options than what is shown (eg. squid, salmon, shrimp I think bc they're cooked to order). Some of my favorite sides are the fried eggplant, cucumber kimchi, shitaki mushrooms. The traditional spicy gochujang is delicious and ties together perfectly the large bowl of this and that. There are so many things to try that it'll take me a while to get through everything. A tasty challenge for sure...and a fun one too!
(5)
Matt M.
Good stuff. It's like the Chipotle of Korean food. Reasonably priced, relatively healthy and tastes good. The staff is also super nice.
(4)
Maureen Y.
The concept of a build your own bibimbap is outstanding! They have a great mix of western/American veggies and toppings for the non Asian palate and authentic Asian veggies and toppings for a truly Asian taste and flavor. They have a lot of rice options including barley and also many protein and vegetarian options! Multiple bowl sizes and hot stone bowl option for dine in. The price is fantastic and I love how many hundreds of ways I can make it different every time I go. Must try this place!
(5)
Stephanie H.
This is one of my new favorite places to eat in Baltimore. If you want some tasty Korean food, this is the place to come. First, the service was fantastic. It was my first time visiting and the staff was really nice to take time explaining how the bibimbap bowls worked and my questions about some of the dishes. I didn't get the bibimbap bowl this time but it looked so delicious. I had the fried kimchi with tofu and brown rice. It also comes with pork belly but as a vegetarian I just asked for extra tofu. It's not as quick as the bowls, but it's worth the wait. The kimchi was perfect and the tofu wasn't fried I don't think but it had this perfect little coating to give it texture. If you love kimchi, it's amazing and a great sized portion. The dish was $12 and I wish it cost a bit less, but I don't really mind, one of the best Korean dishes I've ever had, if not the best. I think the dining area inside the restaurant aren't super cute but it's functional.
(5)
Caity A.
A great healthy and affordable eatery that I know I will come back to. The Be Bowl was the perfect amount for me for lunch, and didn't leave me feeling heavy or bloated like some lunch places can make ya feel. There are three different rices you can pick from, at least 8 different protein options, and tons and tons of amazing toppings! I had to ask for recommendations from the woman who was making my bowl, and she didn't lead me astray. Lots of different kimchi's to choose from, edamame, roasted veggies, bean sprouts galore! Then you get to top it off with your choice of sauce. If you like a lot of customization in your meal, this is definitely the place for you.
(4)
Elsa M.
What a happy accident stumbling upon Brown Rice Korean Grill was! I was in the neighborhood and decided to stop by Dawn's Office Supply and was disappointed to find it closed, perhaps for good. As I made my way back to my car, I noticed I had parked right in front of Brown Rice Korean Grill. I figured I would peek in and see what it was all about. My cashiers, DJ and Brenda, were awesome - walking me through each step of the "making my own bowl" process and recommending options along the way. I was really impressed that they not only had white and brown rice, but whole grain as well. There were also plenty of kimchi options and egg or tofu if you wanted protein but not too much meat. The bowl was served with a complimentary bowl of miso soup. One of the managers, Heather, came by and offered me and another customer a cup of one of their two green tea options, which was fabulous. So good in fact, that I ordered the other option to go just because I knew it would be good too. I was not disappointed. Whenever I am in Charles Village, I will definitely be making a stop here. Great food. Affordable prices. Outstanding customer service. What more could you ask for? 5 stars!
(5)
Lauron T.
This is my third review - so I promise I'll stop after this lol. My first review was raving, my second review, I mentioned that the hot stone bowl was too hot. I wanted to update that. On a more recent visit, my boyfriend and I again decided to eat in. I asked if they are BYOB and GUESS WHAT...they are! So while he waited for our food, I scurried up the street to Seena, the liquor store on Charles and 25th, bought some wine, and came back. It was a wonderful time in my life lol. So I'm going to keep my last 4 star rating up, but I wanted to update my review because the two things that were less than perfect are now fixed - I get a super bowl and I get wine. What else can a gal ask for?
(5)
Jordan P.
The food was filling, fast, and healthy. I really enjoyed my meal in a clean comfortable atmosphere. The staff was happy to let me know how the orders work and what the available options are. I ended up with a good amount of spice and a slow burn while I devoured my hot stone bowl full of delicious flavors. I would recommend this to anyone in the area and as such it merits my first review. They mentioned expanding soon, and I hope they do because this all around hot spot has a lot to offer.
(5)
Brooke T.
Let me preface this review by saying, this is my first time ever tasting Korean food, that being said, I don't know if this is ideal or what. Now that I go that out of the way, here it go. Located right on the corner of Charles and 24th. Pretty easy to spot and happy happy joy joy there is a small lot for parking on the side. Once inside, I was enthusiastically greeted by the staff...loves it! Anywho, I gave them my spiel about how I had never been there or tried anything like this before....they were happy to help. So this is another one of those pick your fresh/fast toppings and make your own bowl kind of places. To begin you pick the size of your bowl, your rice ranging from white, to brown, mulitgrain, BARLEY, and jasmine. Protein comes next, beef, chicken, pork and various fish/seafood choices are available. Next come the veggies. I was completely overwhelmed, the staff helped me to select the five most common, I was only able to pick one...geez, plus I had one more to go! Boy this is a lot of food! Sheesh! Next came the sauces, it was recommend that I try two, coupled with sesame oil and seeds. Once it was all said and done, I had a HEAPING bowl of goodness, that looked intimidating, and smelled great! Upon first bite, it was like POW! Flavor party in my mouth. I wish I could tell you what I tried specifically, but I can't. Sorry. D'oh! I know that it was good though. The beef bulgogi was delish and I loved how some of the veggies were pickled, which added a delightful flavor. The two sauces that were added gave it such a great flavor. That bowl was punished. *Disclaimer*- So the bowls are priced differently based on what proteins are chosen, some are cheaper than others. I missed this initially, and wondered why my bowl rang up the way that it did...oops! All in all, this place is pretty dope. The portions are great, and the prices are reasonable. So happy that I tried this place out, and will happily return when I'm in the area. Happy belly indeed.
(5)
Tunaidi A.
So... it looks like the pick-your-toppings-from-a-large-variety-of-options craze finally hit Korean cuisine, specifically bibimbap. Love it. Pick your bowl size, pick your rice, pick your protein, pick your vegetables. Yes to multi-grain rice! Yes to choosing other types of meat other than beef! Yes to being able to choose up to 7 veggies options! And yes to not having your meat/toppings skimped on at other restaurants! Novel, genius, and soooo much better and healthier than traditional bibimbap. It's like... why haven't I thought about that before?? The price point for the hot stone bowl is pretty much the same as at other Korean restaurants. If you're not as hungry, pick the smaller sizes and it'll be much cheaper. Service is excellent, and staff is friendly. There's a mini parking lot right outside of the establishment. And as a note, other traditional Korean dishes are available as well... like seafood pancake -- YUM!
(5)
Jeremy R.
Followed the buzz to Brown Rice and was pleased with my tofu bowl. The food was fresh and the people friendly. The only thing missing was the uniqueness of the flavors. All the items could be purchased at the local Asian market. Veggie servings were a little on the light side, too.
(3)
Tammy T.
This is a really interesting concept. If you're fond of Korean food, this is a little bit like fast food Korean that is actually pretty authentic. The store was ran by this adorable little Korean lady that spoke English with an accent! She was so sweet. Like others have mentioned, this is definitely Korean Chipotle in a way. You go down the aisle, picking your rice (white or brown), and you can pick your meat (chicken, pork, beef, tofu), add eggs, seaweed and then the addition of 7 vegetables. If you don't pick your 7 vegetables, the nice Korean lady will say "ARE YOU SURE? YOU DON'T WANT MORE? Maybe more vegetables? More food?" It's adorable and wonderful. Then you add your sauce! There's a couple of different options including the traditional spice sauce, chipotle, spicy mayo... etc. (The sign says 5, but she said you can have 7!) There's lots of other things on the menu as well. I had the bigger Bowl as well as shared the Kimichi fried rice. It was unfortunate that my eyes are bigger than my stomach since I really couldn't finish it all! I think the super bowl is definitely enough to fill up your stomach. It's a lot bigger than it looks. :D Tip: If you eat inside the store, you get free miso!
(5)
Annabelle L.
I've watched Brown Rice grow in popularity and was really excited to try it out yesterday with a friend. We stopped by for an early dinner and the place was relatively empty. I'm not a huge fan of bibimbap since it's pretty easy to make at home, but I still wanted to check this place out! I got a spicy pork be-bowl and my friend got a super bowl. As others have mentioned, there is a pretty great selection of various veggies. I got bean sprouts, mushrooms, cucumber kimchi, radish kimchi, seaweed, and scrambled egg with sesame oil, sesame seeds, bulgogi sauce, and gochuchang sauce on the side. Overall, it was pretty good, but nothing more amazing than what I can make at home. Of note too, my friend's super bowl was only half filled and not as packed as others have posted on yelp. Service was quick and the place was clean though!
(3)
Tony S.
Bibimbap bowls = Korean Chipotle Neat concept, quality execution when I went. If you're in the JHU area, it's worth a visit!
(4)
Wendy M.
Chipotle...REMIX. Feautring Korean taste. I'd give the Chipotle in Charles Village 2 stars; this place is a little better - hence, 3 stars. Here's why: it's NOT Chipotle, and the workers are friendlier, but it is LIKE Chipotle. If four years of Chipotle in college has ruined your digestive system, here's a slight redemption. The system is nice enough - you start with your choice of rice. There's much more than the boring white-brown dichotomy from Chipotle, so take your time and look over the options. Then you pick your meat, proceed to toppings, and can finish with various sauces/oils. I've never been one for super sizing my order, but I should've gotten the Super Bowl here because the portion sizes are probably about 20-30% smaller than Chipotle. Small servings aside, I guess this just wasn't my thing. The spicy pork I got numbered exactly 5 strands/slices, which makes the stingy Chipotle look like f-ing Bill Gates in terms of food charity. The kimchi was soft and not crunchy, tasting rather like steamed sour cabbage. Shiitake mushrooms were rubbery. Basically, it suffers from the same thing Chipotle does - toppings sit around and die throughout the day. Not their fault, but it makes for a rather less delightful dish. Combined with higher prices, smaller portion sizes, and fellow diners who can be extremely annoying, I don't know if I'd come back very often. The people working were very friendly, though. They'll answer your questions and provide advice if you don't know what pairs well, and you can also get samples of toppings/sauces if you're not sure if you'll like something. It might have just been a coincidence the one time I was here, but a group of girls sat next to me and proceeded to take off their shoes and sit cross-legged on all the chairs, talking/giggling and obsessing over some K-pop star/song very loudly, while the couple at the table on my other side literally gushed over how much they loved Asian food and wasn't Brown Rice just so authentic and amazing and did-you-know-kimchi-cures-cancer (too bad they only gave you three leaves, champ - I also hope you aren't studying biology). I was pleased with the workers, pretty annoyed by the clientele. But then again, the same thing happens at Chipotle - you can't control who you encounter. This place is a little overrated, but given the other dining options in the Charles Village area, I guess it's understandable why refugees from Chipotle have come en masse to try this new remix of Chipotle.
(3)
Betty H.
I LOVE this place. The food is healthy. Lots of veggies - I add Salmon to my order, which is sensational - Home-made teas, specially for the hot weather, like today! The service is fast, the people who work there are all nice, and the food is organic, non GMO, which especially appeals to me. The decor is Modern and it just feels good being there, enjoying a fantastic and healthy meal at a reasonable price. My total is $11, but that's because I buy a drink. Economical, clean, healthy, and a good place to enjoy this "Korean American Fusion"restaurant. I eat there at least 3 times a week!
(5)
Rebecca S.
Very friendly service and very simple style. I wish they had more Korean food options, but this is very user friendly for people who are not that familiar with Korean food. I really enjoyed my Be Bowl with lots of toppings and gochujang (you have to get it on top of your bowl--seriously). Would definitely go back if I'm craving quick bibimbap.
(4)
Jaclyn L.
Not only was the food excellent, but while we were here they served a hungry homeless man food for free. Definitely coming back!
(5)
Elisa N.
Had the opportunity to go here twice since it opened. The place is very clean and has the feel of a Korean chipotle. You chose the size and type of the bowl that you want. Then, you chose brown or white rice, type of meat, and then various different toppings for your Bibimbap. They have a variety of different proteins from tofu to bulgogi to spicy pork. Their topping selection is bountiful with various different types of kimchi and vegetables. They also have a lot of different sauces as well. Both times that I've gone, I've gotten the smallest bowl (Be Bowl) which is around $7. Both times that I've gone, that bowl has filled me up. There is ample amount of rice and toppings. They also cook a nice runny egg to place on top of your rice. As a korean, bibimbap is something that I've grown up on and so it was nice to see a place near my house that I can get a fresh bowl. They also give you a bowl of cabbage miso soup and tea if you ask them for some. Both are delicious! I also had the opportunity to try their ddukbokgi which was perfectly chewy and delicious. The Kimbap (Korean roll) is great as well. Through the kindness of the staff, I was given the chance to try their japchae and pajeon as well (Korean noodles and korean pancake). The pancake was just the perfect amount of crispy and chewy. The japchae was nicely seasoned. The staff there is very friendly and kind. They are more than happy to answer any questions that you have. They have also informed me that they do not use any MSG for their food (if you are worried about msg contents) All in all, I highly suggest their food. Parking around there is hard to find but there is ample free parking in various side streets around there. I will be sure to go there again!
(5)
Rachel I.
I love Korean food-- and have tried just about every Korean restaurant around! This place has great Korean food (though maybe not as authentic as some others) in a really clean, friendly environment. I have only done carry-out, never eaten in. But one of these days I will. I've had several variations on the rice bowl-- all delicious! The pajun pancake is really excellent- light airy, packed with flavor. The sweet potato noodles are good, but not as flavorful as some of the other options. I love that there are so many healthy options to go with the rice bowl. The spicy chicken and the spicy pork were really good! I am working my way through the menu, so will let you know about the beef and the seafood. But I imagine they are just as good! And I hear they will be offering delivery very soon! Great addition to the neighborhood!
(5)
Dan A.
So I came across this the other day and decided to check it out. It's situated on a corner about a block away from Safeway. It is easy to miss so keep your eye out for it if you are planning to come here. The inside is clean and nice looking... but it is also on the smaller side of things. It's not probably the best place to come in with like 9 other friends. Anyways, pretty much, the concept of Brown Rice is Korean food meets Chipotle. The main emphasis here is on bibimbap, a Korean rice dish that is traditionally filled with various meats and veggies and topped with gochujang, a sweet/spicy fermented red pepper paste. You start off by picking a bowl size. I got the be-bowl, which looked to be roughly the size of a Chipotle bowl. There are other options including a larger size, a wrap, and a stone bowl (which is what bibimbap is often served in at many restaurants). Then you pick your rice. You have the choice of white, brown, and quinoa (I think). Then you pick your protein. And then you pick some veggies/kimchi/egg/etc. And finally you get to pick a sauce. The traditional gochujang is here but other options do exist if you want something different. Overall, the food was pretty good. I ordered it as traditionally as possible and it tasted just as it should. The egg was clutch too. It was served over easy and once you break the yolk, it just runs down all over the rice and such. This is for me one of the marks of a good bibimbap egg. Ironically however, I was not a fan of the Korean pancake piece that I was given free to try. It was cold (not a fan of it being cold) and a little too "doughy" for me. I'm not sure if only the sample was pre-made, but I feel like the pancakes need to be made per order. The cashier/workers here were very kind and friendly. And while they didn't appear to be Korean, they were very knowledgable about the food. I did hear some Korean coming from the kitchen in the back though so I wouldn't worry too much about it not being traditional. Parking can be a little tough but it's doable. Overall, I enjoyed the food here and would return again :)
(4)
Tiffany S.
Finding this place was a happy accident: My wife, some friends and I were planning on shopping in Hampden and wanted to grab lunch first. Sadly, it was Saturday, so most places were doing brunch and there was no way we were going back to Cafe Hon *shudder* A quick spin on the Yelp app brought us to this place, and our hapless driver only had to circle the block ONCE to get to a parking spot (which for that area is fantastic). It's an unassuming little place on the outside, but it had that "hole-in-the-wall hidden jewel" aura that made my foodie senses tingle. And they were spot on! This place is a terrific find, and a perfect way to subdue a Korean craving without trawling Ellicott City. You create your own bibimbap bowl picking from the medley of fresh, delicious ingredients laid out before you. I got the hot stone bowl with spicy pork, eggplant, bean sprouts, multigrain rice, cabbage kimchi, radish kimchi, scrambled egg, and sesame soy sauce. What can I say, I was in a very "earthy flavors" kind of mood. It was fantastic, came with a little bowl of miso broth that did little to add to the meal, frankly, and I got a cold bottle of aloe juice to wash it all down with. Mmmm. So good. This is a wonderful way to introduce people to traditional Korean food, and a splendid way to satiate a bibimbap craving without having to make all the little dishes before hand. The only thing making this a 4-star review? I wish the seating was a little more comfortable. The seat of my pants snagged on the wooden benches, the sides could use a little sanding. Otherwise, I can't wait for my next visit. I'm trying the mandu and kimchi jjigae!
(4)
Brittany D.
Finally-- a market gap filled that the neighborhood actually needs. Brown Rice caught my eye when I passed it on the shuttle from clinic last week. The shopfront is very bright-- clean and sharp, lots of white and stainless silver in contrast. It seemed like a place you'd want to be. Last night, I had to run an errand so I stopped by afterward to pick up dinner. The proprietors were very kind and informative about the offerings. The toppings were plentiful and fresh. I chose to get a pretty traditional medium "be-bowl" with bulgogi and a copious amount of gochujang sauce (love that stuff). I'll be honest-- I prepared myself to be pretty indifferent. You see, I LOVE Korean food. My first contact with Korean food was a bowl of homemade and perfect bowl of bibimbap. It was a direct comparison at this point. But then I cut into the (perfect cooked, still oozy) fried egg, mixed up my bowl and took the first bite. It was delicious. The kimchi actually had heat to it, unlike most of the commercial stuff you can purchase on grocery shelves. My ONLY complaint was that I usually like a little more sesame oil, but, of course, that's personal preference. I'll definitely be back to heck out their other offerings. Other reviewers' experiences have piqued my interest. It's good to know that Korean fast food is a thing I'm definitely happy with having nearby!
(5)
Victoria G.
DELICIOUS! This place is really bright and welcoming. Totally not what I was expecting, and a very nice change of pace from the other options on the block. The food is set up Chipotle-style, with more choices (many are vegetarian-friendly! lots of kimchi and colorful-looking fresh veggies) and a variety of interesting sauces at the end. I chose the Be-Bowl Bibim Bap which was the perfect size for a single lady. I could have made two meals out of it if it wasn't so freaking good! For $7.16 I got perfectly-cooked brown rice, bite-sized tofu chunks (I don't usually eat tofu for texture reasons...this, though, was really outstanding and didn't bother me at all!), egg pieces, and a large variety of veggies including marinated kale, chinese broccoli, carrots, tomatoes, and sprouts. It was topped with a few delicious sauces that I didn't catch the name of and some sesame seeds (the red sauce is a very tolerable kind of spicy, I highly recommend!). This was not a heavy, regret-it-later kind of meal. It was very satisfying without being oily or overwhelming. I like that it was really quick and yet as healthy (or as indulgent) as you want it to be. The staff was attentive and super-friendly. They do not use MSG apparently, which is really great. Everything was extremely clean. Picky things: 1. Their overhead menu is a little hard to read (too small) and the carryout menu doesn't list the veggie choices. 2. Labels next to all the food would be super-helpful instead of asking what each container is. 3. They had nice seating but the space is relatively small...if it gets very popular I could see that being a downside if you want to eat your food there! 4. No desserts!? Hopefully they will add some to their menu as they get more business. I'd be really interested to try Korean-style desserts! BOTTOM LINE: The convenience and quality of the food is really great. I love the customization and the large variety of selections. I'm excited to try more items on the menu and will definitely be going back here on the regular. Definitely give it a try!
(5)
Mr R.
Fast, simple, cheap, delicious! This is a go-to place for me for a fast $10 dinner that's not too unhealthy. Staff is nice and friendly too. Though all the ingredients are pre-prepared, the beef bulgogi is actually pretty good. Make sure to top with gochujang!
(5)
Diana C.
This is the Korean Chipotle. Excellent! So many options. I would recommend the super bowl--gives you more veggie options. Please note--the fried egg you can get on top is an option. You may forget about this option because it's not with the rest, but it's definitely worth a try. Service was great. Prices are reasonable. We paid $24 for two people which included two Super Bowls and 2 sodas!
(5)
A P.
You can have a lot of fun here...so many toppings! You never have to have the same combination twice. Do yourself a favor and top it with a fried egg. I'm allergic to sesame (I know, why in the world would I eat at a Korean place) and the worker helped me choose toppings I could eat. I loved it!
(4)
Katy P.
Yes!!! Fast casual Korean? I'm in. This place has service down pat and the food is great too. They were helpful in explaining the concept as soon as we walked in, and walked us through the process of building our own bowls. Everything was super fresh and tasty. The korean pancake was slightly too oily for my health preference but my taste buds loved it. It was super clean and sparkly inside and prices were fab. A great addition to the city and I hope they do well.
(5)
Joe Nam D.
Brown Rice is a Korean fast casual Chipotle style restaurant. I had the Super Rice Bowl. Came with choice of two proteins and six side selections. I chose spicy pork, bulgogi. Both were spot on- perfect seasoning and texture. Mushrooms, kimchee, spinach, edamame were all super fresh. My piece of squid pancake was also very good. The space is bright, clean, and welcoming. My server Juan was friendly and explained everything and made good recommendations. Hot pepper paste sauce and bulgogi sauce were perfect additions to my bowl. It was a really nice experience and I'll come back again with friends to try the items they make in the kitchen.
(5)
Dave G.
Delicious!! Loved the "super bowl" with veggies and meat, plus egg. It was big enough for two people to share!! Lots of great banchan (Korean sides) to add to the bowl. Great seafood pancakes and clear noodles too. Will definitely be going back! If you're eating in the stone bowl option is great. Keeps everything sizzling hot the whole time
(5)
Barathi S.
This place was great! Super friendly service and great food. If you've ever been to the chain Chophouse, it is similar in concept (Asian fast food bowls) but much more of a home cooked feel. I tried the spicy chicken which was yummy and they cooked it up fresh to add to my bowl that night. The green tea was great for a cold night. Also tried the korean veggie pancakes which were okay...They tasted good but I would have preferred them to be less greasy (my hands were covered in oil after) and maybe cooked a tad bit more. Will definitely come back when I'm in the mood for Korean food!
(4)
Kiara L.
Was in the neighborhood for my BF to get a haircut when I noticed this restaurant a couple of doors down. Thank God I did because I might go here all the time now. The setup is pretty much the same as Chipotle, Qdoba, Chophouse... I got the chicken Be-Bowl and although I can't remember exactly what I put in it, I'm in love! It was very tasty, much healthier than fast food, and extremely filling. They also have soups, stews, pancakes, and rolls so I have a great excuse to come back more and more to try everything.
(4)
Hannah G.
Baltimore needs more places like this - where you can go in, get quick and customizable food that is healthy and delicious. I love Korean food, and the fast casual style of bibimbap is perfect. This place has totally legit flavors, toppings, and sauces, but you can also mix it up and create your own twist on Korean flavors. I get the tofu bibimbap with brown rice and sprouts, mushrooms, kimchi, pickled radish, and spinach, finished off with gochujang and sesame oil. YUM.
(5)
April A.
We ordered off of Grubhub.com & it was ready to be picked up in 20-25 minutes. It was our first time eating from 'Brown Rice Korean Grill' and we are both fans! The kim chi pancakes were amazing!
(4)
Cici H.
FIVE STARS???? I totally had to check it out. I ordered the bibimbap super bowl with tofu, egg, carrots, spinach, cabbage kimchi, zucchini and sprouts with the bibimbap sauce (had a different name but it was sweet and savory). So the verdict: I wasn't totally blown away, like five star blown away. It was between ok and I'm a fan but it wasn't the bomb dot com. 3.5 stars.
(3)
Lahila B.
This place is soooo good! I got the bowel with spicy chicken and beef bulgogi. You get 5-7 veggie choices depending on the size of the bowl. They also have a hot stone bowl too! I love pickled radish and kimchi. I also got the scallion veggie pancake and kimchi rolls. The kimchi rolls didn't have enough kimchi in it, but the scallion pancake was DELISH! The staff are super nice. Definitely coming back!
(5)
Tucker C.
Really great food. Really helpful, nice people behind the counter. Only not 5 stars because it's a little pricey for what it is, but it's also quite a bit of food. Definitely get the fried egg, it's the equivalent of Chipotle's guac -- a little pricey but brings the whole meal together.
(4)
Chih Chao C.
I ordered the super bowl with 7 sides vege. It was quick and clean. A good choice if you are nearby.
(4)
Sophia Mwahaha C.
Food tastes pretty good, but the toppings they give you are the smallest lump that they can possibly pick up using tongs. Think the size of the smallest ice cream scoop (the one that's approximately 1 tablespoon). Pricey for the amount, but it does taste good, and there's nothing quite like it in the area. Tip: get things that match in flavor, like kimchis, instead of greens or else your bowl will taste extremely bad.
(4)
Danielle T.
This place is awesome. I was looking for some delivery and saw it and decided to try it and I'm happy I did. I got the bowl and the dumplings and it did not disappoint at all. Delivery was fast, the driver was friendly and the food was delicious. I'll definitely be ordering from here again!
(5)
Trab K.
THIS PLACE IS THE BEST Delicious healthy food, super affordable, the staff could not be nicer. Every single person i know loves this place already
(5)
Kojo B.
Delicious, i mean really good and cheap. Saturday night i dont have anything in the fridge what to do. Hey, this place just opened let me take a nice walk. The place is nice tucked on Charles, the decor is clean. The system is sought of like Chipotle style as has been explained. Grab an option small bowl or large, Large comes with 2 proteins, i choose the bulgogi and spicy pork. Only complaint the meat quantity was not a lot, then again my meat consumption is kinda abnormal. You get 7 choices for veggies, yes i said veggies. I stack up on those and throw in some sauces with the rice. It was fantastic, and healthy, its Korean-American fusion, thats what they call it. I call it delicious. Try it out.
(5)
Rhiannon F.
My husband and I were eagerly greeted with warm tea on a snowy day! I had a Super Bowl and had a tough time choosing just 5 toppings-- they all looked great! I chose the spicy pork topped with a fried egg and various toppings (pickled radish, green beans, and cabbage kimchi were highlights). It was healthy, fresh and flavorful! I also had the kimchi soup, which was spot on. It was the perfect balance of tangy and spicy. The staff was super friendly and accommodating. I highly recommend Brown Rice for a quick lunch or dinner. I thought it was plenty of food for the price. It's a welcome addition to the neighborhood! We will be back!
(5)
Dallison D.
Very tasty way to eat healthy.The veggies are marinated and of many varieties. Much better then chipotle! If this place opened up near the college it would blow chipotle away.
(5)
Olakunle O.
This restaurant is a godsend. Working in Charles Village, I've found that there aren't many great food options. Brown Rice superbly fills the void for a quick, tasty and healthy meal. The venue is clean, well lit, comfortable, and the staff is invariably friendly (not to mention Heather, the restaurant's proprietor, is amazing). As for the food, imagine a Chipotle-style Korean restaurant with considerably more variety (and flavor). There are countless vegetable, meat, and sauce combinations ranging from chicken to spicy pork. It's a quite a bit to choose from but thankfully the staff is helpful and patient. Finally, it is very affordable despite being freshly made on site. At 9 bucks, the super bowl (my favorite), is a steal. I've paid more for much less in Charles Village. This place is a beacon of light in the desolate waste land that is Charles Village dining. I need this place to stay open--please visit Brown Rice!
(5)
Yishin S.
It is the Korean style of Chipotle. You get a bowl of rice (multi-grain rice is the best) and 5 or more different toppings (it depends on the size you pick), like Kimchi, cucumber, bean sprout, mushroom, shredded carrots, etc. The food is healthy and delicious!
(5)
Chen S.
The best Korean food I have ever had! As an Asian, I definitely recommend this to everyone from Asia. Will come back again for the pancake!
(5)
Jason H.
I really enjoyed my first trip to brown rice grill. The menu is very easy to understand. The concept is made to order rice bowls. You can choose from chicken, beef, fish or tofu and they give you up to five vegetables to choose from. Then you can also choose your sauce at the end. This restaurant does not cook with MSG and they use all natural meats. I thought it tasted very good, not as salty as many competitors. Additionally the service was very nice and welcoming. The interior is very clean and there are a small amount of tables to sit at. I definitely recommend this place and I'm anxious to go back!
(4)
Brenda P.
I lurb Korean food. The place serves great Korean food for the stomach and the soul. ;)
(5)
Lauren S.
Great idea! The ingredients are fresh and there's plenty to pick from. You can get a decent amount of food at a decent price. Highly recommend!
(5)
Yvonne S.
I went in with high expectations due to its great reviews on Yelp. I have to say that I wasn't at all disappointed by my dining experience there. My two friends and I had the be-bowl each with different proteins (one had the spicy pork, the other beef bulgogi, and myself spicy squid). Two of us had it with brown rice, while the other had white rice. Customer service was great overall. We didn't get any free samples, but there was already more than enough food on the plate. Very fresh, healthy, and tasty. Will definitely be back again soon!
(5)
Sandy M.
Staff and owner are delightful. Food is fresh and flavorful. Loved having the option to customize the Super Bowl. The serving size of the super bowl is enough for two meals!
(5)
Brandon C.
Small place. Super clean and quite tasty. You get a lot of food for what you pay for. Some of the flavors are new to my tastebuds which is fun (I ate dandelion!). The tofu is eh which is why the four stars but a great experience overall. We will be coming back.
(4)
Christine R.
First time but not the last...be.bowl served traditionally and dumplings to go. Happy tummy!
(5)
Nancy C.
Excellent, fast, and fresh! Flavors and service are great! Imagine a Chipotle format of Korean bibimbap. I tried the tofu as my protein, and I got so many flavorful vegetables too. Awesome! Highly recommended!
(5)
Adam R.
Great new Korean BBQ. Beauty of a setting, crisp msg free food. Tasty dumplings, spot on bulgolgi and warm yummy rice. This is a new lunch spot for me for certain.
(5)
Sarah R.
The employees at Brown rice are some of the nicest people and their food is delicious. 5 or so types of kimchi and tons of great pickled veggies to choose from. This neighborhood was dying for a great little healthy spot like this!
(5)
Elle N.
Korean Chipotle is the perfect description for this place because you pick a size, then type of rice, meat, veggies, and sauce. I had the Be Bowl with multigrain rice, spicy pork, fried eggplant, spinach, cucumber kimchi, regular kimchi, mushrooms, and an extra large squeeze of gochujang. IT WAS SO GOOD. I had a really bad craving for Korean food, and this definitely hit the spot. In addition, it was large enough for me to get 2 meals. I also ordered the Seafood Scallion Pancake, and I believe this gave me tummy problems. Since I did take-out I thought the pancake was soggy from the ride home, but actually I don't think it was fully cooked. Since my Be Bowl was big enough for 2 meals, I noticed that I had a stomachache on the day I ate pancake+bibimbap, but not on the day I only ate bibimbap. I'm conflicted because the food was delicious and the staff were so sweet, but I must admit my BF and I both got a stomachache. This place is such a great concept and I would absolutely return (but maybe skip the pancake next time...)
(4)
Gabby J.
This is one of my new favorite spots to get Korean food. There are so many different options for the rice bowls, with multiples types of rice (including brown). The spicy chicken and beef bulgogi are my favorite, but I will definitely be back to try more. The staff were friendly and patient as I took my time carefully deciding which delicious toppings I wanted for my bowl, since there are a lot to choose from! I like that there are different portion sizes too. I found that 1 meat was substantial for me, but my boyfriend got 2 and that was plenty for him. I'll be back for sure!
(4)
Sung O.
Great food and great service. Had the be bowl and Kim chi jjigae and thought both tasted very good. Will definitely be back!!
(5)
Adam M.
This place in now a biweekly outing for my wife and I.....wonderful, wonderful food at the right price!!!
(5)
Matt M.
I was really happy to find this place. The hot stone bowl was grand. The people were astounding and pleasant.
(5)
Neil B.
Simple concept. Build your own Korean bowl. Pick your size.... the 'medium will feed a normal sized guy like me for two days. Pick your rice. Pick your meats/tofu. I chose spicy pork and squid.I didn't get a ton of squid, but remember, this place is cheap. The meats were geared to a more American palate. The toppings, like little banchans, are plentiful and yummy. Pick your sauce, pony up, and you are good to go. Friendly instructions from behind the counter made my first visit a breeze. The side-dish dumplings were huge. Clean, well ordered space with indoor seating. Look, this is Korean lite... you know where to go if you want the whole nine yards. But I liked it.
(4)
Pornpat A.
You can get a quick and delicious bowl from this place. Many choices for sides. They have a good service mind!
(5)
Monique R.
This place has a really good concept. The variety is great but a little overwhelming especially if its your first time. I played it safe and got a small bulgogi bowl with bok choy kimchi, kale, pickled ginger, (spicy)pickled vegetables and carrots. Everything was fresh and tasty.
(4)
M K.
After such high reviews, I had pretty high expectation of this place. The concept itself is pretty novel and interesting. As mentioned, it's chipotle-style bi bim bap. You can also order other korean food on the side as well. However, if you have had a lot of Korean food in the past, this place will disappoint. There's a lot of choices for topping, but overall, they are a bit stingy with their portion sizes and the prices can be a little overpriced. My friend ordered the jja jang myun, but was way too salty (not to mention, noodles were fettucine noodles). It's a novel concept, but there wasn't anything special about the bi bim bap. I felt as if it was something I can make at home.
(2)
Nicole B.
This is a great find in the heart of Charles Village. Very friendly staff, immaculate restaurant, healthy options, great tasting food makes for a great Friday night outing! Check 'em out!
(5)
Emily S.
I'm so happy this place is so close to my house! Kimchi pancakes stole the show last time I got dinner here. The super bowl was great, as were the dumplings, but man...those kimchi pancakes. Can't wait to try more menu items!
(5)
Ryan G.
Delicious, fast, and healthy! Just stumbled upon this place today. Well thought out and executed, and friendly staff.
(5)
Suzanne S.
I came here because my co-workers kept torturing me with tantalizing aromas from their take-out and I couldn't take it any more. I got the bulgogi and the food was fresh and delicious. I have two little kids--one of whom is deathly allergic to sesame, so sadly, my husband and I haven't been able to make it out for Korean in about 3 years:-( Brown Rice helped me get my fix quickly during a workday lunch break. I will be back! I would love it if they delivered (because parking can be a little tricky)
(4)
Cherpumple F.
Good work Brown Rice Korean Grill! Bringing the unanimous bibimbap and delicious, pungent Korean goodness to the pre-Charles-Village-Charles street area. Really friendly folks, three different types of rice (white, brown, and wild) with four different kinds of meats, and....a variety of different types of kimchi! Nice. I would LOVE to see more Korean street food things like tteokbokgi aka Korean rice cakes in spicy sauce and fried Korean snacks, especially since they have pictures of that on the wall when you enter. Juuuust sayin', adding something not other restaurants really have. I know. Their name is brown rice. Not brown rice cake. Not fried Korean snacks. But it would still be awesome. Hope this mom-n-pop place stays!
(4)
Esther C.
This place is my new favorite place in bmore!! The workers are incredibly nice!!! Importantly, the food was AMAZING. They dont use MSG at all..! Very healthy and tasty. I would definitely go back
(5)
Paige G.
Went on Saturday for lunch and was very impressed. Highly recommended for tasty, filling, cheap, good-quality food. I got the large Super Rice Bowl with beef and spicy pork with white rice, vegetables, and a fried egg. The spice level was very customizable. Everything tasted fresh. For less than 10 dollars I got two meals worth. I also asked about some of the other dishes available at the counter and the staff let me try some. While eating, one of the women came around to offer various free samples to the tables. The scallion pancake she gave us was a real winner. It's one of the few I've had in Baltimore that didn't fall apart when picked up. The scallions were dark green and big. Great quality. I also sampled the rice cake and fish cake. Both chewy and well-spiced. The restaurant was extremely clean. Not a spot of dirt in the entire place. The decor was minimalist but cozy, a little like a fro yo place but without the bright colors. I had passed by on a bus a few times and was struck by the really nice exterior. Even the bathrooms were pristine. Excellent service. The staff is new and eager to please. They asked how we enjoyed the food and were knowledgeable about all their ingredients.
(5)
Francisco P.
One other reviewer nicknamed the place Korean Chipotle and that's a rough approximation of how things work. You pick bowl size, type, protein and a number of toppings. The food is delicious and the staff is attentive (offering samples when you make unorthodox choices, tacking on freebies to your order, etc.). Went there twice for the super bowl and will definitely be back.
(5)
Katie L.
Delicious, authentic fresh korean food and very friendly staff. I got the Be-bowl with spicy chicken, wild rice, and a little bit of almost all the vegetables. What really sold me was when I saw the elder lady come out from the kitchen to see what dishes were going low. Reminded me of my harlmunee(grandma) cooking in the kitchen when I was young. There are also different appetizer options (seafood pancake, dukbukgi, japchae) at a very reasonable price. Its amazing and definitely a great addition to Charles Village.
(5)
Eileen M.
This place is very good. I have a really sensitive stomach -- basically, crap fast food usually sends me running for the alka-seltzer pretty fast. Usually places like this are out for me. But I was pleasantly surprised to find that not only did the rice bowl taste really good (and so many kinds of kimchi are AWESOME), but I had no digestion problems afterward. There was no poor-quality-oil type aftertaste either which I often get with cheap asian/indian places. The only downside was that baffling array of options for toppings... I really had to guess randomly but since I will be back I guess I will figure out what combos work best. Very tasty, cheap, fast, and highly recommended!
(4)
Buffy M.
Brown Rice really is the Korean Chipotle! I think it is a little better because there are more veggie options and sauce choices. There is so much variety to choose from in their bowls. The staff are welcoming and they help you with your choices. If you don't want one of their rice/noodle varieties as your base, they let you chose lettuce so you can be less fluffy. Brown Rice is a wonderful taste sensation!
(5)
Rachel H.
Delicious food, sleek and clean decor, kind and courteous staff and all for an affordable price!
(5)
Shawna W.
A thoroughly pleasant experience. I love dolsot bibimbap (basically a hot stone bowl of rice, veggies, and usually beef and an egg), but I'd never been to a bibimbap bar like this one before. You pick a size and one of three rice options, a protein (pork, chicken, beef or tofu), and some veggies. It's a great dish for winter, especially when paired with one of their teas. The women working there were extremely nice and hospitable and even brought us a baked sweet potato on the house. The food was good but not amazing--then again, I didn't expect amazing at these prices. I'd go back in a heartbeat. Oh, and they do have dishes other than bibimbap.
(5)
Stephanie K.
Delicious, fresh, cheap. Lots of choices, and the people behind the counter are sweet and willing to help you choose. Will keep coming back for lunch.
(5)
Monika A.
Best and reasonably priced Korean food. Also the people are so nice. The food is fresh and delicious. Clean and pleasant dining area. Its like Chipotle but with Korean food. Its amazing!!
(5)
Jonathan V.
This place is a fantastic addition to the area. I've been there 4 times now and can't say enough about the place. It's difficult sometimes to find lunches that, while healthy and fresh, are also hearty and filling. And the staff there is just lovely. The super bowl is where it's at. You've got to crest the 9.99 price limit for lunch slightly, but definitely worth it. Love this place!
(5)
Beth K.
really lovely food at very low prices, Small and bright, with simple decorations, but every item has it's separate fresh flavor. Portions are very large, so the items labeled small would be large enough for most people. Very friendly, welcoming environment. Very convenient location near station, theatre, etc.
(5)
Gary K.
Great Korean meal quick and affordable. Fast food convenience and pricing with high quality ingredients. Perfect for introducing friends to the unique cuisine without the fuss, intimidation and high cost of the area's sit downs. The high rating is judging it for what it is.
(5)
Samuel R.
Great Korean fast food. Pick your rice, pick your protein, pick your veggies, pick your sauce. Staff are friendly and patient in explaining all the options. We have been twice. Will be back soon.
(5)
Laurie F.
Love this place! My favorite stop on the way home from work, don't feel like cooking place. Fresh and delicious. I have gotten the super bowl with chicken and tofu and variety of toppings at least 3-4 times. Tonight I tried the spicy tofu seafood stew. It was a large rich soup, real fish broth, vegetables, tofu and tasted both some squid and shrimp. It came with a side of brown rice all for $7.50. Tasty and good value. I plan to try more of the stews next time.
(5)
Jennifer J.
Satisfies my Korean food craving! Jeon and Mandu were yummy. Be-bowl could of had a little more meat but otherwise food was delicious! 1yo daughter was gobbling up everything I gave her. This place will have a home in our meal rotation.
(4)
M B.
LOVE this spot. The small bowl gave me a new mind. 5 Stars A+ would yelp again.
(5)
Terrènce P.
Friendly staff. Knowledge of the cuisine is an apparent value here. Perfect lunch spot.
(5)
Courtney H.
Excellent food and helpful staff! Good quality meats and plenty of vegetables to choose from.
(5)
Brian M.
The staff is friendly and the place clean (it's brand new). We ordered a medium bowl and a large bowl. The essential difference was more rice. With the large, you get a choice of two meats but instead of getting more than the medium bowl, you get the same amount split between, say, pork and chicken. I also want fresh cooked egg on my bowl and the dried out slivers of scrambled egg just do not cut it. Flavors are decent and we'll go back sometime to try other things as we work in the neighborhood but there's nothing like fresh, hot Bulgogi cooked to order. With competition from other K-Town establishments, I think Brown Rice needs to up their game.
(3)
Shishvahasht S.
i really like the idea. im not sure if they are the original ones who came up with it or it was just my first time seeing an asian chippottle style restaurant but either way it was great. clean, fresh and tasty. will go back for sure.
(5)
Debby B.
I was a bit disappointed by this place after seeing the high marks they received. I ordered the tofu/brown rice Be Bowl, and it was mostly rice. I could have used more veggies and realized halfway through my "snack" that I would probably be hungry in a couple of hours. It was not clear, however, whether the offered miso soup came with the meal or cost extra, so if it comes with the meal, that would be a good addition. One of my friends got the soup, and it had no tofu or scallions in it--just clear broth. Niwana gives you at least 3 times as much food for a slightly higher price and has a much nicer atmosphere and more seating. I'd say try this place out, but don't expect much if you get the smaller bowl. They also seemed to be trying to dissuade me from choosing the tofu and did not have it on the steam table with the rest of the protein choices. The staff is very friendly and accommodating, but there is definitely a big communication gap.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : No Waiter Service : No Caters : Yes
Nicole H.
This was my first time trying Brown Rice and I was not disappointed. I love the fact that it's basically just like Chipotle but you make your bowl with Korean inspired sides instead. There is a large selection of vegetables to choose from and the meat is tasty. In addition, the place was very clean and appealing and the staff was friendly, patient (with my indecisiveness), and helpful!
(4)C W.
Great place to try out Korean food. Love the set up. You see exactly what you're ordering. Know that there are more protein options than what is shown (eg. squid, salmon, shrimp I think bc they're cooked to order). Some of my favorite sides are the fried eggplant, cucumber kimchi, shitaki mushrooms. The traditional spicy gochujang is delicious and ties together perfectly the large bowl of this and that. There are so many things to try that it'll take me a while to get through everything. A tasty challenge for sure...and a fun one too!
(5)Matt M.
Good stuff. It's like the Chipotle of Korean food. Reasonably priced, relatively healthy and tastes good. The staff is also super nice.
(4)Maureen Y.
The concept of a build your own bibimbap is outstanding! They have a great mix of western/American veggies and toppings for the non Asian palate and authentic Asian veggies and toppings for a truly Asian taste and flavor. They have a lot of rice options including barley and also many protein and vegetarian options! Multiple bowl sizes and hot stone bowl option for dine in. The price is fantastic and I love how many hundreds of ways I can make it different every time I go. Must try this place!
(5)Stephanie H.
This is one of my new favorite places to eat in Baltimore. If you want some tasty Korean food, this is the place to come. First, the service was fantastic. It was my first time visiting and the staff was really nice to take time explaining how the bibimbap bowls worked and my questions about some of the dishes. I didn't get the bibimbap bowl this time but it looked so delicious. I had the fried kimchi with tofu and brown rice. It also comes with pork belly but as a vegetarian I just asked for extra tofu. It's not as quick as the bowls, but it's worth the wait. The kimchi was perfect and the tofu wasn't fried I don't think but it had this perfect little coating to give it texture. If you love kimchi, it's amazing and a great sized portion. The dish was $12 and I wish it cost a bit less, but I don't really mind, one of the best Korean dishes I've ever had, if not the best. I think the dining area inside the restaurant aren't super cute but it's functional.
(5)Caity A.
A great healthy and affordable eatery that I know I will come back to. The Be Bowl was the perfect amount for me for lunch, and didn't leave me feeling heavy or bloated like some lunch places can make ya feel. There are three different rices you can pick from, at least 8 different protein options, and tons and tons of amazing toppings! I had to ask for recommendations from the woman who was making my bowl, and she didn't lead me astray. Lots of different kimchi's to choose from, edamame, roasted veggies, bean sprouts galore! Then you get to top it off with your choice of sauce. If you like a lot of customization in your meal, this is definitely the place for you.
(4)Elsa M.
What a happy accident stumbling upon Brown Rice Korean Grill was! I was in the neighborhood and decided to stop by Dawn's Office Supply and was disappointed to find it closed, perhaps for good. As I made my way back to my car, I noticed I had parked right in front of Brown Rice Korean Grill. I figured I would peek in and see what it was all about. My cashiers, DJ and Brenda, were awesome - walking me through each step of the "making my own bowl" process and recommending options along the way. I was really impressed that they not only had white and brown rice, but whole grain as well. There were also plenty of kimchi options and egg or tofu if you wanted protein but not too much meat. The bowl was served with a complimentary bowl of miso soup. One of the managers, Heather, came by and offered me and another customer a cup of one of their two green tea options, which was fabulous. So good in fact, that I ordered the other option to go just because I knew it would be good too. I was not disappointed. Whenever I am in Charles Village, I will definitely be making a stop here. Great food. Affordable prices. Outstanding customer service. What more could you ask for? 5 stars!
(5)Lauron T.
This is my third review - so I promise I'll stop after this lol. My first review was raving, my second review, I mentioned that the hot stone bowl was too hot. I wanted to update that. On a more recent visit, my boyfriend and I again decided to eat in. I asked if they are BYOB and GUESS WHAT...they are! So while he waited for our food, I scurried up the street to Seena, the liquor store on Charles and 25th, bought some wine, and came back. It was a wonderful time in my life lol. So I'm going to keep my last 4 star rating up, but I wanted to update my review because the two things that were less than perfect are now fixed - I get a super bowl and I get wine. What else can a gal ask for?
(5)Jordan P.
The food was filling, fast, and healthy. I really enjoyed my meal in a clean comfortable atmosphere. The staff was happy to let me know how the orders work and what the available options are. I ended up with a good amount of spice and a slow burn while I devoured my hot stone bowl full of delicious flavors. I would recommend this to anyone in the area and as such it merits my first review. They mentioned expanding soon, and I hope they do because this all around hot spot has a lot to offer.
(5)Brooke T.
Let me preface this review by saying, this is my first time ever tasting Korean food, that being said, I don't know if this is ideal or what. Now that I go that out of the way, here it go. Located right on the corner of Charles and 24th. Pretty easy to spot and happy happy joy joy there is a small lot for parking on the side. Once inside, I was enthusiastically greeted by the staff...loves it! Anywho, I gave them my spiel about how I had never been there or tried anything like this before....they were happy to help. So this is another one of those pick your fresh/fast toppings and make your own bowl kind of places. To begin you pick the size of your bowl, your rice ranging from white, to brown, mulitgrain, BARLEY, and jasmine. Protein comes next, beef, chicken, pork and various fish/seafood choices are available. Next come the veggies. I was completely overwhelmed, the staff helped me to select the five most common, I was only able to pick one...geez, plus I had one more to go! Boy this is a lot of food! Sheesh! Next came the sauces, it was recommend that I try two, coupled with sesame oil and seeds. Once it was all said and done, I had a HEAPING bowl of goodness, that looked intimidating, and smelled great! Upon first bite, it was like POW! Flavor party in my mouth. I wish I could tell you what I tried specifically, but I can't. Sorry. D'oh! I know that it was good though. The beef bulgogi was delish and I loved how some of the veggies were pickled, which added a delightful flavor. The two sauces that were added gave it such a great flavor. That bowl was punished. *Disclaimer*- So the bowls are priced differently based on what proteins are chosen, some are cheaper than others. I missed this initially, and wondered why my bowl rang up the way that it did...oops! All in all, this place is pretty dope. The portions are great, and the prices are reasonable. So happy that I tried this place out, and will happily return when I'm in the area. Happy belly indeed.
(5)Tunaidi A.
So... it looks like the pick-your-toppings-from-a-large-variety-of-options craze finally hit Korean cuisine, specifically bibimbap. Love it. Pick your bowl size, pick your rice, pick your protein, pick your vegetables. Yes to multi-grain rice! Yes to choosing other types of meat other than beef! Yes to being able to choose up to 7 veggies options! And yes to not having your meat/toppings skimped on at other restaurants! Novel, genius, and soooo much better and healthier than traditional bibimbap. It's like... why haven't I thought about that before?? The price point for the hot stone bowl is pretty much the same as at other Korean restaurants. If you're not as hungry, pick the smaller sizes and it'll be much cheaper. Service is excellent, and staff is friendly. There's a mini parking lot right outside of the establishment. And as a note, other traditional Korean dishes are available as well... like seafood pancake -- YUM!
(5)Jeremy R.
Followed the buzz to Brown Rice and was pleased with my tofu bowl. The food was fresh and the people friendly. The only thing missing was the uniqueness of the flavors. All the items could be purchased at the local Asian market. Veggie servings were a little on the light side, too.
(3)Tammy T.
This is a really interesting concept. If you're fond of Korean food, this is a little bit like fast food Korean that is actually pretty authentic. The store was ran by this adorable little Korean lady that spoke English with an accent! She was so sweet. Like others have mentioned, this is definitely Korean Chipotle in a way. You go down the aisle, picking your rice (white or brown), and you can pick your meat (chicken, pork, beef, tofu), add eggs, seaweed and then the addition of 7 vegetables. If you don't pick your 7 vegetables, the nice Korean lady will say "ARE YOU SURE? YOU DON'T WANT MORE? Maybe more vegetables? More food?" It's adorable and wonderful. Then you add your sauce! There's a couple of different options including the traditional spice sauce, chipotle, spicy mayo... etc. (The sign says 5, but she said you can have 7!) There's lots of other things on the menu as well. I had the bigger Bowl as well as shared the Kimichi fried rice. It was unfortunate that my eyes are bigger than my stomach since I really couldn't finish it all! I think the super bowl is definitely enough to fill up your stomach. It's a lot bigger than it looks. :D Tip: If you eat inside the store, you get free miso!
(5)Annabelle L.
I've watched Brown Rice grow in popularity and was really excited to try it out yesterday with a friend. We stopped by for an early dinner and the place was relatively empty. I'm not a huge fan of bibimbap since it's pretty easy to make at home, but I still wanted to check this place out! I got a spicy pork be-bowl and my friend got a super bowl. As others have mentioned, there is a pretty great selection of various veggies. I got bean sprouts, mushrooms, cucumber kimchi, radish kimchi, seaweed, and scrambled egg with sesame oil, sesame seeds, bulgogi sauce, and gochuchang sauce on the side. Overall, it was pretty good, but nothing more amazing than what I can make at home. Of note too, my friend's super bowl was only half filled and not as packed as others have posted on yelp. Service was quick and the place was clean though!
(3)Tony S.
Bibimbap bowls = Korean Chipotle Neat concept, quality execution when I went. If you're in the JHU area, it's worth a visit!
(4)Wendy M.
Chipotle...REMIX. Feautring Korean taste. I'd give the Chipotle in Charles Village 2 stars; this place is a little better - hence, 3 stars. Here's why: it's NOT Chipotle, and the workers are friendlier, but it is LIKE Chipotle. If four years of Chipotle in college has ruined your digestive system, here's a slight redemption. The system is nice enough - you start with your choice of rice. There's much more than the boring white-brown dichotomy from Chipotle, so take your time and look over the options. Then you pick your meat, proceed to toppings, and can finish with various sauces/oils. I've never been one for super sizing my order, but I should've gotten the Super Bowl here because the portion sizes are probably about 20-30% smaller than Chipotle. Small servings aside, I guess this just wasn't my thing. The spicy pork I got numbered exactly 5 strands/slices, which makes the stingy Chipotle look like f-ing Bill Gates in terms of food charity. The kimchi was soft and not crunchy, tasting rather like steamed sour cabbage. Shiitake mushrooms were rubbery. Basically, it suffers from the same thing Chipotle does - toppings sit around and die throughout the day. Not their fault, but it makes for a rather less delightful dish. Combined with higher prices, smaller portion sizes, and fellow diners who can be extremely annoying, I don't know if I'd come back very often. The people working were very friendly, though. They'll answer your questions and provide advice if you don't know what pairs well, and you can also get samples of toppings/sauces if you're not sure if you'll like something. It might have just been a coincidence the one time I was here, but a group of girls sat next to me and proceeded to take off their shoes and sit cross-legged on all the chairs, talking/giggling and obsessing over some K-pop star/song very loudly, while the couple at the table on my other side literally gushed over how much they loved Asian food and wasn't Brown Rice just so authentic and amazing and did-you-know-kimchi-cures-cancer (too bad they only gave you three leaves, champ - I also hope you aren't studying biology). I was pleased with the workers, pretty annoyed by the clientele. But then again, the same thing happens at Chipotle - you can't control who you encounter. This place is a little overrated, but given the other dining options in the Charles Village area, I guess it's understandable why refugees from Chipotle have come en masse to try this new remix of Chipotle.
(3)Betty H.
I LOVE this place. The food is healthy. Lots of veggies - I add Salmon to my order, which is sensational - Home-made teas, specially for the hot weather, like today! The service is fast, the people who work there are all nice, and the food is organic, non GMO, which especially appeals to me. The decor is Modern and it just feels good being there, enjoying a fantastic and healthy meal at a reasonable price. My total is $11, but that's because I buy a drink. Economical, clean, healthy, and a good place to enjoy this "Korean American Fusion"restaurant. I eat there at least 3 times a week!
(5)Rebecca S.
Very friendly service and very simple style. I wish they had more Korean food options, but this is very user friendly for people who are not that familiar with Korean food. I really enjoyed my Be Bowl with lots of toppings and gochujang (you have to get it on top of your bowl--seriously). Would definitely go back if I'm craving quick bibimbap.
(4)Jaclyn L.
Not only was the food excellent, but while we were here they served a hungry homeless man food for free. Definitely coming back!
(5)Elisa N.
Had the opportunity to go here twice since it opened. The place is very clean and has the feel of a Korean chipotle. You chose the size and type of the bowl that you want. Then, you chose brown or white rice, type of meat, and then various different toppings for your Bibimbap. They have a variety of different proteins from tofu to bulgogi to spicy pork. Their topping selection is bountiful with various different types of kimchi and vegetables. They also have a lot of different sauces as well. Both times that I've gone, I've gotten the smallest bowl (Be Bowl) which is around $7. Both times that I've gone, that bowl has filled me up. There is ample amount of rice and toppings. They also cook a nice runny egg to place on top of your rice. As a korean, bibimbap is something that I've grown up on and so it was nice to see a place near my house that I can get a fresh bowl. They also give you a bowl of cabbage miso soup and tea if you ask them for some. Both are delicious! I also had the opportunity to try their ddukbokgi which was perfectly chewy and delicious. The Kimbap (Korean roll) is great as well. Through the kindness of the staff, I was given the chance to try their japchae and pajeon as well (Korean noodles and korean pancake). The pancake was just the perfect amount of crispy and chewy. The japchae was nicely seasoned. The staff there is very friendly and kind. They are more than happy to answer any questions that you have. They have also informed me that they do not use any MSG for their food (if you are worried about msg contents) All in all, I highly suggest their food. Parking around there is hard to find but there is ample free parking in various side streets around there. I will be sure to go there again!
(5)Rachel I.
I love Korean food-- and have tried just about every Korean restaurant around! This place has great Korean food (though maybe not as authentic as some others) in a really clean, friendly environment. I have only done carry-out, never eaten in. But one of these days I will. I've had several variations on the rice bowl-- all delicious! The pajun pancake is really excellent- light airy, packed with flavor. The sweet potato noodles are good, but not as flavorful as some of the other options. I love that there are so many healthy options to go with the rice bowl. The spicy chicken and the spicy pork were really good! I am working my way through the menu, so will let you know about the beef and the seafood. But I imagine they are just as good! And I hear they will be offering delivery very soon! Great addition to the neighborhood!
(5)Dan A.
So I came across this the other day and decided to check it out. It's situated on a corner about a block away from Safeway. It is easy to miss so keep your eye out for it if you are planning to come here. The inside is clean and nice looking... but it is also on the smaller side of things. It's not probably the best place to come in with like 9 other friends. Anyways, pretty much, the concept of Brown Rice is Korean food meets Chipotle. The main emphasis here is on bibimbap, a Korean rice dish that is traditionally filled with various meats and veggies and topped with gochujang, a sweet/spicy fermented red pepper paste. You start off by picking a bowl size. I got the be-bowl, which looked to be roughly the size of a Chipotle bowl. There are other options including a larger size, a wrap, and a stone bowl (which is what bibimbap is often served in at many restaurants). Then you pick your rice. You have the choice of white, brown, and quinoa (I think). Then you pick your protein. And then you pick some veggies/kimchi/egg/etc. And finally you get to pick a sauce. The traditional gochujang is here but other options do exist if you want something different. Overall, the food was pretty good. I ordered it as traditionally as possible and it tasted just as it should. The egg was clutch too. It was served over easy and once you break the yolk, it just runs down all over the rice and such. This is for me one of the marks of a good bibimbap egg. Ironically however, I was not a fan of the Korean pancake piece that I was given free to try. It was cold (not a fan of it being cold) and a little too "doughy" for me. I'm not sure if only the sample was pre-made, but I feel like the pancakes need to be made per order. The cashier/workers here were very kind and friendly. And while they didn't appear to be Korean, they were very knowledgable about the food. I did hear some Korean coming from the kitchen in the back though so I wouldn't worry too much about it not being traditional. Parking can be a little tough but it's doable. Overall, I enjoyed the food here and would return again :)
(4)Tiffany S.
Finding this place was a happy accident: My wife, some friends and I were planning on shopping in Hampden and wanted to grab lunch first. Sadly, it was Saturday, so most places were doing brunch and there was no way we were going back to Cafe Hon *shudder* A quick spin on the Yelp app brought us to this place, and our hapless driver only had to circle the block ONCE to get to a parking spot (which for that area is fantastic). It's an unassuming little place on the outside, but it had that "hole-in-the-wall hidden jewel" aura that made my foodie senses tingle. And they were spot on! This place is a terrific find, and a perfect way to subdue a Korean craving without trawling Ellicott City. You create your own bibimbap bowl picking from the medley of fresh, delicious ingredients laid out before you. I got the hot stone bowl with spicy pork, eggplant, bean sprouts, multigrain rice, cabbage kimchi, radish kimchi, scrambled egg, and sesame soy sauce. What can I say, I was in a very "earthy flavors" kind of mood. It was fantastic, came with a little bowl of miso broth that did little to add to the meal, frankly, and I got a cold bottle of aloe juice to wash it all down with. Mmmm. So good. This is a wonderful way to introduce people to traditional Korean food, and a splendid way to satiate a bibimbap craving without having to make all the little dishes before hand. The only thing making this a 4-star review? I wish the seating was a little more comfortable. The seat of my pants snagged on the wooden benches, the sides could use a little sanding. Otherwise, I can't wait for my next visit. I'm trying the mandu and kimchi jjigae!
(4)Brittany D.
Finally-- a market gap filled that the neighborhood actually needs. Brown Rice caught my eye when I passed it on the shuttle from clinic last week. The shopfront is very bright-- clean and sharp, lots of white and stainless silver in contrast. It seemed like a place you'd want to be. Last night, I had to run an errand so I stopped by afterward to pick up dinner. The proprietors were very kind and informative about the offerings. The toppings were plentiful and fresh. I chose to get a pretty traditional medium "be-bowl" with bulgogi and a copious amount of gochujang sauce (love that stuff). I'll be honest-- I prepared myself to be pretty indifferent. You see, I LOVE Korean food. My first contact with Korean food was a bowl of homemade and perfect bowl of bibimbap. It was a direct comparison at this point. But then I cut into the (perfect cooked, still oozy) fried egg, mixed up my bowl and took the first bite. It was delicious. The kimchi actually had heat to it, unlike most of the commercial stuff you can purchase on grocery shelves. My ONLY complaint was that I usually like a little more sesame oil, but, of course, that's personal preference. I'll definitely be back to heck out their other offerings. Other reviewers' experiences have piqued my interest. It's good to know that Korean fast food is a thing I'm definitely happy with having nearby!
(5)Victoria G.
DELICIOUS! This place is really bright and welcoming. Totally not what I was expecting, and a very nice change of pace from the other options on the block. The food is set up Chipotle-style, with more choices (many are vegetarian-friendly! lots of kimchi and colorful-looking fresh veggies) and a variety of interesting sauces at the end. I chose the Be-Bowl Bibim Bap which was the perfect size for a single lady. I could have made two meals out of it if it wasn't so freaking good! For $7.16 I got perfectly-cooked brown rice, bite-sized tofu chunks (I don't usually eat tofu for texture reasons...this, though, was really outstanding and didn't bother me at all!), egg pieces, and a large variety of veggies including marinated kale, chinese broccoli, carrots, tomatoes, and sprouts. It was topped with a few delicious sauces that I didn't catch the name of and some sesame seeds (the red sauce is a very tolerable kind of spicy, I highly recommend!). This was not a heavy, regret-it-later kind of meal. It was very satisfying without being oily or overwhelming. I like that it was really quick and yet as healthy (or as indulgent) as you want it to be. The staff was attentive and super-friendly. They do not use MSG apparently, which is really great. Everything was extremely clean. Picky things: 1. Their overhead menu is a little hard to read (too small) and the carryout menu doesn't list the veggie choices. 2. Labels next to all the food would be super-helpful instead of asking what each container is. 3. They had nice seating but the space is relatively small...if it gets very popular I could see that being a downside if you want to eat your food there! 4. No desserts!? Hopefully they will add some to their menu as they get more business. I'd be really interested to try Korean-style desserts! BOTTOM LINE: The convenience and quality of the food is really great. I love the customization and the large variety of selections. I'm excited to try more items on the menu and will definitely be going back here on the regular. Definitely give it a try!
(5)Mr R.
Fast, simple, cheap, delicious! This is a go-to place for me for a fast $10 dinner that's not too unhealthy. Staff is nice and friendly too. Though all the ingredients are pre-prepared, the beef bulgogi is actually pretty good. Make sure to top with gochujang!
(5)Diana C.
This is the Korean Chipotle. Excellent! So many options. I would recommend the super bowl--gives you more veggie options. Please note--the fried egg you can get on top is an option. You may forget about this option because it's not with the rest, but it's definitely worth a try. Service was great. Prices are reasonable. We paid $24 for two people which included two Super Bowls and 2 sodas!
(5)A P.
You can have a lot of fun here...so many toppings! You never have to have the same combination twice. Do yourself a favor and top it with a fried egg. I'm allergic to sesame (I know, why in the world would I eat at a Korean place) and the worker helped me choose toppings I could eat. I loved it!
(4)Katy P.
Yes!!! Fast casual Korean? I'm in. This place has service down pat and the food is great too. They were helpful in explaining the concept as soon as we walked in, and walked us through the process of building our own bowls. Everything was super fresh and tasty. The korean pancake was slightly too oily for my health preference but my taste buds loved it. It was super clean and sparkly inside and prices were fab. A great addition to the city and I hope they do well.
(5)Joe Nam D.
Brown Rice is a Korean fast casual Chipotle style restaurant. I had the Super Rice Bowl. Came with choice of two proteins and six side selections. I chose spicy pork, bulgogi. Both were spot on- perfect seasoning and texture. Mushrooms, kimchee, spinach, edamame were all super fresh. My piece of squid pancake was also very good. The space is bright, clean, and welcoming. My server Juan was friendly and explained everything and made good recommendations. Hot pepper paste sauce and bulgogi sauce were perfect additions to my bowl. It was a really nice experience and I'll come back again with friends to try the items they make in the kitchen.
(5)Dave G.
Delicious!! Loved the "super bowl" with veggies and meat, plus egg. It was big enough for two people to share!! Lots of great banchan (Korean sides) to add to the bowl. Great seafood pancakes and clear noodles too. Will definitely be going back! If you're eating in the stone bowl option is great. Keeps everything sizzling hot the whole time
(5)Barathi S.
This place was great! Super friendly service and great food. If you've ever been to the chain Chophouse, it is similar in concept (Asian fast food bowls) but much more of a home cooked feel. I tried the spicy chicken which was yummy and they cooked it up fresh to add to my bowl that night. The green tea was great for a cold night. Also tried the korean veggie pancakes which were okay...They tasted good but I would have preferred them to be less greasy (my hands were covered in oil after) and maybe cooked a tad bit more. Will definitely come back when I'm in the mood for Korean food!
(4)Kiara L.
Was in the neighborhood for my BF to get a haircut when I noticed this restaurant a couple of doors down. Thank God I did because I might go here all the time now. The setup is pretty much the same as Chipotle, Qdoba, Chophouse... I got the chicken Be-Bowl and although I can't remember exactly what I put in it, I'm in love! It was very tasty, much healthier than fast food, and extremely filling. They also have soups, stews, pancakes, and rolls so I have a great excuse to come back more and more to try everything.
(4)Hannah G.
Baltimore needs more places like this - where you can go in, get quick and customizable food that is healthy and delicious. I love Korean food, and the fast casual style of bibimbap is perfect. This place has totally legit flavors, toppings, and sauces, but you can also mix it up and create your own twist on Korean flavors. I get the tofu bibimbap with brown rice and sprouts, mushrooms, kimchi, pickled radish, and spinach, finished off with gochujang and sesame oil. YUM.
(5)April A.
We ordered off of Grubhub.com & it was ready to be picked up in 20-25 minutes. It was our first time eating from 'Brown Rice Korean Grill' and we are both fans! The kim chi pancakes were amazing!
(4)Cici H.
FIVE STARS???? I totally had to check it out. I ordered the bibimbap super bowl with tofu, egg, carrots, spinach, cabbage kimchi, zucchini and sprouts with the bibimbap sauce (had a different name but it was sweet and savory). So the verdict: I wasn't totally blown away, like five star blown away. It was between ok and I'm a fan but it wasn't the bomb dot com. 3.5 stars.
(3)Lahila B.
This place is soooo good! I got the bowel with spicy chicken and beef bulgogi. You get 5-7 veggie choices depending on the size of the bowl. They also have a hot stone bowl too! I love pickled radish and kimchi. I also got the scallion veggie pancake and kimchi rolls. The kimchi rolls didn't have enough kimchi in it, but the scallion pancake was DELISH! The staff are super nice. Definitely coming back!
(5)Tucker C.
Really great food. Really helpful, nice people behind the counter. Only not 5 stars because it's a little pricey for what it is, but it's also quite a bit of food. Definitely get the fried egg, it's the equivalent of Chipotle's guac -- a little pricey but brings the whole meal together.
(4)Chih Chao C.
I ordered the super bowl with 7 sides vege. It was quick and clean. A good choice if you are nearby.
(4)Sophia Mwahaha C.
Food tastes pretty good, but the toppings they give you are the smallest lump that they can possibly pick up using tongs. Think the size of the smallest ice cream scoop (the one that's approximately 1 tablespoon). Pricey for the amount, but it does taste good, and there's nothing quite like it in the area. Tip: get things that match in flavor, like kimchis, instead of greens or else your bowl will taste extremely bad.
(4)Danielle T.
This place is awesome. I was looking for some delivery and saw it and decided to try it and I'm happy I did. I got the bowl and the dumplings and it did not disappoint at all. Delivery was fast, the driver was friendly and the food was delicious. I'll definitely be ordering from here again!
(5)Trab K.
THIS PLACE IS THE BEST Delicious healthy food, super affordable, the staff could not be nicer. Every single person i know loves this place already
(5)Kojo B.
Delicious, i mean really good and cheap. Saturday night i dont have anything in the fridge what to do. Hey, this place just opened let me take a nice walk. The place is nice tucked on Charles, the decor is clean. The system is sought of like Chipotle style as has been explained. Grab an option small bowl or large, Large comes with 2 proteins, i choose the bulgogi and spicy pork. Only complaint the meat quantity was not a lot, then again my meat consumption is kinda abnormal. You get 7 choices for veggies, yes i said veggies. I stack up on those and throw in some sauces with the rice. It was fantastic, and healthy, its Korean-American fusion, thats what they call it. I call it delicious. Try it out.
(5)Rhiannon F.
My husband and I were eagerly greeted with warm tea on a snowy day! I had a Super Bowl and had a tough time choosing just 5 toppings-- they all looked great! I chose the spicy pork topped with a fried egg and various toppings (pickled radish, green beans, and cabbage kimchi were highlights). It was healthy, fresh and flavorful! I also had the kimchi soup, which was spot on. It was the perfect balance of tangy and spicy. The staff was super friendly and accommodating. I highly recommend Brown Rice for a quick lunch or dinner. I thought it was plenty of food for the price. It's a welcome addition to the neighborhood! We will be back!
(5)Dallison D.
Very tasty way to eat healthy.The veggies are marinated and of many varieties. Much better then chipotle! If this place opened up near the college it would blow chipotle away.
(5)Olakunle O.
This restaurant is a godsend. Working in Charles Village, I've found that there aren't many great food options. Brown Rice superbly fills the void for a quick, tasty and healthy meal. The venue is clean, well lit, comfortable, and the staff is invariably friendly (not to mention Heather, the restaurant's proprietor, is amazing). As for the food, imagine a Chipotle-style Korean restaurant with considerably more variety (and flavor). There are countless vegetable, meat, and sauce combinations ranging from chicken to spicy pork. It's a quite a bit to choose from but thankfully the staff is helpful and patient. Finally, it is very affordable despite being freshly made on site. At 9 bucks, the super bowl (my favorite), is a steal. I've paid more for much less in Charles Village. This place is a beacon of light in the desolate waste land that is Charles Village dining. I need this place to stay open--please visit Brown Rice!
(5)Yishin S.
It is the Korean style of Chipotle. You get a bowl of rice (multi-grain rice is the best) and 5 or more different toppings (it depends on the size you pick), like Kimchi, cucumber, bean sprout, mushroom, shredded carrots, etc. The food is healthy and delicious!
(5)Chen S.
The best Korean food I have ever had! As an Asian, I definitely recommend this to everyone from Asia. Will come back again for the pancake!
(5)Jason H.
I really enjoyed my first trip to brown rice grill. The menu is very easy to understand. The concept is made to order rice bowls. You can choose from chicken, beef, fish or tofu and they give you up to five vegetables to choose from. Then you can also choose your sauce at the end. This restaurant does not cook with MSG and they use all natural meats. I thought it tasted very good, not as salty as many competitors. Additionally the service was very nice and welcoming. The interior is very clean and there are a small amount of tables to sit at. I definitely recommend this place and I'm anxious to go back!
(4)Brenda P.
I lurb Korean food. The place serves great Korean food for the stomach and the soul. ;)
(5)Lauren S.
Great idea! The ingredients are fresh and there's plenty to pick from. You can get a decent amount of food at a decent price. Highly recommend!
(5)Yvonne S.
I went in with high expectations due to its great reviews on Yelp. I have to say that I wasn't at all disappointed by my dining experience there. My two friends and I had the be-bowl each with different proteins (one had the spicy pork, the other beef bulgogi, and myself spicy squid). Two of us had it with brown rice, while the other had white rice. Customer service was great overall. We didn't get any free samples, but there was already more than enough food on the plate. Very fresh, healthy, and tasty. Will definitely be back again soon!
(5)Sandy M.
Staff and owner are delightful. Food is fresh and flavorful. Loved having the option to customize the Super Bowl. The serving size of the super bowl is enough for two meals!
(5)Brandon C.
Small place. Super clean and quite tasty. You get a lot of food for what you pay for. Some of the flavors are new to my tastebuds which is fun (I ate dandelion!). The tofu is eh which is why the four stars but a great experience overall. We will be coming back.
(4)Christine R.
First time but not the last...be.bowl served traditionally and dumplings to go. Happy tummy!
(5)Nancy C.
Excellent, fast, and fresh! Flavors and service are great! Imagine a Chipotle format of Korean bibimbap. I tried the tofu as my protein, and I got so many flavorful vegetables too. Awesome! Highly recommended!
(5)Adam R.
Great new Korean BBQ. Beauty of a setting, crisp msg free food. Tasty dumplings, spot on bulgolgi and warm yummy rice. This is a new lunch spot for me for certain.
(5)Sarah R.
The employees at Brown rice are some of the nicest people and their food is delicious. 5 or so types of kimchi and tons of great pickled veggies to choose from. This neighborhood was dying for a great little healthy spot like this!
(5)Elle N.
Korean Chipotle is the perfect description for this place because you pick a size, then type of rice, meat, veggies, and sauce. I had the Be Bowl with multigrain rice, spicy pork, fried eggplant, spinach, cucumber kimchi, regular kimchi, mushrooms, and an extra large squeeze of gochujang. IT WAS SO GOOD. I had a really bad craving for Korean food, and this definitely hit the spot. In addition, it was large enough for me to get 2 meals. I also ordered the Seafood Scallion Pancake, and I believe this gave me tummy problems. Since I did take-out I thought the pancake was soggy from the ride home, but actually I don't think it was fully cooked. Since my Be Bowl was big enough for 2 meals, I noticed that I had a stomachache on the day I ate pancake+bibimbap, but not on the day I only ate bibimbap. I'm conflicted because the food was delicious and the staff were so sweet, but I must admit my BF and I both got a stomachache. This place is such a great concept and I would absolutely return (but maybe skip the pancake next time...)
(4)Gabby J.
This is one of my new favorite spots to get Korean food. There are so many different options for the rice bowls, with multiples types of rice (including brown). The spicy chicken and beef bulgogi are my favorite, but I will definitely be back to try more. The staff were friendly and patient as I took my time carefully deciding which delicious toppings I wanted for my bowl, since there are a lot to choose from! I like that there are different portion sizes too. I found that 1 meat was substantial for me, but my boyfriend got 2 and that was plenty for him. I'll be back for sure!
(4)Sung O.
Great food and great service. Had the be bowl and Kim chi jjigae and thought both tasted very good. Will definitely be back!!
(5)Adam M.
This place in now a biweekly outing for my wife and I.....wonderful, wonderful food at the right price!!!
(5)Matt M.
I was really happy to find this place. The hot stone bowl was grand. The people were astounding and pleasant.
(5)Neil B.
Simple concept. Build your own Korean bowl. Pick your size.... the 'medium will feed a normal sized guy like me for two days. Pick your rice. Pick your meats/tofu. I chose spicy pork and squid.I didn't get a ton of squid, but remember, this place is cheap. The meats were geared to a more American palate. The toppings, like little banchans, are plentiful and yummy. Pick your sauce, pony up, and you are good to go. Friendly instructions from behind the counter made my first visit a breeze. The side-dish dumplings were huge. Clean, well ordered space with indoor seating. Look, this is Korean lite... you know where to go if you want the whole nine yards. But I liked it.
(4)Pornpat A.
You can get a quick and delicious bowl from this place. Many choices for sides. They have a good service mind!
(5)Monique R.
This place has a really good concept. The variety is great but a little overwhelming especially if its your first time. I played it safe and got a small bulgogi bowl with bok choy kimchi, kale, pickled ginger, (spicy)pickled vegetables and carrots. Everything was fresh and tasty.
(4)M K.
After such high reviews, I had pretty high expectation of this place. The concept itself is pretty novel and interesting. As mentioned, it's chipotle-style bi bim bap. You can also order other korean food on the side as well. However, if you have had a lot of Korean food in the past, this place will disappoint. There's a lot of choices for topping, but overall, they are a bit stingy with their portion sizes and the prices can be a little overpriced. My friend ordered the jja jang myun, but was way too salty (not to mention, noodles were fettucine noodles). It's a novel concept, but there wasn't anything special about the bi bim bap. I felt as if it was something I can make at home.
(2)Nicole B.
This is a great find in the heart of Charles Village. Very friendly staff, immaculate restaurant, healthy options, great tasting food makes for a great Friday night outing! Check 'em out!
(5)Emily S.
I'm so happy this place is so close to my house! Kimchi pancakes stole the show last time I got dinner here. The super bowl was great, as were the dumplings, but man...those kimchi pancakes. Can't wait to try more menu items!
(5)Ryan G.
Delicious, fast, and healthy! Just stumbled upon this place today. Well thought out and executed, and friendly staff.
(5)Suzanne S.
I came here because my co-workers kept torturing me with tantalizing aromas from their take-out and I couldn't take it any more. I got the bulgogi and the food was fresh and delicious. I have two little kids--one of whom is deathly allergic to sesame, so sadly, my husband and I haven't been able to make it out for Korean in about 3 years:-( Brown Rice helped me get my fix quickly during a workday lunch break. I will be back! I would love it if they delivered (because parking can be a little tricky)
(4)Cherpumple F.
Good work Brown Rice Korean Grill! Bringing the unanimous bibimbap and delicious, pungent Korean goodness to the pre-Charles-Village-Charles street area. Really friendly folks, three different types of rice (white, brown, and wild) with four different kinds of meats, and....a variety of different types of kimchi! Nice. I would LOVE to see more Korean street food things like tteokbokgi aka Korean rice cakes in spicy sauce and fried Korean snacks, especially since they have pictures of that on the wall when you enter. Juuuust sayin', adding something not other restaurants really have. I know. Their name is brown rice. Not brown rice cake. Not fried Korean snacks. But it would still be awesome. Hope this mom-n-pop place stays!
(4)Esther C.
This place is my new favorite place in bmore!! The workers are incredibly nice!!! Importantly, the food was AMAZING. They dont use MSG at all..! Very healthy and tasty. I would definitely go back
(5)Paige G.
Went on Saturday for lunch and was very impressed. Highly recommended for tasty, filling, cheap, good-quality food. I got the large Super Rice Bowl with beef and spicy pork with white rice, vegetables, and a fried egg. The spice level was very customizable. Everything tasted fresh. For less than 10 dollars I got two meals worth. I also asked about some of the other dishes available at the counter and the staff let me try some. While eating, one of the women came around to offer various free samples to the tables. The scallion pancake she gave us was a real winner. It's one of the few I've had in Baltimore that didn't fall apart when picked up. The scallions were dark green and big. Great quality. I also sampled the rice cake and fish cake. Both chewy and well-spiced. The restaurant was extremely clean. Not a spot of dirt in the entire place. The decor was minimalist but cozy, a little like a fro yo place but without the bright colors. I had passed by on a bus a few times and was struck by the really nice exterior. Even the bathrooms were pristine. Excellent service. The staff is new and eager to please. They asked how we enjoyed the food and were knowledgeable about all their ingredients.
(5)Francisco P.
One other reviewer nicknamed the place Korean Chipotle and that's a rough approximation of how things work. You pick bowl size, type, protein and a number of toppings. The food is delicious and the staff is attentive (offering samples when you make unorthodox choices, tacking on freebies to your order, etc.). Went there twice for the super bowl and will definitely be back.
(5)Katie L.
Delicious, authentic fresh korean food and very friendly staff. I got the Be-bowl with spicy chicken, wild rice, and a little bit of almost all the vegetables. What really sold me was when I saw the elder lady come out from the kitchen to see what dishes were going low. Reminded me of my harlmunee(grandma) cooking in the kitchen when I was young. There are also different appetizer options (seafood pancake, dukbukgi, japchae) at a very reasonable price. Its amazing and definitely a great addition to Charles Village.
(5)Eileen M.
This place is very good. I have a really sensitive stomach -- basically, crap fast food usually sends me running for the alka-seltzer pretty fast. Usually places like this are out for me. But I was pleasantly surprised to find that not only did the rice bowl taste really good (and so many kinds of kimchi are AWESOME), but I had no digestion problems afterward. There was no poor-quality-oil type aftertaste either which I often get with cheap asian/indian places. The only downside was that baffling array of options for toppings... I really had to guess randomly but since I will be back I guess I will figure out what combos work best. Very tasty, cheap, fast, and highly recommended!
(4)Buffy M.
Brown Rice really is the Korean Chipotle! I think it is a little better because there are more veggie options and sauce choices. There is so much variety to choose from in their bowls. The staff are welcoming and they help you with your choices. If you don't want one of their rice/noodle varieties as your base, they let you chose lettuce so you can be less fluffy. Brown Rice is a wonderful taste sensation!
(5)Rachel H.
Delicious food, sleek and clean decor, kind and courteous staff and all for an affordable price!
(5)Shawna W.
A thoroughly pleasant experience. I love dolsot bibimbap (basically a hot stone bowl of rice, veggies, and usually beef and an egg), but I'd never been to a bibimbap bar like this one before. You pick a size and one of three rice options, a protein (pork, chicken, beef or tofu), and some veggies. It's a great dish for winter, especially when paired with one of their teas. The women working there were extremely nice and hospitable and even brought us a baked sweet potato on the house. The food was good but not amazing--then again, I didn't expect amazing at these prices. I'd go back in a heartbeat. Oh, and they do have dishes other than bibimbap.
(5)Stephanie K.
Delicious, fresh, cheap. Lots of choices, and the people behind the counter are sweet and willing to help you choose. Will keep coming back for lunch.
(5)Monika A.
Best and reasonably priced Korean food. Also the people are so nice. The food is fresh and delicious. Clean and pleasant dining area. Its like Chipotle but with Korean food. Its amazing!!
(5)Jonathan V.
This place is a fantastic addition to the area. I've been there 4 times now and can't say enough about the place. It's difficult sometimes to find lunches that, while healthy and fresh, are also hearty and filling. And the staff there is just lovely. The super bowl is where it's at. You've got to crest the 9.99 price limit for lunch slightly, but definitely worth it. Love this place!
(5)Beth K.
really lovely food at very low prices, Small and bright, with simple decorations, but every item has it's separate fresh flavor. Portions are very large, so the items labeled small would be large enough for most people. Very friendly, welcoming environment. Very convenient location near station, theatre, etc.
(5)Gary K.
Great Korean meal quick and affordable. Fast food convenience and pricing with high quality ingredients. Perfect for introducing friends to the unique cuisine without the fuss, intimidation and high cost of the area's sit downs. The high rating is judging it for what it is.
(5)Samuel R.
Great Korean fast food. Pick your rice, pick your protein, pick your veggies, pick your sauce. Staff are friendly and patient in explaining all the options. We have been twice. Will be back soon.
(5)Laurie F.
Love this place! My favorite stop on the way home from work, don't feel like cooking place. Fresh and delicious. I have gotten the super bowl with chicken and tofu and variety of toppings at least 3-4 times. Tonight I tried the spicy tofu seafood stew. It was a large rich soup, real fish broth, vegetables, tofu and tasted both some squid and shrimp. It came with a side of brown rice all for $7.50. Tasty and good value. I plan to try more of the stews next time.
(5)Jennifer J.
Satisfies my Korean food craving! Jeon and Mandu were yummy. Be-bowl could of had a little more meat but otherwise food was delicious! 1yo daughter was gobbling up everything I gave her. This place will have a home in our meal rotation.
(4)M B.
LOVE this spot. The small bowl gave me a new mind. 5 Stars A+ would yelp again.
(5)Terrènce P.
Friendly staff. Knowledge of the cuisine is an apparent value here. Perfect lunch spot.
(5)Courtney H.
Excellent food and helpful staff! Good quality meats and plenty of vegetables to choose from.
(5)Brian M.
The staff is friendly and the place clean (it's brand new). We ordered a medium bowl and a large bowl. The essential difference was more rice. With the large, you get a choice of two meats but instead of getting more than the medium bowl, you get the same amount split between, say, pork and chicken. I also want fresh cooked egg on my bowl and the dried out slivers of scrambled egg just do not cut it. Flavors are decent and we'll go back sometime to try other things as we work in the neighborhood but there's nothing like fresh, hot Bulgogi cooked to order. With competition from other K-Town establishments, I think Brown Rice needs to up their game.
(3)Shishvahasht S.
i really like the idea. im not sure if they are the original ones who came up with it or it was just my first time seeing an asian chippottle style restaurant but either way it was great. clean, fresh and tasty. will go back for sure.
(5)Debby B.
I was a bit disappointed by this place after seeing the high marks they received. I ordered the tofu/brown rice Be Bowl, and it was mostly rice. I could have used more veggies and realized halfway through my "snack" that I would probably be hungry in a couple of hours. It was not clear, however, whether the offered miso soup came with the meal or cost extra, so if it comes with the meal, that would be a good addition. One of my friends got the soup, and it had no tofu or scallions in it--just clear broth. Niwana gives you at least 3 times as much food for a slightly higher price and has a much nicer atmosphere and more seating. I'd say try this place out, but don't expect much if you get the smaller bowl. They also seemed to be trying to dissuade me from choosing the tofu and did not have it on the steam table with the rest of the protein choices. The staff is very friendly and accommodating, but there is definitely a big communication gap.
(3)