Ernesto D.
Yelp
Bethesda is an amazing area with an abundance of culinary options to enjoy a great meal at different pricing points. I decided to try "Rice Paddies Grill" last week and try their Pho dish.
For dinner, I visited this quaint-looking restaurant for that had caught my eye before but I've never made time to actually go in and give their food a try.
Location and parking:
Overall, a 6/10 in easiness of parking.
This place is located on Bethesda Ave and Wisconsin Ave. It is quite easy to find it, and there is ample public parking (free every weekend) half-a-block away from it. If you are lucky, you'll find street parking very close to the actual restaurant. Although there is a tiny parking lot right next to the restaurant (it maybe has 8-10 parking spaces available), it is shared with a nearby Starbucks, and it is usually full all the time. Your best bet is to park in the public lot and walk the half a block to the restaurant.
Décor:
Overall, a 1/10 in decor.
I love quaint and cozy restaurants, and I had anticipated this place to be one of them, judging from how small it looks from the outside. I also appreciate when owners choose to invest in décor and overall creating a comfortable feeling that can easily enhance the meal experience.
Upon walking in, I realized this place was indeed small, which I don't mind. Unfortunately, and to my dismay, it had such a poorly-decorated carry-out feeling that it actually took me by surprise. Immediately upon walking in, you face the cashier who is ready to take your order. I did not appreciate the several boxes, cups and overall crowded wall that greets you upon walking through their main entrance door (see image for reference). It caused a very poor impression, and a simple rearranging of these items in proper storage in non-visible parts of the restaurant would go a REALLY long way into improving the décor and minimizing this really bad first impression all of your customers are exposed when they visit.
Also, the color of the walls was somber borderline depressing (as shown in the picture), and the tables and chairs were equally uncomfortable and screamed a "cheapy" feeling. Simply from judging the décor, I already knew that their food would really have to be flavorful and deliver an amazing experience to my taste buds for my evening to be turned around, or I was going to have a very unpleasant dining experience overall.
Service & Price:
Overall, a 5/10 in service and price.
Service is minimal, as you literally walk-in, order your food, take a number, and get up to pick up your own food when your number is called. My interaction with the cashier was great, and is probably the reason why I won't give this place a 1 star.
The pricing points for the Pho dishes I tried at Rice Paddies are average around this area, although based on previous Pho I've tried in several other establishments, our order had too few protein pieces to justify the price. The prices for the order of spring rolls were also average.
Food and Drinks:
Overall, a 5/10 in food and drinks.
We ordered Pho (one with chicken and one with beef) and some spring rolls.
While I have had Pho before, I unfortunately have to agree with other reviewers here that for the pricing point this place charges, you literally get a Pho overloaded with noodles, at the expenses of having very little protein in it. The chicken pieces where so few, that I just laughed when I realized I had paid for mostly chicken broth and noodles. The beef Pho was the same; very "skinny"!
To be fair, the spring rolls were delicious, and the overall flavor of the soup was a bit below average, but not too far below.
Overall, the menu offers enough variety to satisfy those looking for Vietnamese cuisine. While I can only vouch for what I ordered and tried (Chicken Pho, Beef Pho and Spring Rolls), I would recommend adjusting your expectations if you are looking for an above average flavor experience. I wasn't able to achieve one with the food served.
Opportunities for improvement:
1. Re-organize your main entry to remove the horrible clutter you display and all patrons see upon walking in to your restaurant. It is a very off-putting experience.
2. Invest in nicer tables, more comfortable chairs and nicer bowls for your customers who dine on site.
3. Maybe invest in décor (warmer colors, nicer painting, better organization in your bathroom) that actually enhances your customer's dining experience.
4. Don't skimp out too much on the protein added to the Pho dishes.
In conclusion, the food is average at best, and definitely not something I am eager to try again. While I might visit again in a few months to try a different dish and see if they are able to deliver an above average meal, based on this experience, this is not in my priority list.