Daniel A.
Yelp
I recently visited Rooster & Rice's Irvine location and tried The Original and the Fried Chicken Skins, and overall the experience was a mix of delicious food, friendly service, and a few drawbacks.
What worked -- the food & service
The chicken in The Original was juicy and well-prepared: a nice balance of breast and thigh, with good flavor on its own even before sauces. The rice, cucumber, and herbs complemented the chicken nicely, making for a satisfying meal -- I felt it hit all the right notes for comfort-food Hainan/Thai-style chicken rice.
The Fried Chicken Skins side was a fun indulgence -- crispy, flavorful, and a good crunchy contrast to the softness of the chicken rice. It felt like a guilty treat, but in a good way, and definitely added value to the meal.
The staff was excellent. During my visit I saw them handle a couple of difficult customers, yet they remained polite, professional, and helpful.
What didn't quite land -- seating & drink options
The indoor seating situation was underwhelming; just 4 small two-tops. Not a place to cone catch up or hang out.
Drinks are limited and basic: only a handful of options like Thai tea, bottled water, etc. That's fine if your focus is the chicken rice, but if you're looking for a more "full restaurant" drink menu (e.g. sodas, handmade beverages, cocktails) -- you may come away wanting more.
Final Thoughts: Rooster & Rice delivers on what it promises: a strong, satisfying take on Hainan/Thai-style chicken rice, reasonably priced and served with generosity. If you're in the mood for a no-frills, flavor-focused meal -- especially with crispy chicken skins on the side -- this is a solid spot.
That said, if you're expecting a nice dine-in atmosphere -- this might not be the best match; consider it more of a casual, grab-and-go or casual lunch/dinner vibe.
Overall: Recommended -- especially if you care about the food quality more than ambience.