Rice Beans, located in Gowanus, Brooklyn, has quickly become a neighborhood favorite. This blog post delves into Rice Beans reviews, exploring its menu, atmosphere, and overall dining experience to help you decide if it's worth a visit. We'll examine various aspects based on real customer feedback and provide a comprehensive overview of what makes Rice Beans unique. We'll also cover the menu highlights and pricing to give you a complete picture.
Exploring the Rice Beans Menu: A Caribbean Fusion Delight
Rice Beans' menu is a vibrant celebration of Caribbean flavors, offering a delightful fusion of traditional dishes with modern culinary techniques. The emphasis is on fresh, high-quality ingredients, resulting in dishes that are both flavorful and satisfying.
Appetizers & Starters:
- Fried Plantains: A classic Caribbean appetizer, perfectly ripe plantains are fried until golden brown and slightly sweet. Many reviews praise their perfectly balanced sweetness and crispiness.
- Jerk Chicken Wings: Marinated in a homemade jerk sauce, these wings offer a fiery kick with a balanced sweetness and smoky flavor. Customer reviews consistently highlight the tender meat and flavorful marinade.
- Escovitch Fish: A traditional Jamaican dish featuring fried fish marinated in a spicy vinegar-based sauce. Reviews often describe the fish as flaky and the sauce as tangy and refreshing.
Main Courses:
- Curried Goat: A rich and flavorful curry made with tender goat meat, slow-cooked to perfection. This is a popular dish among reviewers, noted for its depth of flavor and tender goat.
- Oxtail Stew: A hearty and comforting stew, slow-cooked to ensure the oxtail is incredibly tender and infused with rich flavors. Reviews often mention the melt-in-your-mouth oxtail.
- Rice and Beans (naturally!): The namesake dish, featuring perfectly cooked rice and beans with a variety of flavorful additions depending on the daily specials. Many reviews cite this as a must-try, noting its authenticity and satisfying taste.
- Vegetarian Options: Rice Beans also offers delicious vegetarian options, including flavorful stews and vegetable-based dishes. Reviews frequently highlight the creative and well-executed vegetarian choices.
Desserts:
- Rum Cake: A moist and flavorful rum cake, a perfect complement to the savory dishes. Many reviews point to its perfect balance of sweetness and rum flavor.
- Coconut Flan: A creamy and rich flan infused with coconut flavor. Reviews describe it as a smooth, decadent treat.
Atmosphere and Service: A Welcoming Gowanus Experience
Rice Beans boasts a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for a casual dinner with friends or a romantic date night. The restaurant is decorated with vibrant colors and artwork reflecting its Caribbean roots.
Customer reviews consistently praise the friendly and attentive service. The staff is known for being knowledgeable about the menu and happy to offer recommendations. The overall vibe is described as relaxed, comfortable, and welcoming.
Price Range: Affordable Caribbean Cuisine
Rice Beans offers delicious Caribbean food at reasonable prices. The average cost of a main course is between $15-$25, making it a great option for a satisfying and affordable meal in Gowanus. Appetizers and desserts are typically priced lower, allowing for a complete dining experience without breaking the bank.
Rice Beans Reviews: The Verdict
Based on numerous online reviews and firsthand experiences, Rice Beans receives overwhelmingly positive feedback. Customers consistently praise the quality of the food, the welcoming atmosphere, and the friendly service. The menu offers a diverse range of flavorful Caribbean dishes, and the restaurant caters well to different dietary needs.
While some minor criticisms regarding wait times during peak hours occasionally surface, these are outweighed by the positive experiences shared by most diners.
Overall, Rice Beans is highly recommended for anyone looking for authentic Caribbean cuisine in a warm and inviting setting in Gowanus, Brooklyn. It's a must-try for both locals and tourists alike.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Does Rice Beans offer takeout?
A: Yes, Rice Beans offers takeout and delivery services. Check their website or call to place an order.
Q: Is Rice Beans family-friendly?
A: Yes, Rice Beans welcomes families and offers a comfortable atmosphere for dining with children.
Q: What are Rice Beans’ hours of operation?
A: Check their website for the most up-to-date hours of operation, as they may vary depending on the day of the week and season.
Q: Does Rice Beans accept reservations?
A: It's best to check their website or call ahead to see if they take reservations, as this may depend on the day and time.
This in-depth review should provide you with a comprehensive understanding of Rice Beans in Gowanus, NYC, encompassing menu highlights, pricing, ambiance, and customer feedback. Remember to always check their official website for the most current information.
