ZipPicks Awards
Best Korean in Lakeview & Wrigleyville
Best Business Lunch Restaurants in Lakeview & Wrigleyville
Master Critic Review
Rice'N Bread
8.4
Vibes:
Brunch Bliss Spots
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Rice'N Bread is a longtime Wrigleyville diner-turned-Korean cafe serving omelets, Akutagawa stir-fries, and bulgogi plates from breakfast through late-night. Its roots stretching back to 1959 and hundreds of recent reviews make it a uniquely historic Korean-influenced staple near Wrigley Field.
Must-Try Dishes:
Akutagawa stir-fry, Bul Dak Fried Chicken, Bulgogi Beef
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Decades-old Wrigleyville diner that layers Korean staples onto classic short-order cooking.
Who should go: Fans of hearty plates before or after Cubs games.
When to visit: Breakfast, lunch, or early dinner around Wrigley event times.
What to order: Akutagawa, bulgogi beef over rice, Bul Dak fried chicken.
Insider tip: On non-game days, sit at the counter for faster service and more banter.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street and metered parking in the surrounding Wrigleyville blocks; availability drops significantly during Cubs games and events — nearby paid garages on Clark/Addison are the most reliable fallback.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable — game-day jerseys, jeans, and everyday wear are all common.
Noise level: Moderate to loud on game and concert days; generally moderate and conversational during non-event hours.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes around pre- and post-game rush; shorter waits outside event windows.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait except during peak baseball season.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several egg dishes, veggie omelets, and customizable rice plates can be made meat-free.
Vegan options: Limited — a few rice and vegetable combinations may work with modifications; confirm ingredients with staff.
Gluten-free options: Some rice-based and protein plates can be adapted, but there is no dedicated gluten-free prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual, low-pressure meetups than a romantic first date — the diner-style setting and game-day traffic lean relaxed and practical over intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s primarily walk-in. Arrive outside game start/finish times for the shortest waits, especially on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — portions are hearty, service is welcoming, and booths work well for families; it’s busiest and louder during Cubs games, so earlier visits are best for younger kids.
Best For
Better for: Hearty Korean-influenced diner plates, reliable breakfasts, and pre/post-game fuel at approachable prices in a historic neighborhood staple.
Skip if: You’re looking for upscale Korean dining, quiet ambiance, or a leisurely date-night setting — choose a more formal Korean restaurant instead.