Brown Rice Korean Grill

I absolutely love Korean food, which I've been enjoying since I was a child. The flavors here are fantastic, and the bowls are filled with color and variety. I agree with other reviewers that this place used to be completely amazing. However, in the last couple of months they started really restricting the food portions, but the price didn't change. The bowl lid used to compress the food into the bowl a bit, but now the food doesn't even come close to touching the lid. And it's not about wanting huge portions, but it's about wanting the same experience from the past. Consistency is key. When companies cut costs that affect the final product, it's usually the beginning of the end.

Ownership came and ruined an otherwise successful store. Firing management, and most of the staff that had been there since the stores opening. I worked for Brown Rice from the end of 2017 to early 2020 and witnessed most of its transition. When I started It was a very diverse and professional work environment. Every day we had a line to the door before ownership stepped in. She replaced most of the staff with her family, some of whom could barely speak English. Drastically decreased portions, as well as uping prices. No surprise this store is “ Temporarily Closed.” I also believe there was a racial component behind a lot of the decisions being made, coupled with a lack of business savvy. In my time there, I had to perform manager-level tasks on the daily basis, whilst only making 50 cents over the minimum wage. With all this being said, I'm still grateful for that time in my life, and it helped make me a better person. The only reason I'm giving it 2 stars is the food at that location was awesome. Literally the best Brown Rice.

Unfortunately I must downgrade my opinion of this place. When they first opened, I would have given 5 stars. Now? Not so much. They're always overly crowded, and the layout of the place isn't that good. The flavors of the food are okay, but nothing to write home about. The biggest thing that bothers me is the fact that they attempt to operate in an assembly line style, similar to Chipotle or Cava, however they have too many non-standard things on the menu. This requires staff to hop out of their position in line to get things. I went there for lunch today, and I've been probably a dozen or so times. The person at the topping area was confused when I asked for radish, I had to guide him to the proper topping. He was confused when I asked for green onions. I would have guided him, but it looked like a light bulb went off. But...he gave me pickled onion, which was wrong. I didn't feel like dealing with him any longer so I accepted it. The lady at the sauces had to hop out of line to do something else, so I suppose that means I don't get sauce now? The topping guy gave my bowl directly to the cashier who rang up my food, so I had to be a pain and ask him to put the sauce on my bowl. When they first opened it was good. Slowly has been going downhill.

This vegan-friendly spot is one of those places where you're surprised how delicious healthy food can be. Everything here is minimally processed and super healthy. You start a bowl with rice, kale, or a blend of the two as a base. The protein choices are all savory and flavorful- with both meat and vegan options alike. Toppings are all fresh vegetables, kimchi, etc. Sauces are all wonderful, ranging from sweet to spicy to savory. Combined, these bowls are full or texture, fiber, and tons of flavor. It feels like all the indulgence of Shake Shack with none of the guilt! Highly recommend for either eat-in or takeout!!

So glad when this branch of the further away Brown Rice opened! Now we can walk there, so we can call it our neighborhood restaurant. Korean rice bowls are no longer unusual, but Brown Rice does them wonderfully — with a choice of grains not just brown rice, a wide range of fresh veggie toppings and proteins, a selection of sauces. And, they make real ginger tea fresh ginger root that is the perfect afterdinner sipping beverage.

Ingredients are fresh and flavorful. Staff is friendly. During the busy lunch time, they keep the line running fast and efficiently. Update: Still delicious, but they have started skimping on the amount of food given.

The portions are so small for the price. Every time I go back, they serve you less. I really like this place but it feels like to owner is cheap and it makes me uncomfortable. I don’t want to feel like I’m paying a high price for a small portion. Either increase your portion or decrease the price.

I used to eat lunch here often. There was a change in staff and the quality of service has gone down. They also give smaller portion sizes barely filling the bowls. It’s not worth it anymore.

I happened upon this place by accident and was very pleased. I had a bowl with kale, spicy pork, kimchi, bean sprouts, mushrooms and edamame. All the food was fresh and delicious. I wish this restaurant was near to where I live. I'd definitely go back.

Warm, healthy, quick and satifying lunch option for folks who work in the downtown Baltimore area. Please support this business- they are still open for take out during the pandemic.