How Rice Bar DC Brought Vibrant Korean Flavors to the Heart of Washington
Discover how Kelly Kang’s fast-casual concept, Rice Bar DC, is transforming lunchtime in downtown Washington with colorful, crave-worthy Korean dishes like Bulgogi Bibimbap and Spicy Chicken Bowls.
When Kelly Kang first opened Rice Bar DC, it wasn't just about serving great food — it was about filling a real gap. "We noticed there weren't a lot of Korean restaurants within the DC community, especially for office workers looking for something casual," Kelly shared. Determined to bring authentic Korean flavors into the fast-paced, professional world of downtown DC, Kelly and her family launched what would quickly become a beloved local spot.
Today, with four locations across the city, Rice Bar DC is a go-to for those craving fresh, colorful, build-your-own Korean bowls — a testament to the team's commitment to quality, creativity, and community.
From Sushi Dreams to Bibimbap Bowls
Rice Bar DC wasn't Kelly’s first foray into the restaurant world. Before launching Rice Bar, she ran a sushi restaurant called Second Club in Woodley Park. Although that venture closed during the recession, the experience fueled her drive and sharpened her skills.
Persistence, she said, was key. "You have some really rough days, weeks, even months. But if you believe in your dream, it will get better."
That relentless mindset helped Rice Bar DC weather tough times too — including the challenges of COVID-19, which forced some location closures. "After COVID, we focused even more on flavor and quality, and we revamped our interiors to stay competitive, especially because social media plays such a big role in marketing now."
Signature Dishes You Can’t Miss
Rice Bar DC's menu is designed for flexibility, offering build-your-own bowls with vibrant, customizable options — but for those who find too much choice overwhelming, Kelly recommends going for one of their signature creations.
Top picks include the Signature Bulgogi Bibimbap, packed with tender marinated beef, and the Signature Spicy Chicken Bibimbap, bursting with bold, savory heat. For vegetarians, the Tofu Bibimbap is a colorful, satisfying standout.
"A big part of Korean food is that it's meant to be very colorful," Kelly said. "When you get the festival dish, you see all these wonderful combinations — carrots, broccoli, noodles — all brought together with our sauces."
Whether you customize your own or opt for a curated dish, every bowl is a vibrant, Instagram-worthy celebration of flavor and texture.
Building a Community Through Comfort Food
For Kelly, the reward isn’t just in the food — it’s in the people. "It's honestly just seeing people come in and enjoy the food in a space we created together," she said. "Especially being in DC, it's comforting to see people with important jobs — office workers, government employees — finding a little comfort in a good meal."
Creating a welcoming environment goes hand-in-hand with keeping up appearances. "Nowadays, the look of the restaurant is so important for attracting customers through social media," she emphasized.
Looking Ahead: Future Plans for Rice Bar DC
Kelly’s vision for the future is rooted in growth. "We would love to open more locations like before," she shared. "Our hope is that the office workers eventually come back, and we can keep expanding."
In the meantime, Rice Bar DC continues to build its brand by focusing on quality, visual appeal, and genuine customer care — laying the groundwork for even more success in the years ahead.