Rice Thing

- 330 Main St, Beacon, NY 12508

For those living in or visiting the New York region, particularly the vibrant Hudson Valley area, finding authentic, specialized Japanese cuisine can be a delightful experience. **Rice Thing** in Beacon, NY, stands out as a unique and much-loved local spot, focusing on two popular forms of Japanese comfort food: **Onigiri** and **Rice Sandos**. This dedicated Japanese restaurant provides a friendly, casual, and high-quality option for locals seeking something beyond the standard sushi fare.

The core of Rice Thing's appeal is its simple yet expertly crafted menu, centered around rice. **Onigiri** are traditional Japanese rice balls, typically wrapped in nori (seaweed) and filled with various ingredients. Rice Thing offers a selection of classic and creative Onigiri flavors, including savory options like **Salmon** and the bolder, Korean-influenced **Gochujang Tuna**. The vegetarian-friendly **Ume** (pickled plum) and the unique **Tanuki** (tempura scraps) options ensure there is something for every palate. The consistency and flavor of the rice itself are paramount in these dishes, making them a satisfying and perfectly portable meal or snack.

The other signature item, the **Rice Sando** (or Onigirazu), is essentially a Japanese rice sandwich. This is a larger, rectangular, sandwich-style rice ball where a layer of rice and filling is wrapped in nori, creating a convenient, handheld meal. Rice Thing’s Rice Sandos feature hearty fillings like the popular **Pork Tamago** (pork and egg), the crunchy **Shrimp Katsu**, and the comforting, savory **Philly Sukiyaki**. These sandos are perfect for a quick lunch, offering a delightful mix of textures and bold flavors that are both familiar and excitingly new to many customers.

Beyond its main attractions, the restaurant complements its offerings with essential Japanese sides and beverages. The menu includes perfectly fried **Kara Age** (Japanese fried chicken), classic **Edamame**, a warming **Miso Soup**, and the distinctively sweet and creamy **Kabocha Salad**. To drink, patrons can enjoy refreshing Japanese soft drinks like **Calpico Soda** and **Shiso Soda**, or a warm cup of **Genmai Cha** (brown rice tea). The meal is often capped off with the sweet and airy **Chiffon Sando** dessert.

Customer reviews consistently highlight not only the great food but also the warm and friendly service provided by the owners, Josh and Miyuki. The restaurant is praised as a welcome addition to the local culinary scene, bringing authentic Japanese comfort food to the Beacon community. The focus on quality ingredients, attention to the craft of rice preparation, and genuine hospitality make Rice Thing a true local gem.

Rice Thing is situated right in the heart of the thriving culinary scene on **Main Street in Beacon, NY**. Its central location makes it highly accessible for both local residents of the Hudson Valley and visitors exploring the area's shops and galleries.

The full address is: **330 Main St, Beacon, NY 12508, USA**.

The Main Street location is typically walkable for those visiting Beacon. While the restaurant focuses primarily on the Lunch period, its placement ensures it captures the steady foot traffic of the downtown area. As is common on Main Streets, patrons should look for either street parking (which may be free depending on local regulations) or nearby public parking lots, making the trip relatively convenient for drivers from neighboring towns like Cold Spring or Poughkeepsie.

Rice Thing maintains a straightforward service model, prioritizing speed and efficiency to deliver fresh Japanese lunch options to its customers.

• **Dining Options:** The primary focus is on the midday meal, with dedicated **Lunch** service hours.
• **Service Modes:** The restaurant offers two main ways to enjoy its cuisine: **Dine-in** for a casual, enjoyable experience, and **Takeout** for those on the go or who prefer to enjoy their meal elsewhere.
• **Specialized Combos:** The menu includes a value-oriented **Lunch Combo ($20.00)**, which allows patrons to enjoy a fuller selection of items at a favorable price.
• **Quick and Casual:** The nature of the food—Onigiri and Rice Sandos—makes it an excellent choice for a quick, high-quality, and satisfying meal.
• **Friendly Service:** Customer reviews indicate a high level of personal service, with staff who are described as warm and friendly, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Rice Thing distinguishes itself from larger, more traditional Japanese restaurants by specializing in unique, authentic Japanese comfort foods, establishing its own niche in the local New York food landscape.

• **Onigiri Specialization:** Offers a rare dedicated focus on **Onigiri** (Japanese rice balls) in the region, with compelling fillings like **Salmon**, **Gochujang Tuna**, **Ume**, and **Tanuki**.
• **Signature Rice Sandos:** Features the trendy and delicious **Rice Sandos** (rice sandwiches), which are a substantial, modern Japanese take on a handheld meal, including popular flavors like **Pork Tamago** and **Shrimp Katsu**.
• **Authentic Japanese Comfort Food:** The menu is packed with genuine Japanese soul food and snacks, such as the perfectly prepared **Kara Age** (fried chicken) and classic **Miso Soup**.
• **Unique Beverages:** Offers distinctively Japanese drinks that are not commonly found elsewhere, including **Calpico Soda** and **Shiso Soda**, providing an authentic thirst-quenching experience.
• **High-Quality Lunch Destination:** As a lunch-only establishment, it is perfectly positioned as a must-visit spot for a fast, fresh, and satisfying meal while exploring Beacon's Main Street.
• **Community Connection:** The ownership is recognized for being "warm and friendly," contributing to a welcoming and positive atmosphere that promotes customer loyalty.

For general inquiries about the menu, current specials, or to place a takeout order, please use the following information:

**Address:** 330 Main St, Beacon, NY 12508, USA

**Phone:** *Note: Publicly available phone information for Rice Thing is not provided. Patrons are advised to check local listings or social media for the most current contact method or simply visit the location.*

For local New York residents and visitors to the Hudson Valley area, Rice Thing offers a fresh, focused, and utterly satisfying Japanese dining experience, particularly for lunch. It’s an ideal choice for anyone who appreciates the simplicity and perfection of staple ingredients like rice and nori, prepared with authentic flavors and fillings.

What makes Rice Thing truly worth choosing is its specialization:

• **The Experience of a Rice Sando:** The **Pork Tamago** or **Shrimp Katsu** Rice Sando is a compelling reason to visit. These are hearty, flavorful, and uniquely Japanese handheld meals that offer a perfect balance of texture and taste.
• **Authentic Onigiri Flavors:** For traditionalists, the classic **Salmon Onigiri** or the unique savory and tangy experience of **Ume Onigiri** provides genuine Japanese comfort food that is hard to find locally.
• **The Perfect Lunch Combo:** The affordable **Lunch Combo** offers the best value, allowing you to sample the core menu items—an ideal introduction for a first-time visitor.
• **Quality and Simplicity:** The dedication to quality, noted by customers, shines through in the clean flavors of the sides like **Kabocha Salad** and the crispy texture of the **Kara Age**. It is a place that does a few things exceptionally well.

Rice Thing

330 Main St, Beacon, NY 12508, USA