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Exploring the Offerings at Rice & Fries in Sparta, IL
  1. Chinese Food
  2. Chinese Restaurant
  3. Illinois
  4. Randolph County
  5. Sparta
  6. Chinese Restaurant in North Market Street
  7. Rice & Fries

Rice & Fries

348 reviews

Rice & Fries Photos

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Hours

Monday, 10:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Tuesday, Closed
Wednesday, 10:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Thursday, 10:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday, 10:30 AM - 9:30 PM
Saturday, 10:30 AM - 9:30 PM
Sunday, 10:30 AM - 9:00 PM

About Rice & Fries

Rice & Fries, located at 1701 N Market St, Sparta, IL 62286, USA, is a Chinese restaurant that operates as a buffet, offering an all-you-can-eat dining experience to the local community. Based on recent customer feedback, experiences at Rice & Fries appear to be varied, with contrasting opinions on food quality and service.

One customer who visited Rice & Fries recently expressed significant dissatisfaction with their experience. They reported paying $17 for food that they perceived to be of poor quality, stating that it "looked AND tasted like it's been sitting for 9 hours." This strongly negative review suggests potential issues with the freshness and preparation of the food offered at the buffet on the day of this customer's visit. Consequently, this customer indicated that they "will not be back," highlighting a severe negative impact on their likelihood of future patronage.

In contrast to this negative feedback, another customer shared a long-standing positive relationship with Rice & Fries, referring to it as "the best Chinese buffet in the area." This reviewer mentioned being a regular customer since their childhood, indicating a history of positive experiences. They specifically praised the staff, noting that the "workers always know me and they are the chillest people there," suggesting a friendly and familiar atmosphere for regular patrons. This long-time customer also expressed confidence in the staff's competence, stating that they "always know what they are doing." This review paints a picture of a restaurant with a loyal customer base who appreciate the service and potentially the food quality as well.

The significant disparity between these two recent reviews makes it challenging to provide a definitive and universally applicable description of the typical experience at Rice & Fries. It suggests that food quality and perhaps service consistency might be areas of variability. While one customer encountered stale-tasting food, another has consistently enjoyed the buffet over many years and appreciates the staff.

Based on the information provided, the environment of Rice & Fries is that of a Chinese buffet restaurant. Buffets typically feature a variety of prepared dishes set out for customers to serve themselves. The positive review suggests a friendly and familiar atmosphere, at least for long-time customers, implying a potentially welcoming environment. However, the negative review does not offer any insight into the ambiance, focusing solely on the perceived poor quality of the food.

The primary service offered by Rice & Fries is the all-you-can-eat buffet. This format allows customers to sample a range of Chinese dishes. The positive review hints at a personal touch in service for regular customers, with staff recognizing and being friendly towards them. However, the negative review does not comment on the service aspect beyond the quality of the food itself.

A key feature of Rice & Fries, as indicated by one review, is its status as a "Chinese buffet," suggesting a wide selection of dishes available at a fixed price. For a long-time customer, the friendly and familiar staff who are perceived as competent are also notable features. However, the potential for inconsistent food quality, as highlighted by the negative review describing food that tasted old, is a significant factor to consider.

Currently, there is no information available regarding any specific promotions offered by Rice & Fries. Local users interested in potential discounts, special offers, or themed nights at the buffet would need to contact the restaurant directly at (618) 443-5669 or +1 618-443-5669 to inquire. It may also be worthwhile to check if the restaurant has any online presence, such as a website or social media pages, where promotions might be advertised.

In conclusion, Rice & Fries in Sparta, IL, is a Chinese restaurant operating as a buffet that has elicited contrasting opinions from recent customers. One long-time patron considers it the "best Chinese buffet in the area" and praises the friendly and competent staff. However, a more recent customer reported a very negative experience with the food, describing it as tasting old and not worth the price. This significant divergence in feedback suggests that potential customers should be aware of the possibility of variability in food quality. While the friendly service for regulars is a potential draw, the risk of encountering stale food, as described in one review, is a serious concern. Local users may want to consider these differing perspectives and perhaps seek more recent reviews or even try the buffet themselves to form their own opinion. Contacting the restaurant directly for any current promotions might also be beneficial.

Customer Reviews

4.0
348 reviews
J
Jason Rodgers
May 08, 2025

Came in today. I paid 17$ to eat food that looked AND tasted like it's been sitting for 9 hours. Will not be back lol

G
GT500FIVEH
Feb 18, 2025

The best chinese buffet in the area, i’ve been going here ever since i was really young and they workers always know me and they are the chillest people there. always know what they are doing.

S
Stormie
Jul 25, 2024

I absolutely enjoy going to rice n fries, not just for the food but the waitress. She is amazing very kind and always remembers what I drink and how many kids I have their ages and just holds a decent conversation. She never lets my drink get low and always on top of her game! She always greets you with a smile and makes you feel very welcome. Just for that I come back.

D
Dean H
Jun 06, 2024

The owners seemed seemed like great people, so I hate to have to leave this review. I took a buffet to go and the food was not edible. I am by no means picky And have reasonably low expectations when it comes to these kind of buffets Initially, I was disappointed that most of the food appeared to have been far from fresh, even though it was within the lunch hour. I figured I could not go wrong with the sweet and sour chicken that you dip in the sauce and some sugar biscuits. Everything else was dried from the heat, light or mushy from sitting so long. When I got outside to my truck, I tried eating the chicken, but it was Like eating a fishy tasting piece of leather. I moved on to the biscuits and despite feeling OK when I picked them up with tongs, The bottom of each of them were hard as a rock. The sweet and sour sauce the only thing that was as it should be. This place has a decent rating, so maybe today was not their best day. Hopefully they read this and do a little better. Based on the reviews I will likely try this place again, only I will not pay before looking over the food. If most of the food looks like it has been sitting, I would pass Next time.

S
Shannon Gee
Jul 15, 2024

I took my two daughters to eat this evening. My 8 year old daughter had 2 bites of hard pizza, 3 hard French fries and then decided she was going up to get jello and a brownie. She had about 3 squares of jello and wanted to bring her little brownie home. The rude man (always has been a little rude) would not let her take her one brownie home to finish later. We didn’t ask for a whole plate. We asked for her to be able to take one brownie home that was already on her plate. He told me if she took it home it would be free…. Make that make sense. I just paid the man $50 for noodles and hard pizza. We will not be back. At least I’ll save $150 a month.

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