Santos Uy Plans Casual Filipino Bowl Spot Called Rice Bar Downtown

It looks like Santos Uy may be getting in on the emerging trend of casual Asian bowl restaurants that’s currently charging through Los Angeles — but this time with a Filipino twist. The affable owner behind such neighborhood spots as Papilles in Hollywood, Mignon on 6th Street, and (formerly) Bacaro LA has of late been quietly working to bring Rice Bar to 7th Street Downtown, and an opening isn't far off.

The casual bowl concept is relying on Filipino flavors and heirloom rices to separate themselves from the pack. That includes, apparently, spiced longanisa sausages, which are a popular holdover for the island nation from the days of Spanish rule, but are regionally distinct across the 7,000 island nation.

The restaurant itself takes over the former location of a quick-service Middle Eastern spot called the Shawarma Factory Place, so expect a diminutive storefront mostly meant to serve takeaway customers and other quick-eating diners.

Not much else is known about Rice Bar at the moment, as it appears to angle towards a mid-June debut. Eater reached out to the restaurant and Uy, but so far haven't heard back. In the meantime, follow along at their Facebook page here, which for now is mostly just a few shots of sausage being made. It’s smart timing for Rice Bar though, as the nation continues to take a growing interest in the long, varied history of Filipino cuisine.

Rice Bar
419 W. 7th St
Downtown Los Angeles, CA