Restaurant Review: Rick’s On The River

If you’ve ever driven down Columbus between Nebraska and Howard/Armenia, you have without doubt seen a sign for Rick’s on the River (2305 N Willow Ave, Tampa, FL 33607, (813) 251-0369). Their marketing team is right up there with Nike and Pepsi. Luckily, their food and atmosphere backs up their bulletins.

I started going to Rick’s about a year ago when I joined the Tampa Bay Miatas. This was their regular meeting place after the Chick-Fil-A they were meeting at booted them. Rick’s has a lot going for it for car clubs. Lots of outside seating with views of the cars. Beer. Cool Marina with lots of boats in and out to look at. Cold Beer in pitches. Good looking waitresses, most of which are decently quick with your order. Food isn’t bad either.

There are a few things about the place that will drive you crazy though. The nightly musician is atrocious. Imagine a cat being slammed around in a dryer with a microphone playing your favorite 70s, 80s and 90s hits in a way that makes you want to poke out your own ears with a rusty nail. He’s THAT BAD. I’m sure they get him at a bargain and I’m sure he sounds great if you’re so drunk you can’t stand up, but for me he’s a major annoyance. Secondly, there are a few waitresses there that feel they are “above it all”. I can name one in particular that takes 30 minutes to bring you a beer because she’s always off on her cell phone or not paying attention. Lastly, it has all the charms and cavets of any bar, so be prepared for drunkies and other morons behaving with the charm and grace of a meth-addicted grizzlybear. That’s all par for the course, but definitely not worth missing the good stuff about Rick’s.

Over the last year, I’ve seen Rick’s evolve quite a bit. The food is a bit more expensive and you get less of it, but it’s coming out warm and quickly with a smile most of the time. They’ve done a lot to improve the outside atmosphere as well. New large tents cover the tables, a nice “I need service” flag system is now in place and they’d done a lot to make sure the parking lot is clean.

So, the next time you find yourself near Columbus and Rome, stop on into Rick’s. It’s a good time to be had for all, especially on nice days with the warm breeze coming off the Hillsborough River.

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