To have: Bloody Mary's and Chicken Quesadillas. We only popped in for a drink and a snack. All was delicious. Service was great too. Just maybe remember to wipe down the menus before giving them out to guests. Would return tho! read more

So coming from Los Angeles I was on the central coast for a wedding over the weekend. I don't like to stay in on a Saturday night so I yelped the local nightlife in Avila beach. The best place/only place seemed to be Mr. Rick's, so I went. So like I said, it was a Saturday night and I got there around 12:20AM. As I walked up to Mr. Ricks, most of the people were out on the patio smoking and mingling. Everyone was outside apparently because some shitty band was playing live on their stage inside. The only people inside were in their late 40's to early 60's trying to dance and rock out with their flab out, bulge out of sleeveless t-shirts, and neon tank tops. BUT, there was a ginormous woman in a strapless top getting her grind on with a dude a fraction of her size. That's always amazing to see, so gold star sticker for her. I walked straight to the bar to get a drink. The two bartenders working were the epitome of tools. They were the meathead types -- the half-a-bottle of gel in their hair, plucked eyebrows, post-high school football bodies, etc. Tools. Anyway, a few of my friends growing up are now bartending so I know how busy/stressful the job can be. But these 2 guys were tending a near EMPTY bar. There were only 2 other people besides me standing at the bar trying to get a drink and we were getting ignored. In the end, I figured out it was only I, that was getting ignored. The other 2 got their drinks, and guess how long I stood there silently, and patiently waiting for them to take my order at their small 30 ft. bar? A full 10 minutes. I stood there a FULL 10 MINUTES. Why didn't I say anything? Because I shouldn't have to. Simple as that. And no, I'm not a midget, they could totally see me. There were 2 bartenders working a tiny 30 ft. long bar, with 3 customers, at a practically empty bar -- not that hard to do. I just walked out. There's just no time in my life for me to dedicate to that kind of bullshit. I invested 6 minutes too much standing there. Even if I did get my drink, the place would still be trashy. I should've driven from Avila Beach all the way to San Luis Obispo that night instead. read more

Im at a beach bar surounded by tropical decor and they are playing depressing country music. The people at the bar look depressed and the music just adds to the atmosphere. Been here before and never seen it like this. Beer is good food is good, music BAD. read more

Really bummed out with my experience. Yesterday I was so excited to go have fish and chips here . When I got my order, the fish was so chewy I thought I was eating a tire. We let the bartender know. He was understanding and offered us another option off the menu. But I went with the fish and chips again thinking it could have been over done the first time. Nope same thing. Bummer town. The other problem I had was the trash all over the floor and the staffs attitude about it. The outside bouncer was walking by and stopped to ask me if I needed something. I said ,no I'm just looking at the trash all over the floor. His response was, oh yeah ,well you know, it happens. And then walked away. Really? How about picking it up?It looks bad. I can handle bad food. Every place has hit or miss food sometime. But to have a staff that just does not care and have a oh well attitude, nope. read more

Mr Rick's - Mr. Rick's - Bars Near Me - Avila Beach, California

The place has gone down in quality and ambiance fue years now. They closed at 10:30 last time we went down on a Saturday night, given it was a slow night though. I'm glad I could walk down, I would have been super upset if I would have driven all the way out for some dancing and drinks. read more

There are a few different spots I like for weekend nightlife, and for Avila Beach, Mr. Rick's is the only spot in town. But it is definitely happening on the weekends and always has decent live music. The clientele has some class, but not snoody. Too bad I don't live in Avila or I would come here more often. The drink prices as well as selection of premium liquor are pretty good. This place is well kept and clean. They also have pool tables. read more

2nd time to Mr Ricks not very friendly have to wait forever to get a drink(water) food came out wrong had to take back to bar to fix it. Not very happy with service at all. Bartenders seem to favor their friends for hooking up drinks read more

I came here alone on a Saturday night. I was in town with family and of course my family doesn't drink. I had a good time met a group of 4 girls that went to Cal Poly and had some good drinks. The bartenders were fast and to the point which is good. Oh and they had a good band on Saturday night. Definitely worth a visit if you are in town read more

The best bar in Avila Beach! Go watch the sunset with your honey in the best spot in town! It's like a fun Cheers! Very hip, very fun! Drinks are great! read more

Fun place facing the ocean. Enjoyed everything BUT upgraded a great burger with onion rings instead of fries. Paid $2 extra and got a total of 3 THREE onion rings. Next time will stay with the fries. read more

I can't believe I never posted my review of this place. I think I was too angry at the time but we will never give business to Mr. Rick's or Custom House ever again. I had my wedding in Avila and we called ahead to let Mr. Ricks know that around 10:30ish we would have a large group of family and friends from our wedding coming in afterward. They assured us we were welcome and even said there would be a live band. That night they treated us so badly I couldn't even believe what I was seeing. Our cousin's girlfriend started to fall asleep at the bar, which I get is an issue. But the owner of the bar goes up to her and elbows her in the back and tells her to leave. She's maybe 5 feet tall, tiny girl. Our cousin didn't like that and said something to him and the owner then proceeded to put his hands on him catching his finger on our cousins nose and making him bleed! I think he knew he messed up because then he decided it was time to close and went around taking drinks that were already paid for out of our friend's hands! basically if you looked like you were a part of the wedding you were no longer welcome. They called the police for some reason and when I spoke to the officer he told me that this sort of thing happens often with them. The next morning we went to custom house not realizing it was the same owner, and who do we see that morning? The owner who smirked and made some rude comment to us. And he gets away with treating people this way because it's a tourist area. There's always a new group of people every weekend so customer service means nothing to him. Honestly not worth supporting these people at all. Worst experience I've ever had at a bar/restaurant. read more

First off, this is a bar and it is bar food... it's got salads too and they are good for bar salads. If that's what you're looking for... then, good/decent vibe on busy days, but painfully awkward during less busy days. We've been on and off for the past two weeks since we're local for a few weeks. Live music on weekends, pool table, great view and good fish tacos. Nice chill place to have a beer and stare out on the ocean. What's with the plastic forks and Styrofoam? That gets me every visit -- no need for it. read more

I have lived on the Central Coast off and on for the last 23 years, and I can say without question that Mr. Rick's is my favorite bar. Prime location, prime decor, prime atmosphere, perfection. There is absolutely nothing negative to say about this place...NOTHING! I am glad that I live in North County because if I lived in South County, I would be here all the time pissing my money away. Well done, Mr. Rick's...see you this weekend. read more

$14.50 for a draft coors and horrible bloody mary! Definitely would not recommend a bloody mary from this place it was terrible!

The service here is impeccable!!! Wow! All the bartenders are so friendly and attentive. They make you feel so welcomed. Griffin and rob are very conversational and get you, your drinks within seconds it feels. Don't even get me started on the nachos! Always coming back! read more

My wife an I decided to come here on a Saturday. Well we ordered 2 bloody Marie's an they tasted like tomatoe juice. I had to go ask for an extra shot for both of them so sad. Then we got asked to put our sweet pitbull under the table. Only to see that 2 big poodles got to walk around with no manners. I'm not sure if people were scared of our dog but 2 people walked up to her an she was all smiles an they got to pet her. Our sweet dog loved it. But I was very surprised we were the only ones who got asked to put our dog under a table. Very upset with this being my second time there. I don't know if we will be back read more

It's a bar on the beach! Lighten up people. We read the reviews and were concerned. We had great drinks and the food was typical bar food. Hits the spot when you've had a few. We had drinks two nights in a row and dinner on the second night. No live music, but I could imagine it being quite the happening place. Sat outside and watched the people pass on the beach while drinking a Corona. I can think of a lot worse things! read more

Every time I come to visit my cousin we stop in Avila. Probably the cleanest beac front on the coast! Ricks is great, perfect bar food, fun staff, great drinks! Can't beat sitting in the sun on the beach eating tempura calamari! Favorite spot in Avila! read more

Surprisingly good food, great location across from the pier, and lots of local color. The staff is friendly and the atmosphere is simply superb! Not quite a sports bar, but similar with TVs and a bit noisy. Not for fine dining perhaps, but for a fun time on the town. read more

Great hang out spot right on Avila Beach boardwalk area. There was live cover music, very talented duet. Awesome selection of some of my fave beers. Gets super crowded on the patio and seating fills up fast -- you have to be quick to snag a table. read more

Great Place On The Beach Beautiful Views Best Fish Tacos I Have Ever Had!! Fun At Avila Beach. Great Drinks Friendly Staff.

Bloody Mary's were pretty good. The old fashioned was gross, according to my husband. He said it tasted like cinnamon and kool aid. I'm assuming most people come here for the convenience and the view. read more

Came by after Thanksgiving and the place was pretty clean. Not too many customers and a jukebox ready to play music. Had the Shrimp Louie that was pretty good. I'd come back for sure. Didn't have anything to drink so I'll finish a review when I'm in the area. read more

The only reason I give this place 4-stars instead of 5-stars is that we didn't try any of the food. The location is great, it's right on the Avila beachfront. They of course 805 on tap which I love. The people were friendly, the drinks were decently priced and the atmosphere is great. They do karaoke and pool as well. read more

Great spot to hang out at Avila! I've been there both at night and the afternoon and both times are great. Really enjoyed the outdoor patio where you can hang out and get some sun while listening to awesome live music. The signature cocktails are all super sugary sweet but I enjoyed their classic margaritas. Their macho nachos are fun to share! read more

Came in here on a Saturday for some drinks outside in the sunshine. It was a gorgeous day and there happened to be a band playing great live music that was a true cherry on top kind of moment. This places outdoor patio might just be the best view in Avila! All the other restaurants have similar patios but their views are slightly obstructed by railing along the boardwalk, unlike Rick's. I didn't try any of their food, but they had a few things on their menu that was exactly the same as next door's Custom House, so I wonder if they share a kitchen. I liked Custom House's food (at least when it comes to beach side eating) so if that is the case, then double score! read more

Mr Ricks is a beach front bar in Avila Beach that serves good beer, good drinks, great nachos and a view that's amazing. They usually have a band on the weekend and the crowd includes all ages. I recommend dining at the custom house next door then get your party on at Mr Ricks. There are lots of tourists and locals with a friendly smile dancing the night away. They also have plenty of flat screen televisions to catch the sports events. There are plenty of hotels in walking distance just in case you're in the mood for Patron Shots. read more

Other than some creepy guys lurking at the bar staring at people in our post wedding party party, this place is decent, with great views of the water, right in the thick of it all, decent prices for drinks, a live band at night, and a jukebox that has pretty much every song you can think of (no joke here, we found some Gunther). Not a bad bar. read more

Fun bar. There are usually good bands playing at Mr. Ricks. A great vibe with the people that hangout there. Overall a fun experience.

Live music on the weekends. It's across the warf, it has outdoor seating, bar food and all sorts of libations. It's the place to hang out in Avila beach, see and be seen. read more

Great place but out of the tap Margaritas? Not very good....May consider skipping this place moving fwd....How easy is it to just pour a real/fresh Margarita... read more

Awesome location on the boardwalk in Avila Beach! Good food, drinks and atmophere.

This was a fun place to hang out for a few hours on a hot day at the beach. It's more of an place for adults than kids but that's just fine by me. They have a decent beer selection and their bartenders know how to mix your drinks just right. There is often live music on and a pretty fun atmosphere to the place. Unfortunately when we visited their blender was broken so no pina coladas for us but the margaritas went down a treat! read more

This is a cool spot to stop at along a great beach. Be careful ordering a burger though if you don't want one that's the size of your head! Pounding that much food into your stomach isn't gonna flatter your beach figure very much I'm sure. I was the wiser of our group and got a seared tuna salad. It was okay. Same goes for the drinks. The girls said their bloody mary's were good and my margarita was just the same so no complaints there. Just no extra special shout outs either. There are some other places along the strip to try (we didn't), but you'd do okay with Rick's if you want it. Rick was there and took a some pics of our group for us. A nice owner with some good jokes is a perk to eating anywhere if you ask me. Three stars for a good spot. read more

Went to Mr. Ricks for the first time. We sat outside so we could enjoy the view of the ocean. We ask the bartender for suggestions for lunch. He recommended the fish sandwich and fish tacos along with a couple others. We had fish tacos and the fish sandwich "delicious" we walked away very happy. I would definitely go back again. We had a great experience! read more

This place is really fun, and sometimes they have some pretty cool live music. They do need to clean the bar on the inside, its reeks of old spilled beer. They make some pretty decent drinks, and the price is in line. Not a must see, but definately worth stopping by and having a drink. Good atmosphere, but when its busy, dont hold your breath for a seat.... packs up fast, which is a good thing. read more

Good drinks and okay food. The bartenders have always been very nice. They are incredibly busy but still take the time to at least smile when they take your order. The location is of course one of the best! You can sit on the patio an enjoy watching the people on the boardwalk or just watch the ocean. They often have good bands playing. I love to just sit and listen weather I'm inside with friends or out on the boardwalk with my kids. It is a good place in an amazing location. read more

Great food, outdoor patio, and location! Not to mention the best bar in Avila. No clue why Yelp shows 3 stars. This is a definite stop in Avila Beach. read more

Once again We had a great Visit were from Santa Barbara & Mr Ricks is always our go to , the bartenders are always friendly and basically the reason we keep coming back .. We were sad to find out ANOTHER bartender Ricky is gone he was the best huge mistake!! We had a great New Years Eve at this place had a great time this weeknd I hope that the next time we return the staff doesn't disappear .. it's sad going into other places & seeing that our guys are once again relocated - Loyalty is huge keep Mr Ricks that happy place & know how important it is to have great bartenders and the cool camaraderie you see as soon as you walk in!!! We want to come back & continue to enjoy Mr. Rick's and the great team you have! Thank you guys for another great visit!!! cheers ! Best place for a great meal & a cold drink !! read more

Great location right on the front boardwalk at Avila. They have a little patio out front which is nice when the weather is good. I saw one of the football playoffs games there and they had a big screen projector set up so that was nice for the fans. The food comes from Custom House but they just have bar food type appes. The crowd at night is a little older so it depends on what scene you are looking for. read more