Fucking mid as hell. Long line and mid drinks. No food and elevator doesn't even work

Usually a great place but please never hire DJ from 3/14 again. He has no idea how to mix music.

The DJ on March 14th was horrible and very bad at mixing. Please hire a normal dj and not a random undergrad who learned from YouTube

This is definitely one of the more popular late night locations for students in Ann Arbor. There's almost always a line out the door. If you come on a really popular night, expect to wait almost 2 hours to get in. I personally do not attend UMich so I'm not too sure what the hype about Rick's is. It's pretty much a tradition around here and I've met some die hard Rick's fans who swear this is the best place ever. I think it's that sense of nostalgia that keeps bringing students/graduates back. One of the characteristics I do like about Rick's is their attempt to keep things classy. Drinks are served in large glass cups so plastic isn't thrown everywhere. My favorite drink here is the Mind Probe (~$9). It's super delicious and has a good amount of alcohol in it (literally, half your large glass will be liquor). Other than that, I don't really see what's great about this place. The dress code is pretty much nonexistent. I've seen people wear t-shirts & jeans dance next to people in club dresses. The music choices leave more to be desired. I made the mistake of coming here two times in a week and ended up listening to the same group of songs in a similar order. It was all songs that were top 10 on the radio about 10 years ago. Think "Don't Stop Believing" with the occasional Britney Spears track. The cover is $5 which isn't too bad but you'll have to go through the doorman who kind of looks down on everybody (explained below). One of the things that's really well known about this place is how strict they check your ID at the door. The doorman bent my friend's ID into a circle. He asked my other friend to show her credit card and pull up her Facebook. We literally stood there and waited around for her slow internet connection to finally connect to her FB. It's kind of crazy. read more

Rick's American Cafe - Mind Probes - Dance Clubs Near Me - Ann Arbor, Michigan

Ricks might be the greatest college bar there is, not sure why anyone would rate it lower than 5 stars. Big dance floor, best music (the gambler), and more than 2 stalls in the women's bathroom. My only advice is for Ricks management to teach bartenders how to make Tootsie Roll shots. I used to get these all the time in college but when I ordered them last week the bartenders didn't know what they were. read more

You ain't comin here for a classy time. You're comin here to get ratchet and dance. Solid tunes bumping throughout the night to get your bootie bouncing, large dance space, and two bars (I suggest going to the one in the back to get your drink a bit faster). Line gets cray after 10:30, so plan accordingly. Also they start charging covers as the night progresses. We popped our heads in at 9:30 when no one was there and it was free, but by the time we returned at 10:15 they were charging us $5 per person. Not crazy expensive, but still...who wants to pay a cover? As I said, don't come here expecting a classy night - expect to be regretting your decisions the next morning. read more

When you walk down the stairs to where the bouncers check your ID, the first thing you'll notice is the stench of urine! Gross! You'd think that after all this time, they would have done something about the smell. In any case, the interior looks nicer than it has in years past. So Rick's can have two stars instead of one. For the record, I only go here because watching the undergrads interact with one another is like watching National Geographic. read more

I probably shouldn't be reviewing this place since I only remember about 20% of my one experience here. Nonetheless, I had fun, and it lived up to what I was expecting, which was a ratchet basement club in a college town filled with inebriated college students. Oh! And a bonus--I didn't fall! Whoever contributed to the creation of the sticky floor was looking out. I am sad to say that Seattle lacks places like Rick's. Good times, Ann Arbor, good times. read more

Anyone who gives Rick's under 5 stars wasn't meant to go to Rick's. You should know what you're going into before you actually go. Great college bar with great music! The Mindprobe drink will ensure a great time. Will you see drunk sloppy college kids? Absolutely. But this is by far the best bar in Ann Arbor during your college years. Maybe even a couple years after! read more

As the Duke of Ricks (maybe other people are too drunk to check in, maybe they are too ashamed... probably both) I feel uniquely qualified to write this review. I have worked in Ann Arbor for the summer for the last 10 years and lived either at the Crawford House or Zaragon, both of which are a drunken stumble away from Ricks- so I have spent my fare share of time here. If you don't like dirt, sleeze, grime, filth, flarn, filth, sketchy guys, prostitutes, drinking piss or a BAC above .99 then Rick's is probably not for you. So many negative reviews seem to come from people who would be more at home at some place tamer like Ashleys or the Church of Latter Day Saints- how did these people end up at Ricks? It is not as if they are falsely advertising. I digress... Here are some Rick's Tips 1. no sandals or open shoes of any kind- this is to avoid getting stepped on and gangrene(or worse). Seriously. 2. You should only be drinking Sharkbowls- everything else is terrible and overpriced and can be gotten somewhere else; on the other hand sharkbowls will turn you into a god damned sexual tyranosaur and give you killer dance moves. The correct ration is no more than 3 people to a sharkbowl, and red is better than blue. 3. Leave before 1:50- when they start playing Journey (terrible), sweet caroline (awful) , and the gambler( a metaphor for your post Rick's sexual experience). Leaving before 1:50 also allows you to get your potential night partner outside before they turn on the lights and shatter your dreams 4. Don't dance in high traffic areas- like the line from the bar to the bathroom. If you do you are going to get multiple drinks spilled on you, kicked repeatedly, possibly barfed on, and repeatedly groped. 5. Don't use the bathroom unless its a life or death situation. They stamp your hand when you come in, so you would be better off leaving Ricks to use a bathroom somewhere else or just going home. The bathroom at ricks is the heart of darkness and things you see in there can't be unseen... or unsmelt. read more

Ricks is literally my favorite place on this planet earth. Ricks Thursday's will forever live in my mind xoxoxoxoxxo

Little known facts: 1. The sticky floor: That's a safety feature. Prevents slipping. 2. The basement location: Provides sense of accomplishment upon climbing your way to freedom. Much like that prison in Dark Knight Rises. 3. Bad mixed drinks: A gift to the indecisive! The only things you should order here are shots, sharkbowls, and beers. 4. Sparse decor: Intentionally done so that no one feels out of place or not good enough to enter. Rick's loves you for who you are. 5. Repetitive music: It's a public service. Who has time to keep up with the top 40 these days? Yes, when viewed in the light, Rick's is pretty gross. But to leave it at that would be missing the point. You don't come here for the quality drinks, posh surroundings or great DJ. There are other places for that. You come here to dance and be a drunken idiot with friends. With that intention in mind, Rick's succeeds marvelously. read more

Oh Rick's, where do I begin... I graduated from Michigan back in 2008 and miss the heck out of Ann Arbor. One of the most memorable places was Rick's. You may find yourself asking "Why Rick's? Isn't it just a sweaty basement where everyone gets super wasted, acts incredibly macho and tries not to get creeped on?" I would answer to such questions "Yes, Yes, and YES!" Rick's is what you make it. It has no class, no real special attributes that make it distinguishable from a thousand other college bars and bartenders that are lackluster at best. I'll tell you what it does have: A Following. Rick's, because of it's location, is a great place to meet and get drunk. Everyone knows about Rick's and Rick's knows its job is to provide a drunk and nutty evening for college kids. It doesn't pretend to be fashionable or the next big thing. The manager, Chris, who worked that at the time (I believe he still does) is a really down to earth guy. You don't go to Rick's expecting an Ultra-Lounge or Posh settings. It's a college bar filled with frat boys and sorority girls and that's exactly what you should expect. Take it for what its supposed to be: Part of the college experience. *I should note that I worked there for over a year. If anyone would know how over-crowded and over-douchey it can get it there it would be me. If you don't want to have to fight for a drink and don't want to have to deal with some sweaty guy running into you and then trying to pick a fight in front of his "bros" then go elsewhere. read more

Oh....I'm sorry. Did I just walk into the Sigma Nu house? Does someone have a humidifier on in here? This place reminds me of drunken, impromptu dances parties in the basements of frat houses. Smells weird, Everclear a-flow'in, disgusting bathrooms that make you with you packed a body condom to wear and just crawling with ridiculously bad dancers humping the air. The bad dancers provided enough entertainment and laughs for me to give this 2 stars instead of one. (Yes, man dressed in head to toe in yellow...I am talking to you. What were you doing to the wall last night? It kind of looked like you were trying to clean it, or massage it or something. But then you moved on to the pole...which was even better...I mean worse...I mean more entertaining.) Most important not of this review: the DJ BLOWS. Probably the worst DJ EVAAARRRRR! The transitions were, well, nonexistent. And the choice of music was just bizarre. Was it Madonna Madness Fridays and I just didn't know it? read more

Oh Rick's...I've been here twice. Once to dance and the other time to meet some friends and just hang out. The good thing is that the dance floor is nice and big. But the bar area is not terribly efficient. They have the one bar in the middle, which forces everyone to congregate in one area to get drinks (which results in far too many spills). I also really don't like that they charge cover. If I'm going out and possibly buying a few drinks, I don't want to have to pay to get in as well. It's where all the girls from Sororities and guys from Frats go to spend their night out. That's just not my scene. read more

Where do i begin? It doesn't matter how cold it is outside, Rick's is always right around body temperature (98.7 degrees) and smells like someone dumped too much chlorine into a pool.... don't ask me there's no pool in Rick's? If you like to listen to top 20 music, Lil Wayne, and other garbage music, have a Jersey Shore haircut, like to wear button-up dress shirts with the top 4 buttons undone, (chest hair optional) douse yourself in cologne, and grind on "Bitches & Hoe's" this place is for you! Make the Gotti brothers proud and show off your orange skin at Rick's in downtown Ann Arbor! read more

I realize that folks rate this place higher and say things like, "If this isn't your scene, don't come here." That's fine. This isn't my scene. And I've ranked places 3 stars because, hey, the place didn't wrong me, it just wasn't fun. Rick's is so filth-nasty that I had to drop it to 2 stars. Not only is it not my scene, but a friend ended up bleeding profusely because of broken glass. Dirt and sticky floors are one thing - shrapnel is another. Best advice if you're going here? Wear workman's boots. And probably be a little tipsy before you even show up. read more

I've been to many bars; this is THE one I hate with a passion. I came to visit my sister who was graduating from U of MI. She and her friends came here and I followed. I was so utterly disappointed by the music and the service at the bar. But, it was the horrid bar service that made me hate this place. People amass around the bar and there is no sense of order. When it came for me to order my drink, the bartender paid attention to his buddies 3 TIMES over me, someone who was looking at him straight in the eye. Someone from behind me would yell at him for a round of drinks and he would just fulfill the order as if he were their b*tch. Once again, this happened 3 TIMES. I don't know if the bartender ignored my protests or was deaf. But, I think he was just ignoring the writer of this review because he could easily hear the orders his buddies/masters were yelling at him from BEHIND me. So, I'm glad not to live in Ann Arbor. If I ever return, I will tell everyone I meet on the street how I was treated in this place. Thanks Rick's for showing the worst in customer service I have ever seen in my life. YOU ROCK the WORST BAR EVER title. Keep at it until people start to wise up. read more

This is the place to be if you are two sheets to the wind and like 21-23 year olds hitting on you by coming up and fist pumping. Not kidding. I am 26 and felt ancient in the place. However, the bartenders are super attractive and friendly. And although I have only been there about 4 times EVER (I try to avoid it), every single time I have been over served with strong, cheap drinks. They are always playing good music and its always packed with people dancing. It just that its douchebags dancing. If you like the whole, lets cram into a basement with no cell phone service and get wasted scene, this is all you! read more

The first time I walked in to Rick's, I almost got puked on by a drunk-ass sorority girl. The vibe in Rick's is party-party-party, which gives it distinction from the rest of the SouthU bars that are focused on drinking rather than dancing. Definitely the greek spot in town, so if you're a douchebag from Long Island, it's perfect for you. The dancefloor is usually packed with 18 year-olds with fake IDs, but they're sexy, as long as you're their age. This place's bathroom looks nice (relative to the rest of the place), but every time you turn the hot water on your hands will get burnt off. If you want cheap drinks and room to move, I'd probably go to Mitch's if I wasn't able to head over to the west side of town. I only go to Rick's if my roommates drag me there, only to have to wait in line for 45min and then pay $5. read more

Rick's is your typical college bar, a bit grimy but a town favorite. If you're looking for a more upbeat atmosphere or feeling a little risqué this a good place for you. read more

What can I say about Rick's that hasn't already been said?? It's hot, sweaty, blackout drunk dancing. That's it. Dance with random people. Not just guys or girls. People. Regardless of gender. It's so packed in here that you can't really decide for yourself who you dance with. You're controlled by the flow of the crowd. I will warn you though, if you dance with the wrong girl, you may get a dirty look from the guy who is dancing with her at that particular moment. And he may even threaten to fight you or even try! But he'll probably be too drunk to cause any damage. Also, there's always a line. But, it is what it is and some people love it. I don't. read more

Went in September after a Michigan game: After all the hype of what could happen at Rick's... I didn't get in a fight, didn't get robbed, didn't get raped, didn't get drugged, didn't get stabbed, didn't get maced, and didn't get involved in a dance battle. All and all, a good night. read more

Ricks: where life is forgotten amidst bros and (rhyme with an "H") for train wreck of a time. I've heard AWEFUL stories of lust, violence, and spilled drinks on sorority/fraternity types that frequent this establishment. I went in dressed as a bro with that in mind, and had a FAN-FREAKIN-TASTIC time! People watching does qualify as a sport here. Sunglasses (the less you see, really) improves the experience. Faux classy (suits, ties) are in here, but the atmosphere is completely the opposite. Giggling aside, you must go to this cultural watering hole at least once before leaving Ann Arbor. Especially when you just have to get down. read more

Yeah, no. If you love sticky floors and sweaty, sloppy people, then this place is for you. Unfortunately, I'm not one of those people. I guess this place is good for finding an easy hookup, but since I'm not looking for that, I was not feeling it. The upside was they were playing some good throwbacks to get people to dance, but I also felt like I needed to be 10x drunker to be there. And I went during the summer. Everyone kept telling me that the place gets so much more packed and stickier during the school year. Definitely not worth waiting in any line for and DEFINITELY not worth having to pay a cover. read more

You come here to do three things: have a hazy night, run into your classmates, and dance. If you're not into all of those, then you probably won't like Rick's. Few other things: You must get a Sharkbowl if you've never been to Rick's. Line can get long on the weekends. This place is pretty loud (i.e. don't come here to "catch up" with an old friend). This isn't the classiest establishment. $5 cover most nights. You can definitely meet girls/guys here. But if your game is about being suave, then head over to Main St., not Rick's. read more

This is probably the worst club I've ever been to. Small and crowded, the clientele is what makes this place the worst. With that said, I'd probably go here on the regular (as many acquaintances go there on weekends) if it weren't for the 5 dollar cover. 5 dollars, really Rick's? You might be the only place to go dancing in that part of town, but any of the bars on South U are much, much more enjoyable than you and don't charge a cover. When it comes down to it I might just be, at 23, too old to enjoy this human cess pool. Ann Arbor's very own tasteless Divey-Basement Dance Hall / Meat Market. read more

Super dirty. Horrible service, employees were extremely rude and unprofessional. I saw at least 4 bugs. Disgusting. Will never return here and I recommend that no one else does either. read more

No smoking. A huge plus, especially in Ann Arbor Other than that... This is not my kind of scene. My friends and I used to call this place the "frat house" after frat parties on campus took a huge blow from the admin. There are pool tables, arcades, and even dome hockey. But it's dimly lit, smells horrible, bathroom stalls have no doors (or walls), and drinks are cheap and goofy (shark bowl anyone). People come here to dance, and to score. Know what you're getting into. I also agree with the poster who said this is hell if you're sober. Also there always seemed to be an older (40+) group here; I never figured that out. read more

Simple fact: if you're a kid from Ann Arbor (21 and up, of course, but originally hailing from Pioneer, Huron, or Community), Rick's is the place to go to see your former classmates acting questionably. It's hilarious. Must be at least a fishbowl deep to even pretend to like it though. No doubt about it. read more

An Ann Arbor classic, this is where you end the night. Don't go before 10:30-11:00ish if you want a crowd. Arrive before 11:30 if you don't want to wait in line. If you value cleanliness/personal space over fun/dancing/cheap drinks, this is not your place. When you talk to the bartender, the magic word is "mind probe." read more

Rick's American Cafe - Dance Clubs Near Me - Ann Arbor, Michigan

I would give this place seven out of 5 stars if I could. The steak & eggs was oooooohhhh gee to the whizz. To DIE for. My portable thermometer fluctuated at times but still maintained a reading between 45-60° centigrade. Plus its located in the Midwest. Did I mention the rigatoni? Well, that's for another time. I'm here always and forever second floor first pillar from the right of the Budweiser sign. read more

Rick's American Cafe - Dance Clubs Near Me - Ann Arbor, Michigan

The rite of passage for a college student attending school at U Mich is to go here for his/her 21st birthday. You get to cut everyone in line and enjoy a night of drunken debauchery at Rick's. I went here around midnight for a friend's 21st in the middle of November when it was freezing cold and the line wasn't too bad. We probably waited about 5-10 minutes before going in. Girls get to go in for free while guys have to pay a small cover. Once inside, we wanted to do coat check but the line was super long (we waited a good 10 minutes and it moved a few feet). We decided to just hold onto our jackets and dance the night away. Rick's does offer a great selection of music and a really big dance floor. The place was packed but my group still managed to find space to dance on the stage near the coat check area. I don't attend U Mich so I don't think Rick's is that special but I can see that Rick's means a lot to all the U Mich kids. read more

I was dragged into Rick's with the promise of dollar beers. Oh, Rick's delivered that and oh so much more. Yes my friends, it is indeed a meat market. The bathrooms make the ones at City Club look like 5-star accommodation. That goes doubly for the dance floor. If you haven't guessed, the patrons are the frat and sorority types. This isn't a surprise, given that there are three or four houses within a block of the place. It's not like I enjoy picking on these people... but when they do the things that they do at Rick's, then I'm obligated to do so. Sorry guys. If you're looking for a decent drink and, well, DECENCY, you may want to try Charley's. If you're into the bad sort of grimy that happens in Cancun... then this is your bar of choice. And Ray, two things: 1. Don't assume all undergrads are young. 2. More importantly, the old people will most definitely not be hanging out with you young people at Rick's when Jesus saw fit to bless Ann Arbor with the Blind Pig. read more

One of the most rousing renditions of "Hail to the Victors" took place at Rick's. True story. Yes, it's basically a frat bar. And if you're looking to become a jersey chaser, you're in the right place. Lots of (underage) athletes work and play there. I saw Mike Hart there once, and my friend was going to ask to get her picture taken with him (it was her 21st birthday if that's any explanation) until we saw the girl touching her toes grinding her ass into his crotch. We decided that it was probably not the best time. It actually has one of the largest and best bathrooms until it floods. Cash is best. Plus, you can't have open tabs there anymore. I guess they finally got enough complaints from people that strangers were adding on to their tabs (like I did many, many times...sue me) that they now close tabs after each transaction. Go visit Darnell at the side bar. Seema was spot on: do NOT order the blue fish bowl. Doesn't taste good going down, doesn't look good coming back up. If you are looking to counteract the number of ounces that you drink by sweating the same amount out, you're in the right place. They will charge you cover at 1:30am. If you're looking to dance, I'd rather go here than Necto. I guess you just have to weigh your options...people your age (21-25) hitting on you, or people probably not your age (25-35) hitting on you? Hmm...I'll take people my age, thanks. I consider myself too old to go there now (at 23...sigh), but on those special nights when I get obliterated, I might just end up there and sing "Don't Stop Believin" at 1:30am. read more

A lot of people liked to mock Rick's when I was in school, but I ended up there a lot just on the basis of it being really close to my friends' apartment. When I was with a good crowd, it didn't matter how lame the music and some of the clientele was. The pitchers flowed and the bar was dark and sweaty and dancing just led to more sweat. We used to joke and say, 'John Navarre is going to Rick's to hit on freshman girls' in the goofy John Navarre third person voice, but I don't think it was far off. It's cheesy as hell, but hey, what can you do? That's what Rick's is. Their Stoli drink specials on Thursdays used to be great, because the crowds were still at S'keepers and you could play pool in peace. read more

Some of the best nights of my life started/ended/partially happened at this bar. Too-crowded for breaking but who wants to do that when you can dance with cute girls. 5 stars for the people, fun, and atmosphere. It doesn't matter that the place is a piece of shit and utter chaos. It creeps me out seeing old people rate this bar... why the fuck are they hanging with undergrads? read more

Rick's! As I said in the Rick's entry for East Lansing, the one in Ann Arbor (unlike the EL version) is so god-awful that it actually circles around and is good again. As long as you don't take yourself to seriously and can laugh at the pitiable surroundings, Rick's is a good place to be. That said, at least for me it's a once in a while place. The sharkbowls are tasty but too sweet to drink more than one of. They're fun to share but easy to spill. That sort of describes the girls there as well after a few drinks, and I'm pretty sure a lot of people are there for this. I can also second that grad students actually go here, as many of the law school bar nights are held here. read more

I used to work right above Rick's and it would drive me crazy because the music would shake the entire room. Once in awhile, I would decide to trot on down to grab some drinks with friends and maybe dance if I was drunk enough. I could never spend more than a half an hour in there happily. I recommend doing a shot of Three Wise Men before getting up in this. On a slow night, they might let you in for free if you're a hot girl. However, their DJ is usually so bad it doesn't matter. It is really irritating to listen to DJs with bad transition. read more

When here on a Saturday night. Had heard about it in the past so I was not expecting much. As I was told you might as well wear waders in there because the floor will be soaked with drinks that were spilled on the floor. Five dollar cover, five dollar Jack, five dollar Redbull and vodka. Decently priced college meat market, and of course the overly drunk 21-year-old coeds that go along with it. read more