I found Rick's on the river back in August and have been back over 10x since, and I don't even live in Tampa! It is honestly my favorite restaurant of all time and it makes me just so happy to be there. Sitting outside is an absolute must to observe the beautiful Hillsborough river and people watch. I typically sit at the bar if I'm by myself but when I bring my friends sitting right next to the river at a table is never a bad time. I've literally never had a bad experience with service the people are always so nice and the food comes out so quick! My only request is to please bring back the coconut chalices I absolutely love that souvenir cup and need to add more to my collection. As for the food, the oysters are an absolute must. Top 10 oysters I've ever had in my entire life and it's actually the only thing I ever order. You cannot beat a dozen oysters, a side of fries, and 2 whiskey diets for under $40. I always drag my friends here and they never regret it, some great feedback I got was from the burger, fish dip, and loaded fries so you truly cannot go wrong here. We went for the first time on a Friday night so we got to hear the live music this time which I've been wanting to do for a while now. Ricks on the river I'm genuinely your biggest fan I love you and never change please!! read more

See all

It was a beautiful Saturday, arrived via the boat docks, came in for a snack and a beer. We got the last slip and the place was packed. End up getting some food and no I did not take any pictures, forgot to. The staff is very friendly and everybody was having a great time. Stay just over an hour and then we drove off. Definitely come in if you have time it's always fun to be here! read more

Very nice place to go and enjoy the view! I like how easy the service method is and the food came in pretty fast Next time, I will like to try the oysters to see if they are good! read more

Rick's On the River - New American Near Me - Tampa, Florida

See all

Go for the drinks and river view not for the food. The drinks are good and reasonable in price. The service is friendly and quick. It's nice to sit on the river on a pleasant day and watch the boat traffic. But eat before you get there. The food is boring low end bar food. The burger tasted like a bubba burger. The oysters are never fresh, they just look old and brown. If you have to eat get the wings. Wings are hard to screw up. Enjoy the view drink the drinks. read more

Seafood was great and fresh! I had some of the oysters which was amazing and the shrimp po boy. The po boy was overflowing with popcorn shrimp and so delicious. It was a really big portion for the price as well. Would also definitely recommend getting the Cajun fries. Service was good and had lots of outdoor seating. read more

Rick's On the River - Shrimp po-boy - New American Near Me - Tampa, Florida

See all

Our server was so great! Grouper cheeks were very good. We also liked burger and fish sandwich.

The food was to die for! The onion rings was the best I ever had! I loved the atmosphere! You could tell it was a locals hangout which I loved! Our server, although I don't remember her name but she was pregnant at the time was so kind and sweet! read more

Fun dockside dive bar vibes with lots of outdoor shaded seating and large bathrooms, we hit this spot after a boat day. Service was a bit slow outside but waitress managed a large group of us well. The frozen drinks didn't taste strong but bar food was tasty, particularly the coconut shrimp and the tots. No frills but a good spot to stop in after a long day on a boat. read more

Absolutely amazing! Loved the ambiance, very casual and scenic! the food was not bad at all and the service was decent! I would recommend going to Rick's for a casual date night or hang out. read more

Rick's On the River - Dozen Oysters - New American Near Me - Tampa, Florida

Visiting Tampa and a local suggested we go to ricks for the river view and food. Oysters were fairly large and flavorful - loved the potent horseradish . The catfish and crab ball however weren't so tasty. They were fried hard and lacked identity. Despite the lack of fresh food (ie shrimp cocktail, ceviche, etc), our server Jocelyn was the best and made it experience better. Views of the river were nice and they have large patio outside as well. read more

See all

Food is ok, The portions are kids size or should I say smaller. Service was good, didn't get waitress name. Ambiance was decent. Had a live band on the outside read more

Rick's On the River - Smoked Fish Spread - New American Near Me - Tampa, Florida

See all

After a sunset hike on the downtown riverwalk, we stumbled upon Rick's, just a short ten minute drive from Armature works. It was the perfect spot for a low key, no frills dinner. They have outdoor seating by the water and even had live music. The fish sandwiches were great and the prices are very reasonable. The servers were so friendly. It's a perfect spot for a casual weeknight escape after an outdoor workout or day on the water. They also have an indoor bar but our vote is definitely to grab a table outside and enjoy the breeze. read more

See all

We've been going to Rick's for over 10 years. We've learned by experience to ask the wait staff about some of the dishes before we order. We're crazy about the specials and if you haven't had the chance, try the grouper cheeks. To Die For. Love the chef! Because there is a "season" so to speak for oysters, we always ask the size and looks of them before we order. Works for us every time. This is our lunch hangout and know the staff and regulars very well. read more

First stop on the pirate water taxi as we head south. Can't believe I have never been here before but it is a drive from St Pete. Large open area for seating looking out over the river. Great views! We sat at a high top in the bar area and started or order. Drinks of course were first. For food we got the famous grouper sandwich blackened. Was pretty tasty. Not the best I have had but good. The service was a bit slow but it is a relaxing spot so we weren't too rushed except we were waiting on the water taxi and it is an hour between arrivals! Solid pub food and cold drinks with a great outdoor venue. read more

See all

I was from out of town and expecting more from a docking restaurant/bar. Waitress was not attentive, chicken fingers were dry out, Bun for my sandwich crumbly. Over priced food and a kick in the pants they charge you a service charge for water. How is this place still in businea. I could have went to McDonalds and had better food and service. read more

Good Food and amazing service. We sat on the Stools by the bar and our waitress Holly was awesome! She checked on us very often and even helped me choose on a lunch option. Dive Bar feel with great service and good food. Definitely a great recommendation for lunch! read more

See all

Rick's on the River is a wonderful local place snuggled on the Hillsborough River. It's is a casual environment with live music on the weekends There is indoor seating and an outdoor bar area as well but with views like these and the cool breeze from The river and fans, sit in the outside dining area and enjoy. Table service is provided no matter where you sit. They com to the table frequently to check on you and your drink. They have a full bar. I had the 1/2 Ricks blackened fish sandwich. It's grouper and amazing. Fresh tomato or custom your own. Fries weren't so great. Really over cooked and unsalted made them leave behind worthy. Hubby had Fish Caesar wrap with fresh fruit. He demolished it. Lol. The fruit was nothing special just mixed fruit. All in all, we love coming here to read and have lunch or just drinks. There is a cool water taxi that's stops here as it circles from downtown and back to Ricks again. It also makes for a nice afternoon or evening adventure to see Tampa in a different light!! read more

See all

It's "seat yourself." I walked in sat down then waited 20 minutes for two servers to walk past me and never hand me a menu. As I am writing this it's been 30 minutes now and not one person has approached me or given a menu. If it wasn't for me meeting up with a friend I would have left already. The view of the river is nice though and they play nice house music. read more

-0 Had a great boat day with Coco, we decided to stop in for food. Only to find out she was NOT allowed to sit outside away from the main outside food area! Dogs aren't allowed! Should've stayed at Armature Works instead of trying to help a local business read more

Rick's On the River - New American Near Me - Tampa, Florida

I really wanted to find a Dive for some happy hour oysters, and some cheap drinks. This was the place. We sat inside because we had been outside all day, but they had a nice outdoor area. The oysters were great. Our waitress was friendly. My boyfriend got the smoked fish spread and coconut shrimp. Both delicious as well. This place is not fancy by any means, but if you just want good food and to relax - 10/10 read more

Rick's On the River - Oysters Raw (well, lightly steamed by request) - New American Near Me - Tampa, Florida

What's not to love? The food is great and the atmosphere is fantastic. Local spot with great views of the hillsborough river. Family friendly environment. They also have the best bartender in tampa, her name is Jess!!! Go see her! read more

Rick's On the River - Blackened chicken wrap - New American Near Me - Tampa, Florida

Ordered a fish sandwich and asked for NO tomato or lettuce. The bartender understood and before handing it to me, said, 'they put tomato and lettuce on it so I'll be right back.' And right back she came. CLEARLY they simply took the lettuce and tomato off and sent the sandwich right back out to me. There was even lettuce still on it and ALL OVER the bottom of the basket. Not to mention tomato residue on the roll. I despise tomatoes but I guess they consider that my problem. I was completely turned off. Zero effort to even hide the fact that they were basically saying 'F*ck you' to me. Do not eat here. The sandwich didn't look like it would have blown me away anyway. read more

Enjoyed a pina colada here. Good service on a week night. My guy friend loved it here. You can bring your boat up if you have one. Sometimes they have live music read more

What a beautiful restaurant to come and have lunch or dinner , the food is awesome. You can come by car or boat there is always plenty of dock space I've never had a problem read more

Rick's On the River - New American Near Me - Tampa, Florida

Who charges for a glass of tap water in a plastic cup? Rick's does. I joined a friend working in the area for lunch. Everything was served on styrofoam plates and disposable cup. The bar had your typical locals hanging out and that's not s bad thing. But they certainly weren't eating. I'm on a no carb diet so I ordered a bun- less hamburger patty and steamed broccoli as the side. I kid you not that the burger was the diameter of one lens of my sunglasses. My friend ordered the fish dip and most of the crackers were stale. Only Pepsi products and the cup is 3/4 full of ice. 2 slurps and you're out. They charge for refills. $28.00 with tip! Out-freakin-ragious. Bye bye Rick's. Pictures as proof. read more

See all

Service was ok, food was ok. Had to drive through the hood to get there. Outside seating was good, but a lot of people smoking. Bands music was very loud. One and done. read more

I brought guest there speaking highly about Rick's. Highly disappointed!!! I gave my information for tattoos to a worker. Then after I leave I get accused of stealing a wallet and said they had a video. One I don't steal, and there is no video. I WILLLL NEVER SUPPORT THIS RESTAURANT, so unprofessional. read more

Great atmosphere and good service, food is ok. Food: 2.5/5 Service: 4/5 Ambiance: 4.5/5 read more

Rick is located in very seclusion area at the Hillsborough River. It is not too far from the Amateurwork. The river and marina are good backdrop for the restaurant. The patio seating is good area for the view and enjoy live music. Rick is a sport bar restaurant with minimum TV which is ooze of the improvement that need to made. We were here for a glass of beer with food. We started with the little neck clam. I like this dish a lot because of the quality and sauce. It is a dish to get if you visit. Our entree is the coconut shrimp dinner and catfish basket. The coconut shrimp is butterfly and fried. It come with sweet sauce. The catfish coating is crunchy. Although the coating is not seasoning but still good for fish fry. The service is good. Food come out quick. read more

See all

I really enjoyed the view, food and service. My niece recommended this spot. I ordered the seafood spread and fried oysters basket which was all delicious. My niece ordered the oyster Rockefeller and I kid you not, the best I've ever had and I've been to some really great spots. You must try it if you stop by. I definitely recommend it. Prices wasn't overboard. Our server was on point. read more

Rick's On the River - Spread - New American Near Me - Tampa, Florida

See all

I lived in Tampa back in the 1990s and Rick's was one of my watering holes and lunch spots. I hadn't been back in years after leaving the Bay Area. I visited this week and saw all of the changes. The venue is worth checking out. The menu has evolved over the years. I had the fish sandwich and raw oysters. The sandwich was OK and the oysters were good. I wished I would've tried the burgers which were good in the past. Suffice it to say that the environment, drink selection, live entertainment on weekends all contribute to a relaxing environment near the Hillsborough river. read more

Rick's On the River - View from patio - New American Near Me - Tampa, Florida

See all

Best oysters in the Tampa area. This will forever be my favorite spot on the water when I'm off read more

Rick's On the River - Oysters Rick-efeller - New American Near Me - Tampa, Florida

See all

I love to visit Ricks when I want to eat oysters or just need a cool, chill vibe! Great drinks and tasty seafood with a beautiful view of the Hillsborough River a few yards away. Clams in sauce were really good too. Bring the family for a meal or with get a drink with your beau. Check the docks when your done, nice to explore with the kids read more

That fish sandwhich is something special & the live band was Awesome! Great timely service as well with a nice view

my first time to this restaurant and probably will be my last. I ended walking out the restaurant before I even ordered my food. There was a Lack of customers service. read more

The waitress admitted the Fish Sandwich was made with frozen fish and we both never heard of the type of fish. She suggested the Mahi tuna sandwich which was fresh.... NOT. It was so dry and horrible, inedible and had to spit my first bite out. Husband ordered the chef salad served with old blackened mushrooms and aged iceberg lettuce. We should have known because we saw another uneaten dish left on the table. Too Bad read more

First time going. The staff is very friendly the views are so pretty. I definitely recommend sitting outside to enjoy the views. We ordered oysters and shrimp Po' Boy. Everything was fresh and delicious. Their sauce was so good we had to order extra. I cant wait to go back read more

Rick's On the River - New American Near Me - Tampa, Florida

See all

I love this place. I've been a couple of times before but it's been a while and I forgot why I like it so much. We went for a group lunch and it was about 13 of us. The staff let's sit where we wanted and were very fast and efficient they made sure to explain the menu to those that haven't been there before. A couple of different options were purchased by my friends but I had the shrimp po-boy which was fantastic and I highly recommend this or the oysters or the fried chicken when you come to this establishment. Great food Great Service Great atmosphere Until next review Kisses read more

Rick's On the River - Shrimp Po - boy - New American Near Me - Tampa, Florida

Let me start by saying, I absolutely love this place, regardless of my four star rating. The ambiance is a typical dive bar feeling. Patrons can pull up in their boat, enjoy a couple drinks, chow down on a shrimp poboy, and hop back on the water. Cool BIG place. Our server, Kayla, has only been working their six months and works like an absolute pro. Exceptional and expeditious service with a GREAT attitude. The steamed oysters with jalapeños (I'm so sorry I can't remember the name of them) are a smash hit. I was so excited to oyster it up so I got the fried oyster platter. The coleslaw was a 10/10. The "Cajun" fries are ACTUALLY seasoned with Cajun seasoning! Crispy and fresh. The fried oysters. They had so much to live up to. The first one was premium. The second, I bit into a mouthful of grit. I figured it may be a one off. Sadly it was not. I ended up chipping my tooth on one and had to give up after. Otherwise I really love this place!!! read more

The service/server was amazing. The grilled oysters were really good. Not much else I can say.