Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Ripkas Beach Cafe

    3.5 (87 reviews)
    Open 11:00 am - 8:00 pm

    Ripkas Beach Cafe Photos

    RIPKAS BEACH CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Loud
    Good for kids
    Dogs allowed

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Ripkas Beach Cafe

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Hazpacho
    Nancy F.

    This is a cute cafe on the resident beach of Norwalk. The menu is extensive for a " beach shack." However today was not their best day. We ordered 2 Caesar salads with grilled shrimp and we were told they were out of Caesar dressing and offered balsamic or oil and vinegar as substitutes. The balsamic was good. They then were out of the grilled shrimp so we substituted with grilled chicken and the other salad substituted 2 crab cakes- also good. The soups were delicious, cold gazpacho- clam chowder creamy version and the lobster bisque which I think had the claws of 3 lobsters sweet and tender. The other meal was whole belly clams and French fries- decent portion and crispy. My frozen mango was delicious and refreshing on this hot summer day. Norwalk allows alcohol on their resident beach.

    Pina Colada and IPA
    Mollie W.

    I was searching for a tiki bar type of joint to stop in for lunch during an 8-state summer road trip. Ripka's had great reviews and looked like just the place to get a cocktail near the water. What I found was a small walk up with outside seating near a park. Beyond the park was the beach (for families - lots of children). It wasn't the vibe I was looking for, but the food was surprisingly good and so were the drinks! The frozen pina colada was refreshing and tasty on a hot day. The Tilapia Tacos were very good. Lots of pico and crema over large portions of grilled fish. The tortillas were grilled and yummers. The shrimp basket was also delicious with plenty of fries to share. I'd call this a successful pit stop, considering I didn't even know what state I was in (literally, where was I? figuratively, the pina colada).

    Fried clam strips - killer!
    Tari Lynn D.

    Always spot on with their fried clam strips platter!Wow! Traveled 20 miles to get these and they did not disappoint. Hands down my favorite clam strips anywhere. I asked if the included fries could be truffled and for a small, reasonable upcharge they obliged. And they were absolutely phenomenal!! So worth it. Friendly staff, great management. Love Ripka's!

    Lobsta roll
    Lisa W.

    Beach Day when it is 75 in November! Topped off with a perfectly delicious hot buttered lobster roll with sautéed shallots! YUMMMMM

    Lobster roll and chowder
    Carol S.

    We came upon this place because of traffic on I95 and searched for waterfront dining on Yelp nearby. The place is counter service and there's parking marked for Ripkas visitors. We ordered clam chowder and lobster rolls. I didn't love the chowder - too much bacon and lemon for me, but could see why some might enjoy it. I can say that the lobster roll ruined me for others. Honestly I think it's the best I've had - of many many lobster rolls. Big chunks sautéed with shallots, butter, and herbs, served on a roll rather than hot dog bun. Service is polite and efficient but slow. They were out of cole slaw which would have accompanied lobster but didn't offer any substitute. Will definitely return.

    Exterior/Outside- Outdoor Seating Area

    A great place to grab seafood in the Norwalk area. This isn't your high end seafood place, but a quick beach cafe that covers your basics: fish and chips, fried shrimp, lobster rolls, and more. Their menu is actually really expansive! Ripka's is right on the beach and near some play areas with swings on the beach. They've got plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, as well as a private parking lot adjacent to the restaurant. The service is pretty fast and you can tell it's a popular place during the summer. Prices are reasonable. Overall, the food was solid. The fish and chips and the lobster mac and cheese were the highlights for us. The lobster mac and cheese had a lot more lobster than I thought it would have, so definitely try that out if you're into lobster. A solid place to grab a quick bite if you're strolling the beach in the Norwalk area!

    Hot lobster roll
    Mark R.

    Only one caveat. Make sure you park in the one row of spaces that are clearly marked as being for this establishment or you are looking at $150 fine. If you get a parking space, this place is worth the drive from anywhere. I have never had lobster rolls as good as this place, the lobster mac & cheese is really good also. I can't recommend the hot lobster rolls highly enough. They are beyond anything in my experience. I will drive a couple of hours to get here just to have lunch. Just watch out for the parking.

    Hot Lobster roll. Delicious.

    See all

    Photo of MoMo M.
    13
    10
    0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Erin H.
    69
    12
    0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of P K.
    0
    2
    0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 3 of 3

    Ask the Community - Ripkas Beach Cafe

    You might also consider

    The Restaurant at Rowayton Seafood

    The Restaurant at Rowayton Seafood

    3.9
    (317 reviews)
    3.0 mi
    $$$

    5 stars all around: the food, the service and the restaurant location and decor…read more The menu offers all the best from the east coast, with incredibly tasty dishes (The crabcakes & lobster rolls are a must!!) The waiters and service team are phenomenal- authentic, kind, and customer-centric. The valet is such an incredible experience- no longer having to circle around the place for a parking spot! All up 5* for this must-try seafood restaurant!

    My family has been coming to the Restaurant at Rowayton Seafood for years, and it remains our go-to…read morespot for special celebrations - this time, a birthday dinner that was nothing short of perfect. We started with the hamachi crudo - yellowtail dressed in ponzu with blood orange segments and crispy shallots. Absolutely delicious. The roasted oysters, rich with garlic herb butter, parmesan, and panko breadcrumbs, were another standout (and this is coming from someone who usually doesn't care for oysters!). For my main dish, I had the classic lobster roll, served warm with butter, just the way I like it. It was accompanied by a massive amount of fries. You can choose your side (fries, chips or salad), and you can also order it Maine-style (as a cold lobster salad). My dad thoroughly enjoyed the miso-marinated cod, which came with white rice, mushroom broth, edamame, and pickled carrots. As always, the seafood was incredibly fresh and beautifully prepared. Dessert was just as impressive: a rich lemon blueberry mascarpone cake, and my favorite - a bright, zesty key lime pie. The service was top-notch - friendly, attentive, and genuinely welcoming. The owner even stopped by our table to check in, which made the evening feel even more special. If you're looking for a memorable experience with exceptional food and superb service, Rowayton Seafood delivers every time.

    Photos
    Dining room
    Dining room
    Clam strips
    Clam strips
    New England

    See all

    New England
    Sono Seaport Seafood

    Sono Seaport Seafood

    2.9
    (233 reviews)
    1.4 mi
    $$

    Valentina the server was beyond phenomenal. The best part of the experience here…read more I ordered the fisherman's platter. The clams were strips and the scallops were bay. I thought they would be some bellies and sea scallops instead. It was all fresh and cooked well but I was a bit underwhelmed at the type of meat I received. The fries were unsalted but at every table, is a salt shaker and ketchup. The children had a hot lobster roll. Even for 11 year old tummies they thought the roll was small, but delicious. The cold lobster salad roll was excellent also. A very welcoming and friendly place with I would say average food but mega star quality service. There is a pub area, indoor and outdoor dining. Come by for lunch on a nice day!

    Horrible. One of the best water views in Fairfield County, it's a shame…read more The place gets worse and more expensive every year. I doubt that the deck hasn't been power washed in five years and the plastic table outdoor tables are sagging. The Fried Seafood Platter wasn't worth it at $30 and now it's $42. All of the menu items are priced beyond reason. The fish and chips for $28 was your typical frozen fish with the water still in it and soggy when it's served. Not sure what their strategy is, but I'm thinking the end game may be in play maximizing prices and not delivering anything of value. Definitely not worth it. What a shame.

    Photos
    The view
    The view
    Fisherman's platter
    Fisherman's platter
    Snapper

    See all

    Snapper
    Harbor Lights

    Harbor Lights

    3.1
    (258 reviews)
    1.1 mi
    $$$

    Harbor Lights is your choice for the more formal dining room approach to seafood in Norwalk. Good…read moreindoor or outdoor options although the sun and heat had us choose indoor more than once. The seafood is fresh, well presented and tasty. Definitely runs traditional but not in a tired way. The crab stuffed shrimp (see picture) had real connection with the spinach and beurre blanc and as a result the jasmine rice was not dry or incidental to the dish. Service was good although we may have benefited from being a welcome no drama reprieve for our waiter. Given this is Norwalk and next to the harbor, it is perhaps not a shock to learn that entitlement could be on display. It literally was the "a lobster for you, a lobster for you, a lobster for you" kind of approach to ordering at the next table. And then come on man, really? The lobster is served and then you decide you want a sandwich instead and send it back? Showing off for both your kid and for your friend? Perhaps it my Midwest background that makes this so cringe worthy, but let's just say there is a risk of running into more money than sense.

    First time in a while... Service was Tremendous. Gabby…read moredeserves a raise. Oysters Rockefeller app & Tuna Dinner Terrific Lobster Bisque app very good Got the Shrimp Scampi special for dinner which was ok not Great... Overall solid...Service was too notch... Waitress and Support Staff Super..

    Photos
    Restaurant
    Restaurant
    Key lime pie and chocolate mousse
    Key lime pie and chocolate mousse
    Spicy margarita

    See all

    Spicy margarita

    Ripkas Beach Cafe - seafood - Updated June 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...