Rik’s Cafe
1065 Maryland Ave, Hagerstown, MD, 21740
Rik’s Cafe Menu
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Visit below restaurant in Hagerstown for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Hagerstown for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Hagerstown for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
1065 Maryland Ave
Hagerstown, MD, 21740 - Phone (301) 302-7541
- Website https://rikscafexperience.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:00 am - 8:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Hipster
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
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Laura C.
Stopped here Labor Day weekend, on the way back from the Deep Creek/Nemacolin area on way home to DC. Thanks to fellow yelpers we didn't let the strip-mall setting deter us, and owners have made efforts to warm the place up with decor. Good service too and light on the wallet. But this is all about the grub- hands down if we are within 30 miles of Hagertown at any point in the near future we will be stopping back in for the Mahi tacos. Wow. Fish was slightly sweet caramelized mixed with just enough zing and avocado to top it off. Just wow.
(5)Weston H.
So get the sweet potato fries!! They are they are the best. Everything her has been great. I am about half way through the menu. Outside looks questionable ignore it!!!!!! Inside is clean classy and smells great.
(5)Kyle T.
A FANTASTIC EXPERIENCE! If you are tired of your big chain restaurants and you want to try something new then put this "hole in the wall" on the top of your to-do list next time you are in Hagerstown. We visited this place based solely on the reviews and Internet ratings and we are so glad we did! No place is perfect but the food was delicious, the staff was friendly, and the environment was relaxing with its own version of elegance. My wife and I got the dip of the day for our app, some of the homemade chips were slightly over cooked but the app overall was tasty. I ordered the lamb burger with the amazing sweet potato fries and my wife ordered the Chipotle chicken pasta. We were pleased with the quality of our food and we will definitely be back! I gave this place a four star because some places to sit had a table next to them that was higher thus people staring as you eat can be a little uncomfortable and when we first walked in the hostess had to finish texting before greeting us.
(4)Jennifer L.
Definitely will be back!! We visited Rik's a couple weekends ago based solely on the Yelp reviews. It looks a little shady from the outside, because it's in an old strip mall and next to a liquor store, but don't let this keep you from going in. It was a great experience and our waitress Amanda was wonderful. I would certainly recommend the pretzel bread with crab meat. It was amazing! I could have eaten that alone but I also got he land and sea burger which was wonderful. The sweet potato fries are so good. We had our 4 year old and it was very kid friendly as well.
(5)Jimmy G.
This dainty cafe sits on an unassuming spot in a strip mall. To be honest I didn't expect much from this cafe just because the strip mall looked pretty much abandoned. When I approached the front door I was met with a humorous sign that got me pretty excited, but was let down pretty quickly as I finished reading the entire message (see photo). I ordered the blackened chicken sandwhich with the chipotle aioli. It came with sweet potato fries. The sand which was simple but delicious. Everything on Rik's Menu was pretty simple; the selection wasn't huge but everything sounded delicious. The sweet potato fries came with an apple butter sauce; not a usual pairing but was surprisingly great together. The apple butter sauce had a sweetness that matched the sweet potato fries and was something I was very happy to have tried. So if you're like me and was shopping around the Hagerstown Premium Outlets, Rik's Cafe is a must visit restaurant for lunch.
(4)Jenne M.
Interesting local. Stepping in you quickly forget it's in a strip mall. Outstanding service. Awesome flavor in eclectic options. Definitely try the sweet potato fries with apple butter. So yummy. Had the crab cakes. Light flakey and full of crab. Mahi mahi tacos have a kick to them. A must stop while in Hagerstown.
(5)Tim N Kel D.
This place was extraordinary! It did not disappoint. Thankfully I read other reviews and it warned me about the strip mall location that was not indicative of the type of restraint Riks was. The food was excellent, the staff was excellent, service was excellent. EXCELLENT place!
(5)Dante W.
The wife and I stopped in after all of the good things that we've heard. It was EXCELLENT!!! I had the best NY strip steak that I have ever had. Vegetables were cooked just right and the plating was colorful. Fast service and our waitress was great. It was cool to be able to see the food prepared. She had a grilled chicken dish that she also enjoyed very much. I will say though, I really wish that they were in a location with higher traffic because they really deserve more exposure. It really surprises me to hear how many locals do not know that Rik's exists. It's like you would only here about the place through casual conversation.
(5)Cheri N.
Great food, service and atmosphere! There were 7 in my party and as busy as they were, we had the wait staffs undivided attention. The food was excellent and served with still of an high end restaurant in big city like New York or San Francisco!. The only thing negative about the place was the location
(5)Marla K.
Thanks to Yelp, my husband and I discovered this place on a road trip back home from Bethany Beach. We got off the Hagerstown exit to eat, and wanted to try something different than the typical travel chain restaurants. It was definitely much better than stopping at the Denny's! I had the portobello stack with sweet potato fries. The portobello stack was great. But if you order it, know that it is not served on bread. I was a little confused by this since it's listed under the sandwich section, but there's not bread. It's just the portobello caps, fresh mozerella, tomato and balsamic. I actually enjoyed it a little more NOT being a sandwich. After being at the beach for a whole week I already had my fair share of carbs, so something light was really nice. The sweet potato fries are some of the best I've had. They're served with an apple butter for dipping. Yum! My husband had the Italian Sandwich, which he said was really great. It was huge..so be prepared to be full from that. One thing I loved about this place is that it was unique food at pretty normal bar food prices. After a week of paying the higher Delaware Beach prices, it was nice to see sandwiches for $8-$9 instead of $13-$14. Service was nice and prompt. The interior of the restaurant. I really enjoyed looking at the interesting paintings on the walls. If you're driving through Hagerstown I certainly recommend stopping here.
(4)William K.
You know that feeling when you are hungry in the middle of a long drive but gas station food just won't do? You would be lucky if you stumbled upon a place like Rik's Cafe. Our stomachs pulled us off exit 28 on Route 70 and we pulled into the unassuming shopping center restaurant. The menu offered several options in line with our dietary restrictions, and we shared the Baby Kale and Spinach Salad, the Portabello Stack, and the Roasted Rice Bowl. Each of the items had several overlapping ingredients, but it was exactly what we wanted. The Baby Kale and Spinach Salad was quite hardy while remaining refreshing with roasted chickpeas and a light lemon vinaigrette. The portobello stack was served without bread, with the mushroom caps holding the tomato, basil, mozzarella, and balsamic. The fries were a little salty, but when you've been on the road for several hours you tend to not notice. The real treat was the roasted rice bowl. Served over a portobello cap with roasted chickpeas--we're seeing the overlap, right?--the dish balanced the sweet and spicy perfectly with a chili dressing that was fantastic. Naturally, we left every single plate clean and were even prepared to share dessert. The six or seven dessert options are not listed on a menu; rather, they are brought out on a tray. Each looked appealing and we were happy to try the crème brûlée. While our chance of return is minimal at best--maybe we'll need to go outlet shopping?--the restaurant left a great impression. This is the kind of lunch or dinner spot that plays it safe with the menu options, but delivers on all fronts.
(4)Keith D.
Im thinking that this place forgets that theres 2 parts to every restaurant encounter: 1) the food, 2) the service. I have been to this place twice and have had pretty much the same experience both times. First time I came in, sat at the bar for dinner and...sat.....and sat. Was probably over 10 minutes before anyone acknowledged my existence. The person who, I can only presume was the manager, was chatting away with a lovely elderly couple but did not once even make an attempt to even give a cursory 'hello, welcome'. The bartender was nice but I have no idea what the issue was because it took forever to get anything of note from them. There were probably a grand total of 6 people dining that night. I decided to try it again because 'hey, maybe it was a just a bad night for them'. Went in for dinner, sat down and...sat. Maybe there was a big discussion about how to interact with people because it took them a bit under 10 minutes to acknowledge me. Same manager or whomever just walking around not acknowledging I am sitting at the bar with no menu or drink for longer than a customer should. The food itself was good, not spectacular. Had a grilled shrimp skewer meal the first time, was quite tasty. Second had the meatball marinara. Was so excited because my girlfriend does not like the veal/pork/beef meatballs I rarely get to enjoy them. I have no idea how they accomplished it but the meatballs were both cold and warm. A bit dry too. I'm sure from all of the reviews I must be the outlier but there are enough good places to eat in the area, I shouldn't have to feel like I am bothering someone in order to get decent service.
(2)Bret H.
What an amazing find. We weren't expecting a place like this in a strip mall. I had the Havana burger it was amazing. The best sweet potato fries I've ever had. The staff is friendly and very helpful it's obvious they love their jobs. The owner came by and chatted with us for a while too. Great guy. In town for GeoWoodstock 13. I'm expecting a lot of geocaches to stop by here this week.
(5)Judy S.
Went for a quick dinner on a Friday night. The good news: the service was great, the beer was cold and tasty and the fried calamari appetizer was delicious. Now for the bad news: the burger was overcooked, dry and lacking any kind of seasoning. In addition the fries were not only cold but also not fresh. If you order the rice bowl and expect rice in a bowl with delicious veggies and seasoning, you will be disappointed. What you'll get is a small amount of completely flavorless rice, no salt even, that is not soft, fluffy or fresh but seems left over from maybe yesterday. Plus, you will get a small amount of vegetables and a tiny amount of sauce that is actually the only source of any flavor. We stopped in because, somehow, this place has many positive reviews, but we did not find the food appetizing and won't be back.
(2)Ariel O.
Everything about this place, from service to food quality, from prices to cleanliness, from ambiance to ease of access/parking - it was an absolute pleasure!
(5)Joshua M.
Walking through Rik's front door is like a portal to another dimension, as it is set in a mundane (that's being nice) strip mall surrounded by some pretty lousy stores, but the inside opens up to a much nicer aesthetic (despite a handful of cheesy tropical decorations). It was quite surprising to walk into a place that is obviously trying to be more upscale than its surroundings, and it really was quite pleasant. The food was above average for the Hagerstown area, but with above average prices as well. I had fish tacos, which were tasty, but I didn't really feel like I got enough food for the money. My date had a chicken dish, though I don't remember which one in particular. The chicken itself was quite good, but the sides (vegetables) were disappointing--a bit bland and tough. I would recommend this place as it's one of the better places in the area. Not spectacular, but overall positive.
(3)David K.
Hidden gem. Don't overlook this place. The food was awesome: crab soup, mahi tacos and (wait for it)...pineapple upside down cheesecake!! Great beer selection that changes frequently. We sat at the bar and Patrick was a great host.
(4)Angel D.
Excellent gem in a divey neighborhood stuck between the day labor office and a liquor store. Had the honey smoked salmon but on a croissant with their jalapeño relish. Hit the spot. What made the experience was the service made by Patrick who was acting as bartender / front of house. Funny, charismatic without being invasive. And MGX didn't want to stab him despite being tired from the long drive. Always a good sign. Great pitstop for us.
(4)Glenn R.
Food and service were excellent. You've gotta' try the lime cake. Best I've ever had!!!
(5)Kristen G.
This place is such a gem in Hagerstown! I went here for a dinner date with my husband. We had the calamari, which was fresh and crunchy, with a really different sweet and spicy chili sauce. I had the salmon cakes, and he had the Chesapeake chicken, we loved both. I wish I had room for dessert... Next time! Everything flowed so well too... We were seated right away for our reservation, waitress came right over, and all of our food came our surprisingly fast.
(5)Katie S.
Just had a lovely dinner at Rik's and I must say I was impressed! The atmosphere was really great - perfect for casual dining with friends or even a date night. There were families too. The food was surprisingly good (for being located in a strip mall - it was great!) I had the mahi mahi tacos, my fiancé had the blackened chicken in chipotle sauce, and our friend had the mahi mahi special for the evening. All the food was delicious, well portioned and flavorful. My only compliant was - THEY DONT SERVE AVOCADO OR GUAC! Cmon guys, this is the age of guac, everyone has guac! You gotta get some guac!
(4)Victoria F.
First thing first, Rik's is probably to most unexpectedly good experience I've ever had. I pulled in to the extremely sketchy shopping plaza, and saw Rik's and almost turned back around and left. The windows are tinted dark and there is practically no signage outside. The location is TERRIBLE. But with all that said, once you get inside, it's like you walked into another world. My bad first impression from the outside was completely thrown out. The restaurant is small and cozy, clean, and has a great, comfortable atmosphere. I was there on a Sunday night and it was fairly busy. I sat at one of the high top tables near the bar. I chose to order the soup of the day, a crab bisque; and the Caesar salad. The soup was AWESOME. I am usually extremely critical of seafood, since my parents ran a fresh (often live) seafood delivery company based out of Louisiana, but this crab soup was perfect. The jumbo lump crabmeat tasted just as wonderful as anything I'd had freshly caught. The Caesar salad came out shortly after the soup and was also delicious. I think Rik's might make their own dressing, but I couldn't say for sure. Either way, it was delicious. The only thing I would complain about other than the terrible location and lack of signage would be the wait. After sitting down and receiving my water, it took the waiter almost ten minutes to return to ask for our food orders. A little long. All in all, Rik's is a great little hidden gem. I totally recommend it.
(4)John C.
My wife and I ate here on our way to the beach. We were looking for an interesting place just off I 70 and I 81. We had read other Yelp reviews, and decided to stop there for dinner. As per other reviews, the strip mall that it is located in is not where you would expect to find such a great restaurant. Once inside, we found the decor relaxed and fun. The food was exceptional and prices very reasonable. I had the "Cafe Seafood Broil" which is a combination of a crab cake, shrimp and scallops. All were excellent. The service was friendly and attentive. They have a great bar with a number of excellent beers on tap. Our waiter picked out an IPA that I loved. If you have room, order dessert. We ordered a wonderful dessert with cheesecake, which was covered in a tortilla, then lightly fried and roiled in cinnamon sugar. It was served with ice cream and whipped cream. Absolutely fantastic! We got to meet the head chef and owner, who were very relaxed and friendly. We will definitely stop here again, when we're traveling through the area.
(5)Adam D.
Ricks is a descent place to try. The food is good. Drink selection is ok the service is friendly and quick I really like the crab dip appetizer and the seafood platter. They have a few dishes that I was expecting a little more from but all and all it is very good!
(4)Jim T.
Best place to eat in Hagerstown. I could go on and on about the food, but I won't. It's all good. It's EPIC!
(5)Tony M.
And in conclusion...... I've finally found a restaurant in Hagerstown that I can enjoy. I love the little differences in the menu, like Blackened Mahi Mahi Reuben. I love Reubens but I don't eat land meat or fowl, so mahi mahi Reuben is proper! I'm not joking, the sweet potato fries are the best. I'm no newbie to the s.p.f. I've had them at restaurants that were twice the price of Rik's and Rik's are the best. I know, the prices are a tiny bit more than the typical Hagerstonian wants to spend. But if you're just going to eat the typical run of the mill slop of most local restaurants, why are you even going out to eat? The good part though is that this keeps the scrubs from showing up. Anyway, see for yourself.
(5)Hayley K.
Stopped in here for lunch yesterday after outlet shopping. Yelp, you've done it again! This place was amazing. My boyfriend got the Old Bay and shrimp Bloody Mary, which was spicy and wonderful. I had the strawberry Jon Daly. I love that they used fresh and unsweetened tea. So refreshing without being too sweet! Our meals were really what blew us away, though. My blackened chicken sandwich was cooked to perfection. The poblano pepper and chipotle aioli put it over the edge. I also got the fresh sweet potato fries, and those, paired with the apple butter, were divine. Really made me want it to be Fall! My boyfriend loved his Havana burger. The burger was thick and juicy. His fresh cut fries were also tasty. Will definitely be back when we pass through the area again!
(5)Scott O.
Absolutely love this restaurant! Had their Veal special tonight that had a Brandy Peppercorn sauce with rice and Brussel Sprouts. $22!
(4)Joel V.
We hit Rik's for Father's Day brunch and were not disappointed. Upon arrival, I was underwhelmed. The restaurant is located in a slightly sketchy strip mall that has seen better days. However the interior decor and general ambiance of the place more than makes up for its location. The service was attentive, and the staff very friendly. The menu is varied and interesting without being overly ambitious. Good solid American fare with a twist. I had the lamb burger with feta and roasted peppers. My daughter had the pork BBQ sandwich with jalapeño relish. My son had the Havana Burger and my wife the Southwestern Reuben. Every dish had a little twist that made it interesting. For dessert we shared an order of lavender creme brûlée as well as the deep fried cheesecake. The creme brûlée was interesting, but the cheesecake was a big hit with my family. I strongly recommend Rik's to anyone looking for American with a little twist.
(4)Taylor C.
As the previous reviews stated, this place is it. All of our sandwiches were delicious and the fries were great. Definitely not what you'd expect from the location, but a very welcome surprise and very close to the highway.
(5)Becky E.
Crab pretzel appetizer is the best way to begin! Delicious! The fish tacos were amazing. Mahi Mahi makes the difference. I would never have tried apple butter with sweet potato fries, but that was the best part of my plate:) I can't wait to go back and try the burgers- Havanna and Land and Sea. The customer service is amazing! The chef and owner really want to create good food that makes people happy. They came to our table several times to see how our meal was. Really nice environment. We have recommended Rik's to our friends.
(5)Sarah W.
Doesn't skew very healthy, but the food is made to order and delicious. Had the salmon BLT and the mahi mahi Reuben - both hit the spot and were on par with the best I've had of those dishes!
(5)Dan K.
Passing through from a mountain biking trip in PA. Don't let the exterior fool you. Open the door from this strip mall and be transported into a dim ambiance with cherry wood tables, a long granite bar, mellow classic rock tunes, a creative menu and a decent beer selection. Had the kale and spinach salad with NY strip steak and a Schlafly Heffavisen. Sat at the bar and our guy was attentive and knowledge about his beers and menu. We also had the fish tacos with nicely blackened mahi mahi. Fresh avocado on top was a nice touch.
(5)Maggie O.
This little oasis is great! I've lived in Htown for 22 years and had never been... Our waiter was extremely charming and the food was absolutely fantastic. Jordan if you see this- hit me up
(4)Nan R.
I love Rik's and have been there at least three or four times with friends. This time thought my husband might enjoy it. Unfortunately (not through the fault of the restaurant), there were very few things he could eat as he is SUPER picky. He ended up ordering the blackened chicken sandwich with just cheese, as he didn't like the other toppings. He did say the French fries were really good. My salad was nothing short of amazing though - the spinach and kale salad. I added shrimp to it. Nice and light and fresh, but still a good size portion and filling. So if you have a super picky eater (kid or significant other), they may not like it here. Otherwise, everything is really delicious and the atmosphere and service are great!
(4)Alicia A.
We visited Rik's while in town for GeoWoodstock XIII and weren't disappointed (Yelp directed us to this gem). I had the crab cake sandwich with regular fries. The sandwich was fantastic, but the fries were pretty lackluster... no complaints though, as my dining companions were more than happy to share their sweet potato fries, which were AMAZING! There was a Heavy Seas tap take-over at the bar, which was nice. We're always happy to partake of regional craft beer whenever possible. #drinklocal The service was fast and friendly, and our server was very helpful with making suggestions. The owner, Rik, stopped by to say hello and we ended up chatting for quite a while. We made a point to send several friends who were also visiting the area for the event over to Rik's... and they weren't disappointed either. :)
(5)Kristi C.
Excellent food,friendly staff. Went with my husband on a date night and had a very nice time
(5)Song L.
Here for the first time, location was a deterrent for awhile, but, the reviews were overwhelming! Once you walk through the door all your worries will disappear. Bartender was Kyle..excellent. ordered the dip of the week...awesome. .my husband ordered the special..prime rib, mashed onion potato and seasonal vegetable (baby kalettes). I ordered the ny strip steak with scalloped potatoes and baby kalettes...awesome! We will be back!!
(5)Jim M.
Best steak in the area must try the New York Strip only $18. Not bad. Check out their lunch specials new menu around the corner. Maui tacos are terrific as well.
(5)Sue N.
OMG - the Havana Burger was amazing! Found this place on Yelp while on our way into town for GeoWoodstock - probably wouldn't have found it otherwise as it's hidden back in strip mall. The burger was tasty with ham and pulled pork on it. Sweet potato fries are homemade and very, very good. Nice beers on tap, too! Met Rik, he and his staff are all incredibly friendly and helpful. Would definitely return to Rik's!
(5)LJ W.
Rik's Cafe is a higher end casual restaurant for the Hagerstown area. It has what should be at minimum, decent food, but for this area, it has what could be considered very good food. Not the best of its style I've ever had, but tasty enough and fairly well executed. I had the Havana burger which was pleasing, nothing was sinewy or too chewy, the burger itself wasn't super juicy but it was pretty good. They were very accommodating about leaving it off bun and serving it on a bed of baby spinach at my request. The pickles were on the side for me, and we're the limp, slightly yellow McD's style pickles, no crunch or bright flavor there, which would have bumped it up a notch for me. I suggested improving the pickles to the server Jordan (who was well attentive as it was about 3pm) and he took it well. The sweet potato fries were good by themselves, and made more appetizing with a large flake salt sprinkling and sweet apple butter for dipping, a nice combo. When the fries came out barely warm the floor manager (Rik?), quickly rectified it with a fresh hot serving and more apple butter. All in all a good experience, especially for this area. No pressure to order things I didn't want to get, though they made extra sure to see if I wanted any drinks. (I got just water this time.) The dessert tray looked like it had typical offerings for this level of restaurant, but it was unappealing to gaze upon when Jordan brought it out due to it having likely been frozen or refrigerated for some time. I would rather see well taken pictures of very fresh desserts than a tray of old/cold looking desserts. Smooth out some wrinkles and I think it could be a very nice place for Hagerstown and help rehabilitate that faltering South End shopping center if done right.
(3)John W.
So far every trip to Rik's has been awesome. The atmosphere is nice and relaxed with a pub like groove. Tonight we ordered a Caesar salad and asked that the romain be grilled. What I love about Rik's is that they will customize your order and being vegetarian this is uber important to us. The salad was amazing as usual. Next we had a marinated portobello sandwich on ciabatta role which was spectacular. This is a customization also as it is sold on the menu on a sub role which honestly doesn't hold up to the marinade and gets soggy. The sandwich came with sweet potato fries along with a surprise. Apple butter. I've had sweet potato fries before but the apple butter SET IT OFF! For desert I had coffee and fried cheesecake! The coffee: Average coffee, old and not strong enough for my taste. I mentioned that it tasted stale and he brought me a fresh cup despite my admonition that it was ok. Top notch service! The cheesecake: Salty sweet, crispy and rich. Sooooo amazing! It paired so well with the vanilla ice cream. Don't miss this dining experience!
(5)Sara P.
So good! My husband and I stopped here after a long day of driving and it was the perfect way to unwind. Excellent food, craft beers, and great vibe. Don't let the strip center fool you, this place is totally worth a stop.
(5)Jim M.
I had heard rave reviews but my meal was just nothing special. From the outside, the place looks like a dark bar atmosphere but I was pleasantly surprised when I walked inside and the place was nicely lit and furnished. We were seated very promptly and the server attended to us almost immediately. He handed us the menu and had me hooked when he said my 4 favorite words--Cream of Crab Soup. I ordered that and an Italian sub with French Fries while my wife ordered a similar sub but with Clam Chowder and Chips. The disappointment started upon the arrival of my crab soup which had nothing more than a few strings of crab meat. The seasoning was good and the cream base was well made but I definitely felt cheated by the absence of anything resembling Maryland Crab. Conversely, my wife reported that her Clam Chowder was reasonably good and had sufficient quantities of Seafood. Next came the Subs, which by the way were certainly packed full of meat. The quality of the deli meats was good and the bread would have been good had the bottom slice of mine not been so saturated with juice of the hot relish they used in making the sub. The bottom of the bread was more than a little soggy. The French Fries looked very nice but extremely soggy--I am guessing they were fried in oil that was not at the appropriate temperature. My wife had chosen what I assume are in-house made potato chips which were fried perfectly but were horribly under seasoned. The bottom line for me was I spent $30 on two meals that I did not enjoy as much as what I could get from the local sub shop chain or convenience store. As mentioned earlier the one bright spot was the service. Our server did well in being available but not intrusive. I would give him 5 stars out of 5. Despite my bad rating, I will probably try this place again. First and foremost because of what I know others have experienced and secondly I recognize that one bad meal, a bad restaurant does not make.
(2)Tina B.
If you're looking for a place to stop for lunch off the Interstate and you don't want crap fast food, you need to stop here! It doesn't look like it will be much when you pull in to the strip mall, but the inside decor is nice. Service was awesome! My husband got the special which was a blackened mahi mahi sandwich with fries and the cream of crab soup. Both were so good!!! I got the blackened chicken chipotle pasta and it was awesome too! Our little ones got the turkey sliders and pasta with marinara. Their meals also came with melon and cantaloupe. So glad we found this place on Yelp and we will definitely be coming back on future road trips!
(5)C. S. G.
Excellent!! Decided on Rik's after reading YELP! We had the Seafood Broil, fried cheesecake & pistachio & white chocolate creme brûlée ...all were DELISH!! Loved the place, did not think the Decor was Cheesey at all! Service was Awesome!! No Complaints ONLY HIGH PRAISE!
(5)M H Z.
Rather than eat at the outlet mall cafeteria the 2 mi drive is well well worth it. Definitely a nice surprise for a sleepy lil strip mall. I had a cup of crab bisque and it was rich n creamy w out being too thick. Nice slivers of fresh crab meat too. I initially laughed at the Ritz crackers but they went very well w the flavors. Hubby had special wc was a pepperoni and provolone egg roll. It was basically a sinfully delicious deep fried pizza! I had the mahi mahi Reuben on marble rye w the now infamous sweet potato fries. The Reuben was tasty and coleslaw fresh w red cabbage. But the sweet potato fries... Let me tell you I HATE sweet potato/kamote. In my country, it's boiled and eaten w salt and is just godawful poor people food. So I was very nervous trying it as fries but my god I could it that stuff all day. Crunchy deep fried dark but still w the hint of sweet n fluffy inside. Apple butter dipping sauce just finishes you off till you're just grunting in appeasement. Wills definitely return to try other items on menu!
(4)Elizabeth H.
On our way home from WVU to Philly, saw Rik's Cafe review on Yelp and decided to stop. Don't let the location deter you from going in it's well worth it. I had the crab cake sandwich which was really good (no filler) but the sweet potato fries with apple butter were awesome. They were really crunchy and delicious. My husband had the tortellini Alfredo with shrimp that was to die for. My daughter had the meatball sandwich with the sweet potato fries and loved every bite. We were sorry that we were too full to order dessert, but we will definitely leave room next time... Great service, casual atmosphere and delicious food, we loved every minute.
(5)Natasha M.
Excellent service, food and atmosphere. I highly recommend Rik's to anyone.
(4)Scott H.
This place is great! Been a few times now, always getting it for carry out. Everything I've gotten has been original and top notch, I'd recommend this place to anyone.
(5)Perl M.
Don't let the humble location fool you. This place is a hidden gem. My hubby's Havana burgers was great, wish it came with plantain chips though. The sweet potato fries was everything the other reviews said it would be. I would go back just for that & the crab soup. My Mahi taco was good, but I'm from California, a wedge of lime & a slice of avocado would've made it great for me. All in all, I can see us making this place a local hangout
(4)Angie B.
We were in town and decided to give Rik's a try for lunch. I am so glad that we did! I wasn't sure what to think with it being hidden in a little strip mall. The owner greeted us and gave us an overview of the restaurant before being seated. Other than our warm greeting, the service was mediocre. However, the food was EXCELLENT! We had the Havana Burger, BBQ, Italian sandwich, and the Lamb burger. All were perfectly seasoned and offered a large portion for the price. The sweet potato fries were by far the winner though -- garlicy and crunchy and fried to perfection, I've never had a better sweet potato fry! So delicious!!! We will certainly be back!
(5)Vicki P.
Earlier today someone told me about this cool, restaurant that their friend opened in town that served 'kind of beachy food'. Our conversation was interrupted and I never got the name or location. I'm in Hagerstown for one night only and seldom dine at chain restaurants. I looked on Yelp for something of interest and found Rik's. After reading the back of the menu I realized I'd found the place that was recommended. I wouldn't call the restaurant Beachy, but the concept is to provide a place where you could feel comfortable in sneakers and shorts alongside someone in a business suit. A gathering place for the community. I'd say the owners have accomplished that goal! The atmosphere is upscale, hipster, cool and chic! The food, delicious, excellent quality and perfect portions. With diverse menu choices you can't go wrong! I enjoyed the Cream of Crab Soup and the Goat Cheese Pine Nut Salad with NY Strip Steak. The wine list consists primarily of a nice blend of domestics with a variety of international choices as well. Flirty cocktails and a decent beer selection are also available! A definite stop my next time through!
(4)Dodie M.
Best Meal in the area, don't let this one pass you by, and don't be afraid to try anything. Food and Service were fantastic!!!
(5)Amy W.
Wow! What a find driving through Hagerstown on our way back to DC. First- don't be wary of the exterior. Sure, it's a strip mall and unassuming but the sign "friends don't let friends eat at chain restaurants" out front gives one hope. Inside it's a welcoming, laid-back, my-cool-friend-could-own-this-place kind of vibe. My honey had the blackened chicken chipotle linguine - totally stole a bite. It was awesome. I had the rueben which was very generous and meaty with a perfect crunch to the marble rye bread. Now people- they say you can substitute sweet potato fries. DO IT. I am a fry expert... And these sweet potato fries might be the best I've ever had. This is not hyperbole. This is real life. To top it off- they have a righteous beer selection so if you're a craft beer drinker, you'll be just fine. Do yourself a favor and eat here. I will be back.
(5)Paul S.
On my drive back from DC to Louisville, KY I stopped at this gem, and in celebration of the new direction in US / Cuba relations I ordered the Havana Sandwich. It was amazing, and so much food. The restaurant is operated by Rick & Arik, and you can tell they are attentive to both the front of the house and the back of the house. The food is both delicious and the environment is great.
(4)Jennifer C.
Great food and nice interior to match! Have always had great service and the food is outstanding. Definitely a gem in Hagerstown!
(5)Steph M.
Drove from Carlisle trying to find someplace new to eat. Had the mahi Reuben...awesome! Will come back here again.
(5)Gregory R.
When I checked in last night it said I was the Duke of Rik's so I figured I might as well write a review! The short version is this: I've been a few times, the food has been great, and I plan to continue to come back for a sandwich every now and then. I live really close to this place. Trust me, if you traveling through and want to get off the highway to grab a bite, this is the place. If you are at the outlet mall, skip the food court and come here. It will be worth it! I've had a few of their sandwiches and they are all delicious. On Thursdays they have a $6 special on mussels (there are a few flavors too choose from). I tried the rosemary ones and they were awesome. I'll probably make a note of swinging by on a Thursday for that deal. I just sit at the bar and order. They had some local stuff from Antietam on tap which was cool. The interior of the place is nice. Not what you would expect considering it is in an old strip mall. Don't let that deter you. Once you get inside it is great. The few times I've been I think I've been the most casually dressed in jeans, boots, and a hooded shirt. This place certainly isn't a dive bar, but more of a nice casual place. I felt a little under dressed but hey, the food was good so I'm sure they are happy to have a repeat customer.
(5)Linda F.
On our way from Waynesboro to Gaithersburg and had Yelp help us find a good lunch place. Pulled in and almost pulled out, located in an old strip mall next to a liquor store? But following the reviews decided to give it a try. Very different inside, nice atmosphere and pleasant staff. Menu was a bit too eclectic for my taste, seemed like almost every dish had some kind of seafood in it but not really a seafood restaurant? Ordered a chicken dish less the crab and my husband got the Lamb burger. Took a little bit for our food, and when received mine was a little cold. Gave my husband the crab which he was not impressed by, and although my meal was tasty the chicken had been lazily prepared with chunks of rubbery skin, fat and connective tissues? When I get a grilled or sautéed chicken breast I expect it to have been cleaned and trimmed? So basically I was not overly impressed and think a little more attention in the kitchen would help.
(3)Justin B.
Love this place went there not knowing anything about it and got the Chesapeake checken and loved it two chicken brest and a lobster cheese filling in the middle of them with a red potato on the side. The service was amazing very frendly and help me with every question i asked. Will be eating there alot.
(5)Henny K.
We had a wonderful lunch today after driving in from Morgantown WV. Do not be put off by the location its in a strip mall the food is exceptional great sweet potato fries. They also have a full bar so check out the evenings
(5)Mike F.
Best place to eat in Hagerstown- hands down. Great food- great service!! Can't go wrong here!
(5)Lisa S.
Just had a less than stellar experience. One of our four meals was meatballs marinara. It was so spicy, it was inedible. The waitstaff never asked why the plate was barely touched. I never got my second drink as requested. My lamb burger was good, and the pulled pork and crab cake were pretty good. Overall, a disappointment.
(2)Michelle L.
Excellent food! Great service, too. After a few hours of afternoon shopping at the nearby outlet mall, we needed dinner and did not want a food court meal at the mall. Pulled up Yelp and it led us to Rik's Cafe. I had the Blackened Chicken Chipotle Alfredo, it was one of the best pasta dishes I had in a long time. My friends had the Mahi-Mahi tacos and Crab cake sandwich. Both were excellent. The presentation of the food was perfect. Try the sweet potato fries. They were hand cut and seasoned perfectly. Beautiful decor and ambiance/character inside. When I return to the outlet mall, I will come here again.
(5)Dawn H.
Please don't let the ugly strip mall sway you. Inside you will find a very pleasant atmosphere and decor. The service was amazing, very friendly and attentive. The food came out very quickly which was a surprise since it was Mother's Day and they were very busy. I had the Lamb burger and it was delicious. Everyone else at our table was pleased with their food as well. Great restaurant and I am glad I finally found it. I will be visiting again.
(5)Maggie F.
I went here with my family. The food was delicious. We all had something different and no one was disappointed. I had the Reuben with sweet potato fries. I can't wait to go back and have another Reuben. YUM!!
(5)Salalao L.
Small place unusual location at the south end. Pretty busy on a Thursday night half price on draft beer and Martini we had mussels and crab dip as appetizer and bunch of us order burgers and sandwiches all came with option of BBQ chips, fresh cut fries came with ketchup and the sweet potato came with Apple butter they were yummy. However I like my fries crispy this one was very soggy any way we agree the food and atmosphere was good we would go back but skip the regular fries.
(3)Anna B.
Such an excellent experience at Rik's Cafe on our way through Hagerstown. Found the place through Yelp, and at first glance, it doesn't look like much, but boy when you head inside your mind will change. The staff is kind and caring, and the food is way beyond expectation. The salmon-cake sandwich is fresh and flavorful, and my husband had the land-and-sea burger which was topped with a very generous amount of lump crab meat. The sweet potato fries will blow your mind, but best of all-- apple butter as a dipping sauce? It's like eating apple pie in fry form, just divine. A man who looked like the manager or owner was also heading around to each table, chatting with the guests to make sure people were pleased (a nice, professional touch). Will be eating here any time we're in the area!
(5)ALi ..
Delicious! Great roadside stop on our drive to virginia from NYC. Sweet potatoes w apple butter were amazing! Got their Caesar salad and the portobello mushroom sandwich on ciabatta. Yum yum yum. Their martini list was impressive as well if you aren't driving! And when we asked for a desert menu they brought a tray of treats starting w deep fried cheesecake!!
(5)Rachel F.
I have eaten at Rik's 4 or 5 times now, and was well on my way to becoming a regular--the beer selection is great, the food has been delicious, service is fast, and the place is affordable. However today, I ordered take-out and ordered what was described as a broth-based soup, and turned out to be cream based (which I wasn't informed of until they handed me the food after I had already paid). I cannot eat dairy, so this was a significant mistake. To be fair, I didn't say anything at the time because I was in a hurry and didn't have time to deal with a refund. While I can overlook one mistake, it wasn't the only problem. I took my food home, and there was a hair in my fries! So while my prior experiences have been great, I do not think I will be returning to this place again. They clearly need to work on quality control.
(3)Ashley S.
I've been here a couple times. There's usually a wait since it's a smaller establishment, but they take reservations if you plan ahead. The food is consistent and well prepared. My only complaint is that they never have the special of the day. Even at 6pm, they've noted that they're out of the special. Either they have very little of the ingredients for the daily special or there is no daily special. I agree with the previous reviews, you must get the sweet potato fries with the apple butter. They even pair well with the chipotle mayo.
(4)Jon B.
Stopped by for dinner with my buddies after a stay at Rocky Gap for golf and gambling because one of our group had recently been at Rik's and highly suggested it...what an unassuming gem in an otherwise low-end strip shopping center! All good food...had the grilled baby romaine salad that comes with a marinated NY strip...soo good! The balsamic dressing put it over the top...could do better with a little more searing (as in medium rare instead of medium) and thinner sliced meat, other than that, top notch! Can't wait to stop by again when I am ever back again for golf or snowboarding from wisp or 7springs! Solid 4* for now only because I wish it was closer and I have not tried many other items to give a true assessment!
(4)Theresa C.
My fiancé and I were driving on I 70 and wanted something lighter / healthier than mcdonalds but less gross than subway. Found Riks on Yelp. It's about 4 minutes off the interstate. The shopping center was a little frightening, so we expected the worst. Walking in was a pleasant surprise though. Very modern, clean restaurant. Service was quick, courteous and helpful. The waiter recommended great options. We split the heirloom tomato and Gorgonzola salad (tomatoes from a farm across the street), and the blackened chicken sandwich. Sweet potato fries are a good upgrade. They split the food for us on separate plates without us asking. This is a new place (2013) trying to make a name for themselves. Highly recommend giving them a shot whether you live in Hagerstown or are just driving by.
(5)Richard W.
Casual and inviting restaurant - their profile says they want to create a California relaxing environment - why California? - yet they succeeded. A minor hiccup that the snap beans were overcooked and could barely taste the garlic in the potatoes but a sign of a quality restaurant, attentive staff, and the restaurant owners wanting great customer satisfaction - meaning a good meal and experience - it was made right! Chesapeake chicken - delicious! Smokey salmon cakes equally so. Good selection of beer. Wonderful desserts - carrot cake "no raisins" (yea!) and moist and tasty I see complaints in some reviews - did you speak to the owners they would welcome your concerns - Rik, his wife, the staff - they are about serving you gourmet food and having fun. It shows! We will be frequent customers. Thanks for a great night Saturday.
(4)Jamie H.
Great food and great atmosphere! This hidden gem on the South side of Hagerstown has fantastic food and great service. Went on a Friday night at 6:30ish-place was packed! But we quickly got a seat at the bar. Ordered drinks and browsed the menu. Great selection of affordable entrees and enticing apps and salads. Ended up getting the Land and Sea burger with Old Bay aioli and sweet potato fries and the famous apple butter for dipping. What a surprise! Best I've ever had. The burger was perfect. My boyfriend got the special of the night, bone-in pork chops with raspberry reduction and veggies. He loved it!! Dinner was amazing. Our waiter was very friendly and we also spoke with the owner. Charismatic and very nice. The desserts looked sooo good but we refrained---next time. Because we will def return to this spot!!
(5)M R.
I don't understand how there can be so many good reviews. My family just ate here and had a horrible experience. We had different sandwiches which looked horrible, and tasted worse than they looked. The chicken tenders were ordered off of the children's menu, but instead of tenders our child received a hunk of grilled chicken in a cup. It wasn't even cut. It took us a half hour to receive our food, and another 40 minutes went by before we were checked on again. At this point we asked for our check, and watched as our waiter ran around and did other things for a good five minutes before bringing it. We will not be back.
(1)Jamie C.
We found this place on yelp while traveling through the area and were not disappointed. Don't be put off by the strip mall location, we were warmly greeted, seated immediately, and the service throughout was courteous and attentive. For the table we ordered the cheese plate to start, followed by pasta, mahi mahi tacos, chicken Chesapeake, and a pulled port sandwich. All were excellent, with just the right portions. Dessert was equally impressive. While it's not the cheapest place in town, the quality of the food and service easily merit the slightly higher prices. Visited April 2014
(4)Alison M.
I love Riks Cafe. For hagerstown, this place is the place to be! I wish the menu wasn't so heavy on sandwiches or burgers & had more entrees, but everything is always good! I usually get the special of the day and the crab soup. The soup is REALLY good! Service is always good & very clean. If you are dining on the weekend, MAKE A RESERVATION! Dont be put off by the odd location (its in a strip mall with a unassuming facade).
(4)Cheryl Z.
It was BUSY and a weekend evening, but the staff was very prompt and courteous. I had the special, salmon and scallops with a peanut rice slaw and a ginger glaze - it was out of this world! The dish it's self had a lot of complexity to it and was stunningly presented. I tried one of their cocktails (ruby red grapefruit juice and champagne) - aside from the pretentious glass it was in, it was delightful! My toddler was elated that his apple slices were cut into rings or "donuts", as he called them. I was really impressed with the dessert selection again...almond vanilla bean crème brûlée and lemon blueberry cake were our choices. The brûlée came with a delicious French macron and the lemon cake slice was too big too finish - the cream cheese icing on the cake was an interesting touch. I much preferred the earl grey crème brûlée to the almond vanilla (the caramelized sugar over powered the flavors a bit too much for the light almond), but it was still delicious. I'd also like to note that our server was spectacular! She was full of life and very pleasant, she didn't skip a beat in making sure our experience was wonderful. Thanks to our second visit, I have decided to revise my review to five stars...I wish there was an explanation for our previous dining experience, but that aside, it's truly the best eats you'll find in this town and would be a worthy adversary to many of the higher scale cafes in metropolitan areas.
(5)David R.
This place is amazing, the food has always been great.. Probably the best food around the area and the prices are decent.. This is def a hidden gem for people who have not heard about this place..
(5)mark s.
Ate at Rick's again last week - food was just as good as the first time!
(5)Vinny N.
Great lunch with friendly service. The food was far better than I anticipated, and the vibe of the place is great. Homey while still hip. Local while still entirely open to weary travelers (my girlfriend and I were in the middle of a 12 hour drive up 81). Crab cake burger with Old Bay aioli. Amazing. Stop in and enjoy yourself. I did.
(5)Kristin B.
Rik's Cafe is awesome! Don't let the location discourage you. We ended up there two nights while we were staying in the area because it was that good. Delicious hand cut fries and sweet potato fries. All of the meals we ordered each time were wonderful; mahi mahi tacos, crab cake sandwich, lamb burger, southwestern reuben. One night I ordered the burratta salad, some of the best burratta I've ever had, and the chef added more salad greens to it so I could make it a meal. Then there was the dessert! They get theirs from a local baker and they all looked amazing. We got the blueberry lemon cake and oh my goodness!! SOOOO good! On top of the amazing food, the service was incredible! We would definitely go back!
(5)Marlene O.
Been here twice while traveling thru - second time we planned travel to make sure we stopped here. Fresh food and modern preparation, I haven't gotten past the melon and prosciutto salad with a side of smoky salmon cake: perfect. With a party of five we all loved our meals. Sending friends and family!
(4)Brad B.
Hidden gem of Hagerstown! Food is first class. I had the Land and Sea Burger, wow! Tons of crab on the burger and the Old Bay Aioli is out of this world. Highly recommend!
(5)Richard S.
Don't judge by location, it's a great restaurant. Good food and service. The Havana burger is the way to go (with sweet potato fries). And ask for the Chango dessert .
(5)Ed J.
Tried riks a few weeks ago based on the yelp reviews. This place is very unassuming in a strip mall on the south end of Hagerstown. But the food was great. Heading back today in fact!
(4)Jill P.
Food is delicious!!! Ordered the cream of crab soup (cup) and ordered another one because it was so delicious! Ordered Reuben and Mozz salad. Both were delicious. Service was great too. Totally recommend
(5)Dan M.
Just ate at Rik's for the first time. There were five in our party and we had a reservation. The restaurant was full and there were some patrons waiting to be seated. Reservations are highly recommended on Friday or Saturday evening. The wait-staff was prompt, friendly and efficient. While we had a waitress taking care of us, several of the staff stopped by our table regularly to see if we needed anything and to clear anything we were finished with. The waiters and waitress were all smiling, friendly and busy. They were constantly on the move tending to all customers. We had 2 ny strip steaks, a pulled pork sandwich and 2 marinated chicken dishes. All of the food was delicious and the portions were generous. The prices were very reasonable for quality food. The atmosphere was pleasant and casual. We might have stayed longer to visit and enjoy the ambience, but being a Friday evening and we could see that people were waiting, we left to give others a table. Rik's will definitely be a place we visit regularly!
(5)Mario P.
Great place, great food, beautiful service. Don't hesitate to stop by, it's in a strip mall but it's an oasis that is not too far from highway. I had the Mahi mahi Tacos.
(5)Deb U.
The grilled romaine salad was a delicious beginning. The service was extremely quick and pleasant. Mahi tacos -amazing and tried the grouper special . The jasmine rice with it was wonderful.
(5)Amber J.
I absolutely love this place. Not only is the food outstanding but the people who work here are amazing. Seriously the best place in hagerstown. I never leave disappointed.
(5)George Micah W.
Who needs cheddar bay bay biscuits when you can have fresh mussels with blue cheese and bacon?! I'm impressed with the competitive pricing, attentive wait staff, and diverse menu options. Mad props to the proprietors for designing a menu that intrigued me as well as my parents.
(5)David T.
WOW! Is all I can say. I would have never expected to find a bar like this in Hagerstown. We were traveling through to Baltimore and stopped because of the Yelp ratings. 7:30 on a busy Sunday night, we snagged 4 seats at the bar. Service was excellent considering how busy they were! Bartender was knowledgeable in regards to both the beer and food decisions of the kitchen. Not just recommending food, but also as to why they offered certain pairings and what was in season and fresh. LOVE the craft beer on tap and how none of their six taps were wasted on the same old staples you find at every bar. Food was great and well above bar fare. Ended the meal with the chef and part owner making the rounds, and he told us about their upcoming spring menu. All craft beer, fresh seasonal food, attention to detail... I can't wait until our friends move up here so we can come back!
(5)D B.
I've heard so many good things and read so many good reviews I decided to try it and it leaves me to ponder. IWhy do people like rik's so much? Do they just not know any better? Here's my experience. App Mussels caliente 8.5/10 they were really nice and a good portion for $13 I wish they had given more bread though because the broth was spicy and addictive. Salmon BLT 3/10 tasteless salmon cake the size of a golfball 2 strips of bacon and arugula on a ciabatta roll the size of my head. It should have been on a slider roll,$13 I was really expecting something special. Fries 6/10 They appeared to be hand cut Boardwalk style fries unfortunately they were cold and soggy Land and sea burger 5/10 Ordered medium came out well and somewhat cold with arugula and on a ciabatta roll. What's up with the ciabatta rolls? It doesn't make it fancy. Too much bread for the meat portion again. Service 3/10 Our waiter sat us in the bar he was pleasant but not great at waiting tables. We had to ask for refills when he served our sandwiches and by the time he was getting them we were asking for the check. I'd understand if he was busy but he wasn't. Long story short I would go back for the mussels and a beer sometime but I will never spend 40$ in their on sandwiches again.
(2)Eve D.
This place does not look like much from the outside, but don't let that deter you! The interior is a warm and inviting bar and dining area. Staff is super friendly. Food is delish and so are the drinks served up by the bartenders.
(4)Andreas N.
I've been to Rik's a couple of times now and I feel the need to write my first Yelp review, to let people know about this true gem. I have tried the Chipotle Chicken pasta, the Reuben sandwich, the Hawaiian burger, the pulled pork sandwich, and the Cheeseburger sub and they have all been awesome! And the potato chips, french fries and sweet potato fries served as sides are sooooo good. The mussels on Thursdays are fantastic. I have tried the Rosemary and the Caliente. Me and my wife usually order them both to share. I have tried two different tonight's special soup. Don't remember what they were called. But they were seafood and really, really good! I love a good draft beer with my dinner and Rik's has always had something new and exciting to offer. At Rik's I don't think you will ever get the: "On draft we have Bud light, Miller light, Corrs light, yada yada yada light..." Everything I have tried at Rik's has been so much better than the chain restaurants I have been to. Even the kids prefer Rik's when I ask them, even if there are no peanuts to throw on the floor! :) You can tell that the people responsible at Rik's are genuinely interested in good food and good beer, tastefully presented in a nice atmosphere. And I love the way the manger walks around, talking and laughing with the guests.
(5)Patricia S.
Nice place to get a good sandwich or salad. As mentioned by other reviewers, the sweet potato fries with apple butter were phenomenal!
(4)Katherine H.
I was very pleased with my experience at Rik's Cafe! I went on a Wednesday night around 630 with my husband, my parents, and my 5 year old daughter. Somehow the stars aligned and there was a half off bottle of wine special running, which immediately made me a happy camper. My mother had a fig martini, which was fig vodka and lemon juice and just delightful. Many sips were stolen while she looked the other way. The menu is the perfect size. It's not so much that you spend 20 minutes trying to figure out what you want, but it has a selection that is diverse enough for anyone to find something that they not only want to try, but are excited about trying, as well as making a mental list of things you want to try next time. We had the blue sky mussels for an appetizer. I would never have thought that blue cheese and bacon would be good flavors with mussels but it was creamy and tasty and proved me wrong. The cream of crab soup had a lot of old bay on it, which made it a spicier soup than I expected, but very good and much more unique. As a Marylander, we are used to cream of crab everywhere, so unique is a big deal. My husband is a Reuben fanatic and was very pleased with the southwestern Reuben. My land and sea burger was perfect and my parents' Havana burger and seafood pasta were delicious as well. I was very excited that the kids menu wasn't the standard Mac and cheese and chicken nuggets selection, but instead had mussels and turkey sliders. My daughter devoured her mussels and I was happy that it came with a side of buttered noodles and apple slices instead of fries or chips. The owner was very friendly and stopped by to chat and check in with us a few times. He even shook hands with the gents as we left. Overall, Rik's deserves a 5+ rating. I can't wait to go back for $6 martini and mussels night on Thursdays.
(5)Katie S.
If I could leave a zero star review, I would. My previous review was 5. I just left Riks. It's Friday evening and the utter rudeness of the staff is appalling. I came in with a party of 3 and was politely waiting for a table. A party of 4 came in while I was waiting and were taken to a table before me (no reservations). I waited another 5 minutes by the door before being sat. Another 20 to get a drink and finally after waiting another 30 with no food while tables that were sat after us had been served dinner I was DONE! Dropped $ on the table for the drinks and left. I WILL NOT BE BACK. Riks is an EPIC FAIL.
(1)Stacy G.
Reuben & sweet potato fries--Yuummo. Thanks Yelp! Never would have found this place without you.
(5)Mary N.
Great food and good service. Nice atmosphere to enjoy good company. Always nice selection of beer.
(4)Michael G.
Just signed up for Yelp to write this review. Rik's can easily be described with one word, paradise. Maybe it takes more than word. The Jewel of Hagerstown? Heaven off 68? Magic in Maryland? Either way this place is worth swinging by. The food was outstanding and the service was even better. If you're lucky enough to get Rik's nephew Pat-rik for a waiter you'll be in for a real treat.
(5)Lacey F.
We stopped by Hagerstown on the way home from the beach for a bit of shopping and some dinner. I found Riks Cafe on yelp and decided to check out the hype. The exterior looks terrifying but don't let that dissuade you! I had the Havanna Burger and it was amazing. A bit on the messy side, but delicious none the less. The French fries are fresh cut. From the decor to the waitstaff, everything is a bit funky with a super casual vibe. I wish Riks Cafe wasn't 200 some miles from my house!
(5)Kim B.
My friends and I decided to try this place after reading the Yelp reviews. We were not led wrong! I tried the crab chowder and, while the Old Bay sprinkled on top was unnecessary, the chowder beneath was lovely - creamy but not overly rich, and full of crabby bits. I had the Caprese sandwich, so simple but so good! One friend had the salmon BLT and loved it - an odd combination that somehow works. The other friend tried the pulled pork sandwich and loved that too. All three of us had the sweet potato fries (as encouraged by other Yelp posters) with the apple butter dipping sauce. Another intriguing combination that was DELICIOUS. A fun bonus: we all had leftover fries, which we packed away for later, and they brought out travel cups of the apple butter for us. Our one disappointment is that this place is almost three hours away from where we live - because we so loved this place. We only got to try a few things, but everything on the menu sounds great!
(5)Jason H.
What a gem! I was looking for a place off the highway and I literally stumbled upon this place in a strip mall. From the outside, you'd have no idea. I had an excellent zesty crap bisque, crab cake sandwich, sweet potato fries with apple butter, and a (very fresh) DirtWolf Double IPA on tap from Victory. Food was absolutely lovely, well-presented and fresh, and the chef came around to ask me how everything was. Very reasonably priced; entrees less than $15. Half a dozen very solid beers on tap, can't remember beyond the Victory Double IPA, but there was an imperial stout, red, pale ale, saison and a couple of others. Mo'town music playing at the bar, and a great cappuccino for 'desert'. It's 5 minutes off the interstate. Worth your time.
(5)Alecia K.
Hagerstowns best kept secret! We have passed by this place a hundred times and never even noticed it. A review of Yelp, while looking for something different, made us stop and give it a try. Glad we did. The service was incredible; knowledgeable, friendly and attentive. Don't let the unassuming storefront fool you, the atmosphere was relaxed and comfortable and the food was superb. Don't pass up the Mussels Caliente. The sauce is incredible and will have you asking for more toast points as you will want to make sure you get every last drop. Not a single member of our party was disappointed with anything we ordered. We will be back!
(5)Jason H.
Great menu and atmosphere but the food was a miss. Our fries were soggy and sandwiches were not great.
(2)Missy P.
I work in this shopping center. What a great asset Riks has been to this area. Sweet potatoes fries are my favorite. Highly recommend this restaurant to our friends and family. We are going to have our Christmas party there. Great waiters and waitresses, very polite and friendly.
(5)Brian G.
Was looking for somewhere vegetarian friendly on a Sunday drive back from the beach. We knew Hagerstown was surrounded by typical chain and fast food options so turned to Yelp and saw Rik's had 5 stars after considerable reviews. We just finished our meals and all 4 of us are very satisfied with the food and service. We almost turned away as the strip mall didn't look very encouraging. Once we got inside, we found where everyone in the area had been. It continued to fill in as we passed noon. Extra bonus points for providing the kids chicken tenders as grilled and not deep fried! I recommend Rik's to anyone who is hungry on I70!
(5)Jeremy M.
This place came recommended from a bar tender when I was out to eat the night before. She bartended here as well. What a pleasant surprise! Tucked in a strip mall. The range of food to choose from was not expected. Anything from pulled pork to seafood. I had the pulled pork. For one, it's my favorite and the toppings on it were things I nevet had on it. I'm sorry but I can't remember what they were. They was some good spice to it though. As for the sweet potato fries, yep they were some of the best and they have there own dipping sauce. Talking with the bartender they to to keep different beers on tap. So it's a good chance to try different beer. She said there working on getting mores taps as well.
(5)Becky C.
For our first time here we were divided in our opinions. I liked my meal (the Italian sub with hand cut fries) but my husband was not impressed (he hAd the cheeseburger sub with hand cut fries). He thought there should have been more meat and less bread. The service was very good, both employees were very attentive to all the tables. We were there for lunch on a Monday and the restaurant was 60% full. It did take a while to get our food but still, all in all, the service was good. I would return, but my husband would not.
(4)Carolyn M.
Driving through Hagerstown and stopped for the night. Found Riks on yelp and decided to give it a try. It was well worth it. We shared the goat cheese and pine nut salad which was excellent and then had two different mussel appetizers. We had the special mussels with capers, cognac, lemon, garlic cream sauce and the mussels with chorizo and coconut milk. Both were wonderful. Full of flavor. We scooped up every bit of sauce from both. Our server was excellent. The best part was leaving with the recipe in hand. Thanks for the great meal!
(5)RENEE H.
Great atmosphere, awesome service, and the food, let's just say, "delicious" doesn't do justice... Don't allow the outside to deter you from going in. The menu is not stealthy, but we were told they wanted to preserve the quality and taste by keeping the menu limited. The desserts were made locally; they were fresh and delightful. We arrived on a Saturday, we called in our reservation ahead of time; which was a great idea because the place started getting crowded as the evening approached. It's a must-try! Our family of six shared a few bites of a couple of the dishes; the best was the pork barbecue... It was to die for!
(5)J D.
My sisters and I took my mother here for her birthday. It was lunch time and we did have a reservation. I'm glad we did because we'd probably have to wait otherwise. I wasn't in love with the menu choices, but they were okay. I ended up getting a pasta dish but found the seasonings to be a little overbearing. In fact, I didn't even take home the half I had left. I appreciated the fact that we were not rushed to leave and that we could have presents and take pictures without getting the "evil eye". The decor was nice and comfortable. I was a little confused at one point when another customer (a regular??) jumped up from her seat and started cleaning off our table. Overall, it was okay. If I go back, fine. If I don't, well, that's fine too.
(3)John M.
I'm a fan...the food is good and its a nice atmosphere
(4)Filecha K.
We have eaten at Rik's several times, never a disappointment! Food and service are top notch. I recommend you try the soups! The desserts are to die for! You know it's good when your children love it and ask to go.
(5)Jamie B.
Just returned from our first visit. The opening of the door for you by the every present & very friendly hostess started our visit on a high note. One that more or less stayed for our entire visit. Our waiter appeared just as we made ourselves comfortable. His name was Marcelo. I do recommend him. Fast with the drinks & food orders, always made sure that if we needed anything t was there for us. We started with the humus. Great taste, not too lumpy, not too smooth. I like carrots with humus, the wife prefers pita chips. So we were both happy when it came with both. The wife had the seafood marinara. The sea food was out of the world, the sauce was a beautiful compliment. However the pasta was way overdone. When faced with an ocean full of muscles on a pate you start with them, it was only when two people had asked if everything was going well, that she started on the pasta. No biggie.. the seafood had filled her up anyways. I went with the mushroom hoagie. Great taste. However with the amount of went ingredients it would be best served on a toasted bun. Would have made it easier to eat also. The bill was a surprise. Way less than I expected for the food we ate & the beers I drowned. We will be back!
(4)Marlee M.
Loved the Mussels Caliente and the Goat Cheese Pine Nut Salad. Sat at the bar and the staff was fun and attentive.
(3)Erica R.
Don't miss this gem in the rough!!!!!! Don't let the outside fool you...walk into the oasis that is Riks. Best tasting salmon cake ever!!! It's smoked and words can't describe it. the vegetables were so fresh & delicious. The service was amazing & incredible. The guy next to us kept going on about how good the Mahi Mahi tacos were. That's next time. Last...but not least, the fried cheesecake...
(5)Frances S.
I was there recently and had to try the blue cheese mussels since they are so highly recommended. I can see why. The strip mall it is located in is a bit depressing but once you enter this restaurant, you forget were you are. The service is excellent. I had a sushi roll because it was all I was really in the mood for and it was great. My husband had a grilled lettuce and steak salad and it was very, very good. We will be back!
(5)Jerri C.
What a great local spot! The food was great and the place was really busy the entire time we were there. Marcelo made some great wine suggestions and was friendly. Rik was bussing tables and greeting guests as they came in. Its easy to get to off of the highway.
(4)Allison H.
Wow. That is the first thing that comes to mind after walking in the door. Rik's Cafe IS in an ugly strip mall. Get over it. Go in. The atmosphere is so friendly and welcoming. We were fortunate to be seated because this place was 'rocking' in a good way. There is an interesting selection of draft beers-our favorites. Bleu Sky Mussels were plump, sand free and the creamy bleu cheese sauce paired really well. The Goat Cheese Pine Nut salad was crisp and the raspberry vinaigrette gave it a great sparkle. The Jumbo Crab Cake sandwich had the best lump crab cake-no filler-that I have had in a long time. Of course, after reading all the reviews, we had the Sweet Potato Fries. They were perfection. All the food is presented beautifully. In a culinary wasteland, this is a standout place. The staff is so accommodating, they have 'put some fun back in food' as is their motto. Go.
(5)Kyle A.
WOW! What a great atmosphere, food and staff! Love their daily specials they post on Facebook each day. If your passing through or are a local, this a must!
(5)Lorin P.
On a business trip we happened to be passing through the area at lunch time so I checked out nearby places in Yelp and the reviews for Rik's looked good so we stopped. The reviews were right. The staff was very nice and greeted us immediately upon entering. Quick service and the Caesar salad was excellent at a really great price, only 6 bucks! If I'm ever passing through again I'd definitely come back.
(5)Pat M.
Amazing food and service. You have to love a place where the children's menu has mussels and turkey sliders instead of lowest common denominator chicken nuggets. Highest recommendation.
(5)Dawn B.
Thanks to Yelp, we found Rik's when we were in Hagerstown yesterday. My husband had the blackened chicken sandwich and I had the caprese sandwich. We both thoroughly enjoyed our food and our server was very attentive, friendly and efficient. Definitely would recommend Rik's!
(5)Laura J.
We found Rik's on YELP while looking for a place to meet an old friend while traveling through Hagerstown. The service was awesome-including two visits to our table from chef and co owner Arick. Happy hour included 1/2 price wine, $3.00 drafts and a very nice bottled beer list. Warm crab dip with homemade chips and toast points was a great appetizer! I had wonderful linguine with shrimp, scallops and a full pound of mussels in a delicious marinara sauce. My husband had very tasty chicken chipotle pasta. Dessert was ice cream in fried tortilla- yummy!! The atmosphere was great and prices in line with portions and quality food! My only complaint was the location- a shopping center! This is such a "cool" place that it would be a huge hit relocated into a trendy neighborhood somewhere!
(4)B A.
This place was not at all what I expected by judging from the location and appearance of their sign. Inside was nicely decorated with a great ambiance. The food was outstanding. Hands down the best food I've eaten in Hagerstown. The wait staff was great; attentive at just the right times and never had to wait for a refill. This is going to become my local go-to place.
(5)T B.
Fruit flies galore so we had to stop eating...but other than that the food was pretty decent.
(3)Mary H.
Excellent! Wonderful food, exceptional service. We had a wonderful experience. I highly recommend this restaurant.
(5)Bill S.
I've been here five times since I heard about them. I've ordered five excellent dishes. I was taken care of in a gracious, better than pleasant manner, five times. I've wondered five times how the owner isn't a billionaire yet; offering quite possibly the best American fare in this area, or state for that matter. I give five stars only because there are not six to give. Please keep doing what you are doing. So far, perfection.
(5)Douglas H.
Fantastic place. This is a new place in Hagerstown, but they are doing things right. I had their lunch special which was a French Dip. Fresh bread, tender perfectly rare steak. The au jus was perfect. The fries were hot, perfectly done and just enough seasoning. The menu has something for everyone. My server talked about a Hawaiian Burger that sounded great too. Can't wait to go back and try something else!
(5)Clare C.
My family and I were looking for a new place in the Hagerstown area, and after stumbling across this place on Yelp, we decided to give it a shot. It was great! A pleasant relaxed vibe, moderately crowded but no wait (we called ahead for a reservation), our server was friendly and attentive, and the food was delicious. Our "meat and cheese" appetizer had an unassuming name but was fancier than expected on arrival. There was a full list of fun cocktails, and my Fig-tini was refreshing and well made. Our dinners (two salads, the fish tacos, and an Italian sub) were tastefully prepared and full of seasoning, with the exception of the Italian sub which we thought we could have gotten anywhere. A dessert platter was offered, and how could we say no to cheesecake wrapped in dough, lightly fried, then sprinkled with cinnamon and served with ice cream? I'd definitely recommend the place to locals and individuals passing through Maryland!
(4)Tom S.
I have NEVER had such poor service in my life. I came with a party cof 3 and waited while other larger parties that arrived after us were seated immediately. We were not given menus and didn't get them until 10 minutes later when our waitress finally took our drink order. We sat another 10 minutes until our drinks arrived. We ordered an appetizer and 3 sandwiches but after waiting an additional 30 minutes with no food I gave up. Several tables that were seated after we had ordered were already EATING THEIR DINNER. We didn't even have our appetizer yet!!! We will not be back and I suggest you spend your money elsewhere.
(1)John J.
What a surprise this place was! We had low expectations for Hagerstown, but this place could beat out competition in any big city in America. AMAZING value for some of the best food I've had in months. The menu is traditional but creative at the same time. They know what they are doing in this kitchen. I'd give six stars if it were an option.
(5)Tracie S.
Great place! Don't judge from the outside. Sweet potato fries were AMAZING! Crab cakes were great and service was on point! Highly recommend.
(5)Barbara B.
We stopped here on advice of fellow yelpers and were so glad we did. Sweet potato fries and fish tacos were perfect Friendly owner stopped by to chat. Stop to charge your phone and refuel your body when traveling south!
(5)Dan S.
Great!!! I have been traveling to Hagerstown on business over the past 1 1/2 years and have tried numerous restaurants in the area including Nick's and the fine German restaurant downtime. They are very good! Last night I tried Rik's Cafe with a work colleague after seeing some of these Yelp reviews. I had the best meal I have ever had in Hagerstown! The cafe is not fancy and it is located in the a small mall. But the staff, service, wine and food were all outstanding. And they were so friendly. The Seasoned & Grilled Flank Steak with the Honey Adobo sauce was awesome. My colleague loved the Mahi Fish Tacos, the Tomato/Mozzarella salad and dessert. The overall experience was great, the food was very tasty, the wine was very nice and they provided outstanding service. And the value was excellent. For my future trips to the area I will make sure at least one night will be spent dining at Rik's Cafe. Great Job to Rik's team!!!
(5)Angela H.
It's nice to see when small town Hagerstown acquires good eats like Riks! Grew up in the area but visiting from my now, San Diego residence, so I had to try this 'California inspired' cafe. It was such a pleasant experience! Both owners and a server that recognized my parents came to our table to chat. The chef made me a complimentary Caprese sandwich (which I just ate leftover for lunch) since they were short an ingredient on my Pita sandwich. Both delicious; I would personally tweak the pita to have less hummus and more vegatable. Oh, but the sweet potato fries were defiantly YUM! The only thing I would add to several of the menu items is avocado. Avocado is a staple in California.. but, I know, impossible to have good avocado year round in Maryland (if at all, hah)...... Cozy friendly atmosphere, great service and great beer make this spot a 5*. I shall return!
(5)Adam H.
Love it. Great people, food, drinks, and atmosphere at reasonable prices. Be sure to check out the specials.
(5)Dean D.
Great food. Kids special was a nice surprise... A lot of food prepared with the same attention to detail as the adult plates. Mussels were fresh and clean and grit free. Smoked salmon burger seemed initially too smoky but perfect by the finish. They know how to do pasta Al dente. Skip the outlet fast food and make the short drive over for some real food!
(5)Katherine D.
Don't be fooled by the location or exterior of this restaurant! You will be amazed when you walk in the door. This is high-class dining meets casual in a beautifully decorated combo restaurant/bar. We have been to Rik's 4-5 times and have enjoyed everything we have tried. We highly recommend the Rik's shrimp ceviche and the blue sky mussels. The ceviche is flavorful and light. The mussels are a fantastic mixture of blue cheese and bacon that is nothing like we have ever experienced. As for salads, the grilled baby romaine with flank steak is wonderful but small. The Italian cold cut sub was huge and packed with authentic Italian deli meat and cheese. The blackened mahi tacos are good but the portion size is very small. We love the friendly staff and the owner, Rik, makes it a point to come check in with each table to ensure that they are having a pleasant dining experience. The prices are high but represent a good value, considering the quality and creativity of the food. Casual environment, intimate low-lit dining which is perfect for a date night. Artwork is displayed nicely on the walls from a local artist The bar is gorgeous and they have fantastic martinis. We have been very pleased with the helpful staff and the food overall. This is a fave of ours for a night out in a romantic setting. If you are looking for LJ's & the Kat lounge quality food in a lower-key, more casual setting..this is the place!!
(5)