Rick's Cafe Boatyard

02/16/2008 Posted by 1stBigMac

If you like the taste of seafood and taking someone along who doesn't, Rick's Cafe Boatyard is a recommendation to consider seriously. It was funny as I also checked into the reviews of Rick's and was concerned about comments of slow and poor service. I looked at the dates to see how recent they were. Six years ago can not possibly reflect the current business philosophy. I am happy to say it doesn't. Rock's had already filled in its prime reservations slots which made me take one an hour earlier than I wished. I came with three lovely ladies and even though we were twenty minutes late, we were seated right away. No arguments. No problem. We were waited on quickly, food came out quickly, hot and delicious. My salmon roulade was perfect. The board-roasted whitefish drew a wonderful praise as did the Shrimp Scampi and Chicken Parmesean. Never went thirsty and the deserts (cheesecake and creme boule) were eaten down to the plate even though we all claimed we had no more room for any food. Although the place was packed, we stayed with drinks and talked and laughed as the band played in the background. We should have left much earlier but enjoyed the restaurant for two and half hours without so much of having the check placed in front of us. When the check came, it was good to see that I would be paying about 35% less than I would downtown Indianapolis. My only complaint? I like to finish my meal with an expresso. I was told Rick's machine was not working. When I asked the waitress "Where is Rick?" half-jokingly, she pointed him out for me. Easily approachable, Rick heard me out and said he would have that rectified. We'll see. Regardless, I will return again and again. The menu is pretty large to get a feel at one sitting. So, if you want downtown cooking but the outside, quiet views then you need to try Rick's Cafe Boatyard. Remember that everything is ala carte so you pay a little more. Just enough, however, to make it special.

Pros: Menu selection, quick service, your pace - not theirs, value and experience

Cons: Parking can be cramped on full evenings but valle is available. Expresso would be nice

10/21/2007 Posted by belindashort

The food and drinks were pretty good, I had the mahi-mahi sandwich which was a bit dry,and my date had the New York Strip which I sampled and it was excellent. Hickory smoked and cooked the way he asked for it. I'd stick with the specials (drink-wise) or the seasonal beer. Our service, especially on the deck was very, very slow. We would have stayed outside for an extra cocktail, but we waited nearly 20 minutes for the first drink, and the deck was dead. That's the only reason I took off a couple stars. A friend of ours used to work there and warned us of the slow service before we went, but we weren't expecting to be there for as long as we were. One thing that helped was the live jazz music in the bar. All in all, I'd go back, but I'd be prepared to spend most of the evening there.

Pros: Steak, ambience

Cons: Slow service

08/31/2007 Posted by spencer54

The only reason to go here is for the location, which is unbeatable. The food is OK, but not that special, and the service is indifferent. And if you drink out on the terrace they give you plastic cups, which does a good job of killing the atmosphere. I knew a waitress who worked here, and the strories she told about the management explained why the staff are not always on top of things. Rick seems to have an attitude, and it unfortunately shows.

Pros: The location

Cons: The manager and the food

07/08/2007 Posted by santelt

Rick's fresh music and live seafood speaks to this Indianapolis institution's focus on food and ambience. A great place to dine and our server Jasmine anticipated our every need. Wonderful summer Sunday afternoon.

Pros: Great food and service

Cons: None

04/25/2007 Posted by barryml

I have the fondest Memories of Ricks Cafe. I have travelled all over the US and I still remember Ricks!!! You go to Ricks for the food and ambience, not for fast food. So if you are in a hurry, I'm sure there is a McDonald'ds nearby. Enjoy eating here again and again. I now live on the West coast, so go there and eat for me!!!! The food is great, the specialty drinks are to die for, and the ambience is so relaxing. One of my favorites across the country. See if they still make a sweet tart drink at the bar, and tell them Michele with a post on City Search says HI!!!

09/05/2006 Posted by sedunlap

I love the food and the atmosphere, but the service is not up to standard. I have been there twice for dinner. The first time, we waited at the table at least 35 minutes before we were served our beverages even! The food took forever, but was well worth it. The second time I went, the server messed up our drinks and was not very attentive. The food, as always, was excellent. So if you have patience, it is an excellent place to dine.

Pros: Food

Cons: Service

07/26/2006 Posted by dlpcoke

SLOW SERVICE , COLD FOOD, WAY OVER PRICE, CHARGING 18% EXTRA ON THE BILL WHEN WE HAD 7 PEOPLE. NOT AT ALL HAPPY WITH THIS PLACE!!!! WON'T RECOMMEND. COMPLAIN AND DIDN'T GET ANY JUSTIFCATION FROM MANAGER. BUT SORRY.

Pros: NONE

Cons: EVERYTHING

07/19/2006 Posted by lavburger3

My husband took me for Mothers Day. The blue cheese filet magnon was absolutely delicious.It was real hot that day, but the waitress came and lowered the blinds. The atmosphere there was very romantic. I will go there again.

07/02/2004 Posted by john77

Great food, great location. Service can be spotty when the place is packed, which it frequently is on nice summer evenings. Don't go if you're in a hurry. Take your time and enjoy yourself. The food is consistently excellent.

Pros: Food, View, Atmosphere

05/15/2003 Posted by aaaaaaaaaaaa

Rick's has great potential if the service matched the atmosphere. The food is quite good and it's a great location for outdoor dining on the west side of town. It would be so nice to sit on the deck and have cocktails if it were possible to get any service (this goes for inside as well. I have been several times and not once been greeted or served in a timely manner. It is not uncommon to see a patron sit for 30 minutes with an empty drink before being asked if they would like another.

Pros: outdoor dining, on the water, upscale atmosphere

Cons: terrible service, inatentive servers