Rick's on the River

2305 N Willow Ave, Tampa, FL 33607, United States
$$$ Bar & grill
(5772 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

Welcome to Rick's on the River, a charming bar and grill located along the banks of the scenic Hillsborough River in Tampa, Florida. This establishment provides a laid-back atmosphere where the essence of Florida comes alive, making it a perfect spot for locals and visitors to unwind. With a blend of classic bar fare and flavorful seafood, Rick's offers a menu that is both satisfying and family-friendly.

As you step onto the outdoor patio, the inviting views of the river will instantly catch your eye. The live music enhances the relaxed vibe, creating an ambiance that's perfect for enjoying a fresh breeze while savoring delicious bites. Patrons can indulge in a variety of mouthwatering appetizers, including Jacked Up Oysters, featuring steamed oysters adorned with Pepper Jack Cheese and jalapeño rings, and Coconut Shrimp, perfectly paired with a sweet orange marmalade sauce for just $12.99. If you’re craving something crunchy, the Popcorn Shrimp with remoulade or cocktail sauce is a delightful choice at $11.59.

Families will appreciate the extensive kid’s menu that includes favorites like Fish Fingers and Chicken Fingers, ensuring that even the little ones leave with happy tastebuds. For those looking for a lighter fare, dive into the Rick's House Salad or the Chef Salad, piled high with fresh veggies and savory meats – perfect complements to any meal.

Customer experiences at Rick's underscore its charm. Judy Moore delights in the venue and the attentive service provided by Maddie, while Disney love Anime praised the deliciousness and seasoning of their fish sandwiches. However, not every review has been without criticism; some patrons have noted that the oysters, while tasty, could have been larger, calling attention to the balance of quality and value in a competitive seafood market.

As you sip your drink and take in the sights of boats floating by, it’s clear that Rick's on the River is not just about the food; it’s an experience. It’s the perfect destination for those looking to launch straight from the water into a meal after a day of exploration. The restaurant's ample outdoor seating, coupled with an efficient service model (complete with table-call buttons), ensures you can relax while your culinary desires are promptly attended to.

Whether you're a local looking to rediscover a hidden gem or a traveler seeking authentic Florida vibes, Rick's on the River is a must-visit bar and grill that seamlessly blends great food, vibrant music, and stunning views. So swing by, grab a cold drink, and immerse yourself in the warm, welcoming atmosphere where every meal feels like a vacation.

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Has outdoor seating
On-site services available
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
No delivery
Highlights
Has fast service
Has great beer selection
Serves great cocktails
Has live music
Has live performances
Good for watching sport
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves food
Serves food at bar
Serves happy-hour drinks
Serves happy-hour food
Serves late-night food
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Serves spirits
Serves vegan dishes
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has bar on site
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Crowd
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Popular with university students
Planning
Doesn't accept reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Has kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

11:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Tuesday

11:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Wednesday

11:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Thursday

11:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Friday

11:00 AM - 12:00 AM

Saturday

11:00 AM - 12:00 AM

Sunday

11:00 AM - 11:00 PM

5772 Reviews
Judy Moore

04 Sep 2025

We were delighted with the venue, food, Maddie our server. The band was very good that was playing. Especially the music choices they performed Rick's was a very laid-back atmosphere. You would never know such and experience could be tucked away downtown We will definitely come back and share the place with our friends

Penny Pridgeon

27 Jul 2025

Just had an appetizer wasn't really impressed. Had to wait for service. The atmosphere is good when the waitress came she was excellent. Wouldn't take anybody there. But if I was just going to sit and drink and look out at the water it'd be good enough

Melissa Previte

27 Jul 2025

Won't find a more Florida vibe bar than this! Directly on the Hillsborough River with boat access, this makes it the perfect destination to grab drinks or a bite to eat after a day out on the water. The live music makes the atmosphere entertaining yet relaxing. They have a ton of outdoor seating as well as indoor, both including bars. Everything is served in disposable products, making it an easy clean-up. The wings were pretty good, but the service was fantastic. Always had a full drink with a friendly smile. This definitely felt like a place the locals tend to be at consistently, as it's been in business for 30 years. Parking is a little crazy around peak times, but you can find a space. You just might have to walk a little bit.

Melissa Hine

22 Jul 2025

The oysters was good, but they were so small. It would not even cover 1/4 the cracker. very disappointed, long ways to eat ! would not even have a veterans discount or a senior citizen discount. We are from Tennessee. $25 a dozen not worth that.

Disney love Anime

19 Jul 2025

Stopped by seated pretty quickly. They have very good prices. Decided on fish sandwiches jerked and fried. Very delicious and well seasoned. Will be back! Menu pictures attached!

Gin

21 Jun 2025

Had an absolutely amazing time! Came here to see the downtown 4th of July fireworks and grab a bite to eat. We ordered the fried oyster basket, grilled mahi mahi with fruit cups, and wings. Everything came out relatively quickly considering the place was packed, and the food was fresh and hot. My only complaint is that the fruit tasted pre-frozen, but I could care less about something so trivial.

Carl K

12 Jun 2025

Long time since I’ve been here, but it’s still the same. The neighborhood around is a little more run down than I remembered, but Rick’s is still kicking. Boat slips, the boat club is still next door. I sat at the bar, so my service was super fast. Beer was cold and not super pricey. I saw they had some wheel things on the tables I guess to say when you needed a waitress. Two big tent areas for big parties. Bathroom still sucks lol.

Grace Outlaw

31 May 2025

My husband and I had a great lunch here! We got the loaded oysters - they were a little pricier than a couple other restaurants, but everything else was very reasonable so it balanced pretty well. They oysters were good, the drinks were good, I got the fish and chips which were amazingggg! Our server was fantastic, and I always love open air by the water restaurants on vacay. Very enjoyable place!

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