DON'T EVER BUY SHOTS HERE!!!
I was here last night with my girlfriend. The staff was OK and they had a great live band. I was having a great time until we ordered shots of Grey Goose.
I understand that bars sometimes fill expensive bottles with cheaper liquor, but this was ridiculous! I'm a heavy drinker and a vodka connoisseur; there's not much I can't drink, but Mr Rick's managed to serve me the worst vodka I've ever tasted. I don't know what the hell they gave us but my girlfriend ran to the bathroom because she thought she was going to puke. I ran outside to immediately smoke a cigarette and ease my stomach. We both managed to keep it down, but she only drank a portion of it. I made the mistake of trying to finish hers about 20 minutes later and vomited outside for about 5 minutes.
NOT Cool!
If you're going to try and trick your customers into thinking they're getting premium liquor, at least fill your bottles with something that doesn't taste like gasoline!
I also paid $9.00 for chicken strips... they gave me 3. Awesome. I will NEVER be back.
I have lived on the Central Coast off and on for the last 23 years, and I can say without question that Mr. Rick's is my favorite bar. Prime location, prime decor, prime atmosphere, perfection. There is absolutely nothing negative to say about this place...NOTHING! I am glad that I live in North County because if I lived in South County, I would be here all the time pissing my money away. Well done, Mr. Rick's...see you this weekend.
Review Source:This place is awful. We have come here every year this weekend and have always loved it. Today however is a different story. The man outside was totally  RUDE.  Told us we were blocking the entrance when we were TRYING to find a place to sit. Then we asked the bartender for a menu and he practically threw it at us!  After asking a the girl bringing out food from kitchen we were told to order from the bar. Well. Bartender does not even acknowledge us so, we walked out and never again go back!!  C ya!!!!  Not!!!
Review Source:I have gone to Mr Ricks for years, and have always loved the bar. My boyfriend and I even had our very first date there....so we have always made it a tradition to go there whenever we come to the coast. However, the last few times we have gone we have been so disappointed that I actually feel the need to yelp them in hopes that they will make some changes! We went on 11/21 to go play pool and have some drinks before having dinner next door. When we walked in the guy who works the door rudely approached me to show my ID. I have absolutely no problem with getting carded, Â but the fact that he points and glares at me while I am putting my coat and purse down to try to get my wallet out was extremely upsetting. Once I gave him my ID, I told him that it was rude to point at people and he just rolled his eyes and sat down and started talking to his friend again.
When my boyfriend and I ordered our drinks we remembered from last time that they keep the balls for the pool table behind the bar now, so we asked if we could get them. The bartender was very nice, but said that they prorated the pool tables for $8.00 an hour. They have never done this to us before, last time we were there we paid $1.00 per game, the pool table accepts $1 bills and quarters.... I mean, who can possibly play 8 games an hour? What a rip off!!! But regardless, we love playing pool and since we had our first date playing pool there, we just dealt with it. Then we went over, and all of the pool sticks were broken!! They all had the tips broken off, and they were all bent. I found one stick that had a tip and was usable, so we decided to just share it. Then, we went to play, and there was no chalk for the tips of the sticks!! I went up and asked the bartender and she apologized saying that they were out. Are you kidding?? Â It it totally impossible to play pool with a junk stick, and no chalk!!! Obviously, pool wasn't going to happen at this point.... so we got all of the balls and returned them. At this point, I was feeling really disappointed and upset, not only about the pool table but the super rude bouncer at the door still glaring at me for some reason.
Mr Ricks got rid of their shuffleboard table....what's up with that? They also used to have 2 pool tables for the longest time, now they only have 1. Now they don't even have descent pool sticks to use, and no chalk?? They should just take the pool tables out if they don't want people playing or if they are unwilling to maintain it's upkeep. The bartender apologized saying that the management does not want to spend the $ to maintain the pool tables, and how she totally understood, etc. Then, just minutes later a few girls came in and that same bartender sold them balls for the pool table. The girls were over there playing with broken sticks, and the balls kept flying off the table towards other customers because of the broken sticks and no chalk. What a mess!
I can't believe that I am leaving Mr Ricks a bad yelp. They used to be my favorite bar, and we have spent a lot of time and $ there through the years. (and next door at the custom house) But this whole situation is totally wrong.....management needs to fix this!! If they don't want to maintain the tables, they shouldn't charge people a ridiculous $8.00 an hour to use them, especially without the proper tools to play a decent game of pool. They should really be ashamed.
Since we were staying down the road doing the RV thing for the weekend, we were limited to Mr. Ricks for a cool beachy  bar that served beer and played live music. The place itself is pretty cool and what you will typically find for a bar at the beach. Not too fancy and they have a pool table inside along with a stage.
4-stars easy for the beer/bartenders/and live music.
Where this place really lacks is in the food. Â As other reviewers have discovered, the kitchen is shared among the neighboring restaurants. They serve pizza from the pizza place around the corner and the place right next door does the burgers and sandwiches. I ordered the cheeseburger medium. When I got the thing I could just look at the 1/2 lb burger and knew that the patty came out of the freezer. A thin flat disk with melted and slightly charred cheese from the grill was nicely placed in what was a decent bun with fresh lettuce and tomato. As bar food goes, it was barely ok. The beef had no flavor, it was well done, so it wasn't juicy either. The fries were only ok as well. If I were in a real dive bar with a buzz it would be great. The fact that it came from the 'fancy' restaurant next door only leads me to conclude that I'll be grilling my own burgers the next time I visit Avila.
Two nights in a row I had to buss my own table. Â The second night my wife and I walked away after bussing my own table, waiting outside for service, bussing my own table inside, standing at the bar and being ignored. Â
I'm on vacation and expect to spend some cash at dinner. Â We did eat there the first night and must say the food was average bar food.
I do NOT expect to be ignored and invisible. Â Go somewhere else, any where, that acknowledges customers!! Â The service was AWFUL!!!
Great location right on the front boardwalk at Avila. They have a little patio out front which is nice when the weather is good. I saw one of the football playoffs games there and they had a big screen projector set up so that was nice for the fans. The food comes from Custom House but they just have bar food type appes. The crowd at night is a little older so it depends on what scene you are looking for.
Review Source:This was a fun place to hang out for a few hours on a hot day at the beach. It's more of an place for adults than kids but that's just fine by me. They have a decent beer selection and their bartenders know how to mix your drinks just right. There is often live music on and a pretty fun atmosphere to the place. Unfortunately when we visited their blender was broken so no pina coladas for us but the margaritas went down a treat!
Review Source:This is a cool place to get a drink right before or after playing on the pier/beach.
The crowd is "older."
There are signs right outside that specify you must be 21+ to enter.
I like the beer they served--get something local.
They had a pool table inside and people were being loud.
I like how the front entrance was wide open like a garage so you can easily see outside towards the ocean.
Had a glass of wine here after a bike ride form Pismo Beach.
Was surrounded by people twice my age, who were all eating nachos, which was like a sad view into my future...oh well, at least they were having fun.
Glad we got there when we did, otherwise there would have been no tables left (but plenty of room to stand). Â This place could go for a few more tables/chairs and they would be much better off!
I love the drink selection and the beers on draft, but it is a pretty expensive place to drink. Â I am also bummed they got rid of the shuffleboard table. Â Have encountered quite a few rude folks here, but the staff are nice. Â
All in all, beautiful views but be sure and bring a full wallet cause you'll need it.
What a great way to celebrate Summer than a Shocktop Beer and Live music? Rick's is a Bar right in front of the Beach and it has a great atmosphere. I was waiting for some friends for Lunch, and grabbed a quick glass of suds. Outside Patio and perfect weather was the back drop to the Live Band. I remember using the ATM previously on Friday night, and it was a perfect excuse for a quick Beer.. They have clean bathrooms, and Friendly Bartenders. Pool Tables and the Sawdust (Shuffle board) game is also available. Definite a cool place to hang out after a gorgeous day at the Beach.
Review Source:Stopped at Avila Beach on a whim, while driving up the coast. We had been driving all morning and needed to stop and relax a bit. While walking down the boardwalk of town (what a great hidden gem this city is), we came upon Mr. Ricks. They poured a nice stiff Vodka Soda for me, that I definitely enjoyed. Â My wife had a bloody mary, and the spicy factor was very good. They also have Pacifico on tap - nice when you can find it.
They have a nice outdoor seating area, which we took advantage of. It was around noon on a Friday, so the place was not packed. Great view out of the beach. Pretty mellow vibe.
Bartender was pleasant and helpful. That is always appreciated.
Did not try the food.
The next time I'm back in town, I'll definitely be stopping in.
There are a few different spots I like for weekend nightlife, and for Avila Beach, Mr. Rick's is the only spot in town. But it is definitely happening on the weekends and always has decent live music. The clientele has some class, but not snoody. Too bad I don't live in Avila or I would come here more often. The drink prices as well as selection of premium liquor are pretty good. This place is well kept and clean. They also have pool tables.
Review Source:As a Cal Poly student, this place is an ideal change of pace.
I've always wanted to sit in the outdoor seating either at Mr. Rick's or Custom House so I feel all-grown up sipping on an alcoholic beverage and enjoying the beautiful sunset across Avila Beach. When I finally made the trip, I was presented with the choice of choosing between the two VERY different restaurants.
Rick's was bustling with a rowdier crowd having a good time drinking beers and mixed drinks while Custom House patrons were quietly enjoying their meals with their glasses of wine - two very distinct atmospheres. My friends and I (all college students) chose the more lively Mr. Rick's for the better atmosphere for having drinks.
We ordered a beer ($5), a deliciously made lemon drop ($9 - ouch!), and a peach fuzz ($7) that tasted like peach rings. In addition to our drinks, we ordered their Macho Nachos with beef which is normally $9, but add $4 for meat.
Service was great, no complaints. You order your drinks and food from the window facing the patio area.. This took us awhile to figure out, but after watching other people, it didn't take long to figure out. There was a miscommunication and they initially brought us nachos with chicken, but graciously resolved the problem by replacing it with beef instead. The nachos themselves were tasty, but not worth being $12.95 (the cashier was nice enough to give us a slight discount so we didn't pay the menu price of $14).
Took off a star because the prices are a bit high for them to have a sticky patio floor. I understand that when I'm ordering drinks and food from a beach-front restaurant, prices go up, but to match the money I'm paying...I expect my shoes not to STICK to the dirty cement in their patio area. Phooey!
Either way, it's a fun, classier getaway for me and I expect to come back again with friends to enjoy more Avila sunsets.
Nothing personal, but if you don't like this place I probably don't like you. Great bartenders, food almost too good to be eaten in a bar, drunk girls in bikinis, seating in the sunshine and reggae music. As with every other bar I've been too, I wish it didn't smell like a bar, but I often wish dogs didn't smell like dogs. It is what it is, a bar on the beach. Enjoy it, soak it in, buy the girl in the blue bikini a margarita.
Review Source:Sundays at 4PM they have reggae/blues. I had the blues because the reggae band sucked, such sour vocals I have seldom heard!
Drinks were good, bartenders friendly. Good pickup place. I only give 2 stars because the band SUCKED! Drinks you can get anywhere.
If you Google "Avila Beach webcam", you will see the clientele and pier. Look down the bikini tops!
It's a sunny Sunday in Avila Beach. I am chillin' on the patio at an easily found table, gazing out past the tourists to the sun glinting off a blue ocean with a cold drink in hand while listening to a live reggae band that is playing a few feet in front of me. Yeah, it's a good Sunday fun day.
Review Source:Just about my favorite place on the Central Coast! You can go to Rick's on a weekday during the winter and have the whole place to yourself. It's like having a house on the beach, and people to bring you food and drink. Or weekends in the summers they have great bands for dancing, cool events (Bikini contest, margarita contest, etc) and much more! One of those places where the locals hang out.
Review Source:So coming from Los Angeles I was on the central coast for a wedding over the weekend. I don't like to stay in on a Saturday night so I yelped the local nightlife in Avila beach. The best place/only place seemed to be Mr. Rick's, so I went.
So like I said, it was a Saturday night and I got there around 12:20AM. As I walked up to Mr. Ricks, most of the people were out on the patio smoking and mingling.
Everyone was outside apparently because some shitty band was playing live on their stage inside. The only people inside were in their late 40's to early 60's trying to dance and rock out with their flab out, bulge out of sleeveless t-shirts, and neon tank tops. BUT, there was a ginormous woman in a strapless top getting her grind on with a dude a fraction of her size. That's always amazing to see, so gold star sticker for her.
I walked straight to the bar to get a drink. The two bartenders working were the epitome of tools. They were the meathead types -- the half-a-bottle of gel in their hair, plucked eyebrows, post-high school football bodies, etc. Tools. Anyway, a few of my friends growing up are now bartending so I know how busy/stressful the job can be. But these 2 guys were tending a near EMPTY bar. There were only 2 other people besides me standing at the bar trying to get a drink and we were getting ignored. In the end, I figured out it was only I, that was getting ignored. The other 2 got their drinks, and guess how long I stood there silently, and patiently waiting for them to take my order at their small 30 ft. bar? A full 10 minutes. I stood there a FULL 10 MINUTES. Why didn't I say anything? Because I shouldn't have to. Simple as that. And no, I'm not a midget, they could totally see me. There were 2 bartenders working a tiny 30 ft. long bar, with 3 customers, at a practically empty bar -- not that hard to do. I just walked out. There's just no time in my life for me to dedicate to that kind of bullshit. I invested 6 minutes too much standing there.
Even if I did get my drink, the place would still be trashy.
I should've driven from Avila Beach all the way to San Luis Obispo that night instead.
I came here alone on a Saturday night. I was in town with family and of course my family doesn't drink. I had a good time met a group of 4 girls that went to Cal Poly and had some good drinks. The bartenders were fast and to the point which is good. Oh and they had a good band on Saturday night. Definitely worth a visit if you are in town
Review Source:Mingling with the friendly bartender who concocted an awesome mojito.
Tequila shots.
Dancing with killer satin black heels.
Mojitos. Buttery nipples.
Karaoke singing.
Tequila shots. Tequila shots.
Karaoke singing.
Dancing with killer satin black heels.
Buttery nipples.
Karaoke duet.
Tequila shots.
Dancing and spinning.
The friendly DJ carrying me to my hotel room.
My wing(wo)man carrying my killer satin black heels.
A satisfactory place for entertaining after hours with great customer service! Â However, I'm not sure they always host karaoke or have a dancing floor...it was a private party after all...so therefore, a great place to host a private party.
Bonus: clean bathroom floors
Just what I would expect from a college, beach town: a ton of young, college kids in bikinis/boardshorts and flip flops trying to get their groove on with their liquid courage.
This place actually has a pretty cool setup. There are seats in front of the bar, outside, with a beautiful view of the beach. Inside, there is a long bar with a healthy dance floor. The stage upfront is big enough to fit a dj booth. For special events, they use the back booth with the Ms. Pac Man table for bottle service.
If I were back in college, young and lived in SLO, looking for a cool place to hang out and drink, I would probably come here. It seems to be a pretty popular watering hole.
Effin YEAH gente!!!!
this is THE place to get great burgers that bring you back to the days of the open flame cook-out. tons of great flavor that reminded me of my dad who believed that flavoring meat on the grill depended mainly on the quality of the beer you use.
we came in during lunch time and were treated like royalty. (of course they have a great selection of wines.) very misleading from the outside (is this place the size of a hallway??) there are large pool tables and a huge bar. i'm told this place is known for the great reggae played on the weekends.
yes, yes, a thousand times yes.
Kinda lame. Â One of two places in Avila Beach open at 8:30pm on a Saturday night. Â We were staying up the street and STARVING.
We went in and asked for a pizza. Â The bartender said that he'd have to check with the kitchen. Â It's 8:30 for crying out loud!!!! Â But the kitchen came through. Â And don't get me wrong, the bartender was a nice guy. Â Probably a college kid from up the road. Â
While we waited for the pizza, we sat at the bar. Â And then I saw it. Â The thing that doubles this place's star value.... Â The serve Great White on tap!!!!!! Â I nearly cried!
As we carried the pizza back to the hotel room, I could not stop singing the praises of Mr. Rick's. Â Then, we dug into some pizza. Â Oh my goodness....yikes! Â And it made me soooo sick! Â
Here's the thing, I could probably just brush it off as nasty bar food. Â Until we went to Custom House the next night (very average restaurant next door, posing as something hoity-toity and charging far too much for it).... Â The kitchen for Mr. Rick's is the same kitchen as the Custom House. Â And trust me, if I'd received this pizza at Custom House, I would have sent it back.
We were starving, we got pizza. Â Enough. Â We had nowhere else to go, Mr. Rick's doors were open. Â If I ever go back to Avila Beach, I will grace a bar stool and down a couple pints of Great White!
Interesting place. Â We played some pool while we waiting for some friends. Â The bartenders were a little odd but nice. Â They had a band, which was OK. Â
One word of caution, we were staying in Pismo and took a cab to this bar to meet some friends. Â Nobody mentioned that it extremely difficult to get a cab back out there at night. Â We almost weren't able to get back to our hotel in pismo. Â The guy who picked us up earlier in the evening took pitty on us and finally picked us up. Â Big tip for him!!!
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