This is really the best place to be if you really want to have a good time. Even the food is great and the service is great as well. I stop by here every time I'm in town. Even though other people except higher. This is higher. It's a beach bar! read more

Mr Rick's - Awesome bartenders - Bars Near Me - Avila Beach, California

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Such a fun place but the Sunday live bands suck and kill the vibe. They DJ'd for intermission and the atmosphere enhanced tremendously!!!

As always if you can get a stool at the outdoor bar that has you facing towards the bay it doesn't get any better. Fo people watching and tranquility it is a perfect spot to relax. My Bloody Mary was premixed and not fabulous. My clam chowder in a bread bowl was very tasty and my companions fish sandwich and fries were as well. More attention to the mix would have merited 5 stars easily read more

Hard to review a place that wouldn't let me enter. I was shopping the gift shops and found some nice wine that I purchased and was packaged in a bag for me. Upon trying to stop for a drink here, I was told I couldn't with my wine bag. An apology was given, saying that others were the cause of their rule. Too bad, We might have dropped 100-150 on drinks with our friends. We're not the paper bag boones farm type, but were treated as such. If a wine shop is next door, this is a silly rule. If someone unscrews a bottle of wine inside, then just kick them out, don't punish me. read more

The bar staff was decent, however walking in after wine tasting in the village with a bag with over $200 of wine and sitting at a table for over 2 hours, the staff thought that coming to our table with 2 bouncers and making my family feel like criminals made us place our wine behind the bar. If their security staff had stated this upon entry, all would have been well; however singling my family out and creating a scene for the bar to witness was rather embarrassing. The manager was reluctant to hear our side of the situation and brushed us off like we were flies at her picnic. The lack of empathy and understanding for their inferior staff is quite underwhelming and there is definitely better places to enjoy an outing while patronizing the waterfront on Avila Beach. read more

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. 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. read more

Bless me Father for I have sinned. It's been 9 months since my last visit to Mr. Ricks! Yes, my wife and I were in terrible need of "hospitality therepy" and knew just where to go! Absolutely gorgeous day, easy parking, AND a coveted table on the patio where we enjoyed delicious bloody Mary's, fish tacos, onion rings and nachos. The staff was friendly and helpful as per usual. Long story short, we spent eight hours chatting with people and enjoying the relaxing good times at Mr. Ricks!! Thank you folks!! read more

Mr Rick's - Good Friday 2016 at Mr. Ricks - Bars Near Me - Avila Beach, California

After wine tasting from one of the many wineries in the area. I went to get food and beer at this place, after 3 pitchers of beer they told me I had to give them my bottle of wine, which was $60 from Peloton winery around the corner and if I didn't, I had to leave. They were very rude after ordering 2 orders of nachos and 3 pitchers of beers. They didn't even give me an explanation at first, but in the beginning they let me walk in with this bag of wine and it wasn't until over being there for over an hour that it was against there "policy". So I gave them my bottle after an hour of being in the bar, and it was unnerving that when I asked for my bottle of wine back that the bartender didn't know what I was talking about. And I had to explain that someone took my bottle of wine. And explain what to look for. read more

Love this place!! My kids hang out at the beach on Friday night farmers market , I hang out at Mr Ricks

From my experience every employee here is super rude. A friend of mine got physically assaulted by the bouncers after spending 300 dollars. The bartender splashed beer all over him as well. read more

Honestly we came cause of the bad reviews. Had to see for myself. Apprently people are too sensitive. Love the atmosphere. The sarcastic bar manager was the best. Cadillac margaritas were delicious. Definitely recommend this place. We were passing through. Will be back! read more

What a A- Hole the bartender was today (08-06-16). Just asked if there was a happy hour going on... reply was no and walked away. I stilll wanted something to drink, just asked a question. Horrible service in my opinion. Much better places to go....avoid Ricks if you can. Never did get a drink there, bartender avoided me even with hand raised with money. F-U I'll spend my money where they appreciate customers. read more

Love going to Avila and visiting this bar! The drinks are made perfectly and as always it's packed, but the service is always great. I left my bank card here for a couple months and they still had it when I came back! The outside tables are a little sticky and wobbly... but what do you expect- it's the beach! And who doesn't want to sit next to the ocean, with a cocktail, great service, food and music? read more

We came in around 2pm to let the bar know a reception will be taking place across the way and there may be around 20 people coming over after. The website says they close at 12pm. They decided to close early before 10pm that day instead. It was like the employees didn't want tips or business. So disappointing. We're all local and won't be back. read more

Was not welcomed upon sitting at the bar for quite some time, despite being 2 of 8 others in the whole establishment. Prices were high for shots, and the place closed super early. Had to flag down the guy when we wanted more to drink, also. One was too busy chatting with someone, and the other doing drink inventory. Isn't that something that could be done when you don't have thirsty customers? read more

Website says they are open till 12 but got there at 9 and they were closingThis is on Wednesday in peak season!

Some of the worst cocktails I've ever had, staff are unfriendly and it's a great spot to get into a bar fight on the weekend. Only thing going for the place is the amazing view of Avila's main beach. Need another good bar in town so this spot isn't the only place to go! read more

What a bunch of difficult overpriced meatheads! This place is not a place for locals or tourists. They are way overpriced. The bouncers are incredibly heavy handed, the drinks are watered down. The manager is tool. Don't go to this place unless you wanted to get manhandled my a bunch of guys who are not qualified to tie their own shoelaces. read more

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, 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?? 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. read more

Drove two and a half hours and brought four friends to watch the Super Bowl at Mr Rick's for the 5th year in a row. This year they have a DJ playing loud music instead of turning up the TV's for the big game. Super disappointing. I wish I would have stayed home. read more

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!!! read more

The food is delicious, I was pleasantly surprised. I had the fish sandwich and my friend had the hamburger. Both were huge portions but so good we just had to finish them. The French fries were also good- thick cut and fried to perfection. The cocktails were alcohol generous and full of flavor- I'd recommend the Pink Mermaid or the Afternoon Delight. Every time I've been to the beach this place is packed; however on Sunday afternoon it isn't so bad- we sat indoors at the bar and enjoyed ourselves. The only negative is I wish the bartenders were more attentive, there were 5-of them standing around at the end of bar not paying attention to their customers but seemingly involved in their own conversations- even as they walked by occasionally they joked around amongst themselves. Perhaps they're used to it being so crazy busy they forgot their customer service skills during slow times... read more

DON'T EVEN BOTHER! We weren't even allowed in because we said we wanted to have a good time and have drinks. The "head of security" Calvin didn't even allow us in. So apparently you can't have a good time there. So rude. read more

Typical bar, takes time to get drinks. Loved the beach front location .. get an hour early to snag one of the first-come patio tables so that you can look at the sun disappearing into the hills. Sun doesn't set into the beach so don't stress too much. It's a country bar so hence it's a lot loud, lively and fun.. read more

I will never go back to Mr. Ricks. I ran into a very surly and rude manager... (sunday, Mar. 23, 2014) Apparently they can't agree on their "dog-friendly" policy for their outside patio. I'm over 60 years old and I've never been treated this poorly in any restaurant. Maybe he was just having a bad day but he didn't need to take it out on me. After discussing this with friends I found out that this is not such a rare occurrence here. I can't really comment on their food or drinks since I left early... Who needs this kind of treatment when there are much friendlier and better places to spend my money in Avila Beach. read more

Lower reviews for a bar at the beach, maybe because of the people that hang out there , not beach people ????

I've been going to mr ricks for 7 years it use to be a great relaxed place to have lunch and hang out for the Friday night farmers market. Over the past two years it's all changed recently we stopped in to have a beer but couldn't get anyone to even look in our direction we stood at the end of the bar for at least ten minutes while two bartenders entered orders in the computer, then one came out from behind the bar to clear tables .ridiculous! Avila is just not what it use to be read more

Absolute horrible service & the place wasn't even busy. Had a very rude waiter. The food was eh ok. I normally do not give bad reviews, but I will never go back here again. read more

I'm astounded by the transformation of Avila Beach, from a sleepy seaside burg that mainly served the Diablo Canyon Nuke plant and SLO Town fishery, to some sort of grotesque, Condo-fied pseudo Resort Town, but I guess that's progress. Nice place, though, with a great sunset view, so if you're nearby and need to quench your thirst, there's no reason not to do it here. read more

Just had a fun happy hour/sunset dinner at Mr. Rick's. The well drinks were very reasonable, and my husband and I split the tempura fish tacos (a little heavy on the tartar sauce, but otherwise yummy) and a plate of nachos (as good as any we've had anywhere). This was a really pretty spot, the service was friendly (we seated ourselves outside, ordered at the bar, brought the drinks out ourselves and had our food brought out to us), and the food was pretty good. For the location, the prices are tough to beat. read more

To have: Bloody Mary's and Chicken Quesadillas. We only popped in for a drink and a snack. All was delicious. Service was great too. Just maybe remember to wipe down the menus before giving them out to guests. Would return tho! read more

Food and drinks are mediocre. We ordered the calamari tubes and garlic fries. I've had better calamari elsewhere. Plus their prices are expensive and not worth it. Customer service really needs improvement. Bartenders and manager are not very welcoming or friendly. For a place that's suppose to be a tourist attraction, it doesn't do a very great job at catering to it's customers. We won't be returning to this bar. read more

This place had the saddest employees. The only time they seem to enjoy themselves was when they were talking to each other. We felt like a bother to them. We ate at Mr Rick on January 13, 2016. read more

Zero! Terrible! They put popov in the grey goose bottle and charge you way too much for it! Never going back!

Drove through Avila on my way home from a vacation and had lunch here on a weekday afternoon... The food was mediocre and overpriced for being bar food. The bartender seemed way more interested in the people sitting at the bar than assisting us. Maybe it's different later in the day/on weekends? Meh. I'll never know because this isn't a place I'll be going to again. read more

Terrible service with a great location. The dudes behind the bar have awful attitudes and terrible service but it is right next to the pier. So what do you wAnt? read more

New Year's A Bust!!...How does a bar close early on New Year's Eve?!?!?... Party was just getting started and the DJ called to close tabs at 12:15. Last time I go there for any event. Mr. Ricks - you just lost a few loyal patrons! read more

This place is the worst restaurant I have ever been to. We ordered the Cobb salad, hot dog, blood mary and Figueroa IIPA. The Cobb salad wasn't even made with the correct ingredients (cauliflower,zucchini,black olive, broccoli) and the chicken was definitely canned, and looked liked cheap tuna. The salad was just gross and inedible. The hot dog was gross too, and came with like 6 French fries. My beer was flat too. For a 40 dollar meal, it was just terrible. The Bloody Mary was made with a cheap mix and sucked too. Everything was overpriced and the customer service was terrible. I feel sick from eating the hot dog there too. Go somewhere else read more

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. read more

Mr. Ricks is a beautiful place usually filled with locals just getting off work or the beach looking for a quick drink with a beautiful view. They don't do anything fancy here other than standard cocktails beer and wine but what they have is quality and consistent with the local atmosphere. They have water readily available without asking, fantastic bloody mary's and as a bonus a huge menu with delicious options. I recommend the flat breads, the pizza, the salads, the nachos, the fish and chips and everything else. YUM! read more