Rick's Cafe Boatyard

Name: Rick's Cafe Boatyard
Address: 4050 Dandy Trail, Indianapolis, IN, United States, 46254
Telephone: (317) 290-9300 ext. 1
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.6

4.6

6381 Reviews

$30 and under

Seafood

Top Tags:

Rick's Cafe Boatyard is a waterfront restaurant offering its guests a panoramic view of Eagle Creek Reservoir in Indianapolis. Rick's offers ample but intimate seating both inside and out; as well as an extensive menu of fresh hand prepared meals offered daily. Rick's Cafe Boatyard offers it's guests lunch, dinner and a complete banquet facility. Their guests dine inside a beautiful, wide-open, high-ceiling dining room, or outside with a breathtaking view of the water.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Sep 22, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 81 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Cuisines
Seafood, Steak, American
Hours of operation
Brunch Sun 10:00 am–2:00 pm Lunch Mon–Sat 11:00 am–4:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 11:00 am–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:00 am–11:00 pm
Phone number
(317) 290-9300 ext. 1
Website
https://www.ricksboatyard.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress

Location
4050 Dandy Trail, Indianapolis, IN 46254
Neighborhood
Pike Township
Cross street
38th Street
Parking details
None
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

45 Indiana Restaurants to Connect In For Mother's Day

Popular dishes

What 6,381 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6

4.6 based on recent ratings

4.5Food
4.6Service
4.7Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Indiana
Great for outdoor dining
Indiana
Great for scenic views
Indiana
Seafood
Indiana
Most Booked
Indianapolis
Great for outdoor dining
Indianapolis
Great for scenic views
Indianapolis
Seafood
Indianapolis
Most Booked

6,381 Reviews

j
jimr
Indiana
86 reviews
vip
4.0
86 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall4food4service4ambience5
We almost quit going to Rick's because food quality was not good. The food has comeback but not all the way. I would like to see more fresh fish and really miss the grouper rubin.
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SL
SteveL
Indiana
3 reviews
2.0
3 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall2food2service4ambience2
I have been coming to Rick’s off and on from shortly after they first opened. Came there for work events upstairs long ago, for birthdays, anniversaries, special occasions, and just for a nice evening with someone or a few. Never for the bar, but for late lunch or dinner. This time is the first time in about a year to meet someone for dinner. I was happy with the staff greeting us and the server was good, but the rest was a disappointment. They seated us where I had requested from my reservation, but things have changed, and not for the better of the customer from my perspective. Sitting next to the rail, looking west, there is now a area for group events right below. There was a event going on, and we could look down and see everything, which is a terrible distraction and loud. There needs to be at least a canvas owning that goes out and blocks this unsightly view and dampens the noise as much as possible. Part of what ruined our evening. Our server was nice, polite, and efficient to a point. Being in the restaurant business for a number of years long ago, I learned a lot, which Rick’s right now needs to improve on; how often to check on each customer, asking if everything is okay, just checking, how is the food, and foremost, making sure the food doesn’t take far longer than it should, which happened to us, waiting and waiting and waiting! Finally when the food did arrive, one dinner a chicken salad was good, but my dinner a salmon salad, was a disgrace to even be presented. I had salmon salads before, and always got large solid pieces of whole salmon, with a nice portion of lettuce and the rest. This time the salmon salad was a disgrace to even be served! The salmon was more like it was but in a mixer, all shedded just like you can get a can of salmon at the store, and there were so many beans it was more like a bean salad. The chef or should I say a cook that doesn’t care and wants to go home, should not be working there. I should not have even paid for it!
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KS
KeithS
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Very nice setting to enjoy our meal. Food was delicious and served timely. Our server was excellent. She was very attentive, and friendly. Our first time eating at Rick's. Will definitely return to enjoy again.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Indiana
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience4
Great food, great service, and beautiful scenery!!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Indiana
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall3food5service2ambience4
Ricks cafe is on of my favorite place to dine. The food is always outstanding. The service we have today wasn’t good at all. That was the reason I gave 3 points.
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SB
SheriB
Indiana
6 reviews
3.0
6 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall3food5service1ambience5
Rick's Boatyard is one of my favorite Restaurants, so we eat there frequently. But, our Server this time (Dave) was either confused or distracted & made our dining experience quite unpleasant! 😕 First, when he approached our table, he never made eye contact. He just introduced himself in a dry manner & never smiled. That was ok. We simply ordered our Drinks, along with Water & Lemon for the 4 of us. He returned with 4 Waters & a small cup with 3 slices of Lemons. Again, that was ok. Things became a little frustrating, though, when it took him (literally) 40 minutes to return with my Wine & my other Guests' Sodas! In addition to that, he then offered to take my Guests' order for appetitizers, but abruptly walked away before taking my order. I was stunned. We tried to wave him down, but couldn't get his attention in time. He came back a little later to ask my Guests if they were enjoying their appetitizer, without even acknowledging me or my Husband. That's when she motioned in my direction & said that I'd wanted to order a Shrimp Cocktail too. Dave just nodded, didn't even look at me & left. I was livid!! I went outside to calm myself down, but wrote my Dinner order on a paper napkin should he come back while I was gone. In the meantime, I was told that he'd returned, plopped a cup of coffee where I'd been seated so hard that it spilled slightly. My Husband explained that I hadn't ordered coffee. He seemed confused, then remembered that it was supposed to have gone to a Patron a couple of tables over. My Husband & Guests cleaned up the spilled coffee themselves. At this point, my Husband had had enough! We'd invited our 2 Guests (his co-workers) all the way up from Edinburgh specifically because we'd bragged about Rick's Boatyard so often to them. And, he he totally embarrassed!! That's when he went to the front, requested to speak to the Manager & asked for another Server to replace Dave. We realize that this was an isolated incident.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Indiana
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
I had a great time. Love the food and my server was very polite and nice. I will be booking another date.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Indiana
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined 5 days ago
overall2food1service5ambience5
Ate from the brunch menu and the food was very disappointing to say the least.
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TW
TrishW
Indiana
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall4food4service3ambience3
We regularly enjoy our experiences at Rick's. Our server needed more training and sharper attention skills. The Friday night movie soundtrack was WAY TOO LOUD for people who were not there to see the film. We realize that every establishment needs to try new things - and we enjoy most of them. We did not enjoy having the last part of our dinner conversation drowned out by the movie soundtrack.
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DZ
DarleneZ
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Very pleasant experience. We were celebrating a birth announcement of a family member. Cheers!
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CB
CarolB
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful attention to our party from start to finish
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DD
DeannaD
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 12, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
Enjoyed our evening, food was great. Service was good. We ordered a couple of things we didnt get but the waitress gave us a dessert.
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DM
DannyM
Columbus
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on September 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We stopped by Rick’s during our trip from Columbus to Galena, IL. It is a detonation restaurant in the sense that it is worth going out of your way to have lunch or dinner here. The ambiance, great service, view of the reservoir and delicious food is well worth any effort to get here. You strongly recommend this establishment especially for a special occasion meal.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Indiana
9 reviews
vip
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on September 10, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had a wonderful dinner. Weather was great and our server was great
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SH
SaraH
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 10, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Was a great experience as usual! We will return! And again!
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VG
VegaGirl
Indiana
13 reviews
vip
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on September 10, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Sadly, we forgot to take any photos 😢 but our experience at Ricks. Our server Adrianna was absolutely fantastic. She was slammed with a huge party when we got there and it took her a minute to get to us, but we’re easy going and could see she was busy. But, once she got to us it was just perfect. We were there to celebrate my mother-in-laws birthday and everything was perfect. We sat outside with a perfect view of Eagle Creek, the food was fantastic and again the service was perfect. My only minor complaint if I have one is I think the calamari appetizers, while very tasty, is dinky. It needs to be a little bit larger of a size. Otherwise this couldn’t have been a better experience!!!
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AS
AngelaS
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 10, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Staff and waiter where amazing. Left are credit card and they texted me and brought it to my vehicle. Amazing
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Indiana
8 reviews
4.0
8 reviews
Dined on September 9, 2023
overall4food3service5ambience5
This was our 2nd visit to Ricks and not as good as our first. Initially the hostess kept us waiting while she chatted casually with a coworker for a few minutes. Then there was confusion about our seating. (We didn’t want to be squeezed into a small table right next to the bar. It was just after 4pm and there were many other tables available.) The hostess was kind of rude about it, but our server graciously seated us at a larger table. Our table for 6 really enjoyed both the calamari and goat cheese starters. They were fresh and delicious. We ordered a variety of cocktails. Those were good too. Our entrees were just okay. The salmon burgers didn’t seem fresh and the teriyaki sauce on them was overly sweet. The pineapple slaw topping was the star of the dish. The salmon salad was disappointing- not a salmon fillet, but a spread-like chopped salmon with an odd, unappealing texture. The salad greens and other ingredients were okay though. The short rib grilled cheese was just okay. The crab cake sandwich and house chips were deemed tasty. Our server was excellent. He was courteous, responsive and timely. He, along with the delicious appetizers will likely bring us back for a third try.
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M
Mirriam
Indiana
2 reviews
1.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 9, 2023
overall1food2service1ambience3
2nd time in recent months eating here. Pizza was good and hot. Watermelon margarita had a bee in it. Not sure how they didn’t see this. Steak was tough on one order and the mushrooms was cold. Server didn’t seem very attentive after finding several issues with our order. Asked for more lemonade and a box, server remembered the box but not lemonade. Patio closures were down and we didn’t know we wouldn’t be able to see outside well enough. Came for the view. Not sure we will be back. Months back, we had dirty silverware and hair on our appetizer plates.
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SF
ShawnF
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 9, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
Usually, the food is wonderful. Had the tenderloin this time. Too thin which allowed it to be dry when fried. Service was top notch as always.
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PS
PerryS
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This was my 1st experience and I unsure on what to eat. I went to the website looking for images of food to maybe help with deciding and was turned off by the pictures and really had decided against going. After giving much reconsideration, I deciding to try. I was pleasantly surprised seeing that the photos on the website looked very old and uninviting. Glad I did...
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ON
OffNightAtTheBoatyard
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on September 9, 2023
overall3food4service2ambience5
Not what it used to be. Very pricey with little value...the wrong food came out multiple times and the food delivery team was really struggling all night. Also, Friday night is movie night and it was so loud, you couldnt converse at your table. Maybe it was just a bad night??
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AD
ADunn
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Very much enjoyed our Gal’s Dinner Out last night. Every aspect was great! From handling of my reservation to our waiter - he was fantastic, just the perfect amount of attention. Always wish your pricing wasn’t as high as it is - would still come but would come more often!
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l
ledman
Indiana
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 6, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and service. St a decent price. Great views!
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L
Lance
Indiana
3 reviews
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 5, 2023
overall3food5service3ambience4
We waited 13 minutes after being seated before we were acknowledged. A couple of waiters walked by, and did not acknowledge us sitting there. Was just about to get up and go somewhere else when the waitress showed up. Once we were seated the service was decent.
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KB
KathyB
Indiana
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 4, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience5
Good food. Good servive. The only thing I requested on my reservation was that we would be seated where we could look out over the water. Our table was right in front of the TV and you could not see the water very well. We were then offered a table outside against the wall across from the area that had the shades pulled down. We settled on the table inside. In short, there isn't an advantage in making reservations. Disappointing.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Indiana
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Once again, Rick’s Boatyard was absolutely enchanting. We celebrate the food, vibe, and general ambiance. Our server, David was amazing. Definitely recommend.
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D
Dydy
Indiana
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
I always enjoy ricks! It’s made a major upgrade in its overall service over the last few years and has stayed consistent, and I just love being there! Thank you all!
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DR
DonzellaR
Indiana
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 3, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our visit was GREAT! The weather was perfect to eat outside facing the water. Our Waitress was great, the appearance of the restaurant (inside & out) was great, it was truly an all around great visit.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Indiana
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 3, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great location, water is lovely… Great server and great food ❤️
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z
zurge936
Grand Rapids
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on September 3, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
Great steak, good drinks, and excellent service. Will visit again!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Indiana
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 3, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Outstanding. Come for the view, stay for the food and drinks
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Indiana
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 3, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This place was amazing. The atmosphere was just what we needed
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M
Morgan
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on September 2, 2023
overall4food5service2ambience5
Server took awhile and we had to constantly ask for things instead of him offering.
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JM
JenM
Indiana
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
A lot of flies in the building! It was frustrating while eating.
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N
Noonie
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on September 1, 2023
overall1food1service4ambience4
Food was bad not sure if they use seasonings. For the price food and drinks were bad
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Indiana
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on September 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Sea Bass with tomatoes, spinach and cheese was outstanding
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MM
MarianM
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 31, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our server David was great! The hostess also greeted us in a friendly manner and seemed very organized and good at problem solving with getting tables ready for people to be seated in a timely manner.
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DP
DPill
Indiana
46 reviews
5.0
46 reviews
Dined on August 31, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Perfect evening and a beautiful view. Service very good, food good, and a special shout-out to the woman (shorter, curly hair) working the hostess station! Super kind, helpful, and an awesome welcome to Rick’s!
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J
Jasp
Indiana
38 reviews
vip
5.0
38 reviews
Dined on August 31, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
A great afternoon Celebrating Birthdays and Anniversaries! The weather was perfect, our server, David, was 5 Star, and food delicious! Never disappointed!
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FAQs

You can order delivery directly from Rick's Cafe Boatyard using the Order Online button. Rick's Cafe Boatyard also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (317) 290-9300 ext. 1.

Rick's Cafe Boatyard is rated 4.6 stars by 6381 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Sep 22, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 81 times today

Order delivery or takeout

4050 Dandy Trail, Indianapolis, IN 46254

Additional information

Cross street
38th Street
Neighborhood
Pike Township
Hours of operation
Brunch Sun 10:00 am–2:00 pm Lunch Mon–Sat 11:00 am–4:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 11:00 am–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:00 am–11:00 pm
Cuisines
Seafood, Steak, American
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
None
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
https://www.ricksboatyard.com/
Phone number
(317) 290-9300 ext. 1

Featured in

45 Indiana Restaurants to Connect In For Mother's Day

Rick's Cafe Boatyard

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Featured in

45 Indiana Restaurants to Connect In For Mother's Day

Popular dishes

Crab Cake Dinner

Baked Goat Cheese

Lobster Mac

Menu

What 6,381 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

FAQs

Does Rick's Cafe Boatyard offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Rick's Cafe Boatyard restaurant rated?

Is Rick's Cafe Boatyard currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Featured in

45 Indiana Restaurants to Connect In For Mother's Day