Lionel C.
Yelp
When the original Rickey's shuttered, I had to be the bearer of bad news for the Yelp community, being the one who first informed that it had gone permanently dark. It was a depressing sight to see, when I had pulled up and not a single twinkle of neon or sign of life could be detected. As I got out to further inspect, it felt like encircling a morgue.
But then through the web, I heard the unfathomable--Rickey's had resurrected! So I took off to check it out and, of course, embrace my fave pastime: Watching a Warriors game while indulging in a meal.
After stepping inside, it was hard to believe the transformation. Gone were the dinerish, near-divey decor. Instead, the huge shack was completely updated. Everything was new, modern. Before it was more blue-collar; now it was upscale. Before it was more Raiderish; now it was Nineresque. The only thing missing were stemwares of wine and charcuterie boards of cheese. Sorry old joke. (And they do have wine, just not the cheese.)
The menu is a lot more streamlined and focused than the old Rickeys, where there used to be a lot offered, none of it outstanding. Before, it was like you come here to watch sports and drink lots of beer, while the food was an afterthought--something just to scarf down to quell your munchies or stem your hangover. The new Rickey's definitely cares about its food. Like its surroundings, it too was upscaled. We had the Catfish Bites and the Classic Burger with cheese.
The catfish bites were unusually tender and nearly flaky. At most institutions I've had fried catfish, the offerings were chunky and fishy. But these critters definitely swam in the upper streams. Probably the best catfish meal I've ever had. Though I am by no means an aficionado.
The burger, ordered medium, came out medium well. And it's toughness reflected it. We had it returned, and they were gracious enough to cook us another one. The redo was clearly pink in the middle. However, it was still a little tough. I figured it was probably because it was higher quality with lower fat content, making it tougher on the tooth. The taste itself was good, just short on texture. The side salad we optioned to have alongside was uber fresh. Another deviation from the establishment of the past. They were short with the dressing though, but happily obliged with more when asked. Nikkie, our server, also doubled as the bartender. She was always checking to make sure we had all we needed. She juggled her duties well.
The prices are higher to match its zeitgeist. But they are on par with other higher end sports bars like the Athletic Club in Oakland.
As expected, the walls are adorned with endless big screens. And there are also two semi-private viewing rooms with super big screens. When the Super Bowl arrives those rooms are going to be boomin'!
Where the old Rickey's outdoes the new is the exterior lighting. In the bygone days the lights were hot and bright beckoning all to come on board. When I pulled up to the current iteration, it was so dim I was worried that it had re-closed. I finally spotted a lit "Open" sign that assured there was life inside.
So, hopefully, they up their lighting game. People need those beacons to entice them in and embrace this revival.
