Have you been to Rik’s Café in Hagerstown yet? If you haven’t, don’t be fooled by this south end strip mall location. It’s recommended to make reservations on the weekends and for good reason. Thankfully, this past Friday our reservation was secured and seated promptly at 5:45pm. One of my favorite things to do is turn my friends on to my favorite restaurants.
Upon arriving at a festively decorated establishment, we were met with smiles and a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Our waiter, Will, was eager to assist in our experience. We’ve had this waiter before. We appreciate excellent service, and at Rik’s, you’ll get nothing but the best. When starting off, I had asked to meet Arik, the chef and co-owner, when he had a moment. Midway through our meal, Chef Arik came to greet us at our table. Rick, the other co-owner, had left for the day.
Arik grew up in Fulton County, Pennsylvania. His culinary career began at the Lockhouse Restaurant in Hancock, Maryland, as a dishwasher! Not long after starting he began his path to sous chef. Arik followed his mentor, Tom Lombardo, on his venture to open up The Corner Steak and Sea in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia. When Tom opened up his second restaurant Arik became head chef at the new location. After four years with The Corner, he took a position with Longhorn Steakhouse in Hagerstown, where he became a “key employee,” focusing on food safety and sanitation. Arik spent four years with Longhorn prior to teaming up with Rick to fill a culinary void existing in our town. (Taken from Rik’s website)
Arik had also shared that the restaurant has been in this same location for 11 years now. Arik invited me to take some photos back in the kitchen where he said, “We owe it all to the team back there that makes it all happen!” Also noted on their website they say, “The best staff on earth.” Sounds like a great place to work to me!
Starting off, we ordered a much deserving beer from their list of rotating taps. Gazing toward the bar, I could see an array of seasonal cocktails being prepared and a fine selection of alcohol and wines. For work, business or date night, Rik’s can accommodate your next outing.
We began our feast with buffalo wings and duck wontons. The wontons were served on a bed of mixed greens with corn, duck bacon, and chili sauce on the side. We were off to a good start. The menu offers a pleasing selection of salads, sandwiches and entrees. As advertised, Rik’s food is “EPIC,” and we couldn’t agree more! Not to mention, Arik and his crew source local ingredients, which we should all be supporting.
Did I mention the great service? This is something Rik’s can be proud of and a thing my wife and I respect. We then moved on to our entrees. I enjoyed medium rare salmon, served over sticky rice, a side of green beans, and a lemon garnish. My wife, Kate, devoured her favorite, the Asian salad with shrimp. This salad consisted of baby kale, cabbage, carrot blend spring mix, mandarins and pickled onions.
Hungry yet? Another satisfying visit. The service is also fast. I like it when a restaurant utilizes everyone in delivering the food and items in a timely manner. Teamwork should never go unnoticed. I think every table at this point was filled, and Will informed us by 6:30 pm, the place will be popping. So, it was a good idea that Arik came to greet us when he did. He also invited me to come back to the kitchen to grab some photos. Which I thought was cool. But first, dessert!
As a couple, we like to share our dessert. It’s a treat for us, and we occasionally splurge. Will presented us with an array of handmade cakes and pies on a tray. We went with the chocolate pie, covered with whipped crème and drizzled with chocolate syrup. Perfection!
After wrapping up with our drinks and photos, we were happy, full, and we did not break the bank. Please check out their website: rikscafexperience.com as well as their Facebook page. You can find them at:
1065 Maryland Ave.
Hagerstown, MD 21740
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 11 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.- Last seating
Wednesday – Saturday: 11 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.- Last seating
Sunday 11 a.m.- 8:30 p.m. -Last seating
