Rik's Cafe — Restaurant in Hagerstown

I live over 45 min away when I'm in town I always have dinner here. Last night was unfortunately one of the worst experiences. I made a reservation, spoke to a very nice gentleman, in fact twice I called. When I arrived I was early. The two young girl hostesses need perhaps more training on how to speak to customers, not just regulars of the restaurant. I was greeted with the eek look as our table had no future of being ready. The one said yea I didn't know if you meant a hitop or the bar. I said I had called twice and spoke to someone so it wasn't confusing. I was then told well you're early so it's all the matter if people eat and leave or hang for a while. I'm sorry what? Reservation etiquette 101: If someone wants to sit at a reserved table then you tell them you need the table by such time for the reservation! Nonetheless they chatted amongst themselves about the issue all within earshot. We were sat 10 minutes after the reservation. The server started strong, but fizzled idk if he was too busy , hardly saw him. Was told twice he'd bring us plates for our apps never did, I had to ask food runner who was so busy she clearly didn't want to but did, and I don't blame her she was the most efficient employee of the night. I specifically asked about my entree and what vegetable it came with. I was told asparagus good great, as long as there isn't broccoli the smell makes me sick. He laughed and left with our orders. The apps were good buffalo tots very hot and steamy. The soup would've been good if it weren't cold. The entrees arrived BTW the server said twice he'd be by to pick up app plates etc, never happened. The food runner took them when she dropped our entrees . To my surprise guess what was all over my plate? Broccolini...I immediately scooped it off and asked the runner for another vegatable to which she said there isn't one. I asked about the asparagus and she said the server didn't tell you we had been out and switched? He should have. The server never came never checked yall don't communicate? I can't even get a side salad? Weird. After sitting for a while he came over asked how things were no need at this point. I asked for a small box and the check. He came back 5 to 10 mins later with two boxes, I took one and roll my husband to give him his credit card as he didn't have the check. He left and chatted with another table for 10 min, when he noticed I was visibly upset he handed check off to another person to drop it off. This is terrible service, you do not take the time to see on our food, no drink round options, no pre bussing, no dessert suggestions, and then no goodbye or thanks? Lastly the food. My husband got the salmon cake and chorizo with grits. The salmon cake was flavorless, and not cooked well through. The chorizo didn't not taste like chorizo it looked like it but lacked the spice of chorizo. I got braised short ribs. They could've been more tender but overall were good. Not much mash potatoes the mushroom cream sauce was in over abundance. Both entrees were warm at best, more cold. Sadly I will not go out of my way to frequent this...

Came here for the first time this evening with my family and my toddler who had not had a nap for the day (tends to lead to disastrous outcomes, would not recommend).

We walked-in and despite how busy they were and us not having a reservation, they accommodated us with a very short wait. During this wait in their cozy waiting area, the hostess noticed my daughter was getting a little antsy.

The hostess kindly approached her and gave her a pink rubber duck to have that totally changed her mood around. Upon being seated, our waitress continued to show the utmost patience for my daughter and brought her crayons and paper to draw something that they can later put on the restaurants' board.

We were impressed by the diversity of choices on the menu that some of us had trouble picking as they all sounded amazing! The food came quickly; even before our appetizer. Because the appetizer came out later, they gave it to us on the house, which was such a nice gesture.

The pork chops, burger, cajun pasta, and crab pretzel were all amazing and incredibly tasty!

We went onto dessert and OH BOY, do not sleep on this!! At first, my teeth were hurting just looking at some of them. My daughter ended up picking the one that looked to be the sweetest; mini truffle cakes with ice cream. Let me tell you...these were DELICIOUS, flavorful, and perfectly rich without being overly sweet. The rest of the table also got dessert; the pineapple cake and the fried cheesecake that were both also AMAZING.

I can confidently say that this is one of the best restaurants, if not, the best, I've been to Hagerstown. I'm so glad we decided to go there on a whim today. I cannot wait to visit again!

Also a big thank you to the staff member who ran out after us in the parking lot with the left over boxes we forgot. Every single person working at this restaurant had the best attitudes and really made the whole experience memorable.

Not many restaurants have "personality" as most these days are strictly production-driven, but this one has the most welcoming and uplifting vibe because of all of the staff and you can tell that it really is all about the love for food here.

THANK...

We had dinner, last night, at Rik’s Café in Hagerstown, and it was a fantastic experience. Our waitress, Maddie, was personable, attentive, and genuinely fun. She rolled right along with my husband’s sense of humor, keeping the laughs going both ways — it set the tone for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

For drinks, my husband ordered a diet soda with no ice, and I went with their Dirty Martini Local. It was beautifully prepared and garnished with three plump blue-cheese stuffed olives in each glass. The balance was spot-on — I enjoyed one before dinner and had to order a second after the meal because it was that good.

We started with a caprese salad that was anything but ordinary — the prosciutto and avocado additions made it fresh, flavorful, and just perfect to share. For my entrée, I ordered the crab cakes with jasmine rice and collard greens. The crab cakes were flawless — big clumps of crab, cooked beautifully, and complemented with tartar sauce that tied everything together. My husband ordered the bison burger, stacked with pickled onions and a bacon-flavored aioli. It came with house-made Old Bay spiced chips, which added just the right crunch and seasoning. The burger looked incredible, and from the bite I sampled, it was mighty tasty. He loved it.

The atmosphere sealed the deal. Even at 8:30 p.m. on a weeknight (they close at 9:30), the dining room still had about six tables filled, from couples to larger groups. The bar is stunning — spacious, with a comfortable couch seating area and vintage-style cabinets that give it an old-fashioned, authentic feel, even though it’s tucked in a plaza. Food came out lightning fast and cooked to perfection, which honestly surprised us in the best way.

We would absolutely return. In fact, we drove down from Syracuse and it was absolutely worth the stop. Highly recommend Rik’s Café to anyone passing through Hagerstown — without question a...