Rafiki Tiki Bar & Grill — Restaurant in Riviera Beach

Subject: Feedback on Our Visit – June 10, 2025

Hi there,

I’m writing to share some honest feedback about our recent visit to Rafiki Tiki Bar & Grill. I’ve visited several times before, mainly because of the unbeatable location—the marina view and tiki bar setup are fantastic—but unfortunately, the food and service continue to fall short.

I arrived before my wife and sat at the bar. The bartender was excellent—friendly, attentive, and offered a solid recommendation for the mahi-mahi tacos. His service was the high point of our experience. That said, the fish in the tacos had an off taste, like it wasn’t fresh. I didn’t say anything at the time because I don’t like to cause a scene, but honestly, it was bad enough that it raised concerns about food safety.

I also had a slice of Key lime pie, which was delicious and surprisingly not listed on the menu. It ended up being the best part of the meal.

One detail that stood out—in a bad way—was the hot sauce situation. I had to ask for it, which is unusual for a Florida seafood spot. Worse, the only option was Tabasco. Most seafood restaurants, or even good taco stands, offer something better—like Cholula—or a house-made sauce. It might seem minor, but it added to the sense that not enough attention is being paid to the customer experience.

When my wife arrived, we moved to a table. She ordered the grilled chicken skewers with rice and sweet plantains. The plantains were great, but the rice was stale and the chicken looked and smelled like it had been sitting out and was simply reheated—not fresh, and again, not confidence-inspiring from a health standpoint.

What made matters worse was the service at the table. Our waitress never returned to check on us during the meal. After we finished eating, we actually had to go find her just to pay the bill. That’s not acceptable service, especially when the restaurant wasn’t overly busy.

One final point: I dive regularly on a boat based in the marina, and Rafiki Tiki is supposed to offer a diver discount. Every time I’ve asked about it—including this visit—I’ve been told either no one knows how to process it, the manager isn’t around, or some other excuse. If the discount isn’t going to be honored, I don’t understand why it’s promoted.

In the end, while the atmosphere and location are excellent, the food quality, freshness, and service don’t live up to the setting. Honestly, based on this and past visits, I’d rate Rafiki Tiki closer to a 2.5 to 3.0-star restaurant—not the 4 stars reflected online. I’m sharing this in the hope it’s taken constructively, because with the right attention, this could be a truly standout...

I will start by saying, I wish I could give 0 stars. I have gone here and taken many Patrons, and the last few times have been terribly disappointed. The drinks are over priced and do not even taste like the liquor that was ordered, like cheap vodka was poured into a top shelf bottle. The food was terrible, and the service as well. We waited 20 minutes at the table before we even were brought a menu! That should have been a sign to just leave, because it was not even busy, we should have went and got food from the vendors that were there for the Tiki Market. Then we finally get service and get our lousy food, an d when the bill comes, they charge a "service charge" for not paying cash! Who does that at a restaurant when people spend so much money??? And if you are going to do that, you should definitely post it or tell your customers up front, but that fee is upsurd. I can see that at a mom and pop store or gas station if you don't spend over 5 bucks etc. Me or all my friend will not be going there anymore, I am sure that doesn't matter to them, because they cater to all their local drunks, and those poor people probably do not see that charge or pay attention (alot of people probably don't) We even mentioned it to the server, the owner was there, and he did not remove it. He was too busy catering to all the guys with the fancy cars that were there, that probably will never go back or tip well!!!!

This place is really not all that, you pay for the view. Oh and the 2 bathrooms...

I am a long time regular. I come to peanut island and rafiki tiki every weekend. I gave them lots of referrals and buisness and also gave them my own. I came to do the regular peanut island paddle board lap and then go into finish the weekend with food and drinks. The new server that is a shorter Spanish guy kicked me out trying to use the restroom, I am a women and needed to use the hygienic room not close by the angry homeless men chanting by the public restrooms that was scaring me. Being I know the bartenders and even the owner and being told I had to leave was profound. I made it known I would be back within the hour because it is apart of my routine, but he escorted me out. I wear wearing showes, and fully clothed. NOT how you treat a well paying customer that spends $100+ routinely. Won’t be coming back to them again!

Food is mediocre anyways, nothing special about the drinks no actual taste just regular bar mixers and iced out. Salmon dish is sloppy, conch fritters are greasy. Nothing on the menu you get that looks like it’s made with care. Taste is bland. Simply the convenience is more of a reason I return. Won’t be coming back. Neither has anyone I’ve ever brought here because you can get slopped fried food at any of your...