Ricky’s Sports Theatre & Grill is located in the heart of Oakland Raiders territory. The legendary sports bar is recognized as the second best sports bar in the U.S. You are not a bona fide member of the Raider Nation until you have had a drink at Ricky’s.
National Football League
Ricky’s Sports Theatre & Grill is nationally recognized as the second best sports bar in the nation.
When it comes to the Raider Nation, however, Ricky’s is indisputably Number One (unless you live in Arizona)!
Ricky’s has Taco Tuesdays and Wing Wednesdays. There is karaoke on Thursdays and Saturdays.
But that’s not the REAL reason people go there.
The Food …
Ricky’s has the type of menu you would expect of a sports bar: burgers, nachos, pizzas, salads …
I was there on a special events night so there was a special events menu. I ordered the Pulled Pork Sandwich (US$11.85) , and I LOVED it.
The meat was tender, the sauce was delicious, the onions were caramelized, and the bread was divine.
Two of my best friends ordered the same thing, and there were NO complaints.
The Ambiance …
Ricky’s is Ground Zero of the Raider Nation. The legendary sports bar is full of Raiders memorabilia.
Ricky’s has more than 90 television screens, satellite dishes, free Wi-Fi, a full bar, and a large menu.
Ricky’s doesn’t have the spit and polish of the look-alike sports bars the dot the American landscape.
It wasn’t carefully planned. It evolved over decades, and that is what makes it special.
It has authenticity and patina. If only those walls could talk!
The People …
You never know who you’re gonna run into at Ricky’s! Would you believe I ran into members of the Kenny Stabler clan on the night of my visit?
And why were they there? To watch the University of Alabama defeat the University of Mississippi on wide screen television!
And Then There’s Ricky …
What a pleasure it was to run into the eponymous Ricky Ricardo, after whom Ricky’s Sports Theatre and Grill was named.
I met Ricky YEARS ago, when I was still living in the Bay Area.
I’m sure he didn’t remember who I was when I introduced myself, but he was gracious all the same.
And he DID allow my friends me and to take a photo with him while staff were busy preparing for a big event the night before a big game (when you’re 1 and 7, EVERY game is a big game).
The Location …
Ricky’s is located 7.6 miles south of Oakland’s notorious Black Hole (a.k.a., the Oakland Coliseum). The drive via I-880 North takes 12 minutes – traffic willing.
It can take longer during rush hour and substantially longer on game day.
The Bottom Line …
You are not a bona fide Raider fan until you have had a drink and rooted for the Raiders at Ricky’s Sports Theatre & Grill in San Leandro, California.
Where
Ricky’s Sports Theatre & Grill – 15028 Hesperian Blvd, San Leandro, California.