Rick's is a bit of an institution in Negril. Dare I say a slight tourist trap. I didn't mind, it was actually very fun.
It first opened in 1974 when 'Negril was a sleepy fishing village with little development'. Over the years Rick's has had a few setbacks. First was hurricane Gilbert, which destroyed it entirely in 1988, then came hurricane Ivan in 2004 (even worse). Both times Rick's picked up the pieces, rebuilt, and continued to go strong.
The main reason to go to Rick's is to watch the sunset from high above the cliffs, or watch the jumpers plunge head first into the sea. It's a tourist attraction (they ask for money to see them jump) but it's fun none the less. Their highest platform is 35 feet high, but to be honest I preferred it when the divers jumped directly from the cliff's edge.
Separate to that is the food and extensive cocktail menu. You can get pasta such as Lobster Linguini ($22), or Caribbean Jumbo Shrimp for a cool $18, not to mention the Filet Mignon ($28). If you're in the mood for something lighter you can snack on Buffalo Wings ($8) or perhaps Jerk Chicken Skewers ($7). You can also rent a cabana for the day which would set you back between $125 to $175. This includes a bottle of rum, towels, and an appetiser.
The menu is very Westernized, which proves my point that it mainly caters to tourists. It's not a bad menu, but not authentically Jamaican, and when you head to Jamaica I think authentic is the way to go.
It is interesting that Rick's puts such emphasis on their food. When I went I got the distinct impression that everyone was there for the cocktails, sunset, and cliff jumpers.
It feels a bit like a party when you go, not really an atmosphere I care to eat in, but with that said the food was good, if not quite overpriced.
Rick's Cafe
8/10
West End
(876) 957 0380
www.rickscafejamaica.com
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