There are nights when dining in Arizona feels nearly effortless — when the desert air softens, the service hums in rhythm, and the food reminds you that freshness is a virtue, not a luxury. Such was the case during a recent dinner with friends at this exceptional seafood destination.
From the moment we arrived, the tone was set. We were promptly seated outdoors, bathed in the glow of a perfect October evening — that rare window when Arizona evenings are made for lingering. Our server was a study in professionalism: knowledgeable, personable, and attentive without ever hovering. Cocktails arrived quickly, each one perfectly balanced — a small but telling sign that the bar here operates with care and precision.
The evening’s spotlight belonged, rightly, to the restaurant’s fresh seafood selections. The daily offerings were described with genuine enthusiasm and accuracy, and the experience that followed lived up to every word. Our table began with a round of oysters, each briny and bright, their flavor profiles exactly as advertised. From there, we moved to entrées — all fish, all beautifully executed.
The standout was the Hawaiian goldfin snapper — grilled to perfection, its delicate texture enhanced by a gentle char. Paired with carrots and a crisp wine selection, it showcased the kitchen’s ability to let great ingredients shine. Every guest echoed the same sentiment: this was seafood done right, with restraint, confidence, and care.
Despite a full house, conversation flowed easily; the space was lively yet comfortable, and the pace of service never faltered. It’s a rare restaurant that captures both precision and warmth, but this one manages it effortlessly.
In short, this is a destination for anyone who believes seafood should be both pristine and memorable. Exceptional service, fresh offerings, and a dining atmosphere that celebrates the best of Arizona evenings — this restaurant delivers on every front.
Verdict: A truly outstanding spot for fresh seafood, impeccable service, and relaxed sophistication. A must-visit for discerning diners.
Michael Clifford
Fresh seafood flown in on a plane daily with excellent service and casual atmosphere. Just eat here dude stop trying to find problems with it.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Annelise N
Great night! The food was delicious - oysters, steak, and gluten-free chocolate cake - but the highlight was our waitress Brandace. She was super attentive, thought ahead on what we might need, and had a great sense of humor to boot. She and the rest of the wait staff made it an awesome experience!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Arianna Garcia
This place is amazing!! My dad found this during AZ's restaurant week so this was first time for both of us. When I made the reservation, I included a small note about my dad's birthday thinking they might add a little candle to his dessert. THEY EXCEEDED EVERY EXPECTATION!! Katelyn, our server, was so nice and knowledgable. She made us feel comfortable, but also allowed my dad and I to catch up some - it was the perfect balance of attentive but private! Katelyn definitely loved the place she worked too and it was genuine excitement over the food and environment. For my dad's birthday, there was a card (signed by staff!) at our table for him, the manager James came over to introduce himself and give a small gift of macaroons, and took our picture! Next, the ever changing time schedule billboard in the middle of the restaurant had a birthday message as well! Katelyn gave us a heads up so we could take a video! On top of the atmosphere, the food was absolutely delicious and that is coming from a family original from the East Coast where fresh seafood is always amazing. A deep profound thank you to everyone for really delivering excellent service, environment, and food and making it look easy and making us feel special. We will absolutely be back and get to fully experience the rest of the delicious menu!! Thank you!!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Arthur Garcia
Loved the steak 😋 salad 🥗 😋 and the Lemon Meringue 🍋 😋 and Banana 🍌 creme pies 🍮!!! I'm never disappointed when I go to Buck and Rider!!! I always ♥️ try something new on the menu 😋!!! Great place to take family!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Mark Shuster
Went there for the restaurant week, place was packed in and out side, glad I made a reservation. The 3 course menue was short, but items were well selected, food was prepared perfectly, we didn't leave a crumb. Will come back for sure to eat some freshly supplied oysters, deserves to de recommend. 5 stars
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Naz D
I have gone here a number of times and overall it’s great although I order the same thing every time (mussels) and they can never seem to just give me plain bread. This time though led me to write this negative review. I went a few days ago and got mussels and about 90% of them were basically non-existent. Each mussel just had a slight stringy bit in it as if the mussel had exploded and left a piece of string behind. It was gross. I tried eating the bits that were there and I did let them know but it already took way longer than normal to get the food and wasn’t worth waiting for it to be remade. And they brought me bread covered in cheese and butter when I’d asked for plain. I actually ended up super sick that night and all next day. Guess I shouldn’t have tried to eat the few mussels that were there. I tried to call and let them know because I hoped to prevent anyone else getting sick (maybe it was a bad shipment of them?) but they never called me back after I asked to hear back from the manager. That to me just seems like a manager who doesn’t care. Unfortunate since I do like the ambiance of the restaurant. Even despise this I would say the ambiance is the selling point. The seafood is fine but nothing I’d go crazy over (maybe I’m just picky since I’m from Seattle and used to amazing and fresh seafood).
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 4
Aysha Austin
If you are on vacation or a local, Buck & Rider is a must. The food is top notch, so are the cocktails! The patio is a great place to catch up with friends. The fire pits bring a great vibe that sets the mood for a perfect night. The staff are on point and great personalities. 5 stars all the way!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Alison Cross
We had an amazing meal at Buck & Rider last night! We attended a private dinner in the Monterey room for 11 family members, which was a wonderful intimate setting. The service was top-notch and the food was fantastic! We had appetizers, main courses, salads and deserts and each and every bite was amazing. We will be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Terry Dallas
Maddy was our server, she was amazing. The restaurant was very busy, but by the service we received you would never know that. The food was delicious. A little high end for everyday eating, but for those special occasions, a must!
A wonderful lunch...promt service and attentive and knowledgeable server. Amazing seafood menue with great desserts. Love their mile high pies.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Colleen Sanger
As always, outstanding food, and excellent service from our server Sarah! I had requested a specific table and was so pleased that the hostess was able to accommodate my request! Thank you for the CONSISTENTLY excellent fresh seafood and friendly and professional service!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Free Samples
From Dirty Dining:
3 violations:
Chef battering raw chicken then not washing hands Dark residue in ice machine Goat cheese in prep fridge not cold enough
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Jose De California
The seafood is fresh it almost feels like the ocean is right outside the restaurant, the entire staff is super friendly and professional, highly recommend this place for a special occasion.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Oysters on the Half Shell, Baja Shrimp Ceviche
Isaac J
Delicious!
Recommended dishes: Oysters on the Half Shell, Banana Cream Pie, Shrimp and Scallop Risotto
There are nights when dining in Arizona feels nearly effortless — when the desert air softens, the service hums in rhythm, and the food reminds you that freshness is a virtue, not a luxury. Such was the case during a recent dinner with friends at this exceptional seafood destination. From the moment we arrived, the tone was set. We were promptly seated outdoors, bathed in the glow of a perfect October evening — that rare window when Arizona evenings are made for lingering. Our server was a study in professionalism: knowledgeable, personable, and attentive without ever hovering. Cocktails arrived quickly, each one perfectly balanced — a small but telling sign that the bar here operates with care and precision. The evening’s spotlight belonged, rightly, to the restaurant’s fresh seafood selections. The daily offerings were described with genuine enthusiasm and accuracy, and the experience that followed lived up to every word. Our table began with a round of oysters, each briny and bright, their flavor profiles exactly as advertised. From there, we moved to entrées — all fish, all beautifully executed. The standout was the Hawaiian goldfin snapper — grilled to perfection, its delicate texture enhanced by a gentle char. Paired with carrots and a crisp wine selection, it showcased the kitchen’s ability to let great ingredients shine. Every guest echoed the same sentiment: this was seafood done right, with restraint, confidence, and care. Despite a full house, conversation flowed easily; the space was lively yet comfortable, and the pace of service never faltered. It’s a rare restaurant that captures both precision and warmth, but this one manages it effortlessly. In short, this is a destination for anyone who believes seafood should be both pristine and memorable. Exceptional service, fresh offerings, and a dining atmosphere that celebrates the best of Arizona evenings — this restaurant delivers on every front. Verdict: A truly outstanding spot for fresh seafood, impeccable service, and relaxed sophistication. A must-visit for discerning diners.
Fresh seafood flown in on a plane daily with excellent service and casual atmosphere. Just eat here dude stop trying to find problems with it.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great night! The food was delicious - oysters, steak, and gluten-free chocolate cake - but the highlight was our waitress Brandace. She was super attentive, thought ahead on what we might need, and had a great sense of humor to boot. She and the rest of the wait staff made it an awesome experience!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This place is amazing!! My dad found this during AZ's restaurant week so this was first time for both of us. When I made the reservation, I included a small note about my dad's birthday thinking they might add a little candle to his dessert. THEY EXCEEDED EVERY EXPECTATION!! Katelyn, our server, was so nice and knowledgable. She made us feel comfortable, but also allowed my dad and I to catch up some - it was the perfect balance of attentive but private! Katelyn definitely loved the place she worked too and it was genuine excitement over the food and environment. For my dad's birthday, there was a card (signed by staff!) at our table for him, the manager James came over to introduce himself and give a small gift of macaroons, and took our picture! Next, the ever changing time schedule billboard in the middle of the restaurant had a birthday message as well! Katelyn gave us a heads up so we could take a video! On top of the atmosphere, the food was absolutely delicious and that is coming from a family original from the East Coast where fresh seafood is always amazing. A deep profound thank you to everyone for really delivering excellent service, environment, and food and making it look easy and making us feel special. We will absolutely be back and get to fully experience the rest of the delicious menu!! Thank you!!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Loved the steak 😋 salad 🥗 😋 and the Lemon Meringue 🍋 😋 and Banana 🍌 creme pies 🍮!!! I'm never disappointed when I go to Buck and Rider!!! I always ♥️ try something new on the menu 😋!!! Great place to take family!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Went there for the restaurant week, place was packed in and out side, glad I made a reservation. The 3 course menue was short, but items were well selected, food was prepared perfectly, we didn't leave a crumb. Will come back for sure to eat some freshly supplied oysters, deserves to de recommend. 5 stars
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I have gone here a number of times and overall it’s great although I order the same thing every time (mussels) and they can never seem to just give me plain bread. This time though led me to write this negative review. I went a few days ago and got mussels and about 90% of them were basically non-existent. Each mussel just had a slight stringy bit in it as if the mussel had exploded and left a piece of string behind. It was gross. I tried eating the bits that were there and I did let them know but it already took way longer than normal to get the food and wasn’t worth waiting for it to be remade. And they brought me bread covered in cheese and butter when I’d asked for plain. I actually ended up super sick that night and all next day. Guess I shouldn’t have tried to eat the few mussels that were there. I tried to call and let them know because I hoped to prevent anyone else getting sick (maybe it was a bad shipment of them?) but they never called me back after I asked to hear back from the manager. That to me just seems like a manager who doesn’t care. Unfortunate since I do like the ambiance of the restaurant.
Even despise this I would say the ambiance is the selling point. The seafood is fine but nothing I’d go crazy over (maybe I’m just picky since I’m from Seattle and used to amazing and fresh seafood).
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 4
If you are on vacation or a local, Buck & Rider is a must. The food is top notch, so are the cocktails! The patio is a great place to catch up with friends. The fire pits bring a great vibe that sets the mood for a perfect night. The staff are on point and great personalities. 5 stars all the way!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We had an amazing meal at Buck & Rider last night! We attended a private dinner in the Monterey room for 11 family members, which was a wonderful intimate setting. The service was top-notch and the food was fantastic! We had appetizers, main courses, salads and deserts and each and every bite was amazing. We will be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Maddy was our server, she was amazing. The restaurant was very busy, but by the service we received you would never know that. The food was delicious. A little high end for everyday eating, but for those special occasions, a must!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
A wonderful lunch...promt service and attentive and knowledgeable server. Amazing seafood menue with great desserts. Love their mile high pies.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
As always, outstanding food, and excellent service from our server Sarah! I had requested a specific table and was so pleased that the hostess was able to accommodate my request! Thank you for the CONSISTENTLY excellent fresh seafood and friendly and professional service!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
From Dirty Dining:
3 violations:
Chef battering raw chicken then not washing hands
Dark residue in ice machine
Goat cheese in prep fridge not cold enough
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
The seafood is fresh it almost feels like the ocean is right outside the restaurant, the entire staff is super friendly and professional, highly recommend this place for a special occasion.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Oysters on the Half Shell, Baja Shrimp Ceviche
Delicious!
Recommended dishes: Oysters on the Half Shell, Banana Cream Pie, Shrimp and Scallop Risotto
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