I would gave a 5 star if not because my gumbo was lukewarm and crab fingers were super salty. The gumbo not only lack of flavor comparing with other gumbos in the New Orleans. It even had 2 pieces of bay leaves left in it when it's served. I had to send it back to be reheated, even then. The middle was still a bit cold. I suspected that it's pre-made. The crab fingers sauce was so salty even with the crusty bread, it still made us drank more water. The Redfish Venice was great. Flaky inside, crusty outside. The service staff - Megan was very helpful and kept our glasses filled. I really want to love this place but I will not order gumbo or crab fingers again.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
Myisha Procter
Rips on the Lake is a gorgeous venue with beautiful waterfront views. They offer both indoor and outdoor seating and can easily accommodate large groups, making it a great spot for gatherings or a relaxed meal by the water.
The menu is packed with Southern classics, and I appreciated that they offer simple, thoughtful drink options like an unsweetened Arnold Palmer, mimosas, and hot coffee.
Here’s what we ordered: • Gumbo – very enjoyable and generous with the seafood. Lots of crab, shrimp, and crawfish with a rich, dark roux and okra. Well-balanced and not overly salty. • Crab cakes – nicely portioned, crispy on the outside, and not too dry. • House salad – very simple but fresh, with house-made croutons and tomatoes. • Sampler platter with shrimp creole, crawfish étouffée, and grilled andouille sausage. The standout here was the grilled sausage—honestly one of the best I’ve ever had. • Warm table bread served with salted butter, which was a nice touch.
Service was kind and attentive, adding to the overall pleasant experience.
I would definitely return especially after seeing other tables enjoying pasta dishes that looked incredible. A beautiful setting with solid Southern comfort food and great hospitality. 🌊🍽️ @thesequinunicorn reviews
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
Katelyn Donnelly
This seafood restaurant offers a warm, inviting ambience that makes it perfect for families looking to relax and truly enjoy time together. The comfortable setting encourages conversation without feeling crowded or rushed, while the quality of the food truly stands out. It was fresh, flavorful, and thoughtfully prepared. Every dish reflected care and consistency, making the dining experience feel special from start to finish. The cocktails menu was expansive and the drinks were great! As an added bonus, the beautiful lake views provide a serene backdrop that elevates the entire meal. It’s an ideal spot to catch up with loved ones while enjoying excellent seafood in a peaceful, scenic environment.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Carol
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: A restaurant host should possess a friendly and approachable demeanor, as well as the ability to effectively interact with diverse clientele. They must exhibit a positive and welcoming attitude. As the host and co-owner, setting the tone is crucial. A cold or rude greeting can make guests feel unwelcome from the outset, which has been our experience every time we have visited the restaurant. This is a primary reason for guests to express dissatisfaction, leave negative reviews, and refrain from returning to the establishment. Guests tend to recall how they were treated more than the quality of the food. Online reviews frequently mention front-of-house behavior. Based on our observations, we have come to the conclusion that the co-owner appears to be a difficult person who may have a particular dislike for women. But, we have heard men and women complain of his rude behavior. A restaurant is a social setting where people gather to celebrate special occasions, engage in conversation, and socialize, but this individual seems to expect patrons to remain silent in his wife's establishment. I guarantee you Drago’s doesn’t treat their patrons in this manner. Given his demeanor, he may not be suited to welcoming guests. Unfortunately, our group will not return to this restaurant. We will seek alternative establishments where we feel welcome. Although we will miss Adrian, an exceptional waiter on the Northshore (any restaurant would be lucky to have him) we will not continue to tolerate the co-owner's rudeness. This co-owner has a Restaurant, but yet acts as if he doesn’t want to book guests and fill his tables. You want your patrons to come in and enjoy themselves and this man is chasing people away.  All he does is complain to guests how many people he has to seat for the day. If you can’t handle it, get out the kitchen! AND FYI THERE WAS A HAIR IN ONE OUR FRIENDS FOOD THIS PAST SATURDAY. She kept quiet as to not ruin everyone else’s meal!
The co-owner commented to our group when we requested to make a future reservation that we were loud and people don’t like us or like sitting by us and asked to be moved away from us, which I do not believe happened with our group at all. People usually engage in conversation with us and we have been nothing but respectful to staff and other customers at RIPS. I would like to know exactly when this happened. I have never ever experienced anyone get up from around us and move to another table. These people are definitely in the wrong business. We have never been treated this way at Commander’s Palace, Brennan’s, the Grill Room, Antoine‘s, Broussard’s, Gallagher 527, Nuvolari’s, Keith Young’s etc. This man is off his rocker!
I’m very capable of reading the other bad reviews on your restaurant and it seems this happens often with the co-owner at the helm! Pitiful!
A quote that the restaurant owner shared …..Disrespect will close doors that apologies can’t reopen! A time will come in your life when some people will regret why they treated you wrong! Let that sink in!
Hopefully they will regret the way they treated their long time customers and there is no apology that will reopen that door for us.
AN GI
Horrible experience. The manager is a total nightmare. 😡 Terrible experience at this restaurant! The manager was super rude 🤯. Food was just okay, 1/5 stars wouldn't recommend. 🍴👎 #badexperience #poorservice
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Kimberly Hunt
This is a MUST EAT Lake side restaurant in lovely Mandeville Louisiana with a Fantastically romantic view and superb 👌 quality Louisiana Seafood. Well worth the Price for a special occasion with that special person ❤️ And the service is top level :)
Amazing across the board. Portions are huge. I had leftovers for 2!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Nose2wind
Excellent all around experience. Food, atmosphere, service, view, all first class. I would return 😋
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Devin Quigley
Either bury me here or spread my ashes across the perimeter of Rip's. It's that good. Ask for Adrian!!! He's amazing!!!! Cheers 🥂🩵🤣
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
V
Wonderful experience, their food is absolutely delicious and fit the price range. Our waiter was so kind, and very attentive.
The atmosphere upstairs is quite loud, but the host was kind enough to move us to a more quiet setting which really changed our entire experience into a positive one. I'm thankful for them accommodating us in that moment 🩷
If they do outside seating again, I'd pick that for personal preference, but for a date, their bar upstairs is divine with a full bar and tvs (not in a sports bar way, it still has a super classy feel)
* pictured is their gumbo + crawfish platte with eggplant and angel hair pasta
Service and food were good. The only downside were no vegan options on the menu and the waitress was reluctant to even check with the chef.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Linda Brown
Wonderful birthday experience! Rebecca was a delight and very helpful in recommending dishes. We were seated very shortly after we arrived. Would definitely recommend.
I would gave a 5 star if not because my gumbo was lukewarm and crab fingers were super salty. The gumbo not only lack of flavor comparing with other gumbos in the New Orleans. It even had 2 pieces of bay leaves left in it when it's served. I had to send it back to be reheated, even then. The middle was still a bit cold. I suspected that it's pre-made. The crab fingers sauce was so salty even with the crusty bread, it still made us drank more water. The Redfish Venice was great. Flaky inside, crusty outside. The service staff - Megan was very helpful and kept our glasses filled. I really want to love this place but I will not order gumbo or crab fingers again.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
Rips on the Lake is a gorgeous venue with beautiful waterfront views. They offer both indoor and outdoor seating and can easily accommodate large groups, making it a great spot for gatherings or a relaxed meal by the water.
The menu is packed with Southern classics, and I appreciated that they offer simple, thoughtful drink options like an unsweetened Arnold Palmer, mimosas, and hot coffee.
Here’s what we ordered:
• Gumbo – very enjoyable and generous with the seafood. Lots of crab, shrimp, and crawfish with a rich, dark roux and okra. Well-balanced and not overly salty.
• Crab cakes – nicely portioned, crispy on the outside, and not too dry.
• House salad – very simple but fresh, with house-made croutons and tomatoes.
• Sampler platter with shrimp creole, crawfish étouffée, and grilled andouille sausage. The standout here was the grilled sausage—honestly one of the best I’ve ever had.
• Warm table bread served with salted butter, which was a nice touch.
Service was kind and attentive, adding to the overall pleasant experience.
I would definitely return especially after seeing other tables enjoying pasta dishes that looked incredible. A beautiful setting with solid Southern comfort food and great hospitality. 🌊🍽️ @thesequinunicorn reviews
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
This seafood restaurant offers a warm, inviting ambience that makes it perfect for families looking to relax and truly enjoy time together. The comfortable setting encourages conversation without feeling crowded or rushed, while the quality of the food truly stands out. It was fresh, flavorful, and thoughtfully prepared. Every dish reflected care and consistency, making the dining experience feel special from start to finish. The cocktails menu was expansive and the drinks were great! As an added bonus, the beautiful lake views provide a serene backdrop that elevates the entire meal. It’s an ideal spot to catch up with loved ones while enjoying excellent seafood in a peaceful, scenic environment.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: A restaurant host should possess a friendly and approachable demeanor, as well as the ability to effectively interact with diverse clientele. They must exhibit a positive and welcoming attitude. As the host and co-owner, setting the tone is crucial. A cold or rude greeting can make guests feel unwelcome from the outset, which has been our experience every time we have visited the restaurant. This is a primary reason for guests to express dissatisfaction, leave negative reviews, and refrain from returning to the establishment. Guests tend to recall how they were treated more than the quality of the food. Online reviews frequently mention front-of-house behavior. Based on our observations, we have come to the conclusion that the co-owner appears to be a difficult person who may have a particular dislike for women. But, we have heard men and women complain of his rude behavior. A restaurant is a social setting where people gather to celebrate special occasions, engage in conversation, and socialize, but this individual seems to expect patrons to remain silent in his wife's establishment. I guarantee you Drago’s doesn’t treat their patrons in this manner. Given his demeanor, he may not be suited to welcoming guests. Unfortunately, our group will not return to this restaurant. We will seek alternative establishments where we feel welcome. Although we will miss Adrian, an exceptional waiter on the Northshore (any restaurant would be lucky to have him) we will not continue to tolerate the co-owner's rudeness. This co-owner has a Restaurant, but yet acts as if he doesn’t want to book guests and fill his tables. You want your patrons to come in and enjoy themselves and this man is chasing people away.  All he does is complain to guests how many people he has to seat for the day. If you can’t handle it, get out the kitchen! AND FYI THERE WAS A HAIR IN ONE OUR FRIENDS FOOD THIS PAST SATURDAY. She kept quiet as to not ruin everyone else’s meal!
The co-owner commented to our group when we requested to make a future reservation that we were loud and people don’t like us or like sitting by us and asked to be moved away from us, which I do not believe happened with our group at all. People usually engage in conversation with us and we have been nothing but respectful to staff and other customers at RIPS. I would like to know exactly when this happened. I have never ever experienced anyone get up from around us and move to another table. These people are definitely in the wrong business. We have never been treated this way at Commander’s Palace, Brennan’s, the Grill Room, Antoine‘s, Broussard’s, Gallagher 527, Nuvolari’s, Keith Young’s etc. This man is off his rocker!
I’m very capable of reading the other bad reviews on your restaurant and it seems this happens often with the co-owner at the helm! Pitiful!
A quote that the restaurant owner shared …..Disrespect will close doors that apologies can’t reopen! A time will come in your life when some people will regret why they treated you wrong! Let that sink in!
Hopefully they will regret the way they treated their long time customers and there is no apology that will reopen that door for us.
Horrible experience. The manager is a total nightmare. 😡 Terrible experience at this restaurant! The manager was super rude 🤯. Food was just okay, 1/5 stars wouldn't recommend. 🍴👎 #badexperience #poorservice
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
This is a MUST EAT Lake side restaurant in lovely Mandeville Louisiana with a Fantastically romantic view and superb 👌 quality Louisiana Seafood. Well worth the Price for a special occasion with that special person ❤️ And the service is top level :)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fried Green Tomatoes, Shrimp Cocktail, Shrimp \u0026 Grits, Crème Brulee
Amazing across the board. Portions are huge. I had leftovers for 2!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Excellent all around experience. Food, atmosphere, service, view, all first class. I would return 😋
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Either bury me here or spread my ashes across the perimeter of Rip's. It's that good. Ask for Adrian!!! He's amazing!!!! Cheers 🥂🩵🤣
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Wonderful experience, their food is absolutely delicious and fit the price range. Our waiter was so kind, and very attentive.
The atmosphere upstairs is quite loud, but the host was kind enough to move us to a more quiet setting which really changed our entire experience into a positive one. I'm thankful for them accommodating us in that moment 🩷
If they do outside seating again, I'd pick that for personal preference, but for a date, their bar upstairs is divine with a full bar and tvs (not in a sports bar way, it still has a super classy feel)
* pictured is their gumbo + crawfish platte with eggplant and angel hair pasta
Great time, thank you!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Service and food were good. The only downside were no vegan options on the menu and the waitress was reluctant to even check with the chef.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Wonderful birthday experience! Rebecca was a delight and very helpful in recommending dishes. We were seated very shortly after we arrived. Would definitely recommend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Amazing sunset and phenomenal service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great food!
Delicious food!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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