Rickey’s Returns: A Familiar Taste of Bay St. Louis

Coast Cuisine - February 2026

Walking into Rickey’s on Coleman Avenue immediately gives you a sense of something familiar — not just in the décor or the menu, but in the way nostalgia settles into the room like it never left.​

- by Francesca Bianci

Rickey's on Coleman's Trout Treasures

​For longtime locals, Rickey’s was a Bay St. Louis favorite before Katrina reshaped the Coast. Its return to Coleman Avenue in Waveland feels less like a new restaurant opening and more like the homecoming of an old friend.

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The familiarity begins at the door. A quick glance around the dining room reveals the iconic photos on the wall of Chef Rickey and Mr. Bill. They anchor the space in memory and remind diners of the restaurant’s history – its flavor, loyal following, and regional affection. Once inside, guests have many options: the bar to the right, a small dining room to the left, a larger dining room straight ahead, or the patio out back. The space isn’t fussy or staged; it’s comfortable. There’s nothing fancy or forced about it, and the classic simplicity is exactly what creates the down-home, casual vibe that pulls you in and invites you to settle.

 
Then comes the menu — arguably the most exciting element of Rickey’s revival. Many of the classics have made their return, some refurbished with a modern touch. The first test for diners searching for authenticity is always whether those old standbys taste the way memory insists they should.
 
We started with the Eggplant Lighthouse, a dish that transported us immediately back in time. Thin, crispy eggplant slices are layered with fresh mozzarella and finished with the bright, red gravy that Rickey’s has long been known for. The tangy acidity of the sauce hits first, followed by the richness of the cheese and the mild sweetness of the eggplant. The combination feels a little old-school Italian-American but filtered through a distinctly coastal lens. It’s the kind of dish people will order “just to see if it’s the same,” and it is.
 

 
The French Dip sandwich proved another surprise — and a standout. Tender roast beef, generously portioned and covered in melty provolone, is tucked into ciabatta that’s sturdy enough to handle a good dunk in the accompanying au jus. It’s rich without being heavy, savory without being overly salty, and packed with umami. The ciabatta in particular deserves praise — so many French Dips fall apart before the second bite, but this one holds with confidence and purpose.
 
Another unlikely hero is the Meatloaf Burger. It is one of the most flavorful sandwiches on the menu and, frankly, one that leaves an imprint. It’s savory, nostalgic, and slightly quirky – the kind of thing you order more than once.
 

French Dip sandwich on ciabatta

 
Now, let's talk fries. At Rickey’s, they are not an afterthought. These are the holy grail of fried potatoes: a crunchy exterior with a soft, pillowy interior. They’re seasoned well, fried right, and served hot.
 
For seafood lovers, the Trout Treasures remains a crowd favorite. A perfectly fried trout fillet is topped with shrimp, lump crab meat, and crawfish in a creamy sauce rich with coastal decadence. Served with seasoned vegetables and potatoes, it feels indulgent and distinctly Gulf Coast — a dish that puts the flavors of the ocean center-stage.
 

Rickey's Eggplant Lighthouse

 
Whether you’re stopping in for a quick lunch or settling in for that throw-back favorite from yesteryear, Rickey’s manages to deliver both comfort and memory. It brings back the best of what the Coast loves: friendly service, a neighborhood feel, and Chef Rickey’s signature eye for flavor. For locals who remember and newcomers who don’t, Rickey’s on Coleman offers a delicious reminder that some places deserve to return — and we’re fortunate when they do.
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Rickey’s on Coleman
310 Coleman Ave., Waveland | (228) 344-3090
Sun, Wed, Thurs 11 am-8 pm | Fri-Sat 11 am-9 pm | Closed Mon-Tues
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