+1 574-327-6227
Rico's at the Bulldog, nestled in the heart of Elkhart, Indiana, offers an inviting escape for those craving hearty American fare served with a side of Midwestern warmth. This neighborhood gem is a must-visit for burger enthusiasts and comfort food lovers alike. The culinary focus here shines on an impressive array of burgers, sandwiches, and classic pub-style dishes that showcase both creativity and satisfaction in every bite.
Step inside and you’re welcomed by the cozy, unpretentious atmosphere that perfectly complements the menu’s bold flavors. Whether you choose to soak in the energy at the bustling bar or settle into the casual dining area, there’s a genuine hometown charm that makes every visit feel like a special occasion. The décor, reminiscent of a classic diner-bar hybrid, creates a relaxed and friendly vibe that encourages you to unwind and savor your meal.
When it comes to the food, Rico's at the Bulldog truly delivers a mouthwatering experience. The Farm Burger and Mushrooms and Swiss Burger with Fries are beloved staples, expertly crafted with juicy, flavorful patties and topped with fresh, quality ingredients. The menu's variety is impressive—whether you're indulging in the crispy, golden Crispy Chicken Sandwich or delighting in the fresh, flaky Fish Tacos and Mahi Tacos, every dish is packed with layers of texture and taste that keep diners coming back for more.
Complement your meal with a refreshing Bloody Mary or a creatively crafted cocktail like the Crown Royal Apple & Sprite or Margarita. The bar drinks here are thoughtfully made, designed to perfectly balance and enhance the robust flavors of the food.
Start your dining adventure with starters from “The Kennel," where bites like Loaded Nachos, Bow Wow Shrimp, and the addictive Pretzel Bones set the tone. These appetizers offer a delightful mix of crunchy, savory, and indulgent notes that prepare your palate for the main attractions.
Salads and soups provide delicious lighter options, including the vibrant Apple Walnut Salad and the hearty Steak Salad, all served fresh with Rico’s own homemade dressings—don’t miss the creamy, tangy Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing that diner pals rave about.
Dessert lovers will appreciate the homey comfort of the Banana Cream dessert, a sweet conclusion that wraps up your meal with just the right touch of nostalgia.
Customers consistently echo the warm hospitality and generous portions that make Rico's at the Bulldog a standout choice in Elkhart. From Meghan’s dedicated and upbeat service during busy nights to regulars who keep returning for their favorite burgers, the experience is as satisfying as the food itself. One guest fondly described their visit as “a lesson in not judging a book by its cover,” highlighting how the unassuming setting belies the exceptional culinary delights inside.
Whether you’re stopping in for a casual lunch, a lively dinner with friends, or a birthday celebration like one satisfied patron did, Rico’s at the Bulldog offers an authentic taste of comfort food elevated with care and flare. It’s a place where every bite brings a little joy, and every visit feels like coming home.
Contact: 3763 E Jackson Blvd Unit 3, Elkhart, IN 46516 | Phone: +1 574-327-6227
First experience eating dinner here. Upon arrival the bar area was packed, we sat in the dining area. Meghan our waitress was a little slow to attend us HOW'VE she was the only one delivering food, taking oders, getting refills, etc.. the place got busier and she kept a smile on her face, a composure that was very professional, a fast pace walk to and from, multi tasking at her very best! I give her a HELL YAH GIRL! The food was good, pizza burger and onion rings and grilled cheese burger with onion rings.
5 stars in all categories. My boyfriend took me here for the first time last year and it's become a regular spot for us. The food can be on the more expensive side but you get SO MUCH of it and it's allll delicious. It's so good I get the exact same thing every time because I crave it lol. This is definitely my favorite restraunt.
Staying Elkhart and wanted a local place to eat. Read others' reviews and decided to try. My husband was in the mood for a hamburger. Dezz was a wonderful server. She was attentive. Ordered onion rings as an appetizer. They were a little overdone. I ordered the Madd Buger, and it was awesome. Husband ordered the Dog burger, and he said it was one of the best burgers he's had in a while. I'm so glad I found this place.
This tiny little hole in the wall was a lesson in not judging a book by it's cover. We walked in and I said to Kitten that I think we'd been bamboozled. Kitten wanted to give it a go and boy are we glad we did. The decor was that of an old diner/bar. There were only a few booths, but we were able to sit at one. Then we saw the menu, wow, great selection of appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, salads and even a few entrees that piqued our curiosity. It was a late lunch though and we went with burgers. The food was great, the service was even better. We'd highly recommend Rico's for good eats.
First time there with my husband and another couple, it was my birthday, great service and food! Very clean! I got the parmesian crusted Maui Maui over a bed of rice with steamed broccoli, it came with a side salad, well let me tell you that was way more than a side salad! It was my lunch the next day! Wow! And we shared the pierogies! Yummy!
If you’re searching for the best restaurant in Elkhart, Indiana, Rico’s at the Bulldog is an absolute gem! We tried a variety of menu items—burgers, chicken, fries, onion rings, and their wings were phenomenal. The burgers are juicy, packed with fresh ingredients, and grilled to perfection. Their crispy chicken is tender on the inside with a perfect, crunchy coating. The fries are golden, with just the right amount of seasoning, and the onion rings are a must-try, boasting that ideal crunch. But the true highlight? The chicken wings! These wings are bursting with bold flavors, and they offer a variety of sauces that make them the best wings in Elkhart. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and the staff are friendly and attentive, making for a top-notch dining experience. Whether you’re in the mood for American food, casual dining, or just an all-around great place to eat, Rico’s at the Bulldog is perfect for families and friends. If you’re in Elkhart and looking for good food with excellent service, don’t miss out on this spot!
I stumbled on this when looking for a new lumch spot near work. So glad I did! It's a dive bar that serves epic burgers! Service was fast enough that we could eat and get back on our lunch hour. There's obviously a well stocked bar, and I'm sure they get plenty of after-work business. I tried a bacon cheeseburger with peanut butter -- outstanding! So was the mac and cheese burger. They had lots of HUGE salads, and other tasty-looking options. It's tiny unassuming, but YUM-GOOD!
While staying at the Elkhart County Fairgrounds in Goshen, the Dawg Haus crew tried Rico’s at the Bulldog in Elkhart after seeing its strong 4.7 Google rating. As most-time RVers traveling the U.S. and Canada in search of the best cheeseburgers, we rate each stop using our Dawg Haus Burger Scale: The Best (only one earns this title), Very Good, Good, OK, and Not Impressed. The service at Rico’s was excellent, and the burgers came out hot on fresh toasted buns. My Bulldog Burger and my wife’s Mushroom Swiss were both tasty, though the patties could’ve used a bit more seasoning. The fries and tater tots were a good choice. Overall, Rico’s earned a solid Good on our Dawg Haus Burger Scale. As a bonus, they give a military veteran discount.