Things to Do at Rick's Café

Complete Guide to Rick's Café in Casablanca

About Rick's Café

The piano plays "As Time Goes By" every evening in a 1930s mansion with curved Moorish arches, ceiling fans, and framed Bogart stills on whitewashed walls. Rick's Cafe is not the original from the 1942 film (that was a Hollywood soundstage), but this loving recreation opened in 2004 by former US diplomat Kathy Kriger is so committed to the illusion that you stop caring. The courtyard garden has palm trees and a gurgling fountain, the bar serves proper cocktails (the Casablanca Martini is 120 MAD), and the live pianist takes requests. The food is French-Moroccan at prices that reflect the tourism markup: main courses 150-300 MAD, a full dinner with wine 400-600 MAD per person. Is it overpriced compared to eating in the medina? Yes. Is it a unique evening in Casablanca? Also yes. Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially Thursday-Saturday when the restaurant fills by 8:30 PM. Dress is smart casual - no shorts or flip-flops.

What to See & Do

The Piano Bar

The heart of Rick's, featuring live piano performances and that famous white piano where you can request 'As Time Goes By'

Upstairs Gaming Room

Recreates the film's gambling den with vintage casino tables and intimate seating areas

The Bar

Classic cocktails served in an atmospheric setting with period-appropriate décor and lighting

Moroccan Courtyard

Beautiful outdoor dining area with traditional tilework and fountain, blending Hollywood nostalgia with local architecture

Cinema Memorabilia

Vintage posters, photographs, and artifacts from the golden age of Hollywood scattered throughout the venue

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Daily 12:00 PM - 1:00 AM (kitchen closes at midnight). Live piano music typically starts around 8:30 PM

Tickets & Pricing

No entrance fee. Dinner: 300-600 MAD per person with drinks. Cocktails: 100-140 MAD. Wine by the glass: 80-120 MAD. Reservations strongly recommended for dinner at rickscafe.ma or by phone. Open daily 12 PM-1 AM. The bar is more casual than the dining room - you can drop in for a drink and the piano without booking.

Best Time to Visit

Evening visits offer the best atmosphere with live music and romantic lighting. Lunch tends to be quieter if you prefer a more relaxed experience

Suggested Duration

2-3 hours for dinner and drinks, though you might find yourself lingering longer as the evening unfolds

Getting There

Rick's Café sits in the old medina by the port. Take a taxi-most drivers know the place, but bring the Arabic address anyway. From downtown it is a quick ride. Maybe 10 minutes by car. The café offers valet parking if you're driving yourself through those narrow medina streets. Total nightmare for first-timers.

Things to Do Nearby

Hassan II Mosque
One of the world's largest mosques, just a 10-minute walk away with striking ocean views

Casablanca Port
Historic harbor area perfect for an evening stroll before or after dinner

Old Medina
Traditional market area with narrow streets, local crafts, and authentic Moroccan atmosphere

Place Mohammed V
Central square surrounded by impressive French colonial architecture, about 15 minutes away

Corniche Beach
Waterfront promenade with cafés and ocean views, perfect for a post-dinner walk

Tips & Advice

Make dinner reservations well in advance, especially for weekend evenings when the piano show is most popular

Dress smart-casual - it's not overly formal, but you'll feel more comfortable if you make a bit of an effort

Ask the pianist to play 'As Time Goes By' - they're used to the request and genuinely seem to enjoy the nostalgia

Try the pastilla if you're feeling adventurous - it's a traditional Moroccan dish that bridges the menu's international and local offerings