Built in 1989, The Ritz bar and grill has, like many Okoboji area restaurants, taken advantage of the surrounding lake access. Strategically built on East Lake Okoboji in Arnolds Park, The Ritz has become a
Built in 1989, The Ritz bar and grill has, like many Okoboji area restaurants, taken advantage of the surrounding lake access. Strategically built on East Lake Okoboji in Arnolds Park, The Ritz has become a local favorite.
Famous for their giant fishbowls, The Ritz is also known for their flatbread pizzas. After day-drinking at The Gardens, and our one-hour all-drinks-included Siesta Cruise boat tour, we were not ready for a giant alcohol filled fishbowl, but we were ready for pizza.
Pizza and Fishbowls!
My husband and I ordered a full flatbread pizza, half Hawaiian, half chicken bacon ranch, and living up to its many online reviews, it was fantastic! While we were enjoying our pizza, we saw several fishbowls being made, all different colors and flavors. We didn’t see anyone drinking one themselves, rather they were sharing with their friends.
Picture credit of fishbowls above: https://www.facebook.com/theritzokoboji/
There are a wide variety of flavors, including watermelon, grape, and blue raspberry. They also have a giant Pina Colada, Long Island Iced Tea, and even Fireball! In fact, during covid, they were and still are offering fishbowls to go! If I lived close by, I would definitely be ordering one at least once a month, putting on a good movie, and playing a few rounds of Battleship with my husband.
In addition, when you order a fishbowl, you get to keep the container, take it home, and display your souvenir! This would make a great change jar, miniature fairy garden, or maybe even plant some succulents and flowering cacti.
The Menu
Although friends had recommended we try their pizza, we did notice a lot of menu options. We, however, wanted something we could share, then take back to our hotel room that night, and pizza is always good hot or cold, and at any time of the day.
When we come back next year though, we will try something else on their menu, definitely order a fishbowl to share, and maybe even sit on their upper deck. I can imagine the lakeside views overlooking the harbor and across East Lake Okoboji.
Plan your visit
For more information about daily specials and their events calendar, check out their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/theritzokoboji/). They have even been known to promote Bloody Mary fishbowls, so when you plan your trip be sure to ask what drink specials are on the menu for the day.
712-332-2777
394 U.S. Highway 71 South
Arnolds Park, IA 51331
