Rivals Waterfront Sports Grill

Initially our reservation was only for my boyfriend and I but we decided to invite our friends, when I called in to make changes they were very attentive and courteous. When we got there our table was reserved right by the water with the perfect lighting and view. We ordered drinks and Mediterranean hummus as a starter and it was absolutely delicious as well as the fresh catch (which was the snapper) and the churrasco, we were so full by the end of our meal that we decided not to go for desert but I’m sure it would’ve been just as perfect. We had an amazing night without a doubt we’ll be back. Totally recommend it!

The food was super meh — my «forest mushroom flatbread» was canned button mushrooms with some daubs of boursin — but I give this place 3 stars for our server Alex. We were six ladies of varying ages in town for a conference and he was attentive and friendly and all-​around adorable. Excellent work, sir.

I have to agree with other posters. This place has decent food, surly service, and clearly knows they have a captive market at the Diplomat. The 18% gratuity added is a real kick in the face to someone who tips at least 20%. Not here, why tip extra when they already calculate it in. It’s too bad for such a nice resort. An attitude adjustment, better service, and just giving a tipping guide for those not from the US would make this a better spot.

Food was decent and drinks were alright. Affordable dining option within the area for people staying at the Diplomat.

Terrible food!!! It was ice cold! They charged 19.50 for fish and chips. 3 tiny pieces of fish that looked like chicken nuggets and the fries were frozen fries probably warmed up in a microwave. Disgusting!!!

Mediocre food, steep prices, slow service.
I had a BBQ burger — it was good but nothing to write home about. Same goes for the fries. Best part (sarcasm): it was 17 buckaroos. Definitely not worth it.
Service was so incredibly slow. We waited an eternity to get our checks. But no worries, 18% gratuity is automatically included — here, take my money!
I wouldn’t come back.

Food is ok service is really slow. Me and my friends came for a singles retreat. We only had 2 hours of time. The waiter took at least 20 mins when we asked for things. Very slow but food is great

Legit the most boring place to watch sports. The only thing that makes this restaurant a «sports bar» would be a few TVs and a bar. Also, way over priced. Head over to Upper Deck, will be worth the car ride off the beach.

We just celebrated my husband’s birthday and it was awesome!!!
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The Rivals’ staff professionalism & personal attention are amazing…
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Food was delicious, drinks well prepared! We had our own private space for all our guests to enjoy. Thank you Jean, always on top for when we needed you & for what we needed.
Ask for him when you visit!
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We will definitely plan our next Private event with them…
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Thank you Wendy,
; -&-
Travis,
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A stand-​alone restaurant that is part of the Diplomat Hotel complex. Because the hotel automatically adds an 18% gratuity, the wait staff have no incentive to do a good job. The food is fine, but there are so many more creative options nearby.

While cheaper than the hotel food, the food was tasteless and dry. If I had choices other than the hotel (I had no car), I would not have eaten here. It was reasonably priced and the service was good, however. If you aren’t picky about food and want a nice place to watch the game and drink, this is for you. I was not drinking, so it did not impress this hungry conventioneer.

Snapper special was amazing. Perfectly cooked, juicy fresh and accompanying garlic broccoli completed the dish. Our waitress Susan recommended it. She was extremely polite and helpful. Would definitely recommend trying this place out. My cousins had the mahi mahi fish and chips and they were great too.

Rivals has a captive audience in the people staying at the Diplomat Hotel. With that in mind, I think that they price it to meet the clientele versus what they probably should charge. I’ve had the Cobb salad and a hamburger here. They were good. I must admit that. Their beverage selection is also pretty good. However, I think that they are charging a bit too much for what they give you. If you’re staying at the Diplomat and you don’t want to walk about a ½ mile to other food selections, then this is a good choice (versus eating in the hotel). If you are mobile, then you can seek some other altermatives.

I am very surprised to say that I really enjoyed my meal here. It is a hotel sports bar, so I had VERY low expectations. However, all the food I had at the Diplomat was fantastic, and Rivals was delightful. The strawberry basil lemonade was a delightful indulgence. Highly recommend. I liked my mahi sandwich and LOVED the sweet potato fries. My husband had a fantastic but small version of fish and chips. Delicious fries. My daughters had the kids meals: mac and cheese and hamburger. Both were super.
The water taxi stops here, so this is a good option for dinner since it is a bit over an hour between water taxis.
Highly recommend if at the Diplomat.

I was staying at the diplomat and randomly decided to try the restaurant with my family and I did not regret it! I absolutely loved this place! Great service and great food. I had the build your own border which was great. Our server was Krystal and she did an amazing job! She was very attentive and checked back up with us often. Also the manager came by and made sure we were doing well, which was a plus! I Totally recommend this place!

I ducked in to kill some time and meet an old classmate as our high school reunion was in the hotel and we were early.
So, neither of us ate. But we (hardly) enjoyed overpriced drinks in this personality-​less «sports» bar. 2 drinks, well liquor = $ 18 and they ADD gratuity to all checks. FAIL.
My bartender was full of personality. Too bad I’m not into dudes.
Unimpressed.
Cabeza OUT!

3.5 stars. First visit was great. Our waiter was phenomenal. The manager was also super friendly. Drinks are a great value and you only need 2 to feel good LOL. Everything was delish. Wish they had more vegetarian options. Their house salad came in a cool mason jar and it made spreading the dressing so much easier.
Second visit was a different story. Different lunch menu. Food not as good. Pizza was cold and soggy. Salad (same one I was told I ordered the first time) was with less ingredients and NOT in the mason jar. They automatically add 18% tip even on take out. I know it’s customary but on my first visit I would have left a 25% tip and on the second the bare minimum of 15%. Oh, one last thing, they are located in front of the water taxi and I inquired about it and not one person would give in any info on where to take it, where it goes, etc.

This is a gastro pub with a waterfront view. And what a view! So, seat outside unless you are dying to see the games. With a friendly service and interesting menu choices, the Rivals is always a great place to have a drink while browsing the boats and enjoy Florida’ nice weather. Very convenient to guests of the Diplomat and neighbors.
We have being here several times. We came with a bigger group in our last visit (8 people all together) and the service wasn’t good. I like the wings (both are spice, thought) and the kobe sliders, always a win. I don’t recommend the ceviche.

Rivals is in a sad state. It’s raining behind the bar because there’s a leak in the roof. Bar stools are rickety. Worst of all, no more truffle fries-​just plain fries. :(

One of my underrated favorite spots to watch a game.
It never gets crazy crowded during Heat games, and has those half-​circle booths that I like for stretching my legs while still facing my company.
The food menu is seriously lacking — everything has meat and gluten, save for 2 GF options — an upgrade in this area would raise my feeling about this place. Otherwise the staff os pretty cool and I like the location at the Westin Hollywood which is always quiet and chill. Not a bad place to take a walk after you meal either.