Rick's Café Casablanca: Reality vs Hollywood Legend

Rick's Café Casablanca opened its doors on March 1, 2004, filling a cinematic void that had existed since the 1942 release of the film Casablanca. The restaurant occupies a grand 1930s mansion set against the old medina walls at 248 Boulevard Sour Jdid. While the movie was filmed entirely on a Warner Bros. lot in Burbank, California, this physical location has become the definitive pilgrimage site for fans of Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart.

The Vision of Kathy Kriger and the 2004 Opening

Kathy Kriger, a former commercial counselor at the United States Consulate, invested her life savings to transform a derelict courtyard house into a working restaurant. She established the Rick's Café Casablanca company with the help of 40 investors, aiming to create a space that felt like the movie come to life. The building itself is a traditional Moroccan riad with an open courtyard, which Kriger enclosed to allow for year-round dining. You can still see the original architectural bones, but the addition of stenciled brass lamps and architectural woodwork creates that specific 1940s noir mood.

Following Kriger's passing in 2018, the establishment has continued to operate under the management of her son and long-term staff, maintaining the rigorous standards she set during the first fourteen years of operation. The property stands as a rare example of a business built entirely on the power of a fictional narrative. Most visitors find it surprising that the restaurant is not a vintage establishment from the 1940s but a carefully researched recreation designed to satisfy the expectations of international travelers.

Architectural Details and the Cinematic Atmosphere

The interior layout centers around an old Pleyel piano, a model dating back to the 1930s, where the signature song As Time Goes By is frequently played during evening service. Unlike many modern Casablanca establishments that favor sleek glass and neon, this venue uses heavy fabrics and intimate lighting to maintain a private, almost secretive environment. The architectural design features scalloped arches and palm trees that cast long, dramatic shadows against the white walls.

The second floor offers a better view of the central piano area—a detail many diners overlook when requesting a ground-floor table. This upper balcony provides a vantage point for observing the crowd while enjoying a drink at the bar. For those interested in the film's memorabilia, a small TV screen in the lounge area often plays the 1942 classic on a loop, though the sound is kept low to avoid distracting from the live jazz. The Blue Room upstairs serves as a more quiet lounge, often overlooked by those rushing to the main bar area, and it features intricate tile work that highlights the building's authentic Moroccan roots.

Navigating Reservations and Dining Etiquette

Getting a table requires more than just showing up at the door. The restaurant maintains a strict dress code that bans shorts, flip-flops, and sleeveless shirts for men. I have seen tourists turned away at the entrance for wearing hiking sandals, a mistake that is easily avoided by packing a pair of closed-toe shoes. Reservations are best handled via their official website or a direct phone call at least 48 hours in advance, especially for dinner sittings between 8:00 PM and 10:00 PM.

The menu prices are higher than local Moroccan standards, with main courses often ranging from 200 to 450 dirhams. While some find the prices steep, the cost reflects the atmosphere and maintenance of this historic-style property. The food itself is a blend of French and Moroccan influences, featuring items like sea bass with saffron rice or steaks with traditional French sauces. Note that the roulette table located in the restaurant is a decorative prop and cannot be used for gambling—a common question from first-time visitors who expect a full casino experience similar to the film's Blue Parrot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Rick's Café Casablanca the original movie set?

No, the 1942 movie Casablanca was filmed entirely at Warner Bros. studios in California. This restaurant was opened in 2004 by Kathy Kriger to recreate the atmosphere of the fictional café described in the script.

What is the dress code for dinner?

The restaurant enforces a smart casual dress code that prohibits shorts, flip-flops, and sleeveless shirts for men. It is advisable to wear long trousers and formal shoes to ensure entry, as the door staff is quite strict about these requirements.

Do I need to book a table in advance?

Reservations are highly recommended for dinner, particularly on weekends or during the peak tourist season. You can book via their official website or call +212 5222-04252; walk-ins are occasionally accepted for lunch but rarely for the evening jazz sessions.

Are children allowed in the restaurant?

Children are permitted during the lunch service, but the evening atmosphere is geared toward adults and live music. The restaurant does not provide high chairs or a specific children's menu, reflecting its focus on a sophisticated dining environment.

Is there live music every night?

Live piano music typically starts during the dinner service around 8:00 PM, featuring a resident pianist. The repertoire usually includes classic jazz standards and the movie's theme song, though timing can vary on national holidays.