I don't know how this place doesn't have 5 stars. I have been a faithful customer for over a year now and have not been disappointed one single time. Food = excellent. Service = amazing. Pre and post food service is above everything around here. Management actually cares (rare). Atmosphere is perfect. Cleanliness could beat a hospital. I am always impressed. The only downfall you will have is that there is always a line, which speaks wonders, so plan ahead and prepare for an excellent evening.
Review Source:We celebrate Valentine's Day by taking the train from LA to all points anywhere. This time  we set our sights on SC to go to Nicks. They delivered with everything we wanted that day: beautiful window seat to watch the world go by, savory bloodys, fish and chips were mouthwatering, roast beef sandwich was sumptuous. The side of Mac n" Cheese is a must. Service was friendly and attentive -- learned the South of Nicks (which is actually north in the same area) serves Mexican fare. This will be a return visit whenever we in the area.
Review Source:Ridiculous. This place is ridiculously good. I want to be fat just so I can eat here all the time and not care. I had the Prime Rib Dip which fell apart in my mouth. Soft, tasty, and excellent. Best dip I've had, and I've had many. I ordered spinach for my side, and immediately wanted more. We also ordered the Fried Deviled Eggs...another winner. I tried my wife's Blackened Halibut Sandwich and wanted to come back so I could order one of my own. Any one of these menu items is good enough to warrant a return visit, but all of them together make it one of the better restaurants I've eaten at in awhile.
The only disappointment was the asparagus fries. After reading so many other reviews that praised them, I had to give them a try. I love asparagus, however the fried portion would just slip off and leave a soggy asparagus spear underneath. The process doesn't leave them with the correct texture..too chewy, wet, and drained of taste. I would prefer the subtler but more interesting taste of asparagus prepared well than mediocre and covered up by a fried crust.
Nonetheless, besides the fried asparagus, everything else at this restaurant is excellent. And, I certainly will return.
My wife and I go to Nick's at least once a month now because the service is excellent and the food is outstanding! I get the Prime Rib Dip, it is flavorful and filling! I go home after eating there and can't stop thinking about the sandwich for like a whole week! My wife loves their Rib Eye Melt which is also very flavorful. Their drinks are awesome too. I always get a Long Island and the wife gets a cocktail of some sort. The long islands are strong and top shelf. I can't wait to go back!
Review Source:It was a solid 3.5 star experience. Â We wandered in at 2:30 for lunch on a weekday and got a nice table by the window. Â It was moderately busy because it was a holiday. Â This place is dripping with atmosphere. Â It's has low lighting, a cool fireplace, dark wood and dark red half booths. Â It's very pleasing to the eye. Â My potato leek soup was amazing!! Â I love soup but typically avoid overly creamy soups. Â I asked the server if it was thick and she said, yes, very thick. Â Which almost persuaded me not to order it. Â However, I went for it anyways and it was super flavorful and on the thin side (which I was very pleased about). Â My wedge salad was decent. Â The lettuce and tomato were fresh and bacon was nice, but the dressing was bland. Â
The food and atmosphere were great, but our server was not so great. Â We barely ever saw her. Â I bet she was prob trying to get side work done in the back. Â Sometimes we would see her walk near the bar but she rarely came close to our table. Â She def had the OC (aka I'm better than you attitude). Â But overall she didn't ruin it for us. Â I would come back if I was in the area, especially on a Monday for the potato soup...
We called Nick's on a Monday afternoon to see if we could get reservations for that night. Â It was my daughter's birthday and some other plans fell through so she wanted to go to Nick's for dinner. Â We figured Monday night, no big deal. Â The hostess said there were no openings, but that we should come in because they "keep many tables in the restaurant open for walk-ins." Â We got there at 6:15 p.m. and were told there would be a 35 to 40 minute wait.
The hostess took our cell phone number and told us to feel free to walk around outside and she'd call when our table was ready. Â There is really nowhere to sit to wait for a table at Nick's so we went outside and it was cold! Â We sat in our car and by the time it was 7:00 p.m., my daughter said maybe we should consider somewhere else. Â
End of the story: Â Nick's never called. Â We went home and cooked dinner.
My question: Â Why take our number? Â What is this policy about? Â I get it. Â You're busy. Â But why make people waste 30, 40, 50, 60 minutes waiting for you to call them? Â It's just rude.
It was good. It was. Service was fine, the decor pretty and the food good. We've tried to eat here before, but have balked at the ridiculous wait time. People come here in droves so it must be mind blowing right? It was good. Mind blowing? no. We may be back, as long as the wait isn't hours long. I will never understand why anyone would choose to wait for more than an hour for the opportunity to spend their hard earned money on food. For now, we will go ahead and let the trendy people feel cool by going to the 'cool' restaurant.
Review Source:Just ate here today 2/1/13 The food was great and well cooked. I believe I ordered the ribeye dip. Their horseradish is creamy and very light, I personally could go stronger. The sandwich was great, the service was quick and attentive. No complaints other than the price was a little high.
Review Source:Nick's was proposed as the perfect halfway point, first date spot and a favorite restaurant of the fella I was meeting up with last night.
Our waitress was so kind, attentive and jovial. She had a vast knowledge of the beers (and was able to pick out my dates drink from just color alone) and wanted to make sure my vodka gimlet was made to perfection. I ordered only the Butternut Squash soup as it was quite late in the evening; my date ordered the Blackened Halibut Sandwich sans Tartar Sauce, add Aioli. He told her to surprise him with a side dish and he ended up with Mac 'n Cheese. Â The soup was so delicious; super rich and creamy and it reminded me of a cool autumn day when the leaves start to turn. I tried my dates Mac 'n Cheese and this too was phenomenal; it had a crispy top and creamy inside. Although he offered I didn't try his Halibut sandwich as I don't eat fish; he said it was excellent. By sight alone it looked really nice, almost too big to hold in your hand.
Again, the service was impeccable- our waitress was attentive, but not annoying and even brought warm towels at the completion of our meal. I wish I lived here so I can come back and try more, like the Asparagus fries.
I was torn whether or not to write this review and rate Nicks. Â However, Yelpers need the bad with the good so here goes.
We had been eyeballing Nicks for sometime so decided to take in Saturday lunch there. Great location in San Clemente, and gorgeous day outside.
The staff was great, from the front to the table to leaving. All good. We sat on the patio which was perfect for people watching.
The starter: artichock. Perfectly done with a nice dipping sauce. The meal: glass of wine and fish and chips for me. Tasty with a flavorful peanut cole slaw. For the wife: steamed clams and a lettuce salad.
We thoroughly enjoyed the meal and the lunch experience.
The bad: a few hours later the wife started feeling nausious and by late afternoon was expelling out both ends. woof. Â She was pretty well wrecked all night and spent the next day recovering. She ate nothing else so it was easy to narrow it down that something she ate for lunch gave her food poisoning. Â Most of us have been there and it sucks. Clams? No one will ever know.
My friend and I spontaneously walked into Nick's as a stop for dinner late on a Friday night as we made our way down to San Diego from LAX. We chose this place based on Yelp reviews and wow, it did not disappoint. We weren't that hungry and it was late, so we didn't have any of the main courses.
We each got a salad and shared the roasted artichoke which was out of this world. The only pitfall is that it was the entire artichoke (so it was work eating) but the flavors were out of this world. It was a large artichoke, sliced down lengthwise from top to bottom and was seasoned and roasted. It was served with a side of fantastic garlic butter (garlic lovers you have to get this)!
For my main, I got the seared tuna salad which was HUGE and delicious. Sadly, I didn't finish it because it was so big. We weren't going to get dessert but were told that Nick's was known for the butter cake. The name doesn't sound that appealing but we decided to give it a try and boy were we glad we did. Unlike it's name, it was not greasy, but had just the right amount of sugar (not that sweet at all) and was wrapped in an awesome sugar crust. The raspberry puree that it sat on was such a fresh and tart-like accompaniment. Totally recommend you go to Nick's, NOW.
We had a negative experience before at Nick's, but we have gone back twice to try again. I do think they have some issues they need to work out in terms of service--on both visits, our waiter forgot to bring out items we had ordered. Either way, the food here is GOOD. Darn good. Overall, the food was so good that we gave them a pass on the service issues.
Review Source:I had a lovely lunch here last week. I ordered the cioppino, which was very well prepared and well balanced, and of a portion big enough to leave me satisfied. The staff was very kind, reserved, and respectful; never interrupting conversation and being quick to greet us and seat us. If I am in the area anytime soon, I would be happy yo return and try more of their dishes.
Review Source:The food was amazing. We ordered fried chicken and tuna salad. The corn on the cob is OUT OF THIS WORLD. We usually do not like it, but they made it  better than Disneyland. We can not wait to come back and visit San Clemente and Nicks. The atmosphere is also very nice as well. Only reason it did not get 5 stars was due to service. It was not bad, but a little slow.
Review Source:Came for dinner at 5pm. No wait.
Started off with Pimm's Cup. It was a fruity and refreshing cocktail! I ordered the Blackened Halibut Sandwich with a side of Seasonal Roasted Vegetables. He ordered the Citrus Pecan Salad and the Butternut Squash soup. My Halibut sandwich was amazing! Brioche bun paired well with the halibut and the homemade tartar sauce. YUM! It was pretty messy to eat though but absolutely delicious! The seasonal vegetables (beets, peas, and onion) were nicely roasted and delicious! I was very happy with my food. His salad however, was ok but needed dark leafy greens. It was just iceburg lettuce which was terribly bland and boring. The soup was delicious and a great winter soup.
Service was excellent. This place was packed by the time we left. Great bar area! I'll have to return with the girls to sit at the bar. Parking is easy, public lot in the back of the restaurant or street parking.
Walked over from the San Clemente Wine Company across the street after doing some wine tasting. (Which was very good BTW) My friend was gonna be about another half hour and NIcks seemed crowded so I walked in to see about a table. Rebecca the hostess was cordial and I inquired about a table on the patio. She told me 20-30 minutes (which was perfect as that's when I was expecting my friend) and took my cell number.
I took this as a chance to walk around the Ave Del Mar downtown area.
Wow, this towns grown up a little. The last time I was here was 10+ years ago. This area is cool. Kinda of a small town, grown up version of Downtown HB.
I like it.
Fast forward about 20 mins.....my phone rings and it's Rebecca letting me know that my table isn't ready but should be in another 10 or 15 minutes.
Ok, I like that. I appreciate follow up and follow thru. I wish more restaurants would show this kind of service....ESPECIALLY on a busy night!
So my friend showed up and we were seated. The server (JoAnn I think) was prompt and friendly. Recommended a drink special and told us about the food specials. I had a cocktail and eventually ordered the Prime Rib Dip. My friend ordered the Halibut Fish & Chips. We also asked for a order of Asparagus fries as it just sounds yummy.
I really like the decor in here...dark enough to be romantic, clean and with a modern flair. We sat on the patio and it was perfect. While it was loud inside, conversation was easy and I didn't have to strain to hear at all. They played a steady stream of trip hop style music at the perfect level...just enough volume so you could hear it but it never interrupted conversation. I swear as I was sitting on the patio.....listening to the music and looking out at the street.....I felt like I was sitting in San Francisco at some trendy little cafe. I don't know why, but it struck me like that.
The food came promptly and everything was really good. They did forget the Asparagus fries but that's ok, we had more than enough food as is.
Good stuff.....they scored a home run with this one. I can't wait to come back.
Would give them 4.5 stars if i could. Tried this place out with my girlfriend, and was pleasantly surprised.
- Quality food, effort, presentation and ingedients
- Staff is very attentive
- Ambiance is modern, classy without pretense
Also, couple notes. I owned a couple of resteraunts and two things stood out. Diverse menu, which typicaly means frozen and fried diner food (peop[le usually dont know that) but here i can tell you they arent doing this. Also, the setup of the place reflects an experienced resteraunteur who understands efficiencies in the kitchen and front of the house. This place is run by a pro (whoever it is) and glad to see it without going to Laguna or dealing with the Newport attitude.
Went into Nick's two nights ago, and got a great table by the open air window.
Pros:
*Excellent side dish of vegetables. They were cooked and seasoned perfectly!
* Very nice head manager on duty. She came to our table and greeted us.
* Out waitress was very thoughtful and polite as well.
* The atmosphere here is nearly perfect. Excellent design.
Cons:
*My Sandwich was a bit bland
* Margarita was good, but a bit on the small side for the price.
* A roach crawled in from the window and went up the wall/ beam. This was almost more funny than disturbing. but we were afraid it was going to land on the people sitting at the next table. We did not inform them of this! It was creepy, but it's sort of understandable that a roach can just cruise in with no window. Del Mar has many of them around the sidewalks at night. Â
*The last thing that bothered me was the hostess on the way out was talking to the Wine Gal across the st. about something, and was blocking our way out. They seemed to be complaining or gossiping about something, and were totally not paying attention to us. I thought it was kind of rude that she did not even thank us, or acknowledge us leaving for the night. I thought that was part of their job? I guess people in their early twenties don't think about things like this.
Reservation highly recommended. We heard that the place is always busy so we made a reservation for 5:30pm on a Sunday. Even at that time of day, every table was taken.
The place is noisy, but not because of rowdy bar patrons, children, or overly loud cell phone users, but because the acoustics are simply horrible. The sounds from every table seem to be amplified. Maybe some day they'll add some sound absorbing tiles.
The service is impeccable. From the moment you walk in to the time you leave. Everyone is friendly.
My partner and I both had the Tortilla Soup and Halibut Fish & Chips.
The soup is thick and flavorful. The best Tortilla Soup I've ever eaten.
The Fish & Chips were excellent, but they just don't give you enough considering the price (the reason for the 4 stars). The Fish has a thin, crispy batter. Neither the Fish nor the Fries tasted oily.
Although you get plenty of shoestring potatoes, you only receive 3, very small (less than 2 inches long by about 1 inch wide) pieces of fish. With fish that small, they should at least give your 4 or 5 pieces.
The Cole Slaw was absolutely the best Slaw I've ever eaten.
Air conditioner is working really well. Brrr.
Great Service. Â Food was delicious.
I had the Prime Rib Dip. Â The bread was so fresh and tender but not to tender to fall apart when dipped in the au jus. Â Prime rib was also tender. Â Not chewy at all. Â Loved my lunch.
My husband had the Fried Chicken with mashed potatoes. Â He asked for the mac n cheese and they substituted it for him. The chicken is a boneless breast. Â He said it was moist and also loved his lunch.
Yes, we will be back.
What  a difference a couple of years make. My wife and I have come here at least once a month since it opened and, sadly, watched it decline. It's gotten to the point that we won't be coming back.
We came in a couple of weeks ago and, as we usually do, had dinner at the bar. We didn't recognize any of the staff, and were served by a young man. While we were looking at the menu, he asked my wife what she would like to drink and she asked for a glass of wine. Without asking me what I'd like, he disappeared to get her drink. We should have known then.
But we ordered our dinners and waited. And waited. A guy who sat down next to me 20 minutes after we arrived got his food, while we continued to wait. I finally asked the manager what was going on, and she said our order was coming up next. My wife counted five more orders coming out of the kitchen before ours finally arrived. And both meals were under-cooked.
When it first opened, Nick's had a very professional staff whom we got to know by name. They're all gone now, of course. And so is the high caliber of service and food that used to draw us back.
If only Antoine's was still open for dinner.
Solid 5 Stars - The staff, food, service... Solid.
'And 5 Star ratings don't happen by chance.
Hostess: Syndal
Excellent people handling skills. Professional, friendly, & accomodating.
There are generally three type of patrons - The local crowd(San Clemente Beach Goin'-type), tourists, & the ever popular, self-absorbed "South OC" I'm-entitled-type because I "think" I'm all that due to the stick up my...
Yeh, you get the picture.
Great place to people watch, a couple of cougar sightings, mostly a young to middle-age "hip scene." Now, I'm not saying that I got treated any differently because I had my comfortable Local Motion w/a hole in the front t-shirt on... 'On the contrary, I had a great experience.
Waitress: Courtney
Like Syndal, the staff seems to be happy that you're there! Unlike other places where the staff acts like you're an inconvenience, smiling is forbidden, let alone make eye contact with you. We definitely appreciated Courtney's input on the menu... 'Helpful but didn't make our menu selections any easier. A lot of good looking dishes, from the appetizers to the entrees.
This is what we decided on:
Asparagus Fries - Great!
Photo - <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/0fxeVzi0GjLwjERjvyRpIQ?select=f_fQP8slpIBEgsCuhgKk9g#bTfDe38cx4pQ8dzujcTWJA">http://www.yelp.com/biz_…</a>
Deep Fried Deviled Eggs - Great! Deviled Eggs just got better!
Photo - <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/0fxeVzi0GjLwjERjvyRpIQ?select=f_fQP8slpIBEgsCuhgKk9g#hUzExOStDCeur5BAN3hHZQ">http://www.yelp.com/biz_…</a>
Ribeye Melt - Great! 'Lots of flavor; moist
Photo - <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/0fxeVzi0GjLwjERjvyRpIQ?select=f_fQP8slpIBEgsCuhgKk9g#NbEB97-m-BTFSiCJcjBkQA">http://www.yelp.com/biz_…</a>
Buttermilk Fried Chicken - Good; moist
Photo - <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/0fxeVzi0GjLwjERjvyRpIQ?select=f_fQP8slpIBEgsCuhgKk9g#I2UTSVbwz0kfwuC2yuHztA">http://www.yelp.com/biz_…</a>
Part way through the meal, Courtney came by our table to let us know that she was passing the service off to Kristin. Again, spot on, great smile, friendly service.
SP & I were both stuffed... 'But what's for dessert?...
Their seasonal, popular, Peach Cobbler you say?...
I couldn't eat another bite... 'BUT since it's their "for a limited time only," Seasonal Peach Cobbler?...
One Peach Cobbler if you please!
Photo - <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/0fxeVzi0GjLwjERjvyRpIQ?select=f_fQP8slpIBEgsCuhgKk9g#WXjIOUXQcRH7QqPW3ughyw">http://www.yelp.com/biz_…</a>
Verdict - Great!
SP ordered an ice tea, I opted for the Moscow Mule($12) - 'Served proper.
Photo - <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/0fxeVzi0GjLwjERjvyRpIQ?select=f_fQP8slpIBEgsCuhgKk9g#wf9img8xW2Fk1kHMi3FzLg">http://www.yelp.com/biz_…</a>
'And I do love a place that makes a good Mule!
The Ticket - <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/0fxeVzi0GjLwjERjvyRpIQ?select=f_fQP8slpIBEgsCuhgKk9g#2nXsegEeyputXRbDdpzAzA">http://www.yelp.com/biz_…</a>
Total w/tax + tip = 'About $100
Pricey?... 'Sure, but over-the-top, outrageous pricey?... 'Not at all.
'And worth every dollar!
Nick's technically closes @ 10pm.
10:37pm - Enter a couple looking to get seated, unaware of Nick's closing time.
"Bummahs." Well, at least so I thought... 'After a brief chat w/Syndal, who momentarily walked a way which was more than likely to double check with her manager, Syndal returned and had the couple seated by 10:40pm.
Most places would have said, "Sorry, we're closed."
Like I said, great service... 'Most impressive.
5 Stars and well deserved.
- Big Aloha!
Food: 5
Ambiance: 4 (Less 1 Star - The "South OCé Crowd" aka - Orange County Entitled)
Service: 5+
Value: 5
I really wish I could give 3.5... But I cannot (in good conscious) round up to a 4
I went here with the bf on a Thursday night for dinner. We were a little early so we grabbed a seat at the bar. The lighting was dimmed just right so you felt like you were at a sexy, trendy establishment.
Our bartender Jericho was very friendly. She made a delish orange Cosmo. I had to have her in particular make mine drinks all night! She even chatted with me about the local beaches and things to check out. I like that girl and her name :)
We were seated near the open picture window. I really enjoyed that table because it was half inside and half outside and still somehow felt intimate.
On to the food... Here's what we had:
Asparagus Fries - nice crunch to the parmesan coating but needed seasoning (I added salt)
Braised Short Ribs - super tender! But again... Short on flavor
Boneless Buttermilk Fried Chicken - my bf loved the crunchiness and the portion was huge! However the chicken breast was thin and (although tasty) it was mostly breading.
Peach Cobbler (not on the menu but thanks to my fellow yelpers I had the inside scoop) - the peaches were scrumptious, tender and natural in flavor. What ruined the dish was the sugary taste of the topping. And I mean sugar not just sweet, almost like candied. Between the two of us we could not finish the dish, it was too rich.
So props to Jericho and the huge portions! I would not object to giving this place a second chance if one of my friends suggested we go. I'm hoping they were just having an off night.
I've been to the Nick's in Laguna a couple times and this one is just as good. Came here for post Mud Run brunch on a Sunday. It was a bit crowded and noisy but they were able to find us a high table in the corner of the bar area. I normally don't comment on decor, but this restaurant has great decor! I particularly liked the "jenga-esque" wall to the left of the bar. A little on the loud side and a little older crowd though. Two older ladies sitting at the table next to us were giving my friend and I the stink eye throughout our entire brunch. Awkward.
Awesome bloody marys (sub out fried olives for blue cheese-stuffed olives) and fried deviled eggs. My vegan friends rave about the veggie burger here. Plus no corkage fee, which I love! Parking is a little tricky, but that's true of almost anywhere in San Clemente. Solid option for brunch, lunch, or dinner.
We arrived on the earlier side for lunch and were glad we did as Nick's filled up fast.
We enjoyed the following:
1. Â Asparagus fries-tasty, crisp, not greasy but they could have cut off the hard stem bottoms better.
2. Blackened halibut sandwich-delicious but a monstrosity in terms of height. Most mouths cannot accommodate actually taking a bite of this thing! We had to knife and fork it after some disassembling. We got the Brussels sprouts on the side and these were good but not "wow."
3. The pecan and citrus salad-very, very good. We loved this light, refreshing salad a lot.
Service was friendly and we definitely would go back to try more of the menu.
I would say that the food is very good for the most part. I really enjoyed the fried chicken meal with biscuits and mashed potatoes, as well as the french dip roast beef sandwich.
I didn't enjoy the steak that I ordered on my birthday. I thought that it was too salty, along with the baked potato that came with it. I tried my brothers ribs and thought that it could have used more kick with the sauce.
Everything else was great. I liked the  atmosphere, the service, the beer selection with Dogfish head 90 min on tap and even the warmed nuts that they serve at the bar. I think the everyday dishes are great, but the more expensive dishes were only ok.
About Nicks:
They are a seafood/steak place, very casual but you still wont see flip-flops with no shirt unless you see them walking up and down the sidewalk on the outside. Â It is open to the street while still being indoors. Â Darker, trendy in a good kind of way with the look and architecture. Â The place is very "now". Â There are also (2) sister restuarants so they aren't a chain in the true sense, but they have a regional presence in San Clemente and Laguna Nigel.
About the food:
Very good. Â In the end it is about the food first and foremost. Â The braised short rib was divine as I swear I could hear cherubs playing harps in the background. Â The baked potato is usually the epitome of assembly line filler at seafod/steakhouses. Â Not here... Â The baked potato was as good as I have had, if not the best. Â Very light and fluffy without being whipped or mashed and not "hardened" on the outsides or near and around the skin. Â They must have a way of "poking" it and cooking it from the inside too, cuz I have no idea how they worked a freaking baked potato like that. Â The fact that I typed this much about the damn potato to begin with scares me but whatever...
The price:
I hope Nick's isn't seeing this, but the shortribs I payed 18$ for is a STEAL. Â They could conservatively double the price. Â Plenty of steak entrees start in the mid-30's or more at other venues and this is as good or better then most. Â I hope they keep it like this as a trade off for always having good business with full tables.
The 5 best restaurants in the 2015 Denver Restaurant Week
3,611 Views | Category: Denver
The complete list of 2015 Denver Restaurant Week businesses
1,972 Views | Category: Denver
The tourists' guide to Portillos: 5 must have dishes
3,318 Views | Category: Chicago
Pho = Pronounced "fuh" not "foe" for pho-king sake
2,915 Views | Category: Denver
Indulgery selected to exhibit at Collision Conference
2,987 Views | Category: Press Releases
Not Logged In
BUSINESSES
Local Businesses
Near Me
My Favorites
SOCIAL
Blog & News
MY ACCOUNT
Login
Register
Contact Us
Add Your Business
