Nikki's has a very welcoming feel. Â It begins with the exterior, with lots of glass that allows walk-by patrons to see everything going on inside. Â The decor is subdued yet modern, so it should appeal to anyone.
In the interest of full disclosure, my wife and I came here to redeem a <a href="/redir?url=http%3A%2F%2Frestaurant.com&s=c5fe485af4df376130bee54f875814d79c4d7913e1258123b1206d2bdbf4873b" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://restaurant.com</a> certificate. In addition, we were looking for a place to eat before a show in Santa Monica, so our time was limited (in fact, we were about to abort eating here until a free parking space opened up right in front, as if fate was intervening). Even individually, these factors can have an adverse affect on one's experience. Â I had expected that when combined they would cause problems.
Fortunately, the staff was friendly, experienced, and knowledgable. Â Our server obviously knew enough to tell us that we would not be able to get the reduced happy hour prices if we used the certificate. Â Thanks to this advance knowledge, my wife and I decided to avail ourselves of happy hour pricing for house chardonnay and stick to full prices on the food - an excellent choice, because the house chardonnay was exceptional. Our server also advised us on which dishes could be prepared quickly.
As I looked around, everyone was having a good time. The PA system played a very eclectic mix of music (including, of all things, Bauhaus), and it looked like a DJ was getting ready to start later in the evening. Â This is certainly a great venue for people-watching - if you can get past the televisions, that is. There were three televisions mounted above the bar, and almost every available space had screens attached. I'm not a sports bar person when I'm going on a date with my wife, so this was a bit oft-putting for me, but I won't hold it against them.
We ordered two appetizers - an open-face chicken quesadilla and sliders - along with a barbecue chicken salad and fries, which appears to be one of their signature dishes. Unfortunately, because the online menus seem to be out-of-date, I cannot be more specific about the dishes. However, I can say that this is where Nikki's fell a little short. The presentation was fine and their kitchen team is definitely trying to mix it up with unique ingredients, but for some reason, the flavor profile was not as bold as the attempt. Â The sliders were cold - perhaps they were trying for a sashimi? The spices, peppers, and even the chicken in the quesadilla were overwhelmed by the cheese, The chicken salad has curiously cold onion rings on top, although this was the best of the dishes that we tried. Â The fries did live up to their focus in the menu. Â They were tasty and came with a choice of two dipping sauces, although for some reason we were given ranch when we asked for aioli.
To be completely fair, we tried only one main dish. Being a sports bar, it's possible that they put more effort into their main courses, which are many, varied, and inexpensive, happy hour notwithstanding. Because the online menus don't have all the items we ordered, there is also the possibility that they have recently re-vamped their offerings and are still getting the hang of their new recipes. The place is fun and inexpensive enough for me to return under less stressful circumstances and give their cuisine another try.
To encapsulate, Nikki's is an inviting place with lots of televisions for the sports enthusiast, a good atmosphere for meeting and mingling, and a very professional wait staff. Â Food is competitively priced for a bar that is steps away from Venice beach as long as you don't expect something to write home about. My advice is to go anticipating a good time, and you will probably not be disappointed.
I was perusing menus on <a href="/redir?url=http%3A%2F%2Frestaurant.com&s=c5fe485af4df376130bee54f875814d79c4d7913e1258123b1206d2bdbf4873b" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://restaurant.com</a> and decided to buy a GC to Nikki's due to our party of 5 (my sister, our 3 kids and me) and what I know they like to eat.  I did no other research.  We showed up after a full day at the beach for dinner at 10pm.  As we entered, I realized it was more of a bar setting and likely not a great place to take your kids.  I never claimed to be Mom of the Year!  The place was very cute.  My sis and I loved the décor, the simple layout and the lounge type seating.  It was very clean right down to the bathrooms.  Jackie, our server, approached us and got us some drinks right away.  My niece and daughter ordered the lemonade.  My niece did not like it and Jackie promptly brought her a Shirley Temple instead.  My daughter loved it though.  Our kids are very simple eaters.  My niece and daughter ordered the steak tacos, asking to have nothing on them but steak.  haha!  My sis and I tried them, and even with nothing on them, they were awesome.  The steak was seasoned and cooked perfect.  The corn tortillas were fresh made and delicious.  I thought about storing one under my pillow for a 2am snack.  My son wanted a "Giant Pretzel."  He's 8 and I didn't care!  OMG- It was the biggest pretzel I had ever seen.  I am used to the fair pretzels and Wetzel's Pretzel's.  This thing had them beat twice over.  It was fresh, soft and tasty and I couldn't believe he took the whole thing down.  Now to the best part... my food.  I ordered the cobb salad with the green goddess dressing.  I inquired about the dressing with Jackie ahead of time as I was hesitant, but she confirmed that if I hated it, I would switch it out.  I could freaking drink that dressing.  I am not sure what it was, but it was a salty, nutty taste with obvious fresh green ingredients.  It made the salad.  The salad by the way- gorgeous!  The plating was beautiful and it was a very good lettuce mix with radicchio and frisee as well as some other lettuces.  I hate cheap lettuce.  My sister ordered the Chicken Marsala and though I was too full to try it, she said it was the best she had ever had and could not stop making Anne Burrell like moans while eating it. It came with these potatoes that looked really rich and decadent.  I don't think she got to eat much of those because our daughters LOVED them and there was definitely some mother/daughter struggle going on over the potatoes.  I forgot about the appetizer- chips and salsa with guac.  I know the chef saw me eating the guac with a fork, but we both pretended it didn't happen.  The salsa was FABULOUS and I took it home!  Our server, Jackie was attentive, understanding (even though I took my kids to a bar) and very sweet, but I am a cheap-ass.  So for me, the icing on the cake was the bill!  Girls steak tacos= $8, Ginormous pretzel= $5, My cobb= $10 (a STEAL!) and Chicken marsala= $14, although I cannot confirm that with my sister because she is still passed out from last night.  Next time, I am leaving the kids with a sitter and taking my hubby.  I LOVED this place!!!
Review Source:1. Got there at 11 pm on Friday (6/7) night.
2. Â Friend had a table, was able to get in fairly quickly.
3. Â Got a dirty Martini = $10. Â Not bad. Got a vodka shot = $8. Â Eh.
4. Later tried ordering another shot from some bro bar tender (wearing a backwards snapback) who looked directly at me waiting to order, then looked away and moved around the rest of the bar looking for someone else to serve when clearly I was the ONLY ONE waiting.
He came back to me after having no luck and I placed my order. Â I handed him my card without looking at the receipt. Â For some reason my card was declined, and after looking at the bill, it said $10 for the same shot the earlier bar tender had served me.
I asked him why he had charged me two dollars extra repeatedly while he kept stating that was that my card had been declined, until he took the shot from me and THREW MY CARD AT ME.
Bad move. You also never know who is carrying a black card.
I'll be taking my business elsewhere.
A girlfriend and I went here for Cinco de Mayo on a whim. Â The brand new menu featured breaded fish tacos...which came greasy and unseasoned. Â Aaaaaand...the fries were SOGGY!! Â In addition to the lackluster faire, the nightmare DJ played hard house with zero attention to frequency levels. Â On the way out, we spoke with Eric, the manager, who said that MEG promoted the night and brought the DJ as well as their email list clientele--NOT Venice locals. Â So glad we did not waste too much time and money here.
Review Source:Only reason I'm rating it a 4 is because the management is so great. Â Very helpful. Â We came in, he found a seat for us and kept an eye on the place, making sure everyone was happy. Â Our actual waitress was a bit difficult to find most of the time. Â Had to find her to finally ask for the check. Â She only came over to us once (to take our order in the beginning). Â Calamari is pretty tasty. Â I need to return for a happy hour. Â Heard it's pretty good. Â Decent beer selection on draft. Â Don't want to miss the big game, there's plenty of tvs. Â This place turns into a beach club vibe on weekend nights.
Review Source:Nikki's is a big, loud, friendly local. Lot's of TVs hanging around to keep up with the sport action. Very good food and bar prices, but the menu is about to change so recommendations will have to wait in that regard. So far, the food and service has been very good, though the kitchen is on the slow side. But that is not a problem with a $10 pitcher of beer on the table to keep me occupied.
Review Source:Nikki's is a great place to meet on a weekday afternoons to grab some beers with your buddies and coworkers. It's spacious and there is a good, relaxed feel.
If you are a spots fan they have many big screens all around the place so you can enjoy your favorite game. They have a lot of place were to sit down and enjoy your evening. Don't know how this place is on weekends, but I think that there could be some good dancing as well.
The stuff is real friendly and nice. And on the weekdays you can have great and personal service.
The food is real good - I tried the burger menu - It was delicious! They also have a some good tap beer, and some bottled ones, but the beer range could be wider.
I will definitely come here again!
Disclaimer: This review is for Saturday nights only.
The line to get in hardly moved an inch in 45 minutes. Best thing to do is bribe/drop names to the bouncers... It's a lil bit of a "Hollywood club" vibe trying to get in to this place, which I would understand if this were actually a club or nice lounge, but its not. The one thing that really turned me off  the most is annoying immature guys waiting in line near me talking about how they're better than everyone else and better get in first... All talk and no action. Overall, this place is not worth the wait.
I like to consider Nikki's to be my "Cheers." Â The staff is friendly - most of them have been there many years. Â So i find a great deal of comfort in heading over there for happy hour, or even a night out dancing. Â The food is great, the energy is great and the music is great! Â What's not to like? Â And if you're a sports fan, it's a great spot to grab some grub and some drinks and watch the game!
I've gone with clients, friends, family, on dates (especially with new guys - i always feel like Charlie and Eric will take care of me if the guy turns out to be a creep). Â I'm always comfortable here and think of it as my second living room!
Go early for happy hour when all the appetizers and drinks are half priced. Â Some of my favorites are the wings, the ahi salad and the bomb waffle fries! Â i've never had a bad meal and or a bad time at Nikki's. Â And only once in 6 years have i left a dance party there and that was because the DJ was being extra and self-serving and playing some weird, obscure euro-electronic band and wouldn't take requests. Â He didn't last long there.
Overall, Nikki's is always a great time! Â Ask my friends where you can find me, guaranteed Nikki's is the first place they'll mention!
I mean hey it's a few steps above your standard Venice Beach bar but just a short few. The happy hour menu was good and pretty reasonable and the apps were decent. The drinks acceptable but the service meh. The server didn't at all seem even remotely thrilled that she was there. I mean I've spent years in the service industry and behind the bar and whenever i didn't want to be in a place I, well, just quit. Why not like your job. Â The set up itself was comfy with plenty of space to lounge. That aside it was okay for a Venice Beach ' I know you wanna know me" bar. I won't be running back there but if i'm around the corner... sure why not.
Review Source:i don't know why this place only has 3 stars but i'm too lazy to read other reviews to know why. anyways, i had the spicy jalapeño chicken sandwich and it was SO GOOD! i also had the hairy palmer or whatever that is with sweet tea vodka and it was really tasty as well. i ended up having 2 haha. my friend ordered shrimp tacos and avocado wrap/roll? those were tasty too.
the waitress was very attentive. she came by our table multiple times asking if everything was ok and took our cups and plates.
i'd totally go back once i shed enough pounds and eat up again at nikki's haha
Yes it's Venice so you have to be ready for anything but a drug dealer sitting in the corner booth giving girls coke to snort off their hands and a waitress who is doing multiple shots and doesn't bring you change but insists she did.... It kinda turns a fun, funky Venice day/night into a bummer.
Review Source:Nikki's is a great place to hit up for some Sunday Funday action; with cushioned couches lining the walls, barstools in the center and TVs scattered around the establishment you'd honestly have to put in a lot of effort to avoid watching any kind of athletic games.
I've seen some great Football here (which is weird, since I didn't think I even liked it) and a few Basketball games as well; the crowd is diverse enough that people are rooting for any and every team across the nation. Â The patrons are as friendly as the staff, and if you ask nice enough they'll even take shots of Fireball with you.
The food is great for bar food but drinks can get a little pricey if you're in the mood to get absolutely smashed, so think twice if that's part of your agenda.
Nice sports bar right next to the beach that is great for sports games especially football Sundays. Lots of TVs and guaranteed to see each football game on at least one of them. Fans of various teams come hang out so it is a good vibe although it gets packed and finding a table can be hard. The bar is good with many options of beer and liquor but the food is very average. Typical bar food like fish and chips, burgers, salads. My fish and chips was great portion but a little greasy. Have not tried the dinner food which looked more interesting.
Review Source:Decent happy-hour food and drinks. Nice to stop here on a sunny day after a boardwalk bike ride. Location is their best thing going.
At night they try and act Hollywood and go into "SUPER DOUCHE MODE". Need to understand this is Venice Beach and your bar SUCKS as a club. No space to dance, lay out sucks for movement, worst DJ's (something 'Royal' was one), Â
They falsely advertised a Friday EVENT saying they had revamped the place and adding booth's and mentioned they are going to up their game. I got caught in the in hype looking for something new by the beach and was thoroughly disappointed and deceived. They did not revamp the place, its same horrible all around B.S.
Do not go here after dark unless you want to be let down.
[Disclaimer: I'm a bias Eastsider]
Totally not my scene-- crowded with horny Westside drunks swaying to an unremarkable DJ. Â I came here with a group of friends to support a charity event that was being held at Nikki's on Saturday night. Â My friends and I came around 10:30pm and there was a moderate line and the bouncers were not letting us in despite the fact we were on the list for the event. Â But after some sweet talking from the host of the event, 6 of us were allowed in. Â The nice thing about the bar were the bartenders -- they were quick and friendly. Â Drinks were the standard $9-12 bucks. Â They also serve Mexican food here which is great if you're hungry but the pungent smell of guacamole and beef is not sexy. I will never come back, even for charity.
Nikki's happy hour gets 4 stars. Nikki's "night club" gets 2 stars. So I balance it out at 3 :)
Happy Hour on all appetizers and delicious drinks. I always come for the mojitos! Not many bars in LA will take the time to make a mojito and this place does.
The appetizers are amazing - the "shrooms" (mushroom pastry in cream sauce) is the BEST! Also love their "trio of dips" with fries and the avocado wontons. I don't eat fish but my boyfriend always gets the ahi tostada and loves it.
Night time at Nikki's is a vibe of Hollywood meets the beach - where they make people wait in line only to come into a small beach side bar...not my thing.
This past First Friday they put up a facebook invite telling people they had "revamped" the entire place...went there for it and nothing had changed...hmmm. At least bartender gave us one free beer.
Good for groups. Drinks are average cost for LA ($10-12). Food is average priced too. Again, Highly recommend the HAPPY HOUR (nice after a day at the beach or riding bikes down the boardwalk)!
I went there on a sunday and the place was packed as usual. As we sat there for over 20 min wanting a Mojito I realized the servers were not coming to get my order. I Walked up to the bar and the bartender asked me what I needed. Knowing the service was bad I decided to get a bucket of beer instead knowing I won't be able to order a second drink. The server brought it over and never Came back. We sat there for about another hour drinking our beer and then had to  look for the server to get our check. When I found her she was having a shot with a male customer. This place would really piss off John Taffer from the TV show Bar Rescue. If you want good service, avoid this place.
Review Source:Nikki's gets four stars in my book based on the potential alone. I can tell this is a cool place and scores points for simply being open on a Wednesday night at 11:00. I know that sounds ridiculous but the whole neighborhood goes into hibernation at night which is so odd to me for a neighborhood that booms the way it does in the daylight.
We strolled in to an almost empty room but the staff was happy to help us and even let us know that the kitchen was open if we were hungry. Lucky for them we had just stuffed our faces a few blocks down and were progressing to a less complex liquid diet. We huddled around the table and threw back a few quick rounds. I give it up to the staff here for even letting us through the door when they could have easily said we're closed and started cleaning up early.
Not bad prices on drinks and next time I am in the area I will swing by to check this place out a bit earlier, try the food and see what kind of crowd hits up Nikki's during more "typical" hours for the neighborhood.
I like this place.
Came here with a few friends and got pretty intoxicated.
PROS: Sexy atmosphere.
-RIGHT by the beach.
-Just a cool place w/tasty drinks.
-Food, too.
-Clean
-Mac N' Cheese
CONS: It's in the middle of Skid Row Venice (shitty alley)
-Bouncers were douchey.
-PACKED
-Expensive.
Check this place out and you'll enjoy it for the most part.
Best,
Sean
I go here a lot and have never not had a good time. Â The bar staff are all friendly and good at their profession. Â If it's slam packed and you get passed over because you're trying to order a mojito, well, then that's on you: learn how to drink at a bar.
Every waitress I have ever had serve me there has been at least good, but most of the times great. Â It is not their fault that this place gets way busy on major weekends, so remember to pack some common sense with you and temper your expectations for an x-man to be your server zipping to and from the kitchen, bar, and your table at super human speeds just so you can feel special.
It's a bar. Â Go drink. Â When you're hungry, there's bar food. Â And it's good, especially when you're drunk and/or drinking. Â You want Zagat ratings, go to Abbot Kinney and rub elbows with the hipsters and talk about IPAs and skinny jeans while you eat over priced organic bean sprouts or whatever it is you non-drinkers do.
Football is upon us. Â Best TV set up in Venice by far. Â They have all the games in HD and it's awesome. Â Fans from everywhere show up and root for their teams in a fun atmosphere. Â Awesome 10am breakfast burrito special too. Â Next level Sunday Funday status.
If you don't like going to places that are packed with cool people all out to have a good time, then stay home. Â If you think that because you're getting table service, that gives you license to be Snooky Kardasian, then that's on you (here's looking at you, Chelsea). Â Their DJ, like every other DJ in the world is going to play what he wants to play and what he thinks the crowd wants to hear that night. Â You want a top 40 song, bring your iPod and some headphones so you can listen to Call Me Maybe on repeat and let your ears bleed; no need to drag the rest of the bar into your musical hell.
One other note on that Chelsea review, something tells me that in their crazy plan to turn a profit, Nikkis staff was not kicking you out prior to closing your tab at the end of the night.  Also, they don't have waiters...only waitresses...so...yeah...no wonder you were stunned and confused.  I would be too if I suddenly found myself in a  parallel universe where all the awesome female servers suddenly turned into douchy dude servers.
It's happy hour. Â Time to drink.
I rarely write reviews and was about to for Nikki's when I read a highly negative review about Nikki's on Labor day... Â Wow! Â I was there that day and myself and friends had a great time, the staff was awesome... And I know it sucks to pay for drinks, oh wait you were at a bar on a major holiday weekend...
Sorry, I just had a great time and thought everyone working there ON LABOR DAY deserves a big thank you and good review for a great day!!! Â Hopefully this makes up for that Chelsea's review, seemed harsh and unwarrented, I mean you're in Venice when the bar is closing, just thank God a bum didn't give you hepatitis...
I had the worst experience here I have EVER had at a bar or restaurant! Â I had 7 friends in town for Labor Day weekend and we decided to go to Nikki's. Â When we got there we decided to get a table so we all had a place to sit and hang out. Â The minimum for a table was $250, which was fine because we had all planned on drinking. Â We ordered TONS of drinks and food and went well over double the minimum. Â While we were there one of my friends requested a "top 40" song to the DJ, which wasn't out of the norm for what he was playing. Â He was so rude to her, refused to play the song, and told her she could go to another bar for that song because he hated it!
Then the bar began to close. Â Our waitress was nowhere to be seen. Â As we stood up and began to walk towards the bar to ask the bartender to close out our tab the lights came on and we were basically the only ones left in the bar. Â (The only reason we were still there was because we were trying to pay!) Â Out of nowhere this girl by the bar says, "Can you get out?" We were all stunned and confused and told her that we were trying too, but had to pay our tab. Â At this point we should have just walked out without paying. Â She continued to yell at us and tell us we needed to leave because she wanted to go home. Â Turns out she doesn't even work there; she is the girlfriend of one of the waiters. Â No one that worked there said anything to us, apologized, or told her to be quiet. Â I have never been treated worse in my life and this was especially unacceptable because of the price we paid!
*A review of the mac and cheese for my quest.
I reserved a large section and brought a group here for my 29th birthday. I treated myself with the Macaroni and Cheese, which sounded especially good with a little birthday buzz. Adding bacon or jalapeños is available upon request. I went for a little spice, but I've also heard it's good with bacon. It came in a generous portion, bookended by two large piece of garlic bread. I'm still not a big fan of bread served with pasta (unless I'm at an Italian restaurant), so that didn't get eaten, but the mac and cheese was devoured. Despite it being so yummy, I had help because I couldn't finish it myself with all the birthday cake and cupcakes people brought.
The large elbow noodles came doused in three cheeses and topped with a sprinkling of parsley. The mixture of cheeses was perfect, because the one cheese made it creamy and well saturated, another cheese made it gooey and a touch of parmesan was spread over the top. One Yelper describes it perfectly: "It was perfectly creamy, with a blanket of perfectly melted gooey cheese wrapped in and around it." Cheese blanketing and wrapping the pasta is key. Each bite had enough cheese coating each noodle.
I don't normally eat jalapeños, so I was timid at first, especially since these jalapeños were big slices and not little diced pieces that were easy to overlook. The addition of jalapeños added an overall hint of spice. And the noodles within proximity of a pepper slice had an even stronger kick. Halfway through the meal I was taking bites with full slices mixed in. The combination of cheesy noodles with spicy jalapeños was super tasty, and although the bacon addition is supposed to be good, I recommend adding the peppers. That aside, I think the mac and cheese would still be good without either addition.
The restaurant: Nikki's, Venice Beach
The plate: Macaroni and Cheese, $9
The ingredients: Large ribbed elbow noodles, manufacturing cream, salt, black pepper, jack cheese, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, parsley, jalapeños
The verdict: I love everything about this hip restaurant-bar in the heart of grungy Venice--the Macaroni and Cheese is just one more thing I can add to the things I love about Nikki's.
I remember when Nikki's was "fun"-ish.... Â That was about a year ago. Â Maybe my definition of "fun" has changed over the year, but I can't imagine it changing as drastically as my interest in Nikki's. Â To start, there's a line. At 10pm. In Venice. Â With women wearing party dresses and sparkly heels. Ya. Again- in Venice. Â I'm not sure why there's a line, as the bar was relatively empty compared to the 15 people waiting in line....and we're in Venice, not Hollywood, but hey...do your thing Nikki's. Â I'll do mine. Â
After alerting the doorman in a few words more (or less...) than "i'm not waiting in a line to drink alcohol in your establishment...", I was allowed in. Â Woo. Â I'm in Nikki's. Standing elbow to elbow with nobody. Â The bartenders are..nice..ish. Â I waited about 10 mins for a drink that was more ice than alcohol. Â It was $12. Â I listened to...ya, nothing notable on the speakers either. Â
A friend had a birthday here, and while I adore the friend, I do not adore Nikki's. Â I didn't try the food, but after reading some reviews here, I'm not missing much. Â Want a good time on a better price tag, without a freaking line? Head over to Townhouse, Larry's, Dan's, or wherever else besides Nikki's. Â It's just...blech. We don't need a hollywood takeover in this beautiful town.
A Ramsey Kitchen Nightmare! -
I've been a Venice local for decades, so the fact that i've never eaten here, or known anyone to eat here wasn't a good sign. so here goes the story of my <a href="/redir?url=http%3A%2F%2Frestaurant.com&s=c5fe485af4df376130bee54f875814d79c4d7913e1258123b1206d2bdbf4873b" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://restaurant.com</a> coupon disaster.
I had a coupon.. So I decided to try it. A Laker game had just ended so, the place cleared out.. Besides the bar, obviously no one wants anything to do with this hell hole.
We were the only table. Food took at least 45 minutes- why? because EVERYTHING was frozen crap. Absolutely everything. I won't bore you with details other than to say, the fish and chips was hideous, so were the fish tacos. They didn't even know (or really care) about what the menu said.. For ex.. it said the fish and chips was served with three dipping sauces. It came with none. Waitress had no idea what the menu meant. Neither did the manager- so he covered by saying 'oh that means tarter sauce, ketchup and i'm not sure what the third is'... ketchup and tartar are the 'dipping sauces'. What a joke.
All through dinner, management chose to sit at the table right next to us to have a meeting and complain about staff, bitch, make nasty comments about other employees.. Whatever. But every table in the place was empty and they sat right next to us. Arrogance.
So when it comes time to pay- THIS IS THE BEST PART.. I pull out my iphone with my <a href="/redir?url=http%3A%2F%2Frestaurant.com&s=c5fe485af4df376130bee54f875814d79c4d7913e1258123b1206d2bdbf4873b" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://restaurant.com</a> certificate. In the terms of the certificate it says all i need to do is show my phone to the server. Now since this dump signed up for the program, they are bound to its policies and terms just like I am. But the junior manager (wearing a ridiculous UFC ultimate fighting shirt- seriously) tells me he can't accept it, because it must be printed. I show him the terms on my phone. He says sorry, but their accounting/ accountant needs it printed. So we get into it, because I only ate this crap meal because of the discount, and he has no right to deny my gift certificate. In the end, he makes me accompany him outside, into another door, into a basement office, makes me log on to my <a href="/redir?url=http%3A%2F%2Frestaurant.com&s=c5fe485af4df376130bee54f875814d79c4d7913e1258123b1206d2bdbf4873b" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://restaurant.com</a> account and print it! Can you believe it?
I am old school Venice- since 1984. This place is a dump, the manager was a snotty, arrogant little punk about taking the coupon- almost stood me down like he was some kind of ultimate fighter or something, making veiled aggressive postures toward me.. Â As if. ..
Go for sports, and alcohol. Sure. But under no circumstances other than impending starvation should you consider ordering anything that doesn't come in a glass or a bottle.
Happy hour from 4-7 everyday is a nice draw. Â However, the food is as plain as Jane. Â Because of the ridiculous parking situation, Nikki's is pretty much a local's bar. Â It does transform into a lounge at night, complete with bottle service, but the area doesn't lend itself to the VIP-type of clientele.
Seating is limited but there are a lot of flat screens. Â On my last visit, my group and I were able to watch game 3 of the NBA Finals at a corner booth. Â There were 9 of us, and we were able to fit comfortably.
We ordered a bunch of apps but nothing stuck out. Â I also ordered the Nikki's Burger, which was good, but not great. Â Our server was fantastic, but then again, one of the people at table practically lives there.
I'd definitely come back to watch a big game if I were in the area. Â But I'd probably skip on the food.
And if I found parking...
I've been there once for a late lunch and it's a very cool lounge that serves some interesting dishes. The atmosphere inside was refreshing and modern. It was a pleasant surprise as it doesn't look like much from the outside.
The food tasted good and the prices were reasonable. It was fairly busy and the service therefore wasn't great. They kept forgetting to bring us napkins (we had none) when the food came. As long as they compensate with a better customer service experience I believe they can be a 5-star establishment.
I enjoyed HH here, esp compared to some of the tourist traps on the boardwalk. Â Here, it was nice inside. Â They have couches and there's a good crowd for HH. Â On Fridays, they also extend their HH until 9. Â They have half off apps during HH and $3 beers. Â I got an organic pilsner, which was good.
 We got the red pepper hummus plate, which was good and the mozzarella sticks (the mozz sticks were not half off...$6). They weren't the normal frozen mozz sticks that most restaurants have.  They actually breaded these themselve. It came w 6.  They were a bit greasy for me, but my bf enjoyed them (and how can mozz sticks not be greasy I guess...).  Hummus plate came w pita, carrots, celery and a crazy amount of tri colored tortilla chips.  I'd go back again if in the area.
O, and the wings looked good here. Â We didn't get them bc we just ordered some at Sidewalk Cafe (don't ever do that!) but looked way better than the wings we ate!
I enjoyed Nikki's, I went this past Sunday and it was not crowded, it did fill up kinda, but was totally fine. Â The service was great, food came out pretty fast and the drinks came out even quicker. Â The lunch was very tasty and the drinks were Yummy.
We spent a couple of hours there and watched the game. Â I would defiantly go back. The decor is really nice, Very warm and comfortable feel. Â I love the brick on the walls. Â
Also steps away from Venice Beach, all around a great place and location for food and drinks.
THUR- SAT. NIGHTS
I still very much dislike this place! Â but was forced to go to a friends Birthday here... I went late so I didn't have to be here long.
1) This place gets SO crowded on Thur- Sat. its ridiculous ... WHY people!
2) If you plan coming here, GET HERE EARLY... Like before 10 pm or make sure you're on a guest list. Otherwise you'll be waiting for a while and their system of letting people in sucks! especially if you come after 11:30.
3) If  YOU'RE A GUY  and you're not there before 10:30 and aren't on a guest list don't even bother to come because you'll just be wasting time trying to get in. This place makes it hard for guys to get in, more so than any other place I've seen.....
4) Once inside its hard to get to the bar and out with a drink. Also DRINKS ARE WEAK!
5) They close at 1 am which is wack but imagine getting here later and waiting to get in and you're finally in, start getting your groove on and poof its over. No Sir!
I'm sorry to have to give this place such a poor review because I've been such a fan for so long...but for the last year the quality of service and food have continued on a downward spiral. Â Enough is enough...I've given Nikki's enough chances to redeem themselves, but I've had it. Â
Their biggest discretion to date is the waitress who served us decided to add an extra nine dollar tip to my credit card charge. Â Um, excuse me? Â You were lucky to get my generous 15% after the fact that we had to flag you down every half hour just for a drink refill or a side of ketchup. Â Not to mention...I've never had a dining experience where the chips and salsa appetizer comes out after our main dishes arrived. (My main dish also had to be sent back as it came out incorrect). Â I am a person with a lot of patience and have worked in the service industry so I politely kept my mouth shut, smiled, and never said a word...but I'm livid now finding an extra $9.00 on my charge. Â I loved Nikki's as much as the next Venice local, but this place is NOT the same anymore...shame.
Spend the whole afternoon new years day. We got there right when they opened. It was empty. they set all the TV's to the Rose Bowl game and let us hang the whole time.
Food was good, but the sweet potato fries are out of this world. If for no other reason I'm going back for the fries.
eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow you may diet!
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
