Did you know that Nick’s has NO CORKAGE FEE? It’s awesome. We take a bottle of wine and have some appetizers. You need to get there early to get a table. Get there even earlier if you want one of the coveted patio tables. We usually sit at the bar and have a great time.
My favorite appetizer is the asparagus fries. Asparagus stalks coated with a light parmesan batter and delicately fried. Delicioso! On Friday we ate dinner. I had the Salmon – really good. It had a caper mustard buerre blanc sauce and came with sauteed spinach and butter chive mashed potatoes. I opted for two servings of spinach rather than the potatoes. Jeff had the prime top sirloin which had a bleu cheese crust. It came with a loaded baked potato and roasted vegetables.
If you haven’t already, take an evening and visit Nick’s. Delicious food and, as I said, NO CORKAGE FEE.
A word of advice: make reservations days in advance if you don’t want to wait an hour or more for a table. Nick’s gets crazy crowded, especially on the weekend.
I prefer to sit on the patio, which is really more indoor than out.
And I totally agree with you about the no corkage thing. I love that about Nick’s.
Great advice, Jennifer. Thanks! You’re right, it gets really crowded. I’ve only been able to sit on the patio once and it was a great experience!
LOVE Nicks too! It’s the best place for ice cold beer, gotta try the Nicks Honey Blond. Our favorite appetizer is the grilled artichoke. I also always make reservations on open table a week ahead of time. It’s popular place with excellent food and drink for the price. Thanks for the note about no corkage fee, very cool and good to know. Laguna Beach Nicks also has an excellent vibe =)
Thanks, Heather. I’ll have to try the Honey Blond and the grilled artichoke. Hmm, guess we’ll be going back soon!
Nick’s is great! Thanks for the recommendation.
But what’s going on with the old Gordon James Grill? I saw a “South of Nicks” sign in the window and something about opening this summer. Is this another Nicks on the same street, or are they moving?
Yes, “South of Nicks” is opening in the summer where the Gordon James used to be. It will be a Nick’s with a Mexican twist 🙂 Can’t wait to try that. Nick’s seems to know what they’re doing.
At first when I saw the sign for “South of Nick’s” I was baffled. “But wait a minute,” I thought, “this is North of Nick’s!” Then I heard that it will have a Mexican flair. Great idea! Can’t wait to try it.
I was searching for their asparagus fries recipe when I found this blog. I was just at Nick’s last night and it was super busy, I think people were waiting 1.5+ hours to get in. Wow! Glad we had reservations. We asked about the new mexican Nick’s version “South of Nick’s” and was told it’s opening in October now and will offer California Mexican and lot’s of fish and prime steaks to boot. I can’t wait! Nick’s does it right every time. They have a butter cake that is also to die for if you have not tried it. Now if I could just find the recipe and duplicate those darn asparagus fries I’d be set. I could eat them every day.
Thank for the news, Mark. I think South of Nick’s will be a great addition to San Clemente. I haven’t tried the butter cake but will now! It sounds divine. Let me know if you find that recipe. Those fries are so good!
My daughter and son-in-law took me to Nick’s for lunch. I had the French Dip, finally I can say that I found a restaurant in South Orange County that actually has a real French Dip with real Roasted Prime Rib, not lunch meat sliced pretending to be a French Dip. All I can say is Wow! We had the Asparagus Fries too, Yum! And the Butter Cake is to die for, would love to have the recipe. I can’t wait to try the Ice Cold Beer, nothing better than that. Service was great, very cool place.
I’m glad you enjoyed Nick’s. Now you have to try South of Nick’s. It’s also delicious and offers great service.