We walked in and ordered the butter cake to go, because we had just eaten at South of Nick's, and were so full but didn't want to miss out on dessert. The hostess was very gracious and took our order even through the restaurant was very busy. They came back within ten minutes, ran our card, and we were on our way. We didnt realize that the cake came with ice cream, and we wouldn't make it home before it melted, so we quickly found a bench downtown and OMG...the first bite was life changing!! We practically inhaled at least half of it right there, with the ice cream and berry sauce! The sweet, crunchy, sugared edges takes this treat to a whole other realm! Make sure you try this if you're in the area...it will not disappoint! read more

We were going to see the Pagent of the Masters on a Friday night and grabbed a 5:30 reservation. Laguna has street parking and a bunch of tiny lots scattered around the area. Give yourself time to find parking. The restaurant is small and the atmosphere is loud. We were lucky to have been seated in the outside patio area which was covered and comfortable, better yet not as loud so we were able to have a nice conversation. Michael was our server and he did a great job. He didn't rush us and offered good suggestions. We started with drinks, an old fashioned for Stephen. Alice and I had their fresh lemonade and it was refreshing and just a tad tart. Alice and I both enjoyed our cioppino which we could have shared (paired with a salad or side) and it came with a sizeable sourdough loaf. Stephen had the maple spicy meatloaf and he said it wasn't spicy. We all enjoyed the meal. I would definitely recommend this place but if you like it more quiet, ask for the patio. Dinner for 3 with tip came to $176. The Pagent of the Masters is a 5 min drive away or a 15-20 min walk. Our 5:30 reservation was perfect and gave us time to enjoy the art and artists before the 8:30 show. read more

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There was a long wait when we got there but somehow the hostess accommodated us and we were sat within 10 minutes. I asked the server what was good and she said "everything" and she wasn't lying. Everything we ordered was amazing. I LOVED the yuzu spritzer - it was soooooo refreshing and tasty. The tuna tartare was fresh and delicious. I ordered the petite filet mignon meal with the salad and toast and everything on the plate was DIVINE. So good. I ordered a banana cream pie to go and it's amazing - has a chocolate ganache over the delicious graham cracker crust with caramel over it, some fresh bananas and served with ice cream. I didn't need the ice cream with it honestly. Service was attentive and accurate!! For such a busy day, we felt well attended to. It's a nice restaurant. You can come dressed down or up. Most people in there look casual cute. read more

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Exceptional food, drinks, and service as always! We came here last Sunday to celebrate my retirement, and it couldn't have been better. The Shrimp Taquitos were exceptional (seriously, these are the best taquitos in the planet), Bistro Plate (my fave), and Baby Back Pork Ribs were all top-tier, and the drinks (Nick's Mai Tai and the alcohol-free Yuzu Berry Spritz) were both spectacular. The banana pudding and the complimentary dark chocolate dessert were both heavenly, and the card signed by every staff member was such a sweet, personal touch! Huge shoutout to Stephanie and Maria for the incredible service! Love that when you come here, you're treated like family and everyone works well together. read more

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My husband and I spent a few hours in Laguna Beach taking a pottery class and having lunch at Nick's. It's been a while since we've been to this location and we were fortunate to be able to snag a table out on the patio. We decided to share the Thai noodle salad and the original rib eye melt with the warm potato salad. The combination of the salad and half a sandwich was perfect! The rib eye was cooked to a perfect medium and the Thai noodle salad was so flavorful. I think I found my new "go to" meal for Nick's. Service is always amazing here and very attentive and the patio was great to people watch while we enjoyed our meal. All in all we had an amazing meal at Nick's today. read more

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Still 5 stars, years later! The service is the difference between 4 and 5 stars-our server(Roger) was on it. The appetizers and HOT towels promptly followed the craft cocktails and house made strawberry lemonade for the teens ... Fried devil eggs , grilled artichokes and asparagus fries, watermelon margarita's and espresso martinis The french dip was garlicky and buttery, the salmon flavorful and the halibut-a knock out! read more

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HAPPY JULY! Nick's Laguna Beach - 5/5 AMAZING!! We had a staycation in San Clemente but wanted to drive through Laguna Beach and once I saw the reviews for Nick's I knew we needed to try it. PARKING We parked across the street at the hotel, tipped the valet and walked across the busy road. There's limited street parking FOOD -we got the warm butter cake as an appetizer -Their veggie burger was homemade (not of that fake stuff) and my husband got the fried chicken -we shared the bacon deviled eggs (with the bacon on the side) -I got their yuzu berry mocktail and it was delicious SERVICE it was a little on the slower side but we're also fast diners. We sat on the covered patio so the breeze felt nice. Highly recommend this place! read more

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We came just to enjoy a beautiful Sunday afternoon, and everything about this place was amazing! The atmosphere was beautiful, the staff was incredibly friendly, and the margaritas were absolutely delicious. We shared the cheeseburger and the shrimp tacos, and both were outstanding. No complaints about the food at all it was fresh, flavorful, and definitely worth it. I would absolutely recommend this place and will definitely be coming back. Thank you for making our weekend so enjoyable! read more

Nick's Laguna Beach - American Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

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Went with a group for breakfast and to watch the World Cup morning game (if you're hoping to watch any games, sit at the counter). We ordered the fried chicken and waffles to share and found it easily fed three of us. We did have a reservation, so we were sat quickly. If you don't have a reservation, the bar is always a quick option for one or a pair of people. The waiter kindly suggested to pair the coffee with carrot breakfast muffins. This is a must try!! read more

Nick's Laguna Beach - Chicken and Waffles (comes with bacon and sausage gravy) with house black coffee - American Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

Been a few times now always busy food is always good! We have tried many things on the menu. Almost everything is good! Even there butter cake! But one thing is the service it's usually a miss. The attention to detail or always having to ask for something, constantly reminding the bartender because we sat at the bar, always makes me not come here as much. Maybe someday they will polish that up a little better. read more

Nick's Laguna Beach - Steak lunch special - American Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

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This is one of my favorite restaurants. We've been coming here for many years. The asparagus fries is never to be missed the artichoke and the deviled eggs are highly recommended appetizers. My favorite dish was the Chilean Seabass cooked the perfection served with mashed potatoes and sautéed spinach the fried chicken dish is also excellent and large portion that could easily be shared. However, I must mention that this time the seasoning on the crust was a little bit on the salty side, the chicken itself was moist and perfectly cooked. Service is excellent, and the decoration is in good taste. The interior is a bit loud. read more

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This place gets packed on a Sat night - I wasn't able to get a reservation even a few weeks before, but luckily we snagged 2 spots at the bar after 30 mins hovering like sharks. I was also on the open table waitlist, which literally pinged me the minute we paid our tab (about 2 hours). The bar staff is great and keeps things moving. Great martinis, and overall we enjoyed our food (blackened fish sandwich with fries and the bistro plate) and the energetic vibe. Not 5 stars because I ordered the filet medium rare and it came well-done, and the French onion soup was lukewarm with a slice of unmelted cheese floating on top. Also the floor was oddly slippery, and it was actually comical watching people a few drinks deep trying to navigate to the bathroom without falling. This is in a main tourist drag so my expectations were managed, and I'd still come back for drinks when I'm in the area. It's only a 10 min walk from Pageant of the Masters, though valet parking (down the street at their sister restaurant South of Nicks) closes around 10:30pm so plan accordingly. read more

I had the prime rib dip and it was delightful and I recommend it to anyone who is undecided on what to eat. I had the butter cake for desert and it is so delicious I would even come back to just have dessert. The staff is friendly, professional, and kind. The restaurant has a intimate family and friends feel. We will be back!!!!! read more

Nick's Laguna Beach - Warm Butter Cake - American Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

Very refreshing restaurant with amazing food. The salmon was divine. Customer service was over the top. Very friendly atmosphere and overall a great place to have a fantastic meal. read more

We stopped into Nick's in Laguna Beach specifically for their legendary butter cake, and let me tell you. if you haven't tried this dessert yet, your life is tragically incomplete. You're basically just going through the motions, my friend. We paired it with their ice cream fudge sundae, and we could not have been happier with our decision. The moment that warm butter cake hits the table, pure joy consumes your soul. Anticipation builds like you're about to open the best gift ever. The only logical response is to grab a spoon (yes, a spoon because a for would be a travesty of a mistake) because you need the perfect ratio of buttery cake, berry compote, and ice cream in every single bite. You carve that first perfect scoop, lift it toward your mouth, and suddenly your taste buds are doing an Olympic-level gymnastics routine--sticking the landing with a gold medal performance. It's a holy, almost spiritual experience you desperately hope never ends. By the final bite, you're slumped back in your seat, practically begging for a belly rub like a satisfied golden retriever, whispering a quiet prayer that this isn't the last time you'll experience this life-changing dessert. Ps. The service is amazing and the vibe is perfect for a date, a night with friends, or a celebration. read more

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I have too much to say about Nick's to put into one review. It's a swanky feeling little restaurant with all kinds of options. I always go for the ribeye melt or the French dip (order while it lasts). Both are absolutely to die for. The au jus is drinkable, and I could eat the Worcester sauce with a spoon. Next up, the butter cake. Oh my god, this thing is to die for. Although we're always stuffed after our well portioned entrees, we never ever leave without ordering it. The cake is rich and crumbly. And the compote complements it perfectly, although I always wish there was more. The little mint leaves are also a wonderful bit of added flavor. If you go for the sides, I would highly recommend the potato salad. It's slightly more acidic than most, and it has little bits of bacon, which give you little bites of smokeyness. The one time I didn't order the potato salad, I got the blue cheese and tomatoes instead. It was more of an underwhelming side because it was - you guessed it- just blue cheese and tomatoes. Probably a little bit of an interpretation mistake on my part... Overall, you can get an incredible entre for around $18. This is very competitive with other restaurants even outside Laguna Beach. Delicious food, and great value for your dollar. read more

Hostess Elijah and waiter Charles made sure our evening was absolutely wonderful. My dad is visiting from out of town, and we always make sure to come here at least once when he visits. Highly recommend the sea bass, the petit bistro salad, and the artichoke appetizer. If you plan on visiting on a weekend, make sure to make a reservation! read more

Nick's Laguna Beach - My favorite salad of all time - Petitte Bistro Salad - American Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

NICK'S @ LAGUNA BEACH Nick's Laguna Beach is located right on Main Street in downtown Laguna Beach, so parking can definitely be a challenge. There's a lot of traffic in the area, especially during peak hours. Luckily, we were able to find street parking about 15 minutes up the road, which wasn't too bad, but it's something to keep in mind if you're planning to visit. I've been to Nick's in Carlsbad and San Clemente before, so I was really excited to finally check out the Laguna Beach location. The menu is exactly the same as the other locations. My boyfriend and I actually came on Valentine's Day without a reservation, we originally planned to go somewhere else, but when we passed by and saw Nick's, I knew I wanted to try it. They had no reservations available (which was totally understandable given how busy it was), so we put our names down for the walk-in waitlist around 4 PM. They ended up calling us at 5:30 PM, which was perfect prime dinner time. There was a huge line out the door, and the restaurant itself is very small. Once you walk in, it feels extremely tight, tables are tiny and everyone is seated very close to each other. Despite the crowd, we ordered a few entrées: my boyfriend got the chicken piccata, and I ordered the cheeseburger along with the spicy Asian salad. Everything was really delicious. I absolutely loved the salad it was refreshing, flavorful, and the noodles paired perfectly with it. The chicken piccata was also very good, especially with the lemon flavor. The cheeseburger was decent not mind-blowing and a bit on the bland side but it still did the job. Since it was Valentine's weekend, the restaurant felt very crowded and a bit rushed. I think visiting on a weekday or any less busy day would make for a much better experience. That said, the service was kind and friendly, the food was solid, and overall it was a great spot. I'd definitely recommend stopping by Nick's, either this location or any of their other ones. read more

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First, I encourage you to make a reservation. It's a petite spot - there's a bar seating and small booths that make up the perimeter and a small patio area. Service was good. The waiter checked in a decent number of times and refilled our water and asked if we wanted anything more. Food was good. I liked the roasted artichoke but you really don't get much out of each artichoke for the price point. The bistro plate is nice and surprisingly filling (at least for me). If you don't want the soup of the day then you can request a double salad. I do wish they had one constant soup option like clam chowder and then the rotating soup of the day so you have another option. I also got the yuzu spritzer - it was the right amount of sweet and tangy but I asked for light ice which they didn't adhere to. But overall a pleasant experience and great for date night. Nick's also needs to update their online menu because prices have changed. The bistro plate is now $31, not $29. Parking - as has been mentioned in other reviews there's a small lot behind Nick's. And it's $7/hr to park which I didn't see any prior reviews actually provide the pricing. It's card or cash - no change dispensed so keep that in mind. There are also free trolleys as has been mentioned but you'll need to plan your timing accordingly if you made a reservation to ensure ample time to park elsewhere, wait for a trolley to arrive, get on and get you to the restaurant stop. read more

Yesterday we came back to Nick's for an anniversary celebration for my brother-in-law and his wife 47 year we have the bistro dinner. It was wonderful this time we had French creamy onion soup. It was unbelievably delicious. The service was excellent just love the atmosphere in the restaurant. Another great time there thanks again, Nick.!!! read more

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Had the meatloaf for the very first time. Twas very good but I think i can only eat 3/4 and got full. Service was Mahvelous even at the bar area. And the place is small and cozy but do reserve to get a seat. Otherwise try your luck at the bar area. Verdict - good as always! Austen at the bar area has always delivered. read more

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My partner introduced me to Nick's and it's become a go to date night spot for us. Right by the main shops of Laguna, it's a small but stylish space serving some really tasty dishes. It's absolutely perfect for a date night, especially if you want to walk by the beach before or after your dinner. The cocktails, while none have ever truly stood out to me, are all pretty solid. As far as food goes, the crispy chicken sandwich is my personal favorite, but every entree I've had from Nick's has been great. The real star of the show is dessert here. The butter cake is a must. If you order one thing from Nick's it's gotta be the butter cake. It's served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and is moist, with the PERFECT flavor. We were going to order it our last visit, but they surprised us with an anniversary dessert, and we were just too full to eat anything else. Still the butter cake may be our favorite menu item and is worth a visit alone. Service wise Nick's mostly succeeds. Occasionally we've had a miss, but most of the time they're solid and we've never had a really bad experience. Stephanie, is one of our favorite servers! We've had her a few times and she's so friendly, and will definitely make sure you're taken care of. We'll definitely be back at Nick's in the future when we stop by Laguna. read more

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I stumbled across Nick's Laguna Beach while walking around and noticed it had great reviews, which immediately made me curious. We walked in on a Sunday without a reservation and were seated right away, which was a great start. Our table was a very small booth right next to the center island bar, so things felt a bit compact, but the overall ambiance was lively and energetic. For a Sunday, the place was buzzing in a good way and definitely felt like a popular local spot. Our waitress was very nice and attentive throughout the meal, even with how busy and chaotic the restaurant felt. Service never slipped, which I really appreciated. The food itself was good and enjoyable, but nothing that really blew me away or made me think about coming back immediately just for a specific dish. One downside that oddly stood out to me was the lack of cell service or internet reception inside. It made the space feel a little boxed in, almost like you were cut off from the outside world, and for some reason that stuck with me more than I expected. Overall, it was a nice dinner with good energy and solid service. Chaotic, but in the best way possible. I'd come back if I were in the area again, but it's not a must return spot for me, which is why this lands comfortably at four stars. read more

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There are restaurants you try once, and restaurants you build rituals around. Nick's is the latter. From the moment you walk in, it feels dialed in. The energy is polished but relaxed, the service confident without hovering, and the food hits that rare balance of comfort and execution. The Fried Chicken and Gravy Mashed is reason enough to come back. Crispy, juicy, unapologetically indulgent, and deeply satisfying. There is never a bad time for Fried Chicken and Gravy Mashed, and Nick's proves that point every single visit. The menu is thoughtful, the cocktails are consistent, and the experience never slips. Whether it's a casual lunch, date night, or out of town guests you want to impress, Nick's delivers every time. Laguna Beach has plenty of options. This is the one you return to. read more

Nick's Laguna Beach - American Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

Awesome spot, love it! This is probably one of my favorite American restaurants. The quality of food is just amazing. The menu is super simple so you know ask the dishes are gonna be great. I usually order the sea bass but I went for the fried chicken. This was super tender and comes with a bed of mashed potatoes. My wife ordered the baby back ribs and these were super tender. It's so cool to see that this place has ribs better than a lot of bbq spots. We also started with asparagus fries, which I highly recommend. Of course, we finished the end of our meal with their famous butter cake. The ambience was super cozy. It definitely can get busy especially on a Saturday night. Service was excellent as well. I really don't see a place better than this. read more

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I love this restaurant. My wife and I got away for an anniversary dinner and Nick's always delivers. The staff are excellent, and the ambience is alive and fun. You can tell that the staff understand what it means to give good customer service and the food there is outstanding. Everything is great. We didn't have room for a butter cake, but the staff gave us a nice dessert as a surprise for our anniversary. They even gave us a little card and signed it. That was super nice. read more

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My husband and I wanted a nice place to eat lunch while we were in town and this spot seemed highly rated. Making a reservation was definitely the right call and we were given a table on the patio. The servers were very professional and friendly. We decided to split a Prime Rib Dip and an Original Ribeye Melt. Surprisingly the Ribeye Melt was far superior with the combination of grilled Parmesan sourdough, Swiss cheese and ribeye really tasting great. I was a little disappointed in the Prime Rib Dip as it seemed a bit bland and the bread wasn't too exciting. Overall though it was a great meal in a nice spot. I'd love to go back and try other menu items. read more

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This place has excellent food and service! The fried chicken is delicious, as well as the tuna tartare appetizer. The only issue was that despite making an early reservation, we were sat on the patio where it was around 10-15 degrees hotter. The sun was in my husband's face the whole time. They should invest in misters! read more

Mmmm mmm mmm!! I've been to Nick's Pasadena which was great and I'm glad to see Nick's in Laguna Beach was just as fabulous. OMG the Buttermilk Fried Chicken was IT! I was trying to decide between the chicken or the Bistro plate and our server Derrick said his fav was the chicken, I'm usually a creature of habit, but I'm so glad I went with his recommendation. The presentation was impressive! The chicken was tender and moist and the gravy was spectacular, so much so, that I asked for extra so that I could dip and have it with every bite. The whipped mashed potatoes just added more deliciousness and the roasted corn on the corn on a skewer gave it the final touch of tastyness. I was with three other friends and they said their meals were fantastic too. I really don't think you can go wrong with anything on the menu. Enjoy!! read more

Yum!! Sunday brunch & the wait was of course longer than usual. It was worth it! The space is tight but that's only to maximize seating & reduce wait times. I come here all the time but never breakfast. We had the el jefe breakfast burrito & eggs Benedict. I was surprised the avocado came on a separate place & not in the meal. Both were good but I would definitely go with the breakfast burrito next time. It's absolutely delicious! read more

Nick's Laguna Beach - Breakfast burrito - el jefe - American Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

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Been to Nick's many many times at various locations, but it had been a minute since I've been to the Laguna Beach location. Sat in the patio, which is always nice, but the tables are really small. Started off with espresso martinis, and the soup of the day, which was butternut squash, my favorite of all time soups! The soup was amazing and the espresso martini was OK. For main entrées, we got the salmon and the ribeye melt. Both were very delicious, but I felt a little overwhelmed with the amount of butter and oil in both dishes made them both a little too heavy for my taste, and generally remember Nick's dishes is not being as heavy in the past so not sure if anything changed or my appetite is a little bit different these days. Our servers were great and the vibes are always 10 out of 10. Will be coming back for the many years ahead. read more

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I brought my niece here for her birthday lunch, thinking they would sing or give her something little for her birthday since that's what we were celebrating. I even said we were celebrating her sweet 16! I had asked at the front desk and they told me they would do something little for her. And then I also told the waitress, but what she got was a card wishing her a happy birthday. Very disappointing. I would've taken her somewhere else that would've saying or given her a little something. We got the clam chowder which she really liked. I thought it was good as well and it wasn't overloaded with potatoes. You could see the calms so that was good. We also got the shrimp Taquitos and tuna tare tare. The shrimp Taquitos were crunchy & good. Good size on the shrimps. The tuna tare tare was good but chip ratio was off but she did bring is a couple more which was nice. It then took a little bit ringer our bill but it was good. But would probably try another restaurant next time. read more

Nick's Laguna Beach - Tuna tare tare - American Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

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I have been at Nik's recently and it's very uncomfortable their ac is not working food is good but the heat is extremely bad and you can't enjoy a meal under this conditions read more

Amazing food. Amazing staff. It was a great anniversary dinner for my kids 10 years. read more

Nick's Laguna Beach - Warm butter cake - American Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

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One of my favorite spots. The blackened fish sandwich is my go to comfort food here, coupled with the salad. Relaxing vibe and excellent bar service. Great place to escape to and unwind. Steps from the beach! read more

Nick's Laguna Beach - Blackened fish sandwich - American Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

We had top notch service, the food was okay not the best I've ever eaten. Chicken Piccata lacked flavor. It was very loud do you can't hear conversations and there was little to no air conditioning. In the middle of a heat wave and we were sweating the entire time made for an uncomfortable meal. The service here is impeccable won't return due to unimpressive meal. However there are crowds out the door so many people love Nicks- just not for my taste buds. read more

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We had an amazing birthday dinner for my girlfriend! Michael, our server was great. He provided great service. Drinks were amazing. Appetizers amazing. Food amazing. Dessert amazing. Ambiance amazing. They came with a candle on a chocolate cake for the comp birthday treat. So good. 10/10 Public Parking lot on street behind the restaurant parallel to PCH. $3/hr. read more

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I can't believe it took me this long to experience Nick's, especially as someone who's deeply familiar with the Laguna dining scene. To put it simply: this is the kind of place Laguna has been missing. From the moment we walked in, the energy felt dialed-in in a way that immediately reminded me of a Hillstone experience -- polished but not pretentious, lively but still intimate. That balance is incredibly hard to execute, and Nix nails it. For context, I'm part owner of 230 Forest Avenue, so I don't say this lightly: Nix easily lands in my top five in Laguna Beach. We started with Aperol spritzes (perfectly balanced, not overly sweet), along with a couple of appetizers -- including a fried asparagus dish that was addictive in the best way. Crisp, flavorful, and gone way too quickly. For mains, I ordered the veggie burger, which was genuinely one of the best I've had -- hearty, well-seasoned, and thoughtfully constructed (not an afterthought, which vegetarian options so often are). My boyfriend had the noodle salad, which was fresh, vibrant, and layered with flavor. But beyond the food, what really stood out was the overall experience. The atmosphere feels intentional , great music, beautiful crowd, and a buzz that makes you want to linger. It's the kind of place where dinner effortlessly turns into drinks, and drinks turn into "should we just stay a little longer?" Laguna Beach doesn't have a ton of restaurants that hit this level across the board -- food, service, ambiance, and energy, but Nix absolutely does. We'll be back, and soon. read more

This is our favorite Nick's location! It is tinier than other locations, which actually adds to its charm. We love the cozy, calm, elevated, dark and intimate vibe, but not intimidating. This time we tried something different or new to us, only because we saw someone from the other table order it. We tried the buttermilk fried chicken. It was good, but not "Nick's" good. We made a mental note not to order this again. For something like this, we can get it somewhere else. Nothing really special, but I love the corn on a cob that came with it. As usual, the Cha Cha Spicy Rigatoni is sooo good! It doesn't have any protein, yet we enjoy it all the time! This is something I'd go to Nick's for! Service is good as usual! This time we joined the waitlist which is sooner than the reservation availability. We didn't have to wait long and enjoyed another wonderful dinner at Nick's! read more

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Highly recommend reservations especially on the weekends because it's a small space and busy! The food is pretty good and a nice variety. I ended up getting the San Francisco Choppino and it came with a good size of sourdough bread. The seafood was well cooked and seasoned. Definitely could feed two and ended up taking some home since it was a good amount. Cocktails are good and overall good vibes here! read more

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