We went to House of Ribs on a Saturday night- we didn't have reservations and were able to get a table right away. It was about 30% full on a Saturday in June at 8pm. The decor was nice, good menu but pricey. We expect that at the beach, but we also expect good food to match those prices. The food was... okay. Brisket Mac and cheese and onion rings were good. Crab cake was below average. Baked potato was cooked but had a solid texture and was served plain- i had to ask for butter and sour cream. Green beans from a can, super oily crab dip. The issue I had was with the flies. They were everywhere. Once our meal came out it was out of control, they were all over our plates, landing on our arms and faces. We had to actively swipe them away while eating our dinner. I finally complained to the hostess and the server came over to apologize and offered to move us. We were done eating and not wanting to finish after the experience so we declined. I asked for a new Mac and cheese to be packed to go since the two at our table had been fly food and they gave us a new one with our check- $200 for 4 people. No manager came over to check on us and no gratis drinks offered while we waited for the replacement. I sent an email to complain about the flies and mentioned my disappointment about the lack of manager presence. The manager assured me that they knew what happened and had been there the whole time. It's a shame they hid in the back of house and didn't bother to address a customer service issue face to face on a slow night. read more

Excellent food and service. Was in Ocean City for family weekend and ate there both mights we liked it so much. Had NY strip, loaded backed potato, and cocktail shrimp. Loved it! We will be back! read more

It's definitely not near as good as the old original Nicks. The portions are smaller. The blooming onion is definitely different than the original one. We finally ask for bread after waiting a while and the waitress said the policy is if you get a appetizer they only bring bread if you ask for it. read more

Not a great experience. The steak that was ordered medium rare came well done and dry. This was after the waitress told us that two other choices were not available the flounder and cream of crab soup. Maybe they should just stick to ribs. The BBQ ribs and the BBQ chicken were good. The sides could use a little improvement. The Southern corn was very hard. The baked potato was good but not very hot. There won't be a next time with so many other choices in OC. read more

Nick's - Fire Engine out front - Barbeque Near Me - Ocean City, Maryland

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My family ordered various entrees for dinner recently at Nicks. Upon ordering they were out numerous items. The bar was out of the seasonal sangria and the ingredients to make 2 other types of cocktails that were listed the drink menu. They was also out of chicken for the spicy chicken sandwich. The server stated the bread was in the oven and would be served "soon" after 3 requests and 1.5 hours later we still had no bread. The ribs were dried out, the macaroni and cheese was dry and restaurant smelled musty. Seems the management of the restaurant has declined tremendously! We have been to Nick's numerous times and we were always very impressed. However, this will be the last time. Major disappointment! Don't waste your time and money. There are too many other pleasant dining options in the area. read more

My two friends and I just arrived in Ocean City for a long weekend vacation after driving all the way from New York. It was a Thursday night around 8:00 and we were STARVING, but every restaurant we drove past, we could see people outside waiting to be seated. Nick's was the only place we didn't see anyone outside waiting, so we decided to stop. Well...there was a reason there was no wait time. We wanted to sit outside to enjoy the fresh air, it was private and quiet. One thing I'll give this establishment, it was visually pleasing with a pretty patio, but that's it. We were greeted by a decent waiter and he took our drink orders. My friends ordered a Strawberry Mudslide and Strawberry Daiquiri which they said they enjoyed, they had no complaints. He brought us bread and butter and as soon as we dug into that, the Crab Dip appetizer came. The Crab Dip was OK. It came out still bubbling hot, and tasted fine, but there was barely any crab in there. The tortilla chips were not tri-colored, tasted a little stale, and there was only a ton of salt on 1 chip, none on the others. As soon as we were done with the appetizer, our entree's arrived. Both friends ordered the Pulled Pork Sandwich. They aren't too picky with food, but one friend did admit her pork was too dry. I sampled a french fry and I thought they were terrible. Tasted frozen and cold. I ordered the Beef Brisket entrée with Southern Corn and Garlic Butter Green Beans. I typically never order a "real dinner" but I thought, why not? I'm on vacation, live a little! And I was instantly reminded why I do not do this and only stick with sandwiches and burgers. The corn wasn't "southern" at all but, it WAS super hot and tasty. The green beans were 1000% from a can and just reheated with a ton of butter. The "Brisket" (and I use those quotation marks heavily) was so disgusting, it was hard to eat. If I wasn't starving, I wouldn't have eaten as much as I did. It tasted pressed, SO fatty, and barely had flavor. Luckily, it came with a cup of Au Jus gravy and even then, that barely saved it. Would I return? Absolutely not. Please plan for dinner accordingly with your friends/family and eat somewhere else, so you don't have to settle for this place like I unfortunately did. read more

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I've been coming to Nick's since the days when it was "Nick idoni's House of Ribs" starting back in 1984. Back then you'd get piña coladas served in ball jars, topped with whipped cream and made with Island Oasis restaurant drink mix. You'd get onion loaf with a huge portion, freshly cooked, crisped to perfection. Lastly, you'd get amazing, fall-off-the-bone ribs, slathered in Nick's signature sauce. I live in California now but my mother still lives in Bethany. Each year when I'd come to visit her, I'd make it a point to go to Nick's. And sadly, each year, the quality of the food slipped further and further away from its beginnings. I went to Nick's while visiting this week, and I have to say, they've managed to get the restaurant back to what made it world famous. Everything from the service to the food was 100% and every bit as good as their heyday in the 1980s. Even the rolls were just as they were in 1984. I'm hoping that they're able to keep up the perfection. If you were a Nick's fan from back in the day, I can happily report they are back to the good ol' days. If you've stayed away during to bad experiences in the past (which I've personally experienced), give them another try. It's worth it. read more

Food and as outstanding. Service was great. Atmosphere very pleasant. We will definitely return very soon.

Wow, the food is AWFUL!!! The beef brisket was like shoe leather, the chicken tasted like fish, the pulled pork sandwich was 3/4 fat slab. The ribs were the only thing that was edible! $300 of GARBAGE! Our poor waitress had probably 15 tables and was running all over the place! We will NOT be back here!!! read more

We have been coming to Ocean City for about 20 years, Nick's House of Ribs has been a go to place for the past several years, unfortunately this will be our last. My son and I both ordered a full rack of ribs, my wife ordered the chicken and rib combo. When our good arrived, both my ribs and both my wife's chicken and ribs were barely room temperature. We both had to send the food back. The next plates came out hotter, but not "hot". They were ok, but not what we would call great. When we left, we stopped to use the bathrooms. The men's room was gross. I almost fell when I slipped on the wet bathroom floor, and I don't think it was wet with water. The whole bathroom stunk of urine. Sorry Nick, we won't be back. read more

Ate here 6 weeks ago and got a very nice rack of ribs. Seems like shrinkflation has hit Nicks as the rack I received recently was about 40% smaller than previous..... the math of food vrs price is questionable..... read more

While I wish I could give this restaurant a higher review because of the delicious food, amazing ambiance and friendly wait staff I sadly cannot because of poor management. Last night with our large party we tried to call and let them know but they didn't take reservations which is fine but where it's frustrating is our large group was willing to sit at seperate tables and instead of seating us broken up, people with parties of 4 and 5 were being seated well before us even after waiting almost an hour. When we finally got seated, at seperate tables, we were greeted but great waitstaff who tried their best to make our experience better then it started. Our table and another in our group got our order in a timely manner, the 3rd table sadly did not have the same experience. When we went to discuss the issue with the manager he stated their order was delayed due to a server error. Not once did the manager go over to check on them once the error was recognized nor was the order expedited above other parties that were seating far after us. Finally an hour and half later their food arrived and our other tables had already paid their bills and we're ready to leave. We had plans as a group this evening that we missed due to this error. I don't fault the server I fault the poor management which by the way was the horrible person who was the host and made us wait an hour to be seated. I would go back because the food was great but I hope the manager/host finds a new position, hopefully not in the restaurant industry!!! read more

Don't know what is going on here! Used to be excellent, but our visit last night was horrible! Appetizer was good, but overpriced. Waitress was non-attentive, couldn't get her to take back my small, overdone $27 steak, which I had to return to the manager. Then she asked if we were done and forgot my dinner!!! Follow that with dropping off the check, face up, not in a folder with no direction as who to pay. Again went to the manager. Several other tables had the same issue. Exchanged the steak for a burger. The burger was bigger then the steak. Could gone to Outback and done better! One side, poor service, small quantities, and way overpriced! We won't be back for a while. DO NOT RECOMMEND! read more

After close to 25 years of going here, I'm finally finished. It's not worth the headaches anymore. Consistently, our orders were over 80-100$ minimum. Consistently things are missing. It was never a huge issue until recently as the food quality has gone down and prices have gone up. Last straw was tonight when one of the two cream Of crab soups we ordered (btw, $12 for middling soup that maybe is the equivalent of a cup's worth is shameful) was not included. When I called asking that they refund that part of the order (we drive 20 minutes to get this), the manager said they could not refund because "credit cards Are encrypted." Guess we will just dispute the whole charge, but regardless, Nick's will no longer be one of our go to spots. Bethany blues is about to get a new regular customer. Also, your ribs used to be my favorite. Now they are leather. I'd be happier with the jerky in our cabinet read more

My partner and I had dinner here for my birthday today. The overall experience was exceptional. The service was awesome, the food was delicious (rack of ribs, Brussels sprouts, Mac n cheese), and was prepared in a timely manner. The ambiance is warm and inviting. Highly recommend! read more

Our server was just terrific. She told us about a great special, enjoyed everything we ordered. Ribs were great , service was great, sides were great. read more

The ambiance of Nick's might be the only thing going for it. The food was mediocre and over priced. I know we will pay more when we are at the beach, but I would think for spending almost $200 on a meal, at the very least: 1. I wouldn't have to go to the front to request butter and sour cream after asking for it once when ordering and again when the food was brought to the table. 2. Have very small portions and sides that were served in plastic cups. 3. Food that was bland, at best, and inedible at worst. read more

This one didn't hit the money for us totally. It's fine... but we've had much better experiences. Our server was fantastic and kept checking in on us as our food took well over an hour to get for four of us. Our daughter got the cheese pizza which brought back very reminiscent memories for my husband and I of school cafeteria pizza (not a bad thing!) My husband got the lobster which was very tasty and my MIL did a steak which she said was good. I got the BBQ shrimp. The rice was undercooked and pretty flavorless. The shrimp was just alright. My favorite part was the baked potato. That was cooked to perfection. I will also mention that the soda machine was down and we did not get bread because they were out. We got the right around 5:30 and the place really was not crowded. read more

Great ribs and amazing Christmas decorations. Human size Nutcrackers and we were told that there are over 5,000 ornaments hanging. Very well done. Lots of fun for our grandkids as well! read more

Very disappointed Those people that gave this place 4 stars, y'all need to shut your face and go crawl back to your rock. Stop advertising bullshit reviews -Nicks houses of ribs don't know how to cook steaks. Many orders were either over or under cooked. -Drinks and sauces were watered down -Breads were stale -Our servers had a attitude problem -Applebee's steaks Tasted better....that's saying something. -Dont waste your money or time. Do not recommend read more

Nick's - Barbeque Near Me - Ocean City, Maryland

Was just there tonight, food was terrible and bartender was not good, 4 people at bar and waited 20 minutes for a drink, ribs were not eatable, will never come back read more

If you or anyone in your dining party has food allergies/sensitivities, Eat at your own risk! This place doesn't use any precautions in the kitchen in regards to food allergens or cross contamination. read more

Ambiance is the best thing about this place....19.99 rib and hot wing "special" came with no sides, but for 3.79 extra you could get equivalent to 2 tablespoons of cole slaw! Ribs were tender but drenched in bbq sauce, wings only choice was hot sauce. Place was pretty empty so you'd think wait staff would be on the ball..not so our waitress kept getting lost (hiding in the kitchen?) Also they automatically include 20% gratuity, As a local, I'd say avoid this place at all cost. read more

Sitting here as I am writing this review. A half hour after placing our orders the waitress comes and says they do not have the bacon appetizer. We were then told that our main courses were put in. An hour fret we sat down...no food. We asked about when we would get it. It should be right out. Three of the four orders came- one was incomplete. After asking to speak with the manager he came and said he would see if it was ready. He brought out the remaining food. One of the baked Potato was not edible and the shrimp was ice cold. He never said he was sorry for the delay. When we said something about an apology we were told in a rude tone he was trying to get our food. I hope they get their act together but as of tonight I would stay away read more

Quite confused by all of the one star reviews. I've ate here previously and both times the food was incredible and the service great. How can a place have such drastic 50/50 reviews. I take my family to Ocean City every Christmas after all the festivities. This trip we visited the day after New Years. The kids wanted to see the Christmas Decorations at Nicks. The place has a very extensive display of decorations. They really love all the bulbs hanging from the dining room ceiling. I myself was worried as we arrived at 9:30 and they close at 10pm. I don't like going in somewhere that close to closing unless it's fast food. I Kindly asked if they were open and the gentleman said sure come on in. No questions. No hesitation or attitude as a party of 6 came in at 9:30pm. Gathering from other reviews, we were greeted and served our entire meal by the owner. Very pleasant and promptly took our drink order as we were sitting down. The 2 mix drinks ordered tasted great and were very eye pleasing. We had crab dip and crab bread for appetizers. They came out quickly, hot and delicious. Meal wise we had a Cedar Plank Salmon, Fried Shrimp, Order of Ribs, and NY Strip. It all came out quickly and it was all delicious. I wanted to get the prime rib but opted for the ribs as I wasn't sure I could eat all the prime rib. Our party was served, ate, and walking out by 10:40pm. We will be sure to stop in again when we visit. read more

Ordered for carryout, everything was ready, warm, and the ribs were delicious. Meat fell right off the bone, and the cheesy crab bread is such a guilty pleasure. If covid safety is important to you, this isn't your place--they're not even doing the minimum. Cooks and waiters with no masks, others wearing them below the chin. They just don't care. And many people (*visibly* with underlying health conditions) dining in, with no ventilation or air turnover. But that's their call, I suppose. The ribs were really good, though. read more

The wait was supppperrrr long. Granted we had a party of 14, a long wait was expected for such a busy restaurant... but they estimated 30 minutes and we had to wait at least an hour to be seated. However, if you are going for the ribs, then the wait is worth it. My dad always orders the sauce on the side so that he can choose how much sauce goes with each tender bite of meat. For real, the ribs are so good and you absolutely won't be disappointed. Also, the rolls of bread they give you before your food comes out are so fluffy and warm. I had to control my urge to stuff my face with bread. I ordered the shrimp this time but last time I ordered the balsamic salmon. The shrimp was fine. It was juicy and tasty, but I was kind of disappointed in the dish. I expected there to be two skewers of shrimp alternating with slices of pineapple like a kabob with everything seared nicely... but that isn't not what happened. Maybe I had too high expectations for seafood at a rib place, but my food was Luke-warm at best, bordering on cool and even though it tasted exactly like shrimp dipped in BBQ sauce, i say if you are going to the house of ribs... get some ribs. On the other hand, when I got the salmon last time, it was delicious. Perfectly cooked-- not dry and not undercooked-- the salmon really did hit the spot. So maybe just don't get the shrimp. The salmon is great. You get two sides with the meal, and both times I got the green beans and corn. The corn has more flavor than the green beans but both taste delicioussssss. Our server was also friendly and very knowledgeable. He was very helpful on our meal decisions. read more

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Place was really good and the crab mac was absolutely amazing, our server was very nice and the food came out nice and quick, will definitely be coming here next year, the price was almost very reasonable. read more

Service was atrocious. Food marginal. Took 30 minutes to be acknowledged once seated, another 30 minutes to receive beverages. Steak portion was minute in size. Emailed politely my feedback, have received nothing but rude , arrogant, and condescending emails in response. Do not waste your money, plenty of other restaurants who will appreciate your patronage. read more

The most magnificent experience! My wife and I felt like a King and Queen the entire night. We decided on Nicks because it was our honeymoon and it looked like a great establishment! Let me tell you I underestimated. Let me start with our Waiter (loved his European accent) he was so kind and helpful with everything on the menu! I asked him for a beer recommendation and it was one of the best IPAs I've ever had. My wife and I both got steak and ribs, they had a special that night with their in house ribs as well as Kansas City Style my wife got the Kansas I got the house ribs. Overall great atmosphere great wait staff great vibe and full stomachs!! Featured in Photo: Both types of ribs Green Beans in garlic and butter baked sweet potato with brown sugar butter baked potato with butter and sour cream and corn read more

Nick's - Barbeque Near Me - Ocean City, Maryland

My husband and I decided to give Nick's a try for a quick drink before going for dinner & we entered the bar area and it was so warm & humid. We asked the bartender jokingly about the AC being down and they told us it's been out for YEARS! We were disappointed after ordering to find out it was happy hour, but that wasn't shared with us so the drink my husband ordered was $15 ( Knob Creek & coke) - not on the HH menu & he would have ordered a captain that was only $7-$10. read more

We have been here 4 times and come every time we come to Ocean City. My husband had all you can eat barbecued ribs and wings. I had crab Mac and cheese. Excellent. Shane was our server and was great. Friendly and efficient. We will be back next year. read more

Food is excellent and so is service. the 20ft x 10ft LED TV is awesome, especially for sporting events. Check out the off=season food pricing. Special events during the holiday season. Decorated for the holidays and done tastefully. read more

We arrived to OCMD without a clue as to what was around the place we were staying. With some groceries on board, we also weren't really comfortable diving head-first into cooking on a stove we didn't know, with pots and pans we hadn't yet discovered. So, I started looking on Yelp for nearby options. Nick's stood out, because it had a delivery option. Not really feeling like running out and leaving my wife with the three kids at bedtime, we gave it a shot. We couldn't have been happier! read more

Plank salmon was oh so good I would definitely come back. Friend had ribs and they loved them as well

We had been going to nicks ribs for years when we had a condo here. We sold it & haven't been back in 15 years until this weekend. We were so excited to go there but then when we ate there it was were greatly disappointed. They now have 2 sauces for the ribs & we asked for the traditional. Apparently they have been out of it for awhile. The other sauce was no good & very vinegary. As someone else wrote there was nothing southern about the corn. After this experience we will not go back. read more

6/10. The ribs were good, just not great. Nothing to complain about, so it's on the positive side of the scale, but nothing to award it extra points either. I think if you were someone who only ate ribs once or twice a year, and lived in a place that wasn't known for barbecue, you might think these ribs are great, but they're really just average. It was fine, but it left me wondering if there was maybe better food I could have ate for the one night I was in town. read more

Just had dinner at nicks house of ribs Always stop there when I'm in ocean city Best ribs, nice atmosphere,great service by Anna read more

It's OK. Nice service and food was fine, but not phenomenal. I've had better ribs and chicken and I've had worse. Better places to eat at the beach. read more

This was the best salmon I've had in a very long it was delicious. The ribs were yummy too (would have liked an extra side of sauce though) but I would come back just for that salmon. Staff was very nice and accommodating. It was late and this was one of the only places still open...we ordered right before closing and they waited for us to come pick it up. We arrived about 5 minutes past closing time but they were still very friendly and in a great mood. Will be back next time I visit ocean city. Good food and good people here. read more

Nick's - ribs and french fries - Barbeque Near Me - Ocean City, Maryland