This review long overdue... Been to the San Clemente location and loved it so when we heard they were opening a location in my town, we were all about it! We have actually been there several times at this point and it's been an enjoyable experience each time. Open air seating to enjoy the fresh beach summer air while draining whatever beverage you prefer and chillin at the bar is just how we like to unwind on some days. Only ordered food one time and it was excellent. It has been over a year since that day so I cannot recall the details of the food but suffice to say, my bride is always down to head to Nick's on State in Carlsbad. Not even question! read more

I fought with myself to rave about this restaurant because I don't want it to get too crowded once it's been found out. But my "Do unto others" motto won out and I have to share it. It is by far, hands down, the BEST place to eat in north county. The food is fantastic, really fantastic and creative. We had the blackened mahai-mahai sandwich. It was prepared beyond delicious with 3 small onion rings and other delicacies in there and with a side of delicious mashed potatoes All at a fair price. The ambience is relaxing and comfortable and the staff couldn't be more professional and very nice. I promise you will not be disappointed. read more

Nick's On State - Blackened Mahi-Mahi sandwich with mashed potatoes (the works) Mmmmm so GOOD! - New American Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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Been there many times. It's my favorite place. The chopino is incredible. So is the prime Rib dip. read more

Nick's On State - New American Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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Nick's on State is the kind of restaurant that reminds you why locally owned spots are worth seeking out. From the moment I walked in, the staff set the tone--genuinely warm, attentive, and enthusiastic about the menu. My server was not only friendly but acted as an expert guide, walking me through each course with insight and care. I started with the deviled eggs and the clam chowder--both standouts in their own right. The deviled eggs featured a light fry on the yolk, adding a subtle crunch and a clever twist to a timeless classic. The chowder? Rich, perfectly seasoned, and brimming with flavor. Easily one of the best bowls I've had in recent memory. For my entrée, I went with the prime rib steak sandwich, which came highly recommended. One bite in, and I understood why. The meat was tender and juicy, the bread sturdy but soft, and the overall execution flawless. Even though I forgot to photograph the earlier courses, I couldn't resist snapping a picture of dessert: the brown butter cake. Warm, decadent, and perfectly balanced, it was the kind of dessert you think about long after the meal is over. Carlsbad boasts an impressive dining scene, but Nick's on State has firmly secured its spot near the top. If you're in the area, do yourself a favor and make a reservation--you won't regret it. read more

Nick's On State - New American Near Me - Carlsbad, California

I absolutely LOVE this restaurant! The food was excellent, the service was superb! It's a beautiful establishment, with a warm ambiance. (Even if it was a bit chilly in there! ) My friend & I went there because we were craving a good French dip sandwich. We ordered the beef dip sandwich that was in so many reviews. The meat was tender, the bun was buttery squishy goodness. The waitress advised us to add havarti cheese & fried onion strings ( hot tip)!! We were not disappointed in the least. This place lives up to its stellar reputation. I can't wait to go back !! read more

I went for lunch and had the shrimp tequilas so yummy Cocktails and wine list great service Inside/outside dining If you want outside during lunch make a reservation Parking can be challenging read more

We went for a birthday. The service was exceptional, the ambience is modern and lively. the food was good, cocktails unique and tasty, but in my opinion nothing we ordered was worth the price. My daughter loved the kids steak! read more

2 hours to get served........................................................................

Delicious food, beautiful space, attentive service. We started with the asparagus app. For entrees, we had the yummy buttermilk chicken and gravy. The serving would feed two people. Others had the salmon and the halibut. Both happy. Good cocktails -- espresso martini and Lemondrop martini. The butter cake was amazing. Lovely dining experience. read more

Nick's On State - Asparagus app. Yum. - New American Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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Dined at Nick's on State for the first time on 10/3. This was our anniversary dinner on our weekend getaway to Carlsbad. We were there on a busy Thursday night and seated within 15 minutes of arrival. AMBIANCE: 5 out of 5 - The restaurant is beautiful. It's small and cozy with a modern design. Every detail of the restaurant was well thought out and it was overall, beautiful. FOOD/DRINKS: 3 out of 5 - We ordered: Center Cut Filet, Pan Seared Chilean Sea Bass, Asparagus Fries, Bacon Deviled Eggs, Butter Cake, Cucumber Collins and a glass of Chardonay. Total bill after tax was $163 with a $14 comp. on the Butter Cake. - Center Cut Filet ($49): Would not recommend. Prepared perfectly medium rare as ordered. Sear was left on high heat for too long. We love a crust on our steaks but this was burnt and the steak tasted that way. Was also told we could not sub asparagus but they were just "garnish" however 7 pieces of asparagus on plate would suggest they are a side rather than garnish. The star of the plate was the loaded baked potato. - Pan Seared Chilean Sea Bass ($42): Must order. Fish had great sear. Quality of the fish was top notch - perfectly flaky and moist. The whipped potatoes and sautéed spinach were good as well. Truthfully, this was my favorite fish dish that I can remember having in a long time. - Butter Cake ($14): Great. Sugary crust, ice cream and a berry sauce that you can pour on it. It's a shareable dessert. - Bacon Deviled Eggs ($11): I liked them. My wife thought they were too mustard forward but still enjoyed them. Probably wouldn't order again. - Asparagus Fries ($15): They're asparagus with a fried batter on them. My wife and I like asparagus - these were ok. Wouldn't order again. - Cucumber Collins ($14): Probably the worst gin and juice that I can rememeber tasting., This was not good. Very minty - I did not like. SERVICE: 2 out of 5 - The staff was all very nice including our server. However, a couple of things were bothered us. - My wife didn't want two portions of asparagus (w/ her filet and the starter Asparagus Fries) and asked if she could switch out asparagus on her filet dish for anything else - was told that it was only a garnish. Not the case. - Service was great prior to ordering food. Once we ordered, our server visited our table only once when the appetizers were dropped. Didn't touch the table after that until... - Once we finished our food, we waited for over 30 minutes for our server to come back to our table. We wanted to order butter cake. We didn't want to be rude. Made eye contact several times but she didn't come over. My wife had to get up and found her at the bar. It appeared that she was spending a lot of time talking to other employees. It may have been work related but when we had been needing service, it was very frustrating. - When boxing up our food, our server didn't box up my sea bass or spinach. She started to place an old plate on top of my food but I stopped her and asked her to box the sea bass. The dirty plate was already on top of the spinach so I didn't want her to box that. She wasn't paying attention to what she was doing. - The manager came and apologized for the delay in getting back to us and comped our butter cake. That was appreciated. OVERALL: 3 out of 5 - Would I give Nick's on State a second chance? Probably not. I come to Carlsbad area a couple of times a year and there are other options that I would prefer. From a value standpoint - I would say that it's not worth it. I'll be thinking about the Chilean Sea Bass but that's the only thing that would bring me back. read more

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I came here once in the winter and had the meatloaf. It was AMAZING! I can't wait to go back again next winter. Came back in the summer and no meatloaf. It wasn't as good. I got the halibut. Nothing can beat that meatloaf. read more

Nicks on State is consistently good! Good food, good service and great vibe. Best of all is the butter cake! read more

Nick's On State - Butter cake - New American Near Me - Carlsbad, California

Excellent food, great atmosphere. Modern for any Occassion! What I ordered I do-not see on the menu at the moment. Excellent meatloaf on a bed of mashed potato's w sauce and vegetables. read more

Nicks's on state is my go to place for an elevated dining experience. The atmosphere is perfect for a date or special occasion. My favorite thing on the menu, believe it or not, isn't even a main enter or an appetizer. The seasonal vegetable brussels sprouts are smokey, sweet, crispy, and filled with flavor! read more

Nick's On State - Seasonal Vegetables - The BEST brussels' sprouts with smoked bacon - New American Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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The food and service were exceptional, thank you Paige for your hospitality and service!

I took my Mom out to lunch today. I am so happy to have found this place. The menu did not disappoint. The vibe was inviting and fun. The service was excellent. Our favorites of the today were the Asparagus Fries, Clam Chowder and Kale Salad. My Mom and I shared all of this and it was perfect. I also loved that we can take a nice walk and peruse the shops along State St. We will be back! read more

Nick's On State - Asparagus Fries...YUM!! - New American Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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Visited here on our first stop into Carlsbad. Sat at the bar and ordered the prime beef dip sandwich. Food was so delicious. What made this an even better experience was the bartender. Jody brought the vibes and we had a great time just chatting and enjoying our beverages. Solid Nick's location that we will look forward to revisiting. read more

Always delicious and a great experience. Whether it's lunch or dinner, I've never had a bad item on this menu. Top it off with their delicious butter cake and you won't be sorry! read more

We came to Nick's on State for lunch. As we tried to open the front door, it was LOCKED!! There's a front patio full of people eating. We tried to catch the employees working but were unsuccessful. Finally, an employee coming to work helped us! Not sure how many people they lost by not noticing people trying to dine here. When we were finally greeted and seated, our waiter was very friendly and helpful with suggestions. We were promptly given water while we looked over the menu. I ordered the Bistro Plate. It's a petite filet mignon, garlic toast, petite salad, and a cup of soup. My friend ordered the Maple Glazed Meatloaf. My meal was good, not great. I think they forgot to put the garlic butter on my steak. My friend's meal was tastier. The place is beautiful. The staff is friendly. The bathroom was well maintained. They are an upscale-ish kind of place. Maybe it was an off day. I don't mind paying for a nice meal, but it was kind of on the skimpy side. The steak I understand for the price point. The toast was a two-bite piece! Overall, it's a nice place for drinks with friends. I'll give them another try when in the area. read more

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Nick's is awesome. My husband and I stopped in for lunch on a Saturday when we first got into town. We sat at the bar for drinks and a little bite to eat. The bartender was amazing; super friendly! The espresso martini is terrific and the huckleberry ale was delicious. The fact that they had huckleberry ale was amazing because I've never found it anywhere other than Idaho. The asparagus fries are a must! You really can't go wrong with anything on the menu. Definitely coming back! read more

Nick's On State - Espresso martini and huckleberry ale - New American Near Me - Carlsbad, California

We love Nick's! Specifically, this one in Carlsbad. My fiancé and I have been to the Long Beach location, as well as the Pasadena location, and the Carlsbad location EASILY blows both out of the park. The food was (as always outstanding) , the service was phenomenal (Kaitlyn wasn't our server but she always brings the energy) , and the ambience was amazing ! Their consistency is top tier and the quality of food has been outstanding to say the least. Tonight we celebrated our engagement and the staff delivered ! Thank you Nicks on State! read more

Nick's On State - Blackened Fish Sandwich - New American Near Me - Carlsbad, California

Wifey and I sadly never even knew of the "Village" portion of Carlsbad. Boy have we been missing out!! We checked YELP for some fine dining suggestions and found Nick's. Nick's staff happily placed us on their wait list, and we were rewarded within minutes with a table! We couldn't help but note that everyone, including employees, seemed happy in the place. It's cozy, clean and the atmosphere feels like a large family/friend get together. At our table, we were greeted by Jake. He efficiently handled our request for an appetizer and cocktails, which were whisked surprisingly quickly to our table, considering the volume of customers present at the time. The drinks (skinny marg's) were on-point. The appetizer, (shrimp taquitos), were much better than expected. Everything seemed to flow, the cilantro, Pico, sauce, crisp tortilla, and surprisingly tender & succulent shrimp. I added a little lime juice, from a lime wedge, and was in a happy flavor city place. Wifey ordered the filet, which was perfectly aged & seasoned, with outstanding cook. Not only that, but the beef was of such exceptional quality & aging, you could fork cut it, or peel a bite using your fork, from the steak. Bomb.com I had been craving fried chicken for a few days, and their fried chicken, with the biscuit and silly-good-mashed potatoes were terrific. Just the right amount of seasoning & flour on the chicken, mega tender, and outside of my Wife's recipe, the best mashed potatoes I've ever had. The corn on the cob was simply dessert on the platter. Both of us could not be happier. Thank you, Nick's, (And Jake!) for a great meal & environment! read more

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We looked up your menu online before we came to the restaurant today and it said you had a wedge salad which is something I was going to order. I also recall it said something about a crab sandwich and neither one was available when we got there so I decided on the veggie burger. It does not say deep fried onions on the menu. I took a bite and it was not what I wanted so I peeled them off. The veggie burger was pretty good. The salad that came with it was pretty good. My husband wanted a grilled chicken but decided to try fried chicken sandwich because the server insisted it was light. It really wasn't. The food was good but it was not great. We were disappointed. But about a year and a half ago when we were in town we were in, I'm not sure what we had but it was much better. read more

The food is hands down the best in Carlsbad. The atmosphere is cool & swanky. The service has been wonderful every single time. You won't be disappointed. It's pricey but so worth it! Yummy read more

Nick's On State - Prime Rib Dip w/salad, Au jus & don't forget the horseradish - New American Near Me - Carlsbad, California

We only came for drinks. The place was open until a decent time even on a Wednesday night. I had a cucumber Collins, which was delicious. The aesthetic of the restaurant is absolutely gorgeous. It looks like an airplane hanger with beautiful woodwork and decor. This may seem odd, but this is the best smelling bathroom I have ever been in. The waiter said it is scented with black bamboo. I wish I could bottle up that scent and take it home. read more

Nick's On State - Cucumber Collins - New American Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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Had a wonderful visit to Nick's On State!! Couldn't get a Saturday evening reservation so I called. They put us on a waitlist and we got in no problem!! Our server was excellent. The restaurant is really pretty, and has a great vibe!! All the staff was busy. The food was delicious!!! Everything we ordered was a hit!!! read more

Everything about this experience at Nick's on State was excellent! I was unaware there was a Nick's in Carlsbad so when I happened upon them, I was super excited! Got the Bistro Plate. Absolutely delicious! The 4oz Filet was perfectly cooked ( medium rare, of course ), the bistro salad was so good I would order the full size as a meal in the future and the butternut squash soup was amazingly creamy. This was the perfect amount of food for me. The staff & management were very friendly and the atmosphere was fun & upbeat! Can't wait to go back! read more

Nick's On State - Bistro Plate - New American Near Me - Carlsbad, California

Great service great food excellent cocktails good vibes highly recommend we've been there a few times now and we're going back tomorrow for a Friday date night with our friends. read more

Food was great! The vodka pasta was spicy, great flavor, and al Dente. I got a fish sandwich that looked amazing but couldn't even start because I was too full. It looked delightfully blackened and fresh (sea bass), reasonably priced. read more

Nick's On State - Deviled eggs and shrimp taquitos - New American Near Me - Carlsbad, California

With the location on State Street very near the train station, parking was not a huge issue. We shared the Buttermilk Fried Cheicken with an appetizer of the 5 wrapped prawns. So good! So much food! Service was outstanding, very attentive even though quite busy. Our first visit but definitely not our last. read more

So delicious. Very cute vibe, we didn't have a reservation on a Wednesday night and we were sat within 15minutes. Service was very friendly, I loved our server (wish I remembered her name). I got the sea bass which was perfect, we also got the petite filet bistro and mashed potatoes which was all amazing. Had to end with the butter cake. Def recommend and def coming back! read more

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Had the Bistro tonight x 2 salad was so little. But we told the waiter/Ryker and the manager brought us another bowl of Salad. This is why we go to Nicks the waiter/Ryker is good to us, the service is good and the food was excellent. Can't you wrong. Kudos to Ryker for an excellent service Thank you read more

this beachside restaurant offers a perfect blend of relaxation and culinary delight. With its laid-back atmosphere and gentle ocean breeze, it's the ideal spot to unwind after a day in the sun. We indulged in the succulent salmon, perfectly grilled and bursting with flavor, alongside the crispy fried chicken that was simply irresistible and the shrimp tacos. Each bite was a testament to the kitchen's commitment to quality and taste. The service was exceptional, with friendly staff who made us feel right at home, ensuring our dining experience was nothing short of perfect. And don't miss out on the butter cake. It's an absolute must-try--decadent, moist, and utterly divine. Trust me, it's a slice of heaven that you won't want to pass up. read more

Nick's On State - Salmón - New American Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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The food, service and atmosphere was excellent. We shared the petite bistro salad and the rib melt. I highly recommend both! read more

Nick's On State - The petite bistro salad. - New American Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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Friendly and prompt service with delicious food. We were able to dine here with our infant. Very accommodating. High light was the French dip. Highly recommended for a visit. read more

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They were able to accommodate an earlier time since they take walk ins. My original reservation was for 8:30, but I called around 6 to get out on the waitlist and a table opened up pretty fast. We went on a Saturday night, on June 21, and it was also our anniversary. The place was full and lively, but not a crazy long wait either. My favorites were the drinks and warm butter cake dessert. I wouldn't come back again, but I can see why it's a solid spot on state street in the village read more

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Top tier, 2nd time we've been here including Del Mar location. Our favorite restaurant now. Friendly staff. Had sea bass 1st time and halibut special 2nd time, wife had center cut filet. Gets busy later in night but worth the wait read more

Nick's On State - Alaskan Halibut Special - New American Near Me - Carlsbad, California

Nick's is always a solid option. I'm happy Carlsbad Village has one! Missing the one in Long Beach, coming here was great :). I came here about a month ago when my friend was in town and got the fish burger which is always a delish option and a reasonable price. We also got the buttercake for dessert which is an absolute MUST and what Nick's is known for. Service was great and seamless; always a fun place to go for a good night out! It's always busy, but that's because the food is solid. read more

Just left Nicks on State St. in Carlsbad , CA. Had a wonderful experience. Atmosphere is warm and friendly. Food was delicious. Megan was our server, she was great. The perfect touch ! Husband had ribs and have never seen him eat the whole rack. I had the Thai salad , one of my faves. We will definitely return when in the area read more

First time ever dining there, and was amazed when we walked in on how cool the place looked. We were greeted right away and received great service from start to finish. I ordered the steak and my son ordered the hamburger. Both entrées were very satisfying. Definitely going to be going back. read more