Can't go to San Clemente without a stop at Nicks. Sadly, the grilled artichokes were not in season (July 30), but we always manage to make do! The Bacon Deviled Eggs-very good. The Blackened Fish Sandwich never disappoints, and although they've had mahi-mahi, I love it when halibut is caught local & served. The Classic Wedge Salad was an entree I'd usually skip over, however, my cousin ordered it with chicken. We mongered the leftovers! It was really pretty amazing. Never skip over Nicks. Reservations suggested. read more

Nick's San Clemente - Amazing lightful and delightful lemon cake. HUGE portion - American Near Me - San Clemente, California

We love going here for appetizers and drinks. The food is very good. The atmosphere of fun and upbeat, but not too loud so you can still talk to your friends would recommend this place. read more

Driving 6+ hours & coming straight to dinner for my birthday here was absolutely not worth it. Our server (never learned her name) was very bland and rude to us from the jump not sure if it was because we look young or how we dressed but it was unacceptable. We ordered the spicy watermelon margarita which I asked if it had tajin on the rim she said yes which it didn't and it was not spicy and super watery so I definitely don't recommend, then we got the black and blue mojito which was a lot better. It took forever for her to check on us so I could ask for a different drink and take off the deviled eggs which just had too much mustard and wasn't fan of whatever flavor. The manager had come over to check on us and I told him exactly why I wasn't a fan of it and how our server took forever to come over and he apologized. We again waited forever to order our main dishes which in the mean time we seen him talk to her and she was very angry hitting her hand together and from here on out gave us dirty looks and would not check on us so we assumed it was from the conversation we had when he checked on us personally. We then notice how happy and checking on a couple other tables she had but was not this way with us, she offered to box their food and brought it back to the table then I still had food she offered a box and dropped off a bag and box which now at this point we're furious! As I go to the bathroom my girlfriend asks for the check and the waitress cops an attitude with her and keeps sighing and rolling her eyes which now we're just ready to leave so she didn't deserve any of that tip we left since she was absolutely horrible! It seemed like it had a nice vibe and was very cute as we waited / walked in but it is absolutely not a place we will visit or recommend to anyone visiting in san clementine! read more

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Our favorite restaurant in San Clemente! We've tried many things on the menu and have never been disappointed! Great atmosphere, service and food!! If you're in town this is a must! read more

Nick has great food and good service. I highly recommend giving them a chance! As expected, the challenges are parking and the fact that this restaurant fills up really fast. read more

I went to Nicks yesterday to have a nice lunch. Never has Nick's disappointed me until yesterday. I ordered the Thai salad. Two of the ingredients that were supposed to be in the salad were missing namely the arugula and cabbage. What I got was a bowl of noodles. Really? No one told me that all the ingredients for this salad were not available. Unfortunately it was not until after I finished the salad that I realized that I did not get what I ordered. Disappointing. read more

Amazing service and food as always!! This time we sat at The bar!! So fun, Thank you!! read more

Nick's San Clemente - Tuna poke - American Near Me - San Clemente, California

We have heard great things about Nicks so we gave e it a try. I would advise a weekday before 4:30 for the best availability. The food was outstanding. I had the boneless fried chicken and my wife had the chicken piccata. The service could use some help though. We started with a female waitress who had a sour disposition and then a young girl guy named Matt took over who was much better. Overall it was a great experience and we will go back. read more

This is the best hands down in San Clemente! I love the atmosphere! We come here for brunch and dinner and it's truly a San Clemente staple. The service is always great. I usually get the peanut salad with fries and a beverage. Overall this will continue to be a San Clemente staple! read more

Love nick's. Everything is always perfect from the moment you walk in. You can always expect the most exceptional food and service except this time. Ate at the bar and bartender never glanced up and when we were acknowledged it seemed like an intrusion on her time. We just ordered wine and the delicious asparagus fries. Overheard her say her relief was late. Decided to leave it at that since it was hard to get her attention already for extra sauce. Pin was at a z and it looked sloppy. 10 people at bar maybe. I'll be back of course but you can't Let things slip. read more

This place is the best restaurant on the west coast, no cap twin. Get the fried chicken if you want the best food in the world. It's hard to get a reservation but it's well worth it. read more

Nick's San Clemente - Yummy - American Near Me - San Clemente, California

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Excellent food and service. Had the beef dip sandwich and it was excellent, the bread was perfect. Others in my group had petite filet which with a side of trend onion soup. V read more

The service was great!! All the food was amazing, I surprisingly loved the squash soup on the bistro plate. My sister thought the fish sandwich could've been better, but she loved the tuna tartare appetizer. I recommend the tuna tartare, warm butter cake, and I'd 100% order the bistro plate again (just not super filling). read more

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I absolutely love this place. Fantastic wine offerings by the glass and great cocktails. Try the Napa Old Fashioned - it absolutely rocks. Service is professional and attentive. Start with the tuna tartare. Small service as an app, but great if you just want to share a taste of something great with someone special. The mains are wonderful: i particularly love their chicken pot pie. But where they absolutely crush it is the sandwiches. The rib eye melt, the french dip and the chicken sandwich are all lights out! Locals love this place, and for good reason. read more

This place is amazing! The food, the service and the frosty cold drinks kick ass! Bartender John took great care of my wife and I. Make sure to hit up Nicks on your next night out with your special someone. read more

Nick's San Clemente - Moscow Mule - American Near Me - San Clemente, California

Too Loud. The staff is very pushy and make you feel like you were an inconvenience. You can't hear a thing in there. Do not go there with a group if you plan on having a conversation. It took forever to get refills and drinks from the bar. The food was cold and again way too loud , the staff dropped off our bill before we were done even eating. Myself and my family will never be going back to this restaurant again. read more

The food there is very nice and the high quality is pretty consistent. The ambiance is classy and they do offer booths and a fireplace, which is always a plus during cold nights. Feel free to park on the street or right across the street, in the public non paid parking lot. A reservation is highly recommended since they can get very busy even on Monday nights. The only hiccup I see is that they do not offer milk substitutes and are not that open to feedback. Ive tried pretty much every item on their menu and my favorite is the kale and quinoa salad. read more

Nick's San Clemente - Wrapped burger with spinach - excellent option while trying to cut on carbs or going gluten free. - American Near Me - San Clemente, California

Service, AMBIANCE OUTSTANDING! PHONE ORDER WELL EXECUTED, GREAT PROFESSIONALISM. HOWEVER, THE RIB DINNER WAS ORDERED AND ASKED TO HAVE POTATO SUB FOR FRIES. Thank you. But the POTATO salad was Awful. Not creamy and luscious. Over seasoned and bacon was put on top. I frequent Carlasbad, Long Beach, Del Mar Nick's. Never had a bad experience with ANY FOOD ITEM. The Butter Cake was outstanding, and a candle provided. Beautiful staff and I will return to this location. Thank you, Nick's, for staying on top of consumers' opinions for the best quality. The reason I love Nick's! read more

By far my favorite restaurant in SC. I used to work here ad that's where my love for this place started. I have tried almost everything on the menu and its all out of this world. Service here is incredible. The servers are very well trained and professional. The ambiance is very intimate with moody lighting and can get a bit noise since it is always very crowded. Highly recommend this place for any occasion. read more

Best French dip and steak sandwich ever. Great service too. Just a little chilly when cold because it's open air.

Love Nick's soooo much! Definitely recommend making reservations and coming when it is not peak hours, because parking is so much easier. There is lots of street parking and even if you park far, it's okay, because the ocean breeze is wonderful and it's so fun looking into all the stores and shopping small businesses! The service we received was FIRE [so good]. Everyone was lovely and quick with the drinks and food and the food was awesome. Asparagus fries are always a must, but I was pleasantly surprised with my boyfriend's cioppino! I ordered the bistro plate and subbed the soup for more salad (would not do this again, FYI). My friend loved her Thai salad! Butter cake is always a "yes" in my book, to end the night. Can't wait to come back! read more

Nick's San Clemente - Tuna and asparagus fries - American Near Me - San Clemente, California

The staff is really nice. My niece said she didn't liker grilled cheese sandwich much! However, she really liked the chicken tenders and the dessert. read more

I also love the bistro plate! With onion soup it is like a rich gravy for the steak however the tomato soup was a perfect compliment as well. I'm getting hungry thinking about it. read more

Nick's has always been our go-to for birthdays and dinners out. It's the best restaurant in South OC and the food is always consistent with amazing service. We went last night to celebrate my husband's 40th and it was perfect, food was delish, we had a nice long dinner and the staff was so amazing to us. I want to give a shout-out to Michala the hostess (sorry if i'm not spelling her name right) and our server Kiana, they took care of us and accommodated our full party with a last minute change and it made our night. Both were so sweet and gave us A+ service and should be recognized for being amazing staff members- thank you so so much for giving us a memorable night out. We can't wait to come back read more

Our go-to whenever we're in town. Short wait (no ressies) , spectacular service (Thanks Matt) and amazing meal. The gourmet dishes were exactly what my wife and I expected whenever dining at Nicks!! They never disappoint--whether in San Clemente, Laguna or on 2nd Street. Just Nicks @ SC. Thanks again! See you Next Time. read more

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Ambiance always 9/10. Love the open patio in the front and sitting in the front. Service is usually 10/10, that's what's great about dining here. Food is excellent! Love the artichoke dip appetizer, or the asparagus fries. Chicken sandwich is a must. Give Nicks a try! So good. read more

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Consistently awesome meal. Comfortable seating. Friendly attentive service. Nice variety of menu items. Love the center-cut filet and loaded baked potato. Fair prices. Overall chill vibe. Cheers! read more

Very nice ambiance and friendly atmosphere. We enjoyed excellent service from the moment we arrived with out a reservation. We were greeted and seated in a comfortable booth of our choosing. The restaurant was busy, but had seats available. My guest ordered the salmon with mashed potatoes and spinach and I had the cioppino. The Cioppino was just okay. I would not order it again because it lacked a rich seafood taste. The fish was overcooked. The Salmon was very good. I recommend the salmon. Prices at Nick's are modest. read more

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What a delicacy, amazing food, drinks and customer service all the way around. I don't live here but every time I'm in town I make sure to come by and treat myself. My wife and I were really happy to see that they only charge five dollars for an absolutely amazing mock tail! (The gin collins). Thank you Sanja for hosting my family! We look forward to seeing you again soon! read more

Nick's San Clemente - American Near Me - San Clemente, California

This was my first time in San Clemente and this area was so cute! I love the beach town vibes. Also first time at this restaurant. I was impressed by the food and service. Service was very attentive and great the whole night. We started with the deviled eggs and spinach and artichoke dip. I could have eaten the whole thing of spinach dip myself, it was excellent! The eggs also were perfectly done. For my main I had the French rib dip. I wasn't expecting it to rival my favorite (Hillstone's) but it did! The quality of meat was excellent, bread was fluffy perfection as was the au jus and horseradish sauce. For our birthdays, they brought out butter cake with a candle and again I was pleasantly surprised how much it reminded me of my other favorite (Mastro's). It was perfect! I definitely would return. read more

Nick's San Clemente - Warm Butter Cake - American Near Me - San Clemente, California

We dined out the entire time we spent in San Clemente from breakfast right through. We never ate just as a couple as our friends enjoyed our company as much as we enjoyed theirs. Old friends are like old shoes - so comfortable. Our beach house kitchen was used to make tea and coffee. We ate much more than we would at home so we had to be discerning. Nick's was among the best of the places we dined in. The food we had was simple. We ordered two overpriced burgers, one fish ($22 - $26 with tip) one chicken ($18 - $22 with tip). I had been told the fish would likely be halibut but it was cod and great. Nick, if there is a Nick, does a simple thing making sure every element plated is well cooked, should be there and flavoursome. That works. That's the open secret to success as people just want good food that's not overly adulterated or rip - off priced. Nick's is overpriced. The brioche bun was some of the best bread I tasted dine-out on the West Coast. Maybe he makes his own maybe he uses a specialist baker regardless of the means it works. The cod was a generous thick chunk, seasoned just right, perfectly crispy dry cooked, and 99% fish. Likewise the crispy onions, slaw, light salted French fries, beefsteak tomato and most of all the sauces were just right. We had beer with the lunch. All the beer we had in USA was bloody good. In fact if the same dedication and care in beer making was put to quality, slow food production with no chemicals the outcome would be as incredible as it would be welcomed. San Clemente is beautiful. This idyll belies a reality of America today that's no longer an undercurrent. Now it is consuming it - its politics has become more divisive, nasty, violent and dangerous than it has been in my lifetime. This reveals a truth: capitalism is consistent with democracy only if democracy legislates to reduce the inequalities, insecurities, joblessness, and poverty that accompanies unbridled profit-seeking. For the first three decades after the second world war, democracy did this. The US and war-ravaged western Europe built the largest middle classes the world had ever seen, and the most buoyant democracies. The arrangement was far from perfect, but with the addition of civil rights and voting rights, subsidized healthcare (in the US, Medicare & Medicaid), and a vast expansion of public education, democracy was on the way to making capitalism work for the vast majority. Then came a giant U-turn, courtesy of Mr Reagan in America and Mrs Thatcher in Europe. Deregulation, privatization, globalization, and the unleashing of finance led to abandoned factories and communities, stagnant wages, widening inequality, a shrinking middle class, political corruption, the end of truth as a valid currency and shredded social support. The United Kingdom government has citizens dying in ambulances in hospital car parks yet it commits £100 million to Ukraine, but one cannot believe a word from the mouth of any UK government minister. War is in human DNA. The only thing Mr Putin will confirm if he invades his neighbour is that he is clinically insane. The only constant is change. I fear it won't be for good in my lifetime and idylls like San Clemente will feel an ill wind from unbridled capitalism. read more

What a wonderful surprise to be able to give a restaurant a great review. We have had terrible meals in San Clemente and Dana Point including Chart House. Nicks is everything a restaurant should be. The service was outstanding and the food was superb. We loved the fried chicken, steak filets and the baby back ribs. The side dishes and deserts were outstanding. Don't miss out on the best restaurant in town. read more

Looks like I don't need to prove how great Nick's is with so many 5-star reviews already given. So I'll sing their praises as well! My husband and I had a wonderfully romantic meal on Valentines Day this year. We went there at 2pm and didn't need reservations (yay!). We waited about 20 minutes, which was fine with me. The waiter we had (I wish I remembered his name) was awesome and spend as much time with us as we needed. He was happy, laughed a lot and made our experience so fun. His suggestions for our meal were spot-on! Oh my, my Petite Bistro Salad with Salmon was to DIE for. It was super fresh and the salmon was cooked to perfection. My husband's Meatloaf was one of his favorites. It was served in a Le Creuset baking dish, which we all know, keeps food piping hot and is super impressive looking! Great choice Nick's! We couldn't leave without a scrumptious portion of the famous Butter Cake and Lemon Cake. Both were amazing. I couldn't suggest Nick's enough for anyone in-town or out-of-town! I'll be back . . . and back . . . and back. :) read more

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We had a wonderful lunch at Niks in San Clemente today. From the hostess, to our server and especially the gentleman that brought our drinks, Thomas.....professional and friendly. Every one was delightful to our lunch experience. I highly recommend Nik's for a great restaurant experience. read more

TLDR: If you're in the area, why are you reading this? Get down to the best restaurant in San Clemente and grab a bite. Excellent food, excellent service. Their prime rib is to die for, but I have to give the nod to their Blackened Fish Sandwich. It's a firm white-fleshed fish (I didn't ask what it was, but it tasted like cod), served with arugula, cabbage, a wedge of tomato, and their 'firestick' onions (to me, shoestring cut) on a brioche bun. I had mine served with a slight up-charge for some delicious truffle'd mac n' cheese. Prices are high but typical for this locale. I'd call most of the offerings on the menu classically 'American' fare, and it's all very good. It has a mix of an upscale beach bistro in look crossed with the leather booths and low lightning of a steakhouse. Very nice. Pro Tip: The street parking is normally full-up, so go to the back parking lot of the restaurant to stash your car. :-) This place scores a 5 out of 5 on the 'CTJ Scale', as noted below. 5 out of 5 stars: Come-to-Jesus good. Would be OK passing away after finishing a plate here. 4 out of 5 stars: Come-to-Mary good. Would be OK being seen eating here by Mother Mary. 3 out of 5 stars: Come-to-Joseph good. Would be OK having a beer here with Jesus' Dad. 2 out of 5 stars: Come-to-the-Apostles good. Meh. Wouldn't have my last supper here. 1 out of 5 stars: Come-to-Nobody good. I wouldn't have my penultimate supper here, either. read more

Nick's San Clemente - Yes, that's quite a stack but the Blackened Fish Sandwich is to die for. Get this! - American Near Me - San Clemente, California

Food was delicious. Obviously influenced by Houstons. Great service (except when we couldn't find our waitress to order our main course). Location is in the middle of town. Fun shopping as we briefly waited for a table for Lunch on a Sunday! Place is a bit dark. But over all great sea bass and steak sandwich. Lemonade is freshly made. Yum! read more

Nick's never lets you down. Top notch service and great food. My parents and I came in at 4:30pm on a Tuesday and got sat right away in a nice corner booth. Very nice and attentive server. We finished the night with a buttercake. Must have if you come here! read more

The food tasted great and portions were good enough. Place is cozy and in a nice neighbourhood and the servers are polite and cheerful. One thing I didn't understand is that the place was empty while there was a lot of crowd around it. I didn't see issues with the food or service. read more

We had lunch here today. Ordered the spinach & artichoke dip and deviled eggs for appetizers and they were amazing. Probably the best spinach & artichoke dip I've ever had. For my entree I had the Grilled Ribeye Melt and it was by far the best steak sandwich I've been eaten. The service was also on point. Highly recommend this place! read more

Nick's San Clemente - Grilled Ribeye Steak Sandwich - American Near Me - San Clemente, California

Amazing food and service, the buttermilk fried chicken was to die for. The environment is good just a little loud.