We swung by Nick's Seafood on a random weeknight shortly after Christmas. The weather outside was chilly and windy, but inside the restaurant was warm and cozy. Decorated with all kinds of evidence of small town love, this casual restaurant was one of the most welcoming places I've ever been inside! The items I would recommend: *Fish of the day - We got a blackened trout (which was the fish of that day) with two sides. The fish was cooked to perfection and fantastic. The sides were delicious. The mac and cheese side was yummy, but the side of okra with tomatoes (cooked together with pieces of bacon/sausage - sorry, not sure which - for a meaty boost in flavor) was my favorite. *Shrimp - I also recommend getting a grilled or blackened shrimp. It's one of the most tender shrimp you'll eat. So succulent, you'll be tempted to order more! One thing to note, this restaurant is really reasonably priced. You would pay way more across the bay for the same meal. The portions are also very fair and it'll fill you up for sure. Some fun facts about the restaurant: *Captain Nick (owner) closes the eatery to go fishing on Mondays and Tuesdays. Anything he catches then will be served at the restaurant during the rest of the week, so you know the seafood here is local and fresh. *A lot of kids living in the area get their first jobs here, and it's been that way for years. They all seem to be treated well here, and the kids that served us did a wonderful job! *We got to meet Captain Nick and he was one of the nicest and sweetest people you'd ever meet (so were the customers!). He gave us a grand tour of the land where pigs/piglets, turkeys, chickens/roosters are kept in the back of the restaurant. Some of the animals were free-range and friendly. It was fun to see! All in all, Nick's Seafood is well worth the drive from across the bay. Scenic roads all the way to the restaurant, scrumptious foods and the most lovely people to greet us at the end, we drove from Destin and we'll definitely be making the drive again! read more

Food was awful! The quality of the food is not good for the price . The seafood platter was too expensive.

Service was great, food was good. Be careful ordering sides, they cost as much as your entree. I feel my sandwich was small for $20. Probably a great place to stop and just drink beer. read more

The service was very friendly. The food was good/decent. My wife enjoyed the tile fish and I had the blackened grouper and cheese grits.

Cool little seafood restaurant right between Freeport and Niceville, this is a smaller restaurant but definitely a great option, honestly probably one of the best seafood restaurants in Destin. read more

Super local spot! This was our first time trying this place out. We didn't really know what to expect. We stopped in on a Wednesday night, it was pretty busy but we were able to find a spot. We got the tuna dip appetizer. It was delicious! The home made pita chips were a great addition. The food took almost an hour to arrive, probably because there were so many other patrons. The food arrived fresh & hot. It was super tasty and I felt it was affordable. I got fried fish, okra and French fries. Delish! What a great view too. read more

The service was great, the food was delicious and the atmosphere is family oriented and has such a hometown feel to it. read more

Nick's Seafood - Grouper platter, cheese grits, green beans and hush puppies. - Seafood Near Me - Freeport, Florida

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Nicks is along a remote section of the highway and by the amount of cars in the lot we figured it had to be decent. Mostly locals, it seemed. There was a table full of officers who were finishing up their meal when we arrived. There were lots of families, kids of all ages. The walls are lined with some really great pics and memories (maybe of the family?) and also some pretty impressive w trophies from hunting and fishing trips. There's lots to see. I didn't get a pic but my husband had the fish sandwich. It was huge. Three large pieces of fish. Would be enough to share. I ordered a half pound steamed shrimp. It was very tasty. We also ordered a fried shrimp platter that my son and daughter shared along with a grilled cheese for my other kid. The side of hush puppies was more than i realized.... They were really good too. The food was all seasoned well. Only one complaint.... Service was pretty rough. We got there around 1:45.... Waitstaff was frazzled at the hind end of a lunch rush and tho we were seated fairly quickly, we sat quite a while waiting for someone to come address us. Maybe they were just having a bad day? If we were locals, we'd definitely be back. The food was great and the casual mood was just our style. I'd go back with low expectations for a warm welcome tho.... read more

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Ordered 2 doz crabs to go. Asked for LARGE ‼ Then decided to eat a few at the restaurant and have a beer. Was appalled at the size of the crabs that they were about to con us into taking‼ I've never seen smaller crabs!! I don't think they were even legal to be taken from the bay!! What a bunch of deceitful con artists!! Customers beware !! But then, I guess it's not surprising considering the owners reputation ‼ read more

Excellent in every way! MARK Cindy and Diane and two young men are friendly and outstanding. Can't wait to return. Have taken friends here since moving to Niceville 12 years ago.​ read more

This is a true local fresh catch seafood joint!! Amazing!! Like no way you can beat it

First of all, the food is outstanding. You'll be delighted no matter what you order. The service was perfect (very attentive). The ambiance feels like a small home town vibe. Very comfortable! The best part was sitting outside by the water and enjoying a cold beer and nibbling on leftovers. read more

Food is ok but seemed REALLY expensive for the atmosphere that you get. And every time we have been, the service has been really lacking. This time the server was thankfully very friendly and sweet (as opposed to the last time when we felt like we needed to apologize to her for being there). But we hardly saw her. Had to get some things ourselves/go to the counter to ask... Don't go out of your way to go here. Much better places in Niceville or Destin. read more

I drove by this scenic place a hundred times and always told myself I had to eat there. We finally did, and it is just a big regret from start to finish. We ordered 2 seafood dinners and a fried chicken breast dinner. The wife got grilled shrimp and fish, and I got the fried version. First, the chicken...the portion was good, but the chicken was overcooked and dry. My fried fish and shrimp were fine, but for $25.00, it was an absolute ripoff. The fish weren't even whole fillets but 3 inch sections of a larger fillet. Basically, they were 2 fish nuggets. Do the math on this and you quickly realize that you have been had. The wife's grilled was the same meager portions, but to top it off, the skewered shrimp were hammered and tough. Someone forgot about them on the grill or they sat and sat. The cheese grits were anything but creamy. They were actually gloppy and unappealing. The cooks have to had known the grits were obviously gloppy, yet they never took the effort/initiative to heat them up, add some milk, and get them where they needed to be. The place wasn't busy, so they couldn't say they got slammed and lost the quality. Walked out and paid $95.00 for 3 people - no appetizer, no beers, just 3 meals and 3 sodas. Sad. read more

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Food is spot on Everytime. The service was friendly and attentive. Nick's gives you a good ole country vibe .

LOVED IT! We went for an early lunch after fishing so we were starving. The service was fantastic, very nice genuine people. The overall restaurant felt timeless and nostalgic, with a great view of the water. And the food was hands down the best food we have had on our trip; the 1/2 lb steam shrimp with hush puppies is the way to go. Plus, their sodas came in a big cup with the good sonic-like ice, perfect. Overall, would give this place a 12/10, highly recommend!! read more

Best view of any restaurant in the area. Diane and brittany gave amazing service. We love the view especially the cute little chicken running by outside by the water. I highly recommend their coleslaw. Delicious. You can't go wrong with Nicks. read more

Good food, friendly service, cute inviting atmosphere! We ordered a few things including fried shrimp, fried fish of the day (tile fish), and hush puppies which are delicious. Also we had fried green tomatoes and crawfish, each very good as well. There are little piglets and chickens roaming the area outside which is so cute and fun for the little ones. Overall great experience, recommend! read more

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We took my mother-in-law to this restaurant last night. She ordered crab legs which she could barely eat. They were overcooked and she could hardly get any pieces out. The waitress never returned to our table to check on us. She finally came to clear a dish and it was mentioned to her about the crab legs being inedible. She said she would see what could be done and disappeared. She then continued to walk by our table and ignore us. We then talked to the owner about the issue. The owner was very nice about it and comped her meal. I told him the waitress ignoring our table after she took our orders (not once checking on us to see if we needed anything, etc.) and ignoring the problem doesn't make it go away. Also the waitress was walking and smiling behind the owner as we were talking to him. A big disappointment especially on Mother's Day when we wanted her to have a nice meal. read more

Everything was DELICIOUS! kids got chicken tenders with fries and a grilled cheese. The portions are huge! I got the grilled shrimp with grits and a side salad The husband got blackened grouper (it was a bit salty) with grits and onion rings. The fried tomatoes (whole platter) were so yummy! The patter is huge with about 12 slices on it. Our waitress was super sweet and the whole place feels incredibly family friendly. read more

This place was kind of in the middle of nowhere but it was such a gem. The service was great, the staff was friendly and helpful. We got the peel and eat shrimp which was really yummy. The hush puppies were pretty dry. That's my only complaint. It was so cool, as we were walking up we saw the hogs in the pen and then we saw some more wild ones roaming around along the beach. So cute! read more

Nick's Seafood - Pigs outside, so cute! - Seafood Near Me - Freeport, Florida

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Great food! Atmosphere was great as well. A little costly but worth it! We had the grilled grouper and steamed shrimp. Yummy!!

Amazing hospitality, great view, great vibe, AND the food was sooo YUMmmmm. Nice live music that wasn't so loud that you couldn't carry on a conversation. read more

Our family of 5 (3 kids 2 adults) came here after church after the burger was recommended to us from a local. We just moved to the area and love trying all the local food. The waitress were very nice but a few things lead to my rating. First it was freezing! Our whole tables hands were cold, our kids were sticking their arms in their shirts and the baby was freezing. We asked if the air could be turned down but it never stopped blowing directly on us. The food was okay, but nothing note worthy. My biggest reason for not recommending this place is the owner who was walking g around greeting tables. It was odd that he skipped our table but greeted everyone else but I did t think too much of it. However when our family was leaving I noticed him giving our kids a nasty look as we walked by. He did realize I was looking at him and quickly fixed his face. Our kids were well behaved the whole time so not sure what the look was about. I can only Say that our family was the only one that looked like us in there and I got a very unwelcoming feeling from him. I won't go back. read more

Not sure what has happened to this place , but it has definitely gone down hill. We ordered the tuna dip and I knew the first bite that it was not Tuna( waitress said it was mullet and I've never seen mullet in square like cubes, not to mention it was over powered by onions ) then I ordered coleslaw which I've had here before, and the coleslaw tasted like the dead fish smell out front of the restaurant and a sour aftertaste. The steamed shrimp were ok( little rubbery which is to be expected ), the cocktail sauce was very watery, the oyster sandwich was good without the hamburger bun that the oysters were on, the sweet tea was good, bathroom was clean as it has been in the past, waitress was friendly. The last three times we have came here has been a disappointment. I don't see me coming back. read more

Enjoyed our lunch at Nick's. Really cute atmosphere on the bay...family owned and operated local establishment. Enjoyed a catch of the day platter (blackened tile fish) with fries, best hush puppies and black eyed peas. We actually got another order of the puppies as they were really delicious. Will definitely be back when in area. A+ read more

Great local place with history and heart. Best fried shrimp on the Gulf Coast! Family owned and operated still, which is rare these days.

Have eaten here several times Service was fast and courteous. The grilled fish sandwich was perfectly seasoned with generous portions. read more

Took the poor girl a few tries to get my beer choice right but she was busy and once I got the right beer (Pale Ale) I was in paradise. Great views and great food. I was surprised at the quality of the food and everyone in my party agreed. I had read reviews about the smokiness in there and a few other things I wasn't too sure of. After experiencing it first hand, I think Nick's is exactly what it appears to be and sells itself as a genuine Local, on-the-Bayou, welcoming seafood tavern. Was so happy about their beer selection and food that I must give 5 stars. If you go when it's busy you might have to wait longer than desired for service but enjoy the views and kick back- you're in the Bayou now. Enjoy yourself! read more

worst waitress we ever had.no clue of what the resturant served or what kind of beer they served.my wife and I ordered a meal to split and if arrived with 2 ea oysters and 2 shrimp for $18.00 dollars. the waitress did not advise us of the size.this was a kids portion.we drove 50 miles round trip on a recommendation of friend. we visit the area twice a year and will not be back read more

The servers were really nice and the catch of the day and calamari were awesome. They make their own ranch and tartar sauce was fantastic. The salad was clean and fresh! There is a ring toss game for the kids outside which was really nice for the wait. Downside they used hamburger buns on fish sandwiches instead of rolls and it took two hours from the time we got there until the time we left so the kids were starving. They really need to bring kids meals first. But they did have two huge parties it was a Saturday night on spring break. They also did not have a price list on their alcohol which is a downturn they really need to list prices. read more

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In sight of Destin across the water without the crowds. This place is laid back. Chickens in the parking lot and hogs out back. My kinda place. Fresh seafood, cold beer, good service. Worth the drive. Will be back. read more

Nick's Seafood - Seafood Near Me - Freeport, Florida

What an awesome find! We've traveled to Destin for years and recently moved to the area. We took a Sunday drive and wound up at Nick's Seafood. We were welcomed by the owner at the door. He was clearly a long time local, laid back and happy. He made us feel like we were about to have a wonderful dining experience. The food was excellent! I had the Grouper dinner with sides of coleslaw, green beans and corn fritters (hushpuppies.) my husband had Tilefish, green beans and new potatoes, my girl had snow crab (her first time ever), green beans and potatoes. We also ordered fried green tomatoes which were fried to a crispy crunch and a perfect texture. I would be remiss if I forgot to mention the prices!!! We travel and eat out often. This place has to be one of the best value finds in the area!!! Nick's is located on the Choctawhatchee Bay. We had a nice peaceful view of the bay. We showed up after the lunch rush , but before dinner. It was busy, but we didn't feel rushed and the staff was beyond helpful, accommodating and friendly! We'll make Nick's a regular go to and tell all our friends and guests at our condo not to miss out on this wonderful establishment! We'll happily be baaaaack!!!! :) read more

Best seafood old school style. Family run business no frills place. With a great view of the bay

Very friendly hospitality, service is great the view is wonderful. We will definitely be back read more

I see reviews of customers that either love Nicks or hate it. I'm on the "love it" side, classic back bay Florida down home restaurant, low block building with concrete roof to survive the inevitable storms. We boated in, water is shallow but doable and just walked in for a late lunch. It has been 15 years since my last visit but not a lot has changed. This is a small place with a bar and tee shirt shop serving seafood classics. Had a draft beer with an appetizer of tuna dip, great flavor and loved the homemade pita chips. We both had the grouper sandwich with fries, perfect piece of fish, a little smaller than usual but delicious. This is not a big place, probably 15 to 20 tables and the bar so don't go when it's busy. We'll be back, love the vibe and home town feel, great and polite service and food was served quickly and fresh. read more

I am a local. I want to support local restaurants as much as possible. Nicks is a rustic spot, which I could easily call charm. Nothing upgraded or a thing spent on the interior of this place in years. That's fine. What isn't fine is whatever they are trying to pass off as grouper. I've been eating grouper for years and I buy it fresh also. This wasn't grouper. Owner tried to say grouper has a normal fishy taste, no it doesn't. This fish tasted fishy or like something freshwater, perch or catfish. Very small flakes, the filet was the same thickness throughout. This wasn't grouper. I hope this place was unaware what their purveyors are giving them instead serving. read more

I have been here several times over the years as there is family in the area. Nick's is an old Florida seafood restaurant at its finest that has been in business since the '60s. We had a group of 7 and everyone enjoyed what they had. There are choices besides fried, but I enjoyed my fried oysters, scallops, fish and deviled crab. We also enjoyed the fried crab claws appetizer and the smoked mullet dip. The smoked mullet dip comes on leaves of lettuce. When you run out of crackers just roll some up in a lettuce leaf. It was delicious and gave me an idea for the future. We got in just before it got crowded with people waiting to be seated, but the service remained excellent even as the crowd picked up. All in all a very enjoyable family gathering. read more

Better seafood restaurants in the Freeport/Niceville area. Grouper meal was disappointing.

I have to give Nick's 4 stars just for perseverance LOL. I used to eat here back in the late 1980's and the place has not changed one iota. Literally. I only had one-half pound of steamed shrimp with a sweet tea which were both delicious. The staff was friendly and courteous. My food order came out quickly. The view of the intercostal waterway is spectacular. So if you are crossing Hwy 20 in either direction, stop in at Nick's for a seafood treat. Be forewarned they play FOX news incessantly on the TV behind the bar. There is a Trump campaign sticker on the front door. Perseverance got them a 4 star review from me, otherwise it would have been a 2-1/2 or 3 star review. Date: 4/24/2018 Party of: 1 Seating: Inside Meal: Shrimp w/old bay seasoning Category: Waterfront American fare, seafood centric Parking: Private lot Reservations: N/A Alcohol: Liquor, Beer and Wine Price: $$ WICB: I would return, Hwy 20 is a long stretch of road without stopping LOL read more

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