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Nick's Restaurant
Categories: Restaurants Diners Nightlife Bars Restaurants Greek Restaurants Mediterranean Diners, Bars, Greek, Mediterranean [Edit]
226 State StMadison, WI 53703
(608) 255-5450
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Best Nights:
- Sun
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
33 reviews for Nick's Restaurant
Review Highlights
33 reviews in English
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Review from Doctress Julia B.
Madison, WI
Updated - 11/9/2011 1 photo
I still love you, Nick's. Your spanikopita is SO nice, along with a bottle of Rocky's Revenge and the last half of The Empire Strikes Back on the telly... :3
One of these days I need to get one of those Grasshoppers.Listed in: The Places I Go Out
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/25/2008
This is one of the last actually local businesses left on State Street. I love this place! The food… Read more »
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Review from Justin B.
Chicago, IL
7/11/2007
I live in Austin now.
If you live in Austin, I urge you to read the other reviews of this place to know why the Belmont is a traveshamockery of everything good and pure in this world.
Nick's Restaurant, "Home of Good Food", is everything good and pure in this world. I worked there off and on in my early twenties as a cook with people who are now probably dead or retired (sans gold watch), and smiled even though life gave them little reason to.
It looks like Dino runs the joint now; I worked for his dad, Aristides, who took over when Nick died in '73.
Back in the day, it was the same pocket of a time-warped restaurant that it is now. You didn't tell everyone you knew about Nick's, because some of them wouldn't "get it", and they would just tarnish the times for those who did: cab drivers, grad students, retired govt clerks, professors...
I can't add anything more about the pies, drinks and food to augment the other reviews.
But, I can suggest you go in there on a freezing cold Madison evening, sit at the bar and order a Stoli Gimlet, put a coin in the jukebox and press 1-6-5, and stare out that big plate glass window at the wet, black night, and become unstuck in time.Listed in: I Think I Love You, The Lost Socks
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Review from J. L.
Madison, WI
8/24/2011
Love it. Every town needs a cool, but unassuming place where a man can get a decent drink and sit alone at the bar with a frown without worrying about it.
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Review from Adrian W.
Chicago, IL
10/6/2008
Heather's a doll face.
Heavy cosmopolitan.
7 plays on a jukebox for 2 bucks.
Amazing cheese curds.
Down-to-the-floor urinal. -
Review from seth p.
Brooklyn, NY
11/25/2009
This place, like the Memorial Union, is old-school, well-preserved and very much alive. The guy running the place was friendly and the waitress was adorable. When I asked her who the Billie Holiday-ish singer we were listening to was, they both knew the answer (some French name I should've written down), and she brought out the CD! Usually when I ask restaurant employees what music they're playing, they don't know and they don't know why I'm asking.
I started with a side salad and was impressed that the lettuce was actually green! My entree was a turkey sandwich, which came with their "special sauce". I was afraid it would be mayonazey, which it was, but it worked well with the crisp lettuce and turkey on the pumpernickel bread (my choice). It was good! The fries were nice-sized and crunchy on the outside. Next time I'm in Mad-town, I'll try to stop back through. -
Review from Cabell G.
Madison, WI
6/25/2010
We had $20 in gift certificates from our insurance agency, so my husband and I decided to try this place last night. It wasn't the worst meal I've ever had, but I'm definitely glad we only paid about $8 plus tip for it after using the certificates.
My husband really liked his fried fish sandwich and fries, but I was underwhelmed by the turkey melt. The roasted turkey they used was good, but the wheat bread was soggy and the cheddar cheese was completely tasteless. I might as well have ordered American--it had no bite to it at ALL. I also didn't like the fries as much--husband said he thought they were "double-fried" or something, which is too much fry for me.
I had a glass of the sauvignon blanc, and that was good; my husband also really enjoyed his beer (bottles only, no draft, I heard a waitress telling another customer). Our waitress was competent but seemed kind of overwhelmed and not very personable, which was particularly noticeable since the place was almost empty and she had, at most, one other table.
The decor was very nice, and the prices aren't BAD, but as noted, I'm glad I wasn't really paying my own money for that meal. I have no desire to return. -
Review from Alison Y.
Madison, WI
4/30/2009
Honestly, i hate to give Nick's a one star review. I like the interior, and I like everything that it stands for. It's one of the last unpretentious places left on State St. to get something to eat.
That being said, the food is overpriced and terrible. $11 for a greek salad that looked like it came from a high school cafeteria? Sorry, no thanks. I'll go O.D. on ironic velvet paintings somewhere else. -
Review from Nicholas M.
San Francisco, CA
5/25/2005
Dewar's with soda and lemon, please.
There's a stocked pie carousel at the end of the bar, and a painting of a velvet castle that makes me think of El Club Dumas.
Show up on a regular basis, and Dino's bound to hook you up with some free drinks. -
Review from Elizabeth H.
Middleton, WI
10/1/2011
Great local restaurant! Diner-ish experience. I love the grilled cheese, but everything I've had has been consistantly good. Don't forget the pie for dessert!
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Review from To and Jo S.
Madison, WI
12/4/2010
A relative of mine said to meet here. I have lived here for a long time and never noticed the place. Crazy. Had the spinach quiche and it was truly delicious. I guess it is a secret recipe. We were pleasantly surprised and will return for more. Thanks Nick's!
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Review from John R.
Los Angeles, CA
11/22/2008
State Street* has a here-today, gone-tomorrow feel about it. I've lived in Madison for slightly over two years and not many of businesses from my first visit are left. Yummy Buffet, the Russian Dumpling place, Real Chili, Fuddrucker's, a couple of small ladies' clothing stores (sorry, don't go in them), etc. The list of new arrivals is equally long. D.P. Dough, American Outfitters, The Love Shack, The Crab House. For a college town, Madison is devoid of local institutions.
Nick's is not one of these fly-by-night operations. It feels like it's been around for a while, and it's true - Nick's has been open since the 70's, I hear. The floor is old, the wooden paneling is old, the booths are worn: much more New York or Chicago than Madison. It's one of these places where you fully expect to pay cash only at an old fashion register - you know, one that looks like an over-sized type-writer. Zero concessions to modern business models.
What is surprising is the mediocrity of the place. How has it stayed, when everything else just goes? I've had hamburgers at Nick's, Club Sandwiches at Nick's, Liver and Onions at Nick's, Grilled Cheese at Nick's, and it's always a disappointing, soggy, indifferently prepared meal. Or does everyone not agree?
Someone, please explain Nick's to me. Is it the pie?
*For non-locals, State Street is a pedestrian mall that connects the Capitol to the University of Wisconsin Campus. It's only a few blocks long, but it feels like a major commercial and cultural thoroughfare. That should tell you something about Wisconsin. -
Review from Heather T.
Champaign, IL
10/14/2008
I've been taken to Nick's (for pie and drinks) twice. The odds of me suggesting a visit are virtually nil.
It's okay. It's like the bar/rec room that your Uncle Ed decorated in the early 70s and never got around to updating.
The music is okay. The pie is pretty good (the cherry pie has a heavy cinnamon taste, which *I* liked, but you might not). The drinks are good. The service is okay--generally prompt, but not really friendly (and considering that there are usually only...6-10 people in the bar at any given time, I'd expect a little more smile and a little less grouchiness, but whatever).
Overall: Just okay.
BTW: While the restaurant/bar is wheelchair accessible, the bathrooms are not. -
Review from Mio S.
Madison, WI
2/13/2009
Got to love the decadent combination of pie and bourbon.
I came here after a concert at Overture on Thursday night. It was surprisingly empty, yet had the warm welcome feeling. Think of Plaza; it's "homey" in that way.
A waitress greeted me and my date in very pleasant way, and we sat down at one of the booths (love the booths). We ordered warm cherry pie and a sniffer of Knob Creek. The pie had the perfect amount of slightly tart cherry - ah, what more do you want after a great concert? They also have blueberry, pecan, cream pie, and all the other staples. It's not the best pie in the midwest, but does the job to make you purr. -
Review from Leslie B.
6/18/2008
I like how this is a retro bar that is also a diner...making it a good place for a hangover cure with a mimosa or bloody mary in the morning, but that is pretty much the bright side.
Service is fine and they do a have an outdoor eating area on State. We went for brunch. My friend's ordered omlete's that were not really memorable. We were disappointed to find the Greek omlet contained gyro meat rather thant he tomato, olive and feta that we were hoping for. I wanted to order an omlet, but found that they would not make egg white omlets, even for extra that I was willing to pay.
I ordered coffee with skim and splenda and was given 2% with soggy packets of sweet and low. The breakfast menu was limited and there were no fruit plates.
Ok place to go if you want booze and don't really care what is in your omlet. -
Review from Brendan F.
Madison, WI
1/19/2007
Quite good restaurant for a number of reasons. Nice atmosphere and lighting, and very well made food. Their steaks are reasonably priced and cooked just as you ask, their coffee is good quality. They have a friendly serving staff who are quick as well.
Their Friday fish fry is amazing. Try it. -
Review from Will H.
Madison, WI
4/2/2011
Very good spanikopeda and good pie.
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Review from Arthur S.
Madison, WI
8/22/2007
Grade: D+
Just because a place has been around forever doesn't earn it a free pass. Actually, it kinda does. Pass this one up.
P.S. The raw sewage stank in the bathroom was conveniently ironic here. -
Review from Da M.
Sunnyvale, CA
12/31/2009
Came here for a bite to eat while visiting the Capitol and UW campus. The sign outside sad "Hot Turkey Sandwich Special", which drew my attention (I'm a sucker for Turkey Sandwiches).
It's a surprisingly cozy restaurant with a bar / diner-esq feeling. We came for a pretty late lunch and it was not crowded at all. The waitress was very nice and seated us immediately.
We got the Turkey Sandwich, the Capitol Club (Turkey, ham, bacon triple decker), and a Gyro. The Turkey sandwich tasted like Thankgiving on a plate :), which was good and the portions were huge. The Club sandwich was huge and very filling. The Gyro was mediocre at best. Small portion and not very good.
Overall, good place. I did find the bathroom to be unappealing, so I would probably save the trips for after the meal. I also found a hair in my sandwich (it could be my own... I'm not sure and didn't really mind). -
Review from Jim L.
San Francisco, CA
12/7/2005 1 photo
The food - especially the weird looking pie - is absolutely terrifying here, but the place is pure Greek-Wisconsin classic. I remember it being a long, narrow joint with some worn out old booths and a long counter with some bar stools. Great drinks and a really fun, low-key place to hang out late night.
Listed in: My Madison Faves...
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Review from Chris S.
Middleton, WI
9/1/2008
This is the place on State Street to avoid the crowds. I never considered it a restaurant. Sure, the pies are good, and you can grab a few snacks with your drinks. But mostly this is a great place to pull up in a large booth with a group of friends, have a few drinks, and talk until you are hoarse. You can always get a table, which worries me. I have no idea how a place like this in that expensive location can be profitable. The wood paneling, faded velvet paintings, and great juke box really do give the time warped feeling that a previous reviewer mentioned. There's nothing retro about it, because the place has always looked exactly as it is. And that's great, when I want a modern-flashy bar, there are plenty to choose from. There's only one Nicks.
Listed in: I Like Beer
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Review from Carolyn B.
Chicago, IL
4/13/2007
Nick's is not a haven for vegetarians. The wood-paneled interior is most certainly Wisconsin supper club circa 1955, and that's how it should be. I keep coming back for the drinks -- they make a grasshopper that is more mint shake than booze... and it's amazing. (and in general I'm a fan of booze)
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Review from Erin H.
Madison, WI
3/3/2010 1 Check-in Here
I love Nick's. It's one place on State Street that the grown-ups have left. The decor is hideous but charming and it's never crowded. If you're looking for a good dive downtown, this is it.
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Review from Jeremy K.
Madison, WI
5/9/2005
The Old Yeller of restaurants (minus the rabies), Nick's is my go-to place if I'm looking for a quick dinner on State St. Cheap prices, friendly service, decent food, full bar. They never disappoint mostly because I don't expect too much. Some might say the decor could use an update but I think it's part of the charm.
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Review from Laura F.
9/12/2006
Nick's is a casual diner that takes you back a few decades. My college newspaper editor friends and I would hang out there after stressful deadlines for greasy food, pie and drinks. My memory is that the mood was smoky and the decor saturated with dull greens and dark browns. There is a nostalgic feel there, like it's the last restaurant of its kind in the area, and has never ceased being a great meeting spot for an unpretentious group of friends.
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Review from Krissy D.
Minneapolis, MN
7/8/2010
I initially loved Nick's - it was cute, divey, and Greek, what's not to love? Our waitress was a total sweetheart, which I think saved the rating.
We were first brought mini-glasses of water, which were about a shot of water a piece. A pitcher would've been nice as well (rather than trying to get refills after a few tries).
I was so excited to get the feta-stuffed chicken with american fries, and my boyfriend to get the BBQ special of the day. Our meals arrived quickly (pro) but my chicken was completely raw (looked like it came straight from the fridge without meeting the oven) and boyfriend's BBQ was full of chunks of carrots (?). Our waitress was very sweet and brought my chicken to be re-cooked, but at htat point I was fairly grossed out by it already. No refund/special was offered (free dessert? soda?). Unfortunately, I had high hopes but was dissappointed with the food.
If I go back, it will be strictly for cocktails. -
Review from Justin G.
Oak Park, IL
9/6/2009
The food is good and the people are nice, but I really don't think the portions were worth what i paid. I left sort of hungry. I had a feta stuffed chicken and like I said, it tasted good, but for the $12-15 range in Wisconsin, I was shocked to get the amount of meat you'd find in McDonald's quarter pounder. Yeah there was the gooey cheese and the stir-fried vegetables, but overall, wasn't worth the price.
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Review from Mark P.
Madison, WI
1/5/2006
Nick's is what it is and it always will be...and that's the way it should be. A throwback to something you could have easily found on State St. in the 40's and 50's...oh, I guess you could have found it then too! Nick's is the place to get no-nonsense food, good drinks and yes, the decor is EXACTLY what it should be. If you've walked by here for years and looked in with trepidation, relax, walk in, hang your coat up, sit down, eat, drink and you will have a great time!
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Review from Jim M.
Burbank, CA
8/8/2009
Not too bad! Get the fried cheese curds -- YUM! Good selection of beer, too.
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Review from Jason M.
Madison, WI
2/5/2011
Big props for making a turkey club with fresh, not processed, turkey. With a lot of diners, this one has Greek origins but I don't love the Greek dishes here. Food is good but not great and is a little overpriced for a diner. Decor is is classic diner/supper club.
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Review from Shawn S.
Madison, WI
10/19/2006
Order a turkey sandwich and you'll get turkey that the cooks baked themselves, not some store-bought cold cuts from a plastic bag. The pies and the soups and EVERYTHING is home-made and simply wonderful, which provides ones culinary experience with a decided old-schoolness that meshes well with the decor. My only complaint: the severe lack of vegetables, whether on sandwiches or as sides. Reminds me of the places Grandpa used to take me after fishing. Classic like downtown Vegas, but without the cacophony that is kryptonite to your hangover anyway.
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Review from Joe R.
Madison, WI
11/28/2008
Amazing Food!
They have this burger that you can order with different, meats, and chesses and stuff cooked inside and it is to die for. I would recommend it definitely!! -
Review from Fei X.
Sun Prairie, WI
5/2/2009
We came here during St. Patrick's Day so that was probably our mistake but 1.5 hour waiting at our table for two sandwiches and one was the corned beed special. Overpriced sandwich--I was close to asking giving me the meat and bread and I can make the sandwich myself.
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Review from m e.
Madison, WI
7/13/2009
Went in there at midnight on a Friday for a drink, they told us they were closing up. On State Street?! LAME! The food is mediocre. The decor makes me feel like that is where people go to die. It's a good idea but carried out so badly.
