Nic’s Beverly Hills

5/1/2016

One of my fav place to go for happy hour! Happy hour from 4-7pm - $7 martini of the week, wine, and appetizers - my favorite is nic's oysters (bakes with garlic, spinach, and walnuts). Also hoisin marinated skirt steak (on skewers and with kimchi is also delish (meat is so tender) and love the chimichurri sauce.  

I've also came here for DineLA in the past. Had Nic's Burger - very good.
Also Vodka Box is fun experience too.

Overall, great food and fun place to go.

6/29/2016

• 1 check-in

4.5

  The odds were in my favor both times I came here :D
points,

First time I came here I only had two appetizers and it didn't warrant a review so I wanted to make sure, I had a full meal and experience in order to write my feelings on this place. First visit we had a seat right inside not to far by the door and a good view of the scene and music. Music was great and the appetizers and martini's we had were stellar . The Petrossian caviar deviled eggs were rich and divine and the Mediterranean  mix with buttery pita points were addicting and the spreads were so damn good. I'd get this again easily.  The martini's were so strong, I couldn't finish the second one LOL. The first one was the Pornstar martini and the second one was a blur :p That visit was great and I look forward to another visit.

 Months later, I came in with the LA friend. Luck was on our side because we didn't have RSVPs on a Saturday night and our evening was flawless. We just had awesome cigars at Buena vista and now it was time to eat. We circled around for parking which is pointless so park in the underground garage. It's soooooooo much easier. You take an elevator up and walk a few feet to the door. After 9 or 10 they charge a door fee of 10 bucks. I forgot about that but my friend didn't mind. We said we wanted dinner and they asked if we were ok with outside seating and we said sure. It was a nice evening and it was nice out . I don't think you should charge people if they're sitting outside though LOL. Didn't matter this time around because as we sat and sat and someone checked on us, I asked the lovely door guy if we could just wait for an inside seat and he said sure and I'll see what I can do.  Two minutes later a gentleman in a suit came out and said we have a seat for you so off we followed. We had to walk through the ruckus of the bar area/dance area but when we over  came that, we had a corner rounded booth. Can't  get any better than that!!!  Between stellar parking and this awesome seat upgrade, good karma was on my side!!!!  My friend couldn't believe how I got away with that :)

  So once we got comfy in the booth, this place makes for great people watching. This place is like United Nations every few hours but this evening it was mainly chocolate and usually I get hardcore stares when I'm out with my older vanilla folk but this evening no one was giving a shit and neither do I, I just hate being stared at while eating and drinking by anyone of any flavor LOL.  All is well.  Our service was great and he was overworked by multiple tables and one big ass party, so kudos to you! We started with the peach and purity martini and of course the pornstar martini :D I told the server how hungry I was and they brought out bread stat and I put in an order of pomme frites while we looked over the menu. While looking over the menu our drinks and pomme frites came out at the same time, BRAVO!  So we snacked on them while ppicking a few more items. These frites were soooooo good, like Golden arches good! Super crispy, not too thin and not to thick. Seasoned perfectly and the dipping sauce was addicting!

 
   We were off to a good start so we ordered a few share plates and this is what we ordered: Grilled octopus, Lamb meatballs, Hoisin sauced skirt steak skewers, Lamb pizzette and piroshki. No way we were having dessert after all of that LOL. Everything we had was WONDERFUL!!!!! Ok well not the piroshki's .Nothing was under or overcooked and they  definitely know how to season their food. The Lamb pizzette made great leftovers in the toaster oven.  I would order everything but the piroshki's were lacking something. They weren't bad and I'm not a piroshky expert but they can do without them. No matter 5 out 6 things doesn't make a bad meal for me.

 
   I know their reviews are all over the place but both visits were stellar and I look forward to coming back and I have to try that Vodbox soon :D

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  Piroshki

  Piroshki
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  Lamb pizette damn good

  Lamb pizette damn good
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  Hoisin sauced steak skewers

  Hoisin sauced steak skewers
• See all photos from Alexis B. for Nic's Beverly Hills

5/12/2016

Drinks: yes!

Food: hit and miss

Service: not good

Our table tried a few of the cocktails, and they were delicious. We ordered a number of plates to share amongst three of us, so that we could try a lot of things. It's frustrating that they give you a menu that shows which items are included in happy hour pricing. It makes you feel like you are overpaying for everything you order that you could get for much less if it's during happy hour. I would recommend that they change this, as we did not feel like we were getting good value for our money.

We really liked the Nic's oysters, the gnocchi and the grilled octopus. Sexy bites were fine and deviled eggs had zero flavor.

Our huge struggle was trying to get our server to pay attention to us, despite there only being two other occupied tables. It was a challenge to get more drinks, food, and he even forgot to put in one of our dishes and it finally arrived about 30 minutes after the previous dishes (after we asked). So frustrating. We actually asked a bus person if there was a manager on duty, but no one available, as we like to try to remedy the situation while we are there.

It's a gorgeous restaurant, kind of divided between a lounge area with loud music and a more formal dining room. If you go, I would suggest happy hour and sitting at the bar to get better service and value for your money.

4/24/2016

• 1 check-in

Came last night for my Bff's 50th birthday celebration. I drove right by this place which is easy to do! Its hard to see from the street, unless you are really looking for it. Its a nice little spot, but pricey drinks. 15.00 for a pear martini. I am glad I have one drink before i came, LOL. They were pretty strong rinks though. They had a band playing salsa music, which i did not care for.
The vodka room looked fun, but was very busy to get in. We had a nice time.  Potato skins, and chicken skewers were decent. Its a great place for a date, and nice little seating outside. I met some new friends too! If in the area I might come again.

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  Celebrating my bff's 50 birthday.4:23/16

  Celebrating my bff's 50 birthday.4:23/16
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  Pear martini yummy!!!!!

  Pear martini yummy!!!!!

6/5/2016

It's not all about the cocktails after all.  Often Nic's bar is noisy and wall to wall people.  Unless that's your thing, head to the dining room.  The drink menu is the same, but you get food!  And it's great.  Overpriced, but great.  The pear salad is as delicious as it is beautiful, and the $33 hamburger is............well, a hamburger.  Quite good, but not worth $33.  SO, cocktails:  5, food 3 due to overpricing, overall rating:  4.

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  Nic's Burger

  Nic's Burger
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2/14/2016

• 1 check-in

This review is specifically meant for the VodBox only!

We had a reservations at 9:15pm and we were not able to get into the Vodbox until almost 9:50 ! That is well over a few minutes of waiting time that the hostess and the Vodbox girls kept telling us. It got to a point where i was literally staring at the box wondering what is going on?

I saw the Russian Vodbox girl and some random fella just chat chitting for an extra 10 minutes - not sure what they were flirting about but I felt it was incredibly rude to keep another party waiting especially when you already know the party before was running longer than maybe usual?

Overall, the Vodbox is def. a novelty and is seriously not worth the time to go  personally go. The shots poured were half a shot and the extra baby shot they serve us for keeping us waiting might as well been left over shots from the party before! $21 dollars for the package deal and a must 2 drink min is literally a scam to make more money! I def. will not be coming back nor do i suggest anyone to ever come!

Waste of time, and energy and Money!

7/10/2016

Small place with good drinks you could find anywhere else also apps were very limited as far as selection goes. I would much rather go next door to Wally's next door.

2/16/2016

Came here for the happy hour right before my flight back home. Man was I pleasantly surprised.

The food was so delicious and the drinks were excellently mixed. Me and my group of four wasn't really hungry, and really just wanted to try their specialty cocktails. Of course after getting the menu, we decided to try something. So we ordered two appetizers; the lamb meatballs and the steak skewers. Delicious. Nothing but glowing reviews from my group and I, just wish we had the time to eat more.

Of course we couldn't come with out at least checking out the vodka freezer. We didn't want the tour, which included different prices ($11-33) based on what vodka you were to try. Luckily, it was crowded and our waitress, Morgan, an inspiring musician let us in to take pictures which was just fine for our group.

If you ever in the area, make sure you go. Bring your check book, but it's well worth it.

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  Vodka infused with everything :)

  Vodka infused with everything :)
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  Lamb meatball and steak skewer..yum

  Lamb meatball and steak skewer..yum
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  Ice bar at Nic's

  Ice bar at Nic's

12/2/2015

• 1 check-in

I am a martini fan.  I've hadn't been to Nic's before last night and was happy to be happy at happy hour !!  Popped in for an hour before an event nearby...  
$7 for a delish orange infused vodka drink on HH.  It was better than a creamsicle.  And so I had two.  My date enjoyed his pinot noir, also 7. Didn't end up with a martini this time around..

I did not order any food so this review is only about the vibe, service, drinks....

Bartender- very friendly and professional
I noticed that a server tried every single drink that went out.  Nothing wrong with double checking.  I like that.  

Barstools- no backs!! Boo.  But pretty comfortable.  I could hang for a bit without bitching.  The bar filled up super fast so if you're going for happy hour, don't delay.  By 6:20, bar was FULL. There are cocktail tables near the bar which looked comfortable.  

I peaked around the corner to check out the rest of the restaurant.  Very nice.  Loved the tasteful, chic Christmas decorations.   I was very comfortable here.  Classy without being stuffy.  I'd love to order food here next time. I'll update review when that fine day comes.

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  Diggin' the pinot on HH. I loved my vodka drink as well.

  Diggin' the pinot on HH. I loved my vodka drink as well.

3/21/2016

• 1 check-in

Haven't been here in a while but I wasn't expecting to get disappointed.
We were out on Saturday night and we just wanted to be at a bar to drink and enjoy the good music, crowd, and the cheer.
We got at Nic's and wanted to take a look inside to checkout the music and the crowd, but the doorman didn't let us to take a look inside without paying the cover charge.
Anyway, we didn't want to argue for a cover charge; so we paid and walked in.
Once we walked in, we all looked at each other's surprisingly; Nic's was dead for a Saturday night and the Jazz music was too shallow; nothing was appealing. We stayed 5 min and walked out.
The doorman could have let us in for a moment to see what's going on inside then he would have asked us to pay for the cover charge but he didn't. To me that was very unprofessional approach from a staff of a well known place in Beverly Hills.

4/9/2016

• 1 check-in

Came here with a ladies night out with our mothers and this was the perfect spot! The ambience was lovely as well as the staff. Service was quit fast and the food was delicious. The decor was my absolute favorite! We were a party of 6 so we were seated in a booth and it felt like our own little cabana.
Three ladies ordered the Salmon plate which they loved.
I ordered the Brussels sprout salad and chicken skewers (deliciousss!)
We had one order of chicken which was very tender
And one order of the Nic's burger which was very tasty.
Overall I had a great experience and I highly recommend.

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  Brussels sprout salad & chicken skewers.

  Brussels sprout salad & chicken skewers.
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  Our beautiful seating area

  Our beautiful seating area
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  Chicken with fries

  Chicken with fries

3/25/2016

Nic's is really just an awesome little martini bar. I was invited to a birthday party here and had a good time. The menu is not extensive but the items that they do serve are pretty tasty. Their french fries and shrimp cocktail were some of the faves amongst our group. Nic's is pretty small and a lot of the tables are situated closely together. It was a Saturday night and they had a live band, which added a nice touch to the vibe of the restaurant. Being a martini bar, Nic's has about ten different signature martinis...I probably tried four different flavors that night and they were all tasty!

The customer service was impeccable! We were a party of 15 and had a small issue with the table we were seated at. Mackenzie, the manager, was so accommodating. She brought out a round of free shots for EVERYONE before moving us to the outdoor patio, which is normally reserved for a small fee. The patio was also small, but perfect.  

The vodka freezer is a cool thing to do, if you are into vodka. I am not into vodka so for me, it was only cool for pictures...There is a two shot minimum per person ($24).....They give you a cute little fur coat before going in...fun!

I had a really great time here and would recommend this place to couples, first daters, or girls looking for a great time!

3/10/2016

• 1 check-in

Went in on a Wednesday night with my office team to celebrate a great first quarter and was given nothing but grief by this restaurant.

Completely empty, tons of tables and was asked for a reservation...then was told to wait while "they worked something out..." Which they never did.

All we got was grief and huffing from the hostess, I think her name was Cynthia? And a menacing look from waiter or whatever he was , Jorge.

Jorge needs to soften up that mug of his and watch how he talks to people.

Def won't be giving this business any of our business.  First time in a long time I have felt smugness in a BH restaurant.

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  Empty restaurant on a wed night and we ended up leaving after a terrible welcome

  Empty restaurant on a wed night and we ended up leaving after a terrible welcome

1/2/2016 Updated review

• 22 check-ins

I haven't seen Nic around for a while, and I've been there like 20 times, as my check ins will confirm. Last time I was there was when my husband and I were Christmas shopping a little over a week ago, and I had the special spiced pear martini. He had the Nic's martini with Belluga vodka, and we shared the lamb meatballs. It isn't Nic's without Nic, so one less star.

6/28/2016

I decided to have  drinks here because of all the reviews drinks where just ok nothing special atmosphere was OK music was kind of boring food was not good not tasty.

6/17/2015

• 1 check-in

Nic's is cool.  Perhaps that's because the narcissistic DJ was taking selfies with different tables.  Or, perhaps that's the vibe I got from the restaurant's overall ambiance - chic lounge / bar.  But, really, it's probably because the chilling vapors emanating from the so-called Vodbox, a walk-in refrigerated vodka tasting room, made me slip on my jacket.

I would definitely recommend coming during Happy Hour, as the prices of the regular entree are outrageously high (though, admittedly, I haven't seen the portion sizes.)  $30+ for a burger seems insane.  Happy Hour is 4-7PM every evening and Mondays all night long.  While Monday might not seem like the most happening night to be out on the town, it nevertheless pays off to come then (and stay later). It's $7 for the martini of the week, $7 for the wine du jour, and $7 for the "cocktaiing foods."  Most food items are about 50% off during happy hour. Given the size of each happy hour plate, you'd need to order at least 2-3 per person to be moderately satisfied.  And, if you throw in 1-2 drinks, you're probably looking at a bill totaling $30-40 before tax and tip.  If I had a choice, I would probably spend that money elsewhere, particularly somewhere that has a better price to portion ratio.  

Though I would never pay full price for items happy hour menu, I nonetheless enjoyed the good but small-sized food.  Disappointingly, there were only several items that catered to vegetarians.  Nothing would have been appropriate for vegans.  And, if you have food allergies like me, you'd have to modify some of the items to nix the cheese or nuts.  Here is a rundown of what I managed to taste:

GRILLED SHRIMP COCKTAIL
Everyone liked the meaty pieces of shrimp (5 pieces) that had still had the taste of the grill, even the non-shrimp lovers!

GRILLED OCTOPUS PANZANELLA
The group consensus was that the octopus, while delicious, would have tasted better without the cheese.  When we ordered an additional serving of octopus, which allowed me to taste it, and I thought it was delicious - soft, tender, and perfectly seasoned.  Nobody was really a fan of the croutons.

SEXY BITES
This was probably my favorite dish of the night, as I thought the flavors went well together.  The ahi tuna, pickled ginger, and radish slaw are placed atop butter lettuce, making it like a mini-taco.  Sadly, this only came with 3 pieces.

POOLSIDE POMME FRITES
Generally, pretty good, but the size and quality of the fries varied from order to order.  Our first order wasn't overly hot when it arrived at our table.  And, the fries themselves were thinner and saltier than I expected.  Our second order of fries was much thicker and warmer, making them much more delicious.

HOISIN MARINATED GRILLED SKIRT STEAK
I didn't have a chance to try the two minuscule pieces of kimchi that came with the steak, but the meat itself was tender delicious.  The meat was served on skewers and was bathed in chimmichuri sauce that made everything a little too oily.  The meat was slightly salty, presumably from the hoisin marinade.

Although the waiters were very friendly and helpful, service was nonetheless SLOW.  Given the size of the happy hour plates, one wouldn't expect food to take twenty minutes to be prepared.  Nor would you think that one would have to ask three times for a shot of vodka.  That aside, our waiter nicely comped us five shots of vodka so that we could all share in the birthday girl's merriment.

Nic's has valet parking, but you could probably find parking in a nearby garage, a meter, or on residential streets.  Since this is Beverly Hills, you're probably going to end up paying for parking.

Overall, I was glad that I had the opportunity to dine at NIc's, but I'm not sure whether I would come here with an empty stomach.  In that case, I'd probably head somewhere else, a place where my money will get me more food!

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  Happy hour menu

  Happy hour menu

6/6/2016

I have to confess: Beverly Hills is so boring for the night scene and it's probably because there aren't a lot of options, and so if you are a local, you come here (unfortunately) to try to snag a relatively convenient and quiet place to eat and hangout with friends. That said, if your friends are coming into town from NY, London, or the OC, don't ever take them here! (Yawn!) You gotta represent. I used to dread the sound of Nic's when my friends would want to come here but lately, I've made peace with it because of its convenience and relative casualness. (Aren't I so grown up and tolerant now?) The food is mediocre, but hey, it's a local place to drink and visit in the middle of the week without driving far. If you are out of town, you aren't missing much. If you are a local, you already know what I mean, amiright?

5/30/2015

What a fun bar! Came here for happy hour with some coworkers a couple nights ago and we had a great time. Most of the appetizers were delicious - we had the poolside pomme frites (nice and spiced!), the zuchinni grilled pizzette (great if you love cheese), the bacon-wrapped dates (AMAZING), and the chimichuri skirt steak (yum!). The only food I wouldn't recommend is this little "jam in a shot glass" concoction that they brought us - tasted like a melted PB&J sandwich or pie filling without the crust... can't really complain though since it was on the house!

If you like vodka, this is your place. The martini menu is extensive - I highly recommend the Eiffel Flower for those who like ginger/Moscow Mules and Paul Up Against the Wall if you like grapefruit and want something a little sweeter.

Also, if you're doing Nic's with a big group you should definitely do the Vodbox. It's just a really fun experience to get dressed up in leopard-print coats and hats and do shots in a room that's 28 degrees. Our hostess was funny and energetic and made sure we got the hookup - whatever kind of vodka you're looking for, they have it! EVERYBODYYYY... SHOTS!!

Overall a great happy hour location in Beverly Hills - I'm going to try to come back on a Friday night because I heard they have a live funk band and people get up and dance!

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  Nasatini

  Nasatini
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  Eiffel Flower

  Eiffel Flower
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  all of the vodkas laid out for tasting in the Vodbox

  all of the vodkas laid out for tasting in the Vodbox
• See all photos from Emily G. for Nic's Beverly Hills

7/21/2015

• 1 check-in

Came here for Dine LA with my husband and we really enjoyed it. Even though it was a Thursday it  was actually very packed. It seems that a lot of people come here for the bar more than anything. The bar area is a bit small but people hang out around that area. The restaurant is not modern and seems like an older, older crowd come here to eat.

I ordered the lamb shank and it was delicious. Very soft and tender. Customer service was average (not the best and certainly not bad).

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  Lamb shank

  Lamb shank

6/18/2016

Hands down the food is amazing! Wanted to compliment the chef but he wasn't there, the sous chef cooked this amazing cuisine!! Alejandro our server was on it! Loved his great personality and suggestions. I think the VOD Box is overrated but cool for newbees. A must try is their jalapeño and raspberry martini!! Way yum!! The salsa live music was amazing too! Must try