Nic + Junior's

Tucked away by the river, this restaurant is an absolute hidden gem. The location is perfect and scenic and the atmosphere is just as inviting. The staff made us feel so welcome with their warm, friendly energy. We originally stopped in for just an appetizer and a drink, but everything was so good we ended up ordering three more dishes, two more drinks, and dessert. The spicy rigatoni was hands down the best pasta I’ve ever had. The sauce was so rich and creamy, I was seriously tempted to ask for a spoon to get every last drop. Next time I will order the focaccia (made from the chef’s grandma’s recipe!) to soak up the sauce it’s absolutely to die for. And for dessert with the warm chocolate chip cookies with milk (also grandma’s recipe.) The cocktails were just as impressive. The margarita was perfectly balanced, and the extra dirty martini was chefs kiss. Already planning my next visit this place is a must-try! Can’t wait to try the tasting menu next. This is my first restaurant review I’ve ever written that’s how much I love this restaurant

Absolutely obsessed with Nic & Juniors! The space is stunning, the vibe is energetic but still intimate, and the happy hour is next level. We tried the arancini, oysters, and rigatoni — all perfectly done and full of flavor. And the espresso martini? Easily one of the best I’ve had in Chicago. You can tell they’re serious about the details here. So excited this spot opened — already planning my next visit.

Nic + Junior’s is a new go to for us and what a gem we’ve found tucked away from Michigan Ave amongst the trees. The food has not missed so far. Each plate is delicately crafted in flavor and presentation. Pretty great happy hour menu, too.

Looking for Brazilian influenced cuisine, head to Nic + Junior's. We elected the A-la-Carte side of the restaurant and wasn't disappointed. A fine selection of Small Bites, Appetizers, Pasta, and Main Dishes. Check out that Rack of Lamb entree.

Already one of the best restaurants in all of Chicago. Food, service, decor, wine, and cocktails were all perfection. Crab claws with pepperoni chili crunch, pao de queijo, beef tartare, Caesar salad, the burger, the wagyu Bavette, and all the pastas were the standouts. So pretty much the entire menu. And don’t forget to ask for their house hot sauce. Get in immediately before you can’t get a reservation soon!

5 stars all around. To be honest I didn’t even want to leave this review because I want to keep this place all to myself. The staff is so warm and wonderful, dirty martini and music on point, and the food was absolute perfection. Can’t wait to make this my new go-to. Definitely get the tapioca Brazilian cheese fritter with mortadella and the cheeseburger!

Fantastic tasting menu with healthy pour wine pairings. Great friendly service too. Check out the cocktail menus….they have a fantastic strawberry Negroni.

This is my favorite kind of restaurant. Bright and inviting atmosphere. Friendly staff. And most importantly of all amazing food! The pasta is all so fresh and I had the garbanzo beans and shrimp which was amazing.

The service was *chef's kiss* The food was amazing, the cocktails were super well curated and Scott answered every question we could think of. Everyone was super helpful and I'd recommend it to my best friend or even my worst enemy. (We all need a smile).

I did the tasting menu. The service was top notch. The food presentation, flavors and quality was PHENOMENAL. Five-star experience.

My friends and I came to Nic & Juniors to check it out after it opened. The vibes were relaxed and the service was good. We ordered a variety of drinks, small plates and mains to try. Everything was SO delicious. A few of our favorites: Espresso martini Sake south side Strawberry Negroni Mixed blessings The chicory and Caesar salads were so different from any I've had before. The pan de quiejo was delicious, the chicken parm and tater tots were both so crispy and fluffy at the same time. And you have to try the spaghetti and ragu pasta dish! We had a great night!!

Really nice first time visit at this new neighborhood spot. Kenneya gave great service at the bar and the food was very good. Look forward to coming back.

Went for a Birthday celebration. The coursed meal was superb and the staff were fantastic- friendly - delectable food and great ambiance. Cocktails were also delicious. I've been to almost every whispered or talked about restaurant in Chicago by now and this one is top 3 instantly!

Amazingly delicious food and such a fun vibe! Great location too! Highly highly recommended!

Beautiful new spot (such great both seating for small groups!) with even better food and cocktails. I couldn't believe they've only been open a week! The bar menu was so creative - Brazilian inspired and my favorites were the chicory salad, capicola, both pasta dishes we tried - even the burger was a surprise and delight. My friends and I tried quite a few cocktails and loved the Mixed Blessings and Strawberry Negroni. I think you'll hear everyone talking about this restaurant soon!

The snow crab claw had a little kick from the peppercorn chilis, and the crispy potato with sturgeon caviar was a nice starchy salty dish went beautifully with the wine. The dadinho had iberico lardo, and really just melted in your mouth. The pizelle for gras was also so rich and my favorite from the beginning courses. Then some seafood which we first had the smoked scallop, it was dissolving on the tongue, just incredible. The branzino course was great and flavorful too. We chose one of each to try each others pastas. My garganelli pasta had octopus that was soft and the pasta itself resembled a stew-like flavor. Malia's spaghetti was creamy and I loved the caviar in there too. The Rohan Duck was delicious and salty skin always gets me to food heaven. The A5 Wagyu Picanha was one of the best meats I've ever had. The wagyu just melted, and the wagyu is from Mizayaki Japan showcasing its glorious marbling. The End consisted of 3 desserts starting with the olive oil cake was remarkable, the dark chocolate dessert had a nice crunch, and last but not least the mini cone was smooth and there was a little surprise at the bottom that was fun. The service was exceptional too.

Went here a few days after it opened and immediately came back a week later. The food was incredible and really reasonable for the quality you get. Service was also excellent and very attentive.

Nic & Juniors is hands down my new favorite spot in Chicago. Every cocktail and every dish we ordered was the absolute best. The Southside cocktail, cheeseburger & tots, and tagliatelle were some of my favorites. And the Pan de queijo is the perfect snack to have with a cocktail, they are magical bites of pure heaven. The ambience was perfection, good vibes all around. Excellent service. I can't wait to come back!