Nick's Laguna Beach

American restaurant · Laguna Beach

Nick's Laguna Beach

American restaurant · Laguna Beach

4

440 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

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Nick's Laguna Beach by Photo courtesy of Visit Laguna Beach
Nick's Laguna Beach by Jakob Layman
Nick's Laguna Beach by Jakob Layman
Nick's Laguna Beach by Jakob Layman
Nick's Laguna Beach by Jakob Layman
Nick's Laguna Beach by null
Nick's Laguna Beach by null
Nick's Laguna Beach by null
Nick's Laguna Beach by null
Nick's Laguna Beach by null
Nick's Laguna Beach by null
Nick's Laguna Beach by null
Nick's Laguna Beach by null
Nick's Laguna Beach by null
Nick's Laguna Beach by null
Nick's Laguna Beach by null
Nick's Laguna Beach by null
Nick's Laguna Beach by null
Nick's Laguna Beach by null
Nick's Laguna Beach by null
Nick's Laguna Beach by null
Nick's Laguna Beach by null
Nick's Laguna Beach by null
Nick's Laguna Beach by null
Nick's Laguna Beach by null
Nick's Laguna Beach by null
Nick's Laguna Beach by null
Nick's Laguna Beach by null
Nick's Laguna Beach by null
Nick's Laguna Beach by null
Nick's Laguna Beach by null
Nick's Laguna Beach by null
Nick's Laguna Beach by null
Nick's Laguna Beach by null
Nick's Laguna Beach by null
Nick's Laguna Beach by null
Nick's Laguna Beach by null
Nick's Laguna Beach by null
Nick's Laguna Beach by null
Nick's Laguna Beach by null
Nick's Laguna Beach by null
Nick's Laguna Beach by null
Nick's Laguna Beach by null
Nick's Laguna Beach by null
Nick's Laguna Beach by null
Nick's Laguna Beach by null

Highlights

Californian comfort fare, fried asparagus, blackened halibut  

Featured in The Infatuation
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440 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651 Get directions

nicksrestaurants.com
@nickslagunabeach

$30–50 · Menu

Reserve

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440 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651 Get directions

+1 949 376 8595
nicksrestaurants.com
@nickslagunabeach

$30–50 · Menu

Reserve

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Last updated

Aug 7, 2025

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@infatuation

16 Restaurants Worthy Of A Day Trip Outside LA

"Nick’s is the crown jewel of Laguna Beach—the ultimate crowd-pleaser where you take your picky visiting relatives who just want to get out of LA for a day and can't decide on a place they all want to eat. You'll encounter ridiculous wait times and zero reservation availability (unless you book weeks in advance), but you will also find the greatest prime rib sandwich of all time. Go for a post-beach lunch or drinks and snacks at the bar.  " - brant cox, garrett snyder

https://www.theinfatuation.com/los-angeles/guides/12-restaurants-outside-la-worthy-of-a-day-trip
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@infatuation

The 16 Best Restaurants & Bars In Laguna Beach

"Nick’s is the crown jewel of the Laguna Beach world. But not because of Michelin stars or a seven-course tasting menu featuring baby quail eggs and celery foam. Quite the opposite. This casual restaurant is the ultimate Laguna go-to because it’s one of the most crowd-pleasing restaurants you’ll ever encounter. You will also encounter ridiculous wait times, zero reservation availability (unless you book many weeks in advance), and the greatest prime rib sandwich of all time. Go for a post-beach lunch, go for drinks and snacks at the bar, or go for a dinner date. And get the asparagus fries." - garrett snyder, jess basser sanders

https://www.theinfatuation.com/los-angeles/guides/laguna-restaurants
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@infatuation

Nick’s Laguna Beach Review - Laguna Beach - Los Angeles - The Infatuation

"Nick’s is the crown jewel of the Laguna Beach world. But not because of Michelin stars, or a chef from Top Chef, or a seven-course tasting menu featuring baby quail eggs and celery foam. Quite the opposite. This casual restaurant is the ultimate Laguna go-to because it’s one of the most crowd-pleasing restaurants you’ll ever encounter. You will also encounter ridiculous wait times, zero reservation availability (unless you book many weeks in advance), and the greatest prime rib sandwich of all time. Go for a post-beach lunch, go for drinks and snacks at the bar, or go for a dinner date. And get the prime rib sandwich." - Katherine Lewin

https://www.theinfatuation.com/los-angeles/reviews/nicks-laguna-beach
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@afar

"Nick’s Laguna Beach Nick’s is a Southern California institution, with coastal locations in Long Beach, San Clemente, Manhattan Beach, and Pasadena. The Laguna outpost has the others beat, however, thanks to its perch just across the street from Main Beach. Diners can head here after a long day in the sun for delicious takes on classic American dishes, from buttermilk fried chicken and San Francisco cioppino to rib eye melts and cheeseburgers with Thousand Island dressing. Whatever you choose, pair it with a house cocktail (you can’t go wrong with the jalapeño-watermelon margarita) as you watch the sun set over the Pacific."

The Best Restaurants in Laguna Beach and Dana Point
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Jim Man

Google
This was a gem of a place. The service and staff were great! Watermelon special drink was very refreshing. The Lentil soup was very good. I had the chopsticks cheeseburger was very tasty and my wife had the fish sandwich with warm potato salad. Food was terrific. If you are in the area a must try!

Ashlynn Rosenberg

Google
We went to Nick’s for lunch on our 2 year wedding anniversary - we didn’t tell them it was our anniversary, but I am (very obviously) 9 months pregnant and they brought us the loveliest card and cake to celebrate the baby! The food was fantastic and super reasonably priced, but the service and kind gesture was the icing on the cake.

Christian Sanchez

Google
My wife and I are from Las Vegas. We went to Woods Cove and afterwards wanted to get a bite to eat. Michael was our server, he was very polite, very attentive. I got the crispy chicken sandwich which in my opinion has good flavor just the size for the price didn’t match. My wife got the buttermilk fried chicken which she loved. She also did get an alcoholic beverage. She was told that it would be on the sweeter side which she likes but wasn’t, it was sour. She told someone and they brought her a different drink and again it was sour. My wife does not play about her sweet drinks. They were nice enough to take it off the tab. We didn’t ask but they insisted. Even tho I gave it 5 stars across the board, not sure if I would be back.

Cheryl Nasser

Google
Great vibe here being down in the heart of Laguna Beach. Meal was fantastic, well prepared and flavorful. Good size portions. Started with asparagus fries that were like a tempura batter, so good. Cioppino was full of fish and shellfish, delightful broth and came with a sourdough bread that was incredibly delicious with garlic and spices baked into the top. Hubby had baby back ribs and they were cooked to perfection, melt in your mouth and fall off the bone. Ended with the banana cream pie which was scrumptious, it had a chocolate ganache layer at the bottom with a graham cracker crust. Casey was our friendly server and was attentive throughout the night. Food came out promptly even though they were a full restaurant. Dined on the outdoor patio, there are more tables and a bar inside. Look forward to returning to try the other food dishes.

Jed Kwon

Google
Begrudgingly fantastic. Waitstaff are all super friendly and the right amount of friendly banter and leave you alone. It's been a while since I've had a cocktail but I have to say the yuzu old fashioned was the best I had in a while, the spiced guava not so much, hard to say if it's a quality or preference issue. Nick seems like a good lunch place for high end professionals that want a tasty meal without surprises and nice lunch break drink. A bit out of place in Laguna beach, but it didn't hurt their business none. Drink and food is $50 a person.

Sarah Abawi

Google
I live in Atlanta but every time I’m in the Newport/Laguna area, this is my go to spot. It’s consistent, it’s amazing, and the service is impeccable. I wish we had restaurants like this in Atlanta! Thank you Nick’s for a yummy and high quality experience every time. They also have one of the best wine lists at a restaurant that I’ve ever seen without being crazy expensive.

Stephanie Notley

Google
Great birthday dinner! All the food was delicious and the dinner portions were generous. The appetizers were good but probably more for 3-4 people to share. The cioppino was flavorful and came with a grapefruit sized sourdough loft slathered in garlic butter, the prime rib dip was tender and had the perfect amount of Au jus. The sea bass was tender and buttery as well. The French onion soup had their onions puréed into the soup which was a little disappointing but I just prefer having the onions to eat. I also appreciate their nonalcoholic drink selection-the drink with the passion fruit foam is amazing! Would definitely come back!

Jennie Hoglund

Google
This was one of the best meals we have ever eaten! Everything was perfect and delicious from the salmon to the filet. Friendly yet not overbearing service, accommodating to special requests, and lovely atmosphere. Five stars.

Kyle S.

Yelp
The food was excellent especially the German potato salad and Diane was our server at the bar very attentive and helpful.
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Anatashia L.

Yelp
Can we take a moment to appreciate Nick's Laguna Beach? From the moment we walked in, the hospitality was top-tier. The staff truly works as a team--seamless, attentive and genuinely warm. We were lucky to be seated late on a Sunday evening and had the sweetest waitress who made us feel so welcome with thoughtful recommendations. We loved everything--from the well-crafted cocktails to the deviled eggs, every bite and sip was on point. Standout dish? The chicken piccata--absolutely bursting with bright citrus, perfectly crisp and those capers brought it all together. It was so flavorful! And let's talk about the butter cake... WOW. That light caramelized crisp on top was everything. I devoured it! We've already got our eyes on the fried chicken with mashed potatoes and corn on the cob--we saw it coming out nonstop and it looked incredible. No doubt, we'll be back soon to explore more of this menu.
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Tina M.

Yelp
Breakfast at Nick's This Morning! We hadn't been to Nick's in quite a while, so this morning we decided to switch it up and forgo our usual local spot. We were greeted and seated right away--great start! While waiting for our food, a server offered a Natalie's carrot muffin, and wow--it was absolutely delicious! When our meals arrived, though, there were a few hiccups. I didn't receive the condiments I had requested, and it took around five minutes for them to arrive. By then, my hash browns had gone cold. I was excited to dive into my omelet, but unfortunately, it lacked flavor and was filled with large chunks of avocado. Once I got to the center, I realized it wasn't fully cooked. Then, while pouring coffee, the server accidentally spilled some, which ended up dripping onto my blouse. That moment really took the wind out of my sails. Thankfully, a kind manager stopped by to check in, and I shared what had happened. She was very understanding and generously comped $30 from our bill, which I really appreciated. Having worked in the industry myself, I know things happen--and I also know Nick's is known for high standards. I truly believe this was just one of those off days we all have. A few suggestions from someone who's been there: Consider placing avocado on top of the omelet instead of inside, especially if it's in big chunks. The coffee pots might need replacing--several servers were having trouble with spills. Cups with a wider lip could help avoid future accidents. On a bright note, my husband had the chicken and waffles and absolutely loved them! We'll definitely be back--this experience doesn't change how much we enjoy Nick's. Thanks again for your hospitality and for tolerating me !
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Lisa C.

Yelp
Great date night location! San Francisco Cioppino - Hands down one of the best seafood cioppinos I've ever had. The seafood is fresh and doesn't taste like it was previously frozen. Even some of the fancier seafood restaurants make bland cioppinos that disappoint me. But Nick's? *CHEF'S KISS* The rich aroma of seafood envelops every bite. And I'm a sucker for sourdough bread too. It's a must order for me every single time. Buttermilk Fried Chicken - The dish is popular but it wasn't too special for me. It has heavy ingredients and it makes you feel heavy consuming it. The gravy makes the fried chicken lose its crispiness. Asparagus Fries - Solid appetizer. Served with ranch.
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Chris P.

Yelp
This establishment seems to consistently deliver on food and service. One thing is certain, if you're trying to visit during peak hours, reservations are recommended. Food & Drinks - 4* They always have a good mix of cocktails, wine, and beer. On this visit we had the Fig Old Fashioned and an IPA. For food, we went with some tuna tartare to start and the chicken Piccata for dinner. The tuna tartare is a hit small in portion, but it's delicious. Nothing beats some fresh tuna! The chicken piccata was a healthy portion with two cutlets and a bed of greens. Service - 5* Here's where I feel Nick's stands out. No matter where we sit, there is consistent service. Someone is always checking in to make sure you have what you need, place any additional orders, and keep your water filled. Cost - 4.5* As I say, subjective, but in general the pricing is quite good for the location, quantity, and quality of delivery. Overall - 5* If you're looking to enjoy Laguna Beach as a local or a visitor, Nick's isn't going to disappoint. This area always has lots of tourists, but it still takes pride in delivering good food and service.
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Virginia J.

Yelp
My friends and I decided to try this place while we were walking around Laguna Beach. There is indoor and outdoor seating. The staff were all very nice although I wish they wouldnt start cleaning up our table before we even left. I found that to be distasteful. We came for lunch so we didn't see many people and we were seated immediately. We chose to sit outdoors and even then, there wasn't much noise or foot traffic. Other than that, the food was amazing! We had the Spicy Thai and Grilled Steakhouse. Perfect to share amongst three people. Would be interested in coming back to try other menu items.
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Rob C.

Yelp
Food is good with some go tos are chicken piccata, original ribeye melt, tuna tartare and for desert, butter cake add ice cream. Sometimes they have the Whiskey cake too. Yummy! Service - Austin at the bar area is top notch. Always attentive. The rest of the staff is also on top. Ambiance - not a big spot but always busy so make your reservation or take a gamble and get into the bar area if you are lucky!
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CheRich R.

Yelp
A must have! From the door to the table A+! The staff are welcoming and attentive even those walking through that aren't providing direct service to you. We ordered with John who gave us excellent info on menu items helping us make great selections. My husband had the St. Louis ribs which came with fries and chopped kale salad. The ribs had a sweet pineapple bbq sauce and fell off the bone. Came with a warm towel for your hands, great touch. My order was the maple glazed meatloaf on mash potatoes accompanied with asparagus and carrot in a delicious savory sauce. Wow and wow! Everything was great! I ordered a martini espresso that was absolutely delish! We will definitely return. Thanks Nicks for an exquisite top notch experience. The inside was clean and cozy and even the restroom was top notch.
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Tiffany K.

Yelp
First time trying the Laguna Beach location. It did not disappoint!!! Our server was super friendly, and we loved the casual but still kind of upscale vibe. I was a big fan of the calamari, and an even bigger fan of my entree. My friends also loved what they ordered- I haven't tried something at Nick's I don't like yet!! Can't go wrong. I ordered the prime rib dip and subbed the bread it comes with for sourdough because I prefer the bread to be a little harder if I'm dipping it. Best thing ever!!! The horseradish it comes with is a little strong but it works sooo well with the sandwich. Also, their brussels sprouts with the bacon and candied walnuts is seriously maybe the best Brussels sprouts I've EVER had.
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Shanon B.

Yelp
Wow, came across this restaurant while at Laguna and absolutely loved it. Was only about a 45 minute wait which was surprising given it was a weekend and Mother's Day. Lots of cute places to walk around nearby while waiting which is nice. We had such a great server; had an uplifting attitude and very attentive. We ordered the Chilean sea bass, ribeye sandwich and rigatoni pasta. Everything we ate was absolutely delicious. The rigatoni pasta was probably one of the best we have ever tried! Everything was seasoned and flavored so well. We will definitely be coming here again.
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Simon K.

Yelp
Decent breakfast. The biscuits and gravy were fine. The Croque Madame (like a breakfast ham sandwich) was alright, got boring after a while. Unfortunately the potatoes that came with it seem like they were made yesterday then reheated. Kind of chewy. The chicken and waffles were great. Very light and flavorful. The coffee was a bit bitter.
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David F.

Yelp
Wow! Amazing food! Amazing service! Very happy with the experience here. Also had the spicy rigatoni which was the best I've had. The ribeye melt was cooked to a perfect medium rare perfection. My only critique was the onions were a bit overwhelming with it making the bottom bread of the melt a bit soggy. Otherwise flavor was amazing. Very accommodating staff. Ambiance was very nice as well. Will be my go to spot anytime I'm in Laguna!
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Ariel H.

Yelp
A small, cozy restaurant located on PCH. I ordered the Cha Cha Spicy Rigatoni and it did not disappoint! I loved that it was cooked al dente because I like the "feedback" when masticating. The wait to be seated was 2 hours, but you can always opt for an open spot at the bar, first come first serve. Despite being a small place, the restaurant was quite loud and lively! Clean restaurant, clean restroom. The overall atmosphere was enjoyable!
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Amy M.

Yelp
SUNDAY BLOODY MARY SUNDAYS.... NICK'S Laguna Beach, California! I Freakin' LOVE NICK'S Bloody Mary's w/ their Fried Panko Crusted Blue Cheese Stuffed Olive =$14... "Almost" as Much as I LOVE Pickleball! And Without Question, after you see All My Brunch NICK'S Pics, You Too, will Dream of NICK'S, Too! NICK's Laguna Beach, they undeniably have one of the Most Amazin' Weekend Breakfast & Brunch's in the OC!! NICK'S! Please make my Dreams Come True & Serve Breakfast 7-days a Week, Again Soon! :) Brunch Currently Served Only on the Weekends from 8:30am - 11:30am and a MUST Check Out!
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Monique S.

Yelp
Made a reservation for 8 of us. It was such a fabulous night!!! We had a great spot!!! Such great food!!! Sea bass, steaks, chicken piccata, octopus, poke & asparagus fries!!! Drinks were Great too!!! Try the Eapresso Martini!! every thing was great!!!!
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Bryan D.

Yelp
Nick's Laguna Beach is sooo Good! The chicken and waffles are the Bomb! You might want to share them because the portions are Big! Mimosa's are served in a classy glass and are so good!! Make sure you walk across the street to Main Beach afterwards!
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Madeline S.

Yelp
I haven't been to Nick's location in Laguna Beach in a lifetime!! My friend and I had a great experience. It has a really loungy type feel because it's a smaller location and can get a little loud. They do also have a nice, covered patio as well. Our server was super friendly and the service was fast. The only thing I was a little bummed about is I was hoping to get Asparagus Fries and breakfast at the same time! Apparently they serve breakfast until about 11 or 11:30, close the kitchen and then open back up at 12 for lunch. Overall though, Nick's has some delicious food and never disappoints!
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Britney M.

Yelp
PHENOMENAL. Nicks's Laguna Beach exceeded every expectation we had, and then some! My husband and I came to celebrate my birthday. The staff made sure to make it a special day for me by giving me a chocolate cake and a card signed by the staff! That was such a surprise! The card had my name on it and it was spelled correctly. What a lovely gift! I really appreciate that personal touch. I've never had a dine-in experience like this before. Hospitality and service were unbeatable. The food was exceptional in every way. Every single appetizer and dish was prepared perfectly and had great presentation. I'll list what we ordered and rate each item below. Fried calamari 10/10 It wasn't chewy, fried perfectly. No tentacles, dipping sauces were a great compliment Shrimp taquitos 10/10 Really plump shrimps, sauce wasn't spicy, wrapping was crispy, topped with fresh pico and cheese, perfect balance of savory. French Onion Soup 10/10 Has great flavor, hearty and satisfying Scottish Salmon 10/10 Good sized salmon fillet, cooked nicely so it was tender, fresh spinach on the side Buttermilk Fried Chicken 10/10 Fried nicely so it was crunchy, chicken was tender, potatoes were whipped and buttery Warm Butter cake 10/10 This is world famous! And know I know why. It's got all the textures going on, warm cake, cold ice cream, sweet berries, amazing dessert Ambiance is cozy and dark. Love the booths and seating is very comfortable! The restaurant is classy inside and very clean. We will be back, no doubt about that. It was worth the 45 minute drive there and back for the food and service. My husband and I were already discussing what we want to try next on their menu!
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Annie V.

Yelp
We absolutely loved this establishment!! Everything we ordered was mouthwatering delicious!! The location is perfect right in the heart of Laguna Beach! Oh and did I mention the service was top tiers, thank you Spencer for the awesome service!! We'll be back soon!! A must checkout kinda place for sure!!
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Paul C.

Yelp
Exec summary: great food but no view Food: this was, literally, THE best French dip sandwich I can recall having. The blackened fish my wife had looked amazing and she loved it The Brussels sprouts were also amazing Ambiance : we sat outside on the patio. The only view is of pacific coast highway. But, as it's laguna, you do t have to wait long to see a super car or a premium luxury car drive past Service was prompt, the waiter was awesome. Had a very good time there !
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Lili K.

Yelp
I recently saw Kevin Kwan, who gave a shoutout to Nick's for their prime rib dip, so we had to get it! We also got their chicken 'n waffles and breakfast burrito. Service was top notch and might I add, super baby friendly!! They gave both our kids etch-a-sketches to play with, and even had those high chairs that attaches to the table. We never used one before, and our kid actually stayed seated in it for some time, so yay to that!
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Angela F.

Yelp
We were craving seafood and Nick's did not disappoint! We arrived for a late weekday lunch and were seated right away. The pan seared Scottish salmon is the star of this meal. Cooked perfectly, crispy on the outside and tender and flakey on the inside. The sautéed spinach and whipped potatoes on the side were just as delicious. This was probably the best meal I had in Laguna Beach. Highly recommend making a stop here!
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Liz J.

Yelp
Giving this restaurant a perfect score. This place exceeded our expectations. Server and manager were very attentive, checked on us a few times. Try the asparagus fritter on the appetizer and it will not disappoint. Nice and crisp! Husband got the chicken piccata with mashed potato- winner!!! I got the petite bistro combo and it was the perfect size for me. It comes with onion soup and kale salad and 4 oz fillet mignon. Very good! We ordered the whiskey cake with candied pecan and whip cream for dessert. The restaurant is perfectly located in Laguna Beach and it's nice and cozy inside. Another good find in Laguna Beach area!
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Thomas N.

Yelp
Wow--what an amazing dining experience! I ordered the Chilean sea bass and it was absolutely perfect. Cooked to perfection, full of flavor, and plated beautifully. You can really tell the kitchen pays attention to detail. What made the night even better was our server, Dianna. She was incredibly attentive, friendly, and professional--one of the best servers I've had in a long time. She made us feel welcomed and truly taken care of. I'll definitely will be coming back--not just for the incredible food, but for Dianna's top-tier service. Highly recommend!

Dana M.

Yelp
Food, service and ambience was excellent as usual. However , i made reservation for 4 of us, confirmed it, and got an email that my reservation was cancelled by the restaurant. Fortunately, I was able to call right the way and was put back on the schedule...it's just disappointing they would cancel reservation confirmed by the patron.
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Timmy S.

Yelp
This is a very popular spot for some reason, usually with a crowd waiting to get inside. So when we were visiting some art galleries and shops while strolling the sidewalks of Laguna Beach on a weekday evening and saw this place half empty we decided to take advantage. It's a cramped space with a large bar in the center and some booths around the perimeter. If you're seated in a booth you can literally stretch your arm out and touch the back of someone seated at the bar. It seems like a great spot to throw back some libations but we just wanted some appetizers as we'd had a large lunch a bit earlier. The menu is largely seafood (which I don't eat) and I wasn't hungry enough to go for the steak options so I acknowledge I'm not giving an adequate review of their culinary offerings. I ordered the Market Salad and my wife got calamari (which she said was pretty good). My salad was fresh and tasty. It included onion, cheese, egg, and bacon with a little ranch dressing. It was a satisfying small bite. Service was friendly and attentive. Laguna is often tough when it comes to parking but we had luck in the parking structure directly behind the restaurant.
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Amy S.

Yelp
This restaurant reminded my daughter and I of a place we used to eat at all the time in Manhattan, New York! As we walked in, it was rather noisy on a Sunday, especially since it's the first beautiful day we Southern Californians have had in at least a month! Everybody was out having a good time in Laguna Beach... we were fortunate to get a table in the back where it wasn't noisy and enjoyed an incredibly delicious lunch! I had a cheeseburger and if you knew me, you would know that I rarely have red meat, but that doesn't mean I don't love it! A perfect repast and fairly priced. My daughter had a thai salad that also was delicious! Great place ... great vibes and we left fully satiated. We then walked around this gorgeous, tony and upscale town. I have to say that Laguna Beach is kept immaculate and the town is clean and offers so many wonderful window shopping experiences! With all my years living here, I've never really explored Laguna Beach and the beauty is still very vividly in my mind. Wow.! Although it's 55 miles away from my home I would definitely go back on a day trip. It's just that beautiful.!
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Stewart L.

Yelp
Ironically, I have never been to the Nick's in my hometown, but have visited the Laguna Beach location oodles of times since I'm down here twice a year. I have had breakfast, lunch and dinner here (same menu for lunch and dinner). Currently breakfast is only offered on weekends and starts a little late-ish (8:30 am). Like any meal at Nick's, it can get packed; reservations are accepted and advised. This location is on the petite size, with booths and tables surrounding a large bar with seating on 2 sides. There's a patio in the front with 5 tables. No you can't see the ocean. If I were just rating Nick's based on my last visit, it would be 4 stars, because service and the kitchen were extremely slow; several tables were complaining. I suspect there was a staff shortage this day. The food, however is always great and reliable. The menu's not large, and I've never had something I didn't like. For breakfast I ALWAYS order the chilaquiles. Laguna has its fair share of Mexican restaurants and one year I tried the chilaquiles at multiple places, so I can fairly say Nick's are "the best in town". From the all-day menu, I can say that the bacon deviled eggs (fried!), asparagus fries and shrimp taquitos starters are stellar and very popular. For the mains/sandwiches, I've had the cioppino, Chilean sea bass, fried chicken, chicken piccata, meatloaf (not always on the menu in Laguna), prime rib dip and ribeye melt, and I've NEVER not eaten every morsel (or taken it home). For dessert, I ALWAYS order the warm butter cake. Like the chilaquiles, I've tried others in town and Nick's is the best. I think it's the crunch from the crystallized sugar crust and the fresh berry compote that put it a notch above. I also like how Nick's recently added some non-alcoholic drink choices "free alcohol full of spirit". Service is always friendly. A reliable, recommended and popular Laguna spot.
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Evan C.

Yelp
Me and my girlfriend came here for our early Valentine's celebration and we enjoyed our experience a lot! Our server Sheri had such a upbeat personality and was super friendly and helpful. We grabbed drinks at the bar while we waited and they were both really good. My girlfriend ordered the Sea Bass and I ordered the Cioppino and we both were very happy with what we ordered. Anytime my water was empty, Sheri made sure to come by to refill it without me asking once. The place inside is small but not too small and has a great vibe to it all. Inside every seating is a booth unless you sit on the outside. We also ordered the calamari to share between us which was very crispy and flavorful. Overall a great way to spend Valentines!
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Kimmy M.

Yelp
A great little restaurant in Laguna Beach. Our waiter, Michael, was fantastic. Great ambiance for a girls night or a date. Clean and well designed. For an appetizer we had the deviled egg. I would definitely recommend! The white of the egg was breaded and fried. The yellow had a great mustard, onion and a bit of bacon taste. For dinner we had the buttermilk fried chicken, sirloin steak and a hamburger. My friend said hamburger bun was dry but the rest of it was great. As for the steak, it was good but she had ordered it medium well and it came out medium rare. The waiter didn't come back soon enough so she just ate it as it was. They also brought out the incorrect potato side . The manager sent an ice cream sundae as an apology. Fried chicken dinner I would also recommended. . It was thinly pounded and seasoned well. Served with a biscuit and mashed potatoes and gravy. Very nice dinner that I'd order again. It was my friend's birthday so the waiter brought a piece of cake with a candle, very thoughtful.
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James W.

Yelp
The food was beyond good! The ribeye melt was so flavorful and juicy and the buttermilk chicken was breaded beautifully along with the mashed potatoes and biscuits and gravy. The service was wonderful John at the bar was so fun and helpful he's killing it! Such a good vibe in this place would come here again and again if I lived in the area!
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Jeff N.

Yelp
This place is always Fun no matter what the weather. Dined here after Christmas and glad we did. Expecting a Sunny day in Laguna it was Foggy & Cold. Fortunately there were 3 seats at the bar for dining. Started with the Calamari which was lightly breaded but it was mostly just rings and one tentacle. Not that great, so I ended up eating it since my Mom likes that part the best, just like with Octopus. She had a tasty non alcoholic beverage with cranberry in it, I had the Jalapeño Watermelon Margarita made with a Jalapeño infused mixture the bartender adds for flavor that lasts. She had their Prime Rib Sandwich with au jus. I had the Blackened Chicken Sandwich with fries. Food was delicious Service was great at the Bar Ambiance was great ~ it was a bit loud but that's to be expected. Whether we're dining on their street side patio on a sunny day or inside at the bar Nick's is a Fun place to dine & have a fun time.
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Anh N.

Yelp
TLDR: A lively, bright spot near the ocean, perfect for lunch and cocktails on a sunny day in Laguna. The food is high quality, the ambiance is inviting, but expect a wait due to the restaurant's small size. With an almost-ocean view, Nick's offers a great atmosphere for a casual yet elevated meal. The space is limited, with about a dozen bar seats and various tables, so plan ahead if you're coming during peak hours. The Food: -Baby Back Ribs, $35, 4/5: Fall-off-the-bone tender with a well-balanced, savory barbecue sauce. Served with thick-cut fries and a well-dressed side salad, making this a complete and satisfying meal. A solid choice if you're craving that all-American BBQ vibe. -Buttermilk Fried Chicken, $26, 5/5: Served boneless as stated on the menu, which may surprise some but doesn't take away from the dish. The breading is crisp and perfectly seasoned. The whipped mashed potatoes complement the chicken beautifully. The roasted corn on the cob felt unnecessary, and the biscuit was a bit tough, but the fried chicken itself is excellent. -Nick's Bloody Mary, $14, 5/5: A robust, well-made Bloody Mary that hits all the right notes. Served with a fried blue cheese olive--a nice touch, though mine was cold, making the breading less enjoyable. If you want extra olives, they cost extra, so be aware. Service was adequate, but the restaurant stays consistently busy, which is expected given its prime location, inviting ambiance, and high-quality food. Would I Return? Likely. The food is fantastic, and the location is hard to beat if you're coming off a walk in Laguna Beach. Just be prepared for a wait.
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Jodeye H.

Yelp
Parking has gone up in the structure! Ugh! Nicks is a yummy go to/ any time of the day. Here on a Sunday morning- & it's busy!

Mariana Y.

Yelp
IFirst time ther. Went to celebrae my birthday. The food and drinks were great! I had the ribeye steak patty melt. The waiters were great! Will come back next week to celebrate my husband's bday!
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OC Foodie D.

Yelp
What??? Insane food, amazing Thai Chicken salad and Blackened Mahi Mahi fish sandwich!!!! If you want a party in your mouth with fresh food come here! 5 plus 100 stars!!!
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Michael Glockner

Yelp
We went to Nick's in Laguna Beach for our 3rd marriage anniversary. Dominic was our wonderful waiter. Dominic hands down was the best waiter I've ever have had, and I'm 70yrs old. Not only was the food fantastic, Dominic made our dinner entertaining and fun. Dominic was a true professional and a very handsome one at that. Great atmosphere also! Thank you, Michael Glockner
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Ruby B.

Yelp
We did it again! One week vacation in Newport and Laguna and we went twice to Nick's because we love their menu and food so much. We ordered favorites and once again the cioppino, kale and quinoa salad, Chilean sea bass, buttermilk fried chicken and asparagus fries were outstanding and delicious. Service from Rebekah was friendly and caring and she was our person for both of our meals! Nick's is consistently a vibrant place to be, while at the same time comfortable and relaxing. It tends to be loud as the acoustics aren't great and so many guests are busily talking, so sit close to each other!
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Anna F.

Yelp
Usually I would rate my Nick's experience a 4 or 5.. my last few experiences haven't been great. Food has been cold or not up to par in my opinion. For example: ordered the soup "special" of the night which was a French onion soup .. WORST French onion soup I've ever had. Came to our table as an average lukewarm soup (airplane food quality) with a room temp piece of Swiss cheese on the top. I asked for it to be reheated. It was sent back and came back to our table just as cold. Bad quality for a Nick's. The server didn't even check on how the soup was.. bad service ..gross soup.. rest of the food was good though. Embarrassing "special". Sad service, waitress was drunk. Yikes

Mahsa T.

Yelp
One of my favorite restaurants in Laguna beach , Great service great food love the Ambience

ChenChen Y.

Yelp
The waiting time was extremely long, both in line and for the food. Not baby friendly, no place to put a stroller.
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Lorelie C.

Yelp
We have gone here many times, but for some reason we really enjoyed the food much more this time! We got seated at a far end, not much action but ambience is still cozy and nice! Service is good as usual. They were very attentive. For food we ordered the tuna tartare, which is so good! Fresh and yummy. Also the chicken piccata which is so tasty and delish! We also got the ribeye melt that came with potato salad. My husband really enjoyed it. I had a glass of Austin Hope, which for some reason, I enjoyed more than I usually do!
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Edward L.

Yelp
Based on two recommendations to try Nick's we knew it was a no brainer to try and get a table this past Saturday night. We don't have a reservation but arrived at 6:30 and were seated by 7. The entire experience was quite pleasant from our charming and attentive server Briana to the exquisite food. Everything that came out was magnificent from the Southern Fried chicken dish to the MVP of the table; the Cioppino. Driving from San Diego to Laguna beach for this meal was more than worth it.
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Pauline N.

Yelp
My cousin recommended the Rib Eye Melt, and I love anything with horseradish mayo. I wish it came with arugula because I felt like it was too heavy on the meat and mayo, and it needed something refreshing to cut the heaviness. Instead of picking fries as my side, I should've gotten the bistro salad because that salad was delicious! I had to steal some salad from the other entree I ordered to eat with the Rib Eye Melt. I also ordered the Bistro plate, which comes with a petite filet mignon, topped with steak butter served on garlic toast, petite bistro salad, and a cup of today's soup. This was all for $26 which was a great deal. The soup was super comforting. My friends ordered the Calamari and I tried a piece. This was the epitome of what good calamari should be. They also give a lot of sauce and don't give you a little like how most restaurants do.
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Neil A.

Yelp
Great ambience, great American-Italian classics on the menu. Awesome cocktail list. If you like Seasons 52, you'll LOVE Nick's. Not really for a large party though, and reserve a table ahead of time. Service is on a higher level than most.
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Kahea C.

Yelp
***Late Post**** Back in January, while in Laguna, we found this jewel and it did not disappoint! We couldn't find the parking lot so settled for street parking which is meter parking. The establishment is small but charming. There's an outdoor seating area in addition to the bar and table seating. Our server was excellent!! He was very friendly, attentive and made good food suggestions. The food portions aren't large but good enough that you will not leave here feeling hungry, believe me! We didn't have room to order dessert, lol. The prices are decent but not on the lower side but it's worth every penny . We had the asparagus fries and deviled eggs for starters. Based on reviews, in my opinion, the deviled eggs were just good. For the life of me, I can't remember what my husband had because I could not forget about the dish I had. Guys, it was soooo delish!! The short rib was so tender and melted in my mouth and the veggies were cooked perfect and sauce was so ono!! If you are ever in Laguna and looking for a place to eat, checkout out this place!
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Brian A.

Yelp
I know that Nick's probably doesn't need another positive review, but it should be said that anytime I am craving a solid meal, Nick's never disappoints. It's quality in food and service is consistent every. single. time. One of my all time favorite spots.
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Dana A.

Yelp
This the yummiest dinner but Nicks never disappoints! I forgot my server's name, but she was awesome and she recommended I get this so I could have a taste of everything!! The filet was so good and the soup and salad was also yummy! The only thing I missed was the butter cake, but I really just didn't have room this time ! Thank you nicks for always having such a great menu and such a great vibe!
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Brian Y.

Yelp
Had my birthday dinner at Nick's and it was simply great! I've been before for breakfast/lunch and have always enjoyed the food and service, and the dinner experience was just as memorable. The staff were attentive, knowledgeable of the menu, and overall delightful. We had the tuna tartare, soup of the day, prime rib dip, and Chilean sea bass which were all flavorful and delicious. Also got the yuzu old fashioned and watermelon margarita which were fantastic. I love the ambience which is casual and inviting yet with an upscale vibe. Can't wait to come back!