Nicky's The Real McCoy

Fast food restaurant · Cicero

Nicky's The Real McCoy

Fast food restaurant · Cicero

3

2400 S Cicero Ave, Cicero, IL 60804

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Nicky's The Real McCoy by null
Nicky's The Real McCoy by null
Nicky's The Real McCoy by null
Nicky's The Real McCoy by null
Nicky's The Real McCoy by null
Nicky's The Real McCoy by null
Nicky's The Real McCoy by null
Nicky's The Real McCoy by null
Nicky's The Real McCoy by null
Nicky's The Real McCoy by null
Nicky's The Real McCoy by null
Nicky's The Real McCoy by null
Nicky's The Real McCoy by null
Nicky's The Real McCoy by null
Nicky's The Real McCoy by null
Nicky's The Real McCoy by null
Nicky's The Real McCoy by null
Nicky's The Real McCoy by null
Nicky's The Real McCoy by null
Nicky's The Real McCoy by null
Nicky's The Real McCoy by null
Nicky's The Real McCoy by null
Nicky's The Real McCoy by null
Nicky's The Real McCoy by null
Nicky's The Real McCoy by null
Nicky's The Real McCoy by null
Nicky's The Real McCoy by null
Nicky's The Real McCoy by null
Nicky's The Real McCoy by null
Nicky's The Real McCoy by null
Nicky's The Real McCoy by null
Nicky's The Real McCoy by null
Nicky's The Real McCoy by null
Nicky's The Real McCoy by null
Nicky's The Real McCoy by null
Nicky's The Real McCoy by null
Nicky's The Real McCoy by null
Nicky's The Real McCoy by null
Nicky's The Real McCoy by null
Nicky's The Real McCoy by null
Nicky's The Real McCoy by null
Nicky's The Real McCoy by null
Nicky's The Real McCoy by null

Highlights

Chicago institution w/ hot dogs, Italian beef, gyros  

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2400 S Cicero Ave, Cicero, IL 60804 Get directions

nickystherealmccoy24.com

$10–20 · Menu

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2400 S Cicero Ave, Cicero, IL 60804 Get directions

+1 708 222 8500
nickystherealmccoy24.com

$10–20 · Menu

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Last updated

Aug 8, 2025

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@eater

Chicago’s Best Burgers | Eater Chicago

"Birthplace of the “Big Baby,” Nicky’s is the best place to try a lesser-known Chicago original. The order of the ingredients on this burger is its distinguishing characteristic. Two griddled patties sandwich a slice of American cheese and are placed over, rather than under, pickles, ketchup, and mustard. Grilled onions go on top of the beef, and the whole thing is set on a sesame seed bun." - Ashok Selvam

https://chicago.eater.com/maps/chicago-best-burgers-restaurants
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@eater

The Restaurants That Define Chicago’s South Side | Eater Chicago

"Since 1979, Nicky’s has been serving the Gage Park neighborhood with some of the best hot dogs, hamburgers, and Grecian chicken available on this side of the city. The Real McCoy separates itself from other Nicky’s that try to mimic the same iconic greatness. A taste of all of the South Side is available under one roof at Nicky’s. Be sure to try their Big Baby (two griddled patties, with cheese inserted between, and pickle/ketchup/mustard on the bottom)." - Eater Staff

https://chicago.eater.com/maps/restaurants-that-defined-south-side-chicago
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@eater

Best Grilled and Roasted Chicken in Chicago | Eater Chicago

"The sauce is boss at this Gage Park restaurant with locations in suburban Alsip and Cicero. The birds comes seasoned the Greek way with hints of lemon, oregano, and garlic. A great choice if you’re not in the mood for a Big Baby burger." - Eater Staff

https://chicago.eater.com/maps/best-roasted-chicken-chicago-mapped
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uzi uzi

Google
absolutely love this spot! ive been here a few times now and it never disappoints. the staff is super friendly. i tried the rib eye steak meal and it was so good, full of flavor and came out hot and fresh. prices are fair too, especially for the quality. definitely a hidden gem in the neighborhood. highly recommend!

Victoria Glaser

Google
It really is The Real McCoy! Service is solid. I wish I could remember the young woman’s name who took our order! She was fantastic… very inviting and fun personality! Food was solid went in for the Italian Beef, a couple of Chicago dogs and some fries with my husband & son for them who aren’t from Chicago. It’s a true Chicago experience. Owner was also on sight and surprised us with av visit. Super to get to know him. Look forward to going again next time we visit. Gyros is next up!

Jerry Hawkins

Google
We placed an order on May 15th for an order for a pan of rib tip and 3 slices of garlic bread. Initially , the young lady said it wouldn’t be enough time however; we wasn’t in no hurry it was around 12:30pm and the order would be be around 2 and Bernell and I advised her that would be fine. The cost was $77.00 plus. We picked up the purchase and served it for a birthday party and the ribs were swimming bbq sauce only to cover up the burnt, hard ribs. I called back to complain about it and left my phone number to get call a call back they never did. I will.never do service again and I have done service there for over twenty years

Dalia Arana

Google
Greek chicken dinner is my favorite and its the only thing I always order. Omg I highly recommend. I been coming here for years. Customer service quick and nice

Brad Lentz

Google
Was visiting from out of town when I found this awesome spot. Was in and out in under 10 minutes, the staff was very helpfull. Ordered a Gyro with fries (added feta and lettuce for a small extra charge). Best part is they have RC cola on tap! Been decades since I have seen that....they also had other menu items that looked enticing, will definitely be back next time I am in Chicago!

Carlos G

Google
Should've looked at the reviews before buying from them, asked for a dry Italian beef, they gave it to me wet and I can't go back because I'm stuck at work. Love the service

Karina Rodriguez

Google
Friendly and prompt service. Food taste, portions, and quality always great!! Definitely one of my top choices in the Cicero area for good quick meal options.

Erik

Google
Old Caucasian women in the front . Screwed up my order didn’t apologize was super disrespectful about it and proceeded to yell at me. The food is garbage anyways it’s all processed trash that woman needs to retire. Never going back there again.
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Antonio Q.

Yelp
Nicky's The Real McCoy in Cicero is the quintessential fast-casual restaurant serving all of the iconic dishes of the Windy CIty... Chicago-style Hot Dogs, Maxwell-style Polishes, Italian Beefs served dipped, Gyros with traditional Tzatziki, Greek Chicken with garlicky-lemon goodness, Pollo Adobado asado al carbon and any other fast-food classic that might come to mind like a Pizza Puff & Chicken Fingers. Not only has Nicky's set the bar higher than 9.999 out of 10 Chicagoland fast food restaurants, but they do it with style, quality and dedication. This location in Cicero is their third establishment. It has an old-school, 1950s decor with stools, gumball machines and an authentic vintage diner decor. The staff is always friendly in their own playful, West side way. After ordering your food, don't be caught off guard by hearing one of the cooks bark back if it contains special instructions. The playful banter between the guests and the kitchen is all part of the show. Just laugh and enjoy some of the comments you hear while waiting for your order. Just don't dare order ketchup on your hot dog. This is considered sacrilegious. Its a 312 thing. The prices are probably among the most affordable in the city. In order for the owner George to be able to afford this, he dedicates himself daily on-site to training a quality team that uses quality product efficiently. Many of the recipes are his own that he learned while growing up in Greece. His daily presence also creates a super warm and communal atmosphere among regulars. I'm sad Nicky's doesn't deliver directly, but I recently learned that their food is available on Door Dash for anyone looking to try the best Grecian Chicken in the city without leaving their home or office in this weather. Five Solid Stars to Nicky's The Real McCoy in Cicero. While I haven't tried the other locations in Alsip (11524 South Pulaski Road) or their original location in Chicago at 58th & Kedzie, I can't imagine either would differ. Cheers! Antonio Quintana (@AntonioQ312) #NickysTheRealMcCoy #Cicero #Chicago #Google #GoogleMaps #LocalGuides #YelpChicago #AntonioQuintana #AntonioQ312 #George #DoorDash #FiveStar #Review #HotDogs #Gyros #Polish #ItalianBeef #ChicagoStyle #FastFood #Casual #Restaurant
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Danny A.

Yelp
Order from here all the Time. Tried to call and ask for no onions, because their grub hub menu gives you no option. The person answering the phone was too LAZY to modify our order to onions on anything. Not a big change. Ive done it before with no problem. I literally called after placing the grub hub order, and she has the nerve to say the food was already made. Straight up LAZY. Obviously a miserable person who shouldn't be attending to customers. We would order from here at least once a week, but today was the last time. Hope LAZY gets stuck working every weekend for the rest of her miserable life
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Adrian C.

Yelp
It was ok some quick and go will be trying some new next time I go and the prices look amazing with the deals
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Cristian G.

Yelp
Hotdogs were a lil small and cold, but the burgers and sides were fantastic. Overall 4.1/5

Carlos M.

Yelp
Walked in and didn't receive any service. New cashiers seen me and didn't bother to take my order, while theyre back there gossiping. Walked right back out.
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Seth P.

Yelp
They use top-quality ingredients, down to the tomatoes they put in your sandwich. Really, really good from the chicken to the onion rings.
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Israel P.

Yelp
Good Greek Chicken. Fast service. No frills no excess. Just food. Can't speak for the rest of the food.
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Ruben O.

Yelp
Yeah this place sucks big time!!! We stop here for a Hot dog and ff my friend and I. So to start the lady taking the order was very trash! We 18 for 4 hot dogs and ff plus comes with drinks. Sam's is way better and cheaper Here is a pic from a real hot dogs from Sam's.
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Christy T.

Yelp
I live out in the suburbs now and ordering a gyro in the suburbs is not even a choice in my book. So happy to have stumbled across this hidden gem, it completely fit the bill! Service is super and they have great food. So delicious and satisfying! I ordered the gyro and couldn't have been happier with my selection. I had a great experience here and next time I'm in the area I would gladly revisit and try another option because they seem to know what they're doing here!!!
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Eve L.

Yelp
I came by a couple days ago and I had to come back. I loved it here so much. Me and my boyfriend will come back soon
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Jay E.

Yelp
What is the most thing I like about eating an italian beef? That it is eaten with giardinera peppers. I buy an italian beef from here and come to find out they make their own. Shit load if oil with celery, carrots, and jalapeño.... wtf is this shit about Ill just spend my money on a mcchicken next time
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Jaclyn W.

Yelp
I used to love this place. They had great Italian beefs. Today my fiancé and I went there. We ordered 2 Italian beefs with cheese, one drink and one fry. It was $17.35. The Italian beef tasted bland, almost watered down. I couldn't believe how downhill they went. Next time I will go to maxwells on 79th and Lafayette. Tip nickys also charges 3.5% to use a debit or credit card. Crazy.

J C.

Yelp
Great beefs always hot and fresh. Wish they didn't charge for all sides that comes on a beef

Donna S.

Yelp
Really wish we had gone down to the one on 58th. So much better. The Big Baby seemed to have been around a while, the bbq rib tip sandwich had that microwave stretchy feel to the bun. The meat on both was just really tasteless. I really have a hard time believing it was flame grilled. Have had better from here a long time ago. 2 sandwiches came in about 1 minute. Hmm. The "everything" was very litte of anything (pickles grilled onions). Kind of a joke. $20.04 Two sandwiches regular size (no fries or any add ons). And if you want anything on the side, even if it comes with it, it is an additional .75 cents. That's what the sign says. It was about 7:15 in the evening, no crowd maybe it would be better at peak times.
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Jose C.

Yelp
This place was ok. I ordered the big baby and hot dog. The big baby wasn't the greatest and I felt they put an excessive amount of onions on the hot dog. Food did come out quick and felt lucky that I was the only one there when I ordered. Quickly after a long line started forming.

Martha B.

Yelp
I ordered the doubke cheeseburger and it wasn't good, i thought the meat needed to be cooked more and it suppose to be flame broiled and it didn't taste flame broiled at all. I have tried their hot dogs and gyros before and had way better. I cross this place off of my go to places to eat list.
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Alyssa P.

Yelp
BLAND. No flavor. I felt like I had a cold and couldn't taste anything. My water had more flavor than this food Their chicago dogs didn't even have the seeded buns. The prime rib sandwich had zero flavor

Audriana V.

Yelp
GET THE GRECIAN CHICKEN. Lemony, herby, juicy half chicken with fries, rice, garlic bread and a little Greek salad. I had it tonight, I live nowhere nearby, and I'm already planning my next trip to Cicero for this chicken.
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Bernice D.

Yelp
I ordered a gyro plate and two polish with fries, most of the fry"s were thrown in the garbage, some were soft some were hard . gyro meat was ok , I Like the pita bread and the side salad. The cashier was friendly and helpful and that is the only reason I didn't call back to complain about the horrible fry's and excessive amount of gyro sauce sloped onto the tray.

PA C.

Yelp
Visiting the city and wanted a good local hot dog. Ordered the #3. Service was good and the food came out fairly quick. The fries were good and the dogs were decent. Unfortunately, after biting into the 2nd hot dog I noticed there was mold on the bottom of the bun. Threw everything else away at that point. Will not be going back.
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Lefter T.

Yelp
Excellent big baby, even better onion rings! Of course we know the original but this keeps the bar high as well!

Elvis P.

Yelp
Not a five star joint but it really hits those light night cravings. I ordered the hot dogs and Italian beef. Honestly I can say the hot dogs were average at best. The beef was about the same. It really wasn't a knockout for the taste buds but I could say if you wanted something quick to eat then this is the place to go.
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The D.

Yelp
Average food and average service. If you're looking for great food I'd pass but if you're looking for OK fast Thai it's ok. Panda Express
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Adonis D.

Yelp
This place sucks... I was in the mood for a Italian beef and could of went toSchatells but figured I would give them a try. The line cook slings my sandwich across the counter to the cashier, I give both of them a look like wtf? My beef is soaked not in beef gravy but pure grease my bread is blown out and the absolute worst was the hot pepper giardenera, it was nothing but jalapeños and celery!! You herd me right jalapeños!!! What type of nonsense is that? I ate three bites and tossed it. Never coming back avoid at all cost Schatells is right around the corner!
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Steve D.

Yelp
Woo hoo. Another 'first' for me. Let me begin by quoting [at length] from its print menu: "We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our customers for giving us the pleasure of serving you since 1969 under Nicky's Drive-In 58th and Kedzie, and we hope to continue serving you for many more years to come. But it has come to our attention that many of our customers have been misled by other establishments bearing the same name." Officially, this management runs hot dog stands at 58th & Kedzie, Pulaski Rd. & 115th Place in Alsip, and _this_ stand at 2400 S. Cicero Ave. in Cicero. I was heading for the western suburbs today on the train. Yesterday, as you may have known, I went to Flossmoor Station Brwg. Co. to partake in the "Killer Kapowski" [a Baltic Porter] release party. When you ride the Metra train on weekends, you should buy the $5 weekend pass. It will get you from Chicago to Flossmoor, from Chicago to Elgin, from Chicago to Libertyville, and even from Chicago to Downers Grove or Aurora. It will also retrieve you. (But you need to check those schedules. The BNSF line to Aurora runs only every _two hours_ on Sunday.) My initial intent was to go to Union Station and ride the train from there. But I got backed up feeding the cats here and headed out with just over an hour to get to downtown. I took out a contingency. I rode the #54 Cicero bus south. If my timing was good, I would have transferred to the Blue Line "L" in the Eisenhower median at Cicero. Timing was not superb. I had to wait ten minutes for a southbound Cicero bus. When we got to the Blue Line "L" station, I made the call that it would have taken longer if I transferred. I continued on the Cicero bus. You know I have reviewed Scatchell's. But getting food there would have involved exiting the bus at Cermak Rd., walking one block east, and then having to walk five blocks west & south to get to the Cicero BNSF train station. I went to a tertiary option, which is *this* Nicky's. This is two blocks north of the Cicero BNSF train station. Nicky's has lots of options and combination deals. I opted for a three hot dog special (with french fries) for $4.29. I took it to-go. The order was correctly and swiftly prepared. I walked to the train station with six minutes to spare. This was a good hot dog [an eight]. You can actually have your hot dog with ketchup here should you want to blaspheme [That, tomato, & hot peppers are no-cost options. Chili, cheese, & grilled onions {!} are 25¢ extra.]. A long dill pickle wedge is included. I had one hot dog while standing on the platform. I ate the other two on the train en route to Downers Grove. The fries included with this (in a separate bag) were variable. Some were the correct texture and taste, and some were way too hard to chomp. They also had been dusted with salt. The venue is compact. There are stools ringing the south edge. Parking spots for seven autos is to its west, on 24th Ave. If you do drive here; the Thornton's gas station across Cicero Ave. is usually one of the lowest-priced stations in the vicinity. Nicky's 'The Real McCoy'® gets a four-star rating for its value, and the quality of its hot dog. I encourage you to adhere to the hot dogs, or the other associates of the hot dog family. But if you want to try its Chicken or Gyros sandwiches, it's your call. (I would raise an eyebrow if you decided to order its italian beef sandwich.) Soft drinks are from the Royal Crown bottling company. Transit options: Besides the obvious - two blocks north of the Cicero BNSF commuter train station: The #54 Cicero bus runs twenty hours a day past here. Be careful with the #X54. It may not stop at 24th Place southbound. The #54B South Cicero bus also runs here; and the #60 Blue Island - 26th bus has its terminus one half-block south at 24th Place. You can ride the Pink Line "L" to Cicero Ave., or a number of buses on Cermak Rd.; if you are willing to make a three-block walk south.
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Zahid B.

Yelp
It was a place to eat. Similar to Mr. Greek Gyros. Not great, not bad. I had the gyro and cheeseburger.. The gyro didn't have the texture or color I'm used to and was a bit flappy. Sort of like Chicago Public School gyros (hope that makes sense). All in all, the food was decent and I was hungry.
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Joanna K.

Yelp
I ordered a Grecian chicken dinner a pollo mex dinner. Horrible. Both dinners had a shit ton of spices just thrown on top of the chicken. I figured hey I'll just take off the skin. Ugh. Chicken was dried. And yes I am describing both meals. Burnt and dried. Never again will I spend my money here. Want great Grecian chicken dinner? Go to the Nicky's on 58th and Kedzie.
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Gold L.

Yelp
This place is the best I've been coming here for years! We have another Nicky's by me in Alsip on Pulaski but the Nicky's isn't no where near as good! This Nicky's has the best beef sanfdwiches so big it will fill you! Get it a little wet with a side of cheese and large fries well done its the best!!!! The Gyros platter is so big as well fills a family of 3 and my Dad is a big man he likes to eat! The fries are like homemade get em well done and there amazing! The Big baby is great the cheese sticks are delicious! While I haven't had everything ive been coming here for years and the parking lot is always full never see this place empty and that says something! Great food for and big protions a must to go try
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Ruben P.

Yelp
I live around this restaurant and the food is good. Its your usual burger joint..... my favorite thing to get is a triple nicky cheese burger.Its 3 patties thick and will file you up....prices can be step for a restaurant of its type but if you need a quick bit to eat and your around this part of town stop by, you'll enjoy it.

Jorge R.

Yelp
I would go to this spot on occasions when I would have a taste for a big baby and although the service is mediocre at best I would still stop in because it was on the way home and somewhat convinient... well I wont be stopping there anymore! Did I say "mediocre service"?? I stopped in there last night and the owner was the one behind the counter and one would think that because the owner was attending to you that you would get the best possible service... well guess not. He was in a conversation with another gentleman and per the conversation I could tell that it was about the business but never once acknowledged that we were there. After 10 minutes of me staring at him to get his attention he finally asked what we wanted and as soon as we started to order he cut us off and continued his conversation with the gentleman once again. It amazes me that you being the owner you would act and treat your customers this way. Iv'e been in the customer service industry for over 25 years and what this owner displayed was absolutely unprofessional, rude and ignorant. I mean Ive been there before where the girl behind the counter was on a personal call and still taking orders at the same time... who does that??? I guess they do. Hey if the owner acts this way with his customers so then why not the employees? Needless to say I went straight to United Grill right around the corner and had a way better experience.. the burger was delicious and the lady behind the counter was absolutely great! I know as an owner you can do and act pretty much however you please but how you act with your customers only reflects how you go about your business in general. If I was able to rate it a "zero" I would.