I’ll start by saying parking is best found right behind the restaurant in the parking garage, don’t expect valet or street parking.

From the moment we walked in the front door we were treated like VIPs. The hostess was very friendly and eagerly reviewed the menu with us at our request while we waited a few minutes for our table to open up, she made several food suggestion and knew the menu well. We had a reservation for 7PM and we were seated at 7:05, the place was packed with a really diverse crowd, younger and older alike. Hint – make reservations if going for dinner, there was a 30 min + wait for folks with no reservation. The bar is stunning and sits right in the center of the restaurant under huge arched sky windows. The Ice Cobra beer tower is striking and serves the coldest beer I’ve had anywhere. They even have a cobra tower pouring ice cold filtered water to all guests, now that’s CLASSY. Booths are comfy and decor is a combo of warm cozy and hip, but not stuffy, great music sets the tone for a relaxing meal. I personally enjoy the glass windows that allow you to see the kitchen crew cooking. It’s always nice to see the kitchen, they have no problem showing it off. Now on to the food and wine. My wife says the Erath Pinot was a GREAT recommendation, she really enjoyed this wine and had never tried it before. Asparagus fries??? I could not pass this up when I heard about them and I’m glad I didn’t, they were out of this world tasty. For the main entree I ordered the baby back ribs, cooked just right and the meat fell right off the bone and my wife had the Ribeye steak salad, she loved it. I wanted to point out something wrong but couldn’t, both entrees were well beyond our expectations, fabulous flavors and the overall presentation could qualify for an award of some sort. The chef makes really pretty food that is actually delicious, that’s rare. Restaurants usually hit one or the other. Nick’s hit both. We did not try the dessert because we were too filled up. They only offer two, a cobbler and Ice Cream Sundae. I can not forget to mention the service. Joel was our server, very attentive and anticipated our every need. He really made our first visit here a memorable one and we cannot wait to come back again. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

My wife and I looked forward to trying this new restaurant where Cabanas had been for years. After waiting an hour (promised 30 minutes), we were seated. VERY noisy. Hard to get the attention of our server. Food OK, but drinks expensive. Overall, a real disappointment. After the tourist crowd dies down after the Summer is over, I think repeat business here will be a tough sell. NOT recommended!

Supberb food, great pricing and cool decor. We were a few- so we tried an assortment, the ribs were excellent and the burger delicious! The deviled eggs were incredible odd as they may sound. We were treated to great service in a packed place. Had fun definately will be back for more!

My wife and I just ate here last night and had a terrific experience. The Nick’s staff is well trained and very attentive to your every need without being in your face. They really have it down. The food is spectacular and bar is the incredible. Great drinks, wine list is A+. Patio is perfect for evening dining, quite romantic. Did not have desert because we were so full but the Sunday looked very good.

You can’t beat their prices or service anywhere in Laguna. Well worth it.

We’ll be back again and again

Today was their second day in business. It was a really cool new place on PCH. Food was DELICIOUSSSSSSSSS! I had the chicken and noodle asian salad, entree: top sirloin, dessert: hot fudge sundae. Staff was very well prepared. People were so friendly. They really knew how to take care of you. A lot better than a lot of restaurants that I’ve been to in newport and laguna. They are open late! I was able to meet the chef and the owners of Nick’s. It was a pleasure to be able to be apart of their grand opening. The prices are very reasonable for being in laguna beach on PCH. I was able to talk to people at the bar and they were raving about the fish tacos and calamari. I will definitely come back and try those items!

I highly reccomend this place.