Nick's Newport Beach

We frequent the 2nd St location and are big fans of the food at Nick's. This was our first time at the Newport location. It's located in a strip mall. I saw that other reviews complained about parking, but we didn't have an issue. The hostess was friendly. When we were seated she even offered my son (age 8) an etch-a-sketch to play with, which was a nice touch. We arrived 15 min prior to our reservation time and were seated within 5 minutes. There is a little outdoor waiting area (3 small benches), which is better than the 2nd St location. The inside is small with a prominent large bar--similar to the 2nd St spot. Decor is nice (also similar to Long Beach). The outdoor seating here is a large covered patio. We didn't sit there, but I saw heaters. It's a much nicer/larger outdoor space than the 2nd St location.Service was good. We learned they do have a kids menu, but our son wanted a burger so we had to order off the adult menu for him. We got our usual prime rib french dip sandwiches (with fries and a bistro salad). All of the food was excellent. Can't beat the butter cake!The one compliant I have is that the servers all tended to cluster right next to our table. We had the large booth near the hostess station, so between people waiting for their table on one side of us and the servers standing near the computer on the other side it was a little bit annoying.

I hope my experience reflects the current state of the grand opening. Unfortunately, the valet service was disappointing; I had to wait 20 minutes, and finding self-parking in that strip mall is nearly impossible. The service was slow. Our server made several mistakes and rarely checked in on us, which meant we had to seek her out for assistance. On a positive note, the food was excellent, and the prices were reasonable. I highly recommend the chicken piccata, meatloaf, Thai salad, and the butter cake.

Excited to try this newly opened Nick's at Newport Beach. Initial reaction is we like that this is bigger than the Laguna Beach location. We've been here once when it was still Gracias Madre, which we didn't really like. We like the vibes, nice decor and ambiance. Service is good and we got seated pretty soon enough even if we were way early for our reservation.Menu is almost the same as the Laguna Beach location, but the ones missing are some of my faves! They didn't have the tuna tartar, whiskey cake which is the fairly new dessert at Laguna Beach which I love, and one of my fave drinks which is the amaretto sour.We got the ribeye melt which is good, as usual. And their famous warm butter cake. I have to say though, this is the first time I got disappointed with this dessert! It was dry and not the usually soft, moist and warm butter cake we have liked from the first time we tried it.So even though this place is bigger, I realized that I still love the cozier vibes that the other location offers. There's also a lot more going on in the area of Laguna Beach if you still want to do something after Nick's. And since some of my faves are not in the menu, I think I'd much rather go back to our usual location. Not to say this place is not really good. Still highly recommend this Nick's location.

Um yes please! This place is amazing! It hit all 5 stars for food, service, and ambiance. The place is super cozy and welcoming, the staff is very knowledgeable and the food is wow! We started with the deviled eggs which I love but am always skeptical about getting since they are never right when I go out. These were on point though. It's a lightly deep fried white part and then a cold yellow inside. It's soooo good! Next my husband got the fried chicken sandwich and I got the bistro plate. The fried chicken sandwich was amazing and huge! My meal was the epitome of a perfect girls meal. I got to have a small salad, soup, and a petit filet. I was so happy since I love being able to try everything. We will definitely be back and I highly recommend!

So this place used to be Gracias Madres and good thing it isn't anymore. The food is I would say about 90% similar to the Laguna Beach Nicks.I ordered the ribeye melt and fries and as ush, it was good as expected. Friend and all. Had butter cake for desert, good but it didn't seem as fresh as I remember it from prior Laguna Beach visit. But still ok.Service was fast and decent. Ambiance is nice and the space is twice as big as Laguna Beach. Verdict - good place if you are closer to this place. Happening vibe but I somehow feel Laguna Beach, albeit smaller, edges this place just a smidgen!

Went here with a small group for lunch and had a good time. Parking was a little challenging since it's shared with many other popular businesses. The space is nice. Our server was friendly. I got apps and I would say their signature asparagus fries is my favorite. Crispy on the outside yet still tastes like asparagus inside. Deviled eggs were filling but could use a little something for added kick. The taquitos were good. We shared the butter cake and though it was good, it seemed like it wasn't as buttery rich as other Nicks locations.

We're HUGE fans of Nick's restaurants -- and so happy to have this addition to the area! As consistent with the other locations we've visited, customer service remains impressively friendly, positive, professional -- and despite the staff visibly bustling about, appreciatively unrushed on a busy night. Their menu items were consistently tasty, as well. Hubby ALWAYS orders their Prime Rib Dip -- with fries ($25), commenting that it was delicious, as usual (tender and flavorful beef served within a soft roll). I thoroughly enjoyed their Pan Seared Scottish Salmon ($34) -- generous portions and perfectly prepared. Fun-and-fabulous dining experience; eager to return!

Great experience visiting the first time since the new location opened! We had the pleasure of having Alexa as our server and she was amazing! Our experience was definitely more wonderful because of her. Food was still great, just like other locations, ambiance was nice and it was a larger, more open space, than the other locations. Will definitely be back!

So happy to have Nicks close to home. The food is wonderful. The prices are not bad considering what we are use to paying for good food in Newport. The only issue was the wait. The wait was two and a half hours. I recommend having reservations. It did just open though so I think that will die down a bit after sometime. They do allow you to order a drink while you wait which is nice. The prime rib dip was out of this world. Melt in your mouth. The California salad was delicious and butter cake was next level! Definitely recommend.

My new favorite restaurant! The restaurant is absolutely beautiful. The food is amazing! I had the Chicken Katsu salad, which had so many wonderful flavors... I can't wait to go back. I also had the salmon which was perfectly prepared, and of course the butter cake!! The service was great from the moment we walked through the door. It definitely exceeded my expectations.