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Nick The Greek
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Nick The Greek
7.8
Fast-casual Greek concept opened in 2023 by locally-operated owners Aristos and Evegenia Mantas, bringing fresh-made-to-order gyros and bowls to Belmont Shore. The counter-service model emphasizes speed and value with generous portions, authentic flavors, and late-night hours on weekends.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef/Lamb Gyro Pita, Mediterranean Bowl, Nick's Fries with Feta
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.1
What makes it special: Fresh ingredients made-to-order with catering options and Greek frozen yogurt
Who should go: Budget-conscious diners seeking quick, healthy Mediterranean food
When to visit: Late night Thursday-Saturday until 1:30 AM
What to order: Gyro bowl with tzatziki, Nick's garlic fries, baklava
Insider tip: Owners are super friendly and give great recommendations for customizing orders
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on 2nd Street and surrounding blocks - metered until 8pm weekdays, free after 8pm and weekends. Lot behind building often has spots
Dress code: Completely casual - athletic wear, beach clothes, anything goes for counter service
Noise level: Moderate - open space with some music but conversations are easy
Weekend wait: No wait - order at counter, food ready in 5-7 minutes
Weekday lunch: Quick turnover - 5-10 min from order to food
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - falafel bowls and wraps, Greek salads, vegetable sides, plus all the dips and pitas
Vegan options: Moderate options - falafel, hummus, rice bowls without tzatziki/feta, grilled veggies
Gluten-free options: Limited - bowls without pita work, but shared grill and prep means cross-contact possible
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better as a casual early-stage date or post-beach meal - counter service and shared tables make it low-pressure but not romantic. Great for daytime dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations needed - it's counter service with first-come seating. Peak lunch (12-1pm) and late night (11pm-1am Thurs-Sat) fill up fastest but turnover is quick.
Is it kid-friendly? Very kid-friendly - simple menu kids recognize (chicken, fries, pita), casual vibe, quick service. No kids' menu but portions are generous enough to split.
Good for large groups? Yes for 4-6 people - larger groups should call ahead for catering orders. Limited seating means groups over 6 might split tables during peak times.
How long does a meal take? 30-40 minutes total - order in 2 minutes, food ready in 5-7 minutes, eat at your pace. Perfect for quick lunch breaks or pre-movie dining.
Best For
Better for: Nick The Greek wins on speed, value, and late-night availability. At $12-15 per person with generous portions and 1:30am weekend hours, it beats sit-down Greek spots for quick cravings, post-bar food, or budget-conscious meals. Fresher ingredients than most fast-casual chains.
Skip if: Choose elsewhere for special occasions, romantic dinners, or full Greek dining experiences with wine and table service. If you want tableside flambé, mezze coursing, or a date-night atmosphere, head to a traditional Greek taverna instead.
Nick The Greek
7.9
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Family Friendly Favorites
Late Night Legends
Fast-casual Greek street food concept opened in 2023 serving fresh gyros, bowls, and Nick's fries from a streamlined menu. Locally operated by the Mantas family, this counter-service spot delivers consistent portions and flavors at accessible price points, ideal for quick Mediterranean meals without table service expectations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef/Lamb Gyro Pita, Nick's Fries, Mediterranean Bowl
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 7.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.1
What makes it special: Locally-owned franchise brings Northern California Greek street food concept south
Who should go: Budget-conscious diners wanting fresh fast-casual Greek food
When to visit: Late night when open until 1:30am weekends
What to order: Gyro bowl, Nick's fries with chicken, baklava
Insider tip: Order extra tzatziki and garlic sauce on the side
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street parking on 2nd Street and side streets - usually easy to find spots even during peak hours
Dress code: Casual - beach attire, shorts, t-shirts perfectly acceptable for counter service
Noise level: Moderate - counter-service environment with background music, easy conversation at tables
Weekend wait: 5-10 min order wait, no table wait (counter service)
Weekday lunch: Under 5 min typically, fast-casual setup
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - falafel gyros, veggie bowls, Greek salad, spanakopita available
Vegan options: Yes - falafel options, hummus, rice bowls without dairy (skip tzatziki)
Gluten-free options: Limited - bowls over rice work, but no dedicated prep area for cross-contamination concerns
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual early dates or post-beach meetups - counter service keeps it low-pressure, but lacks romantic ambiance of sit-down restaurants
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations needed or accepted - pure counter service, order at register and grab available seating first-come basis
Is it kid-friendly? Very kid-friendly - quick service, familiar foods like chicken strips and fries, casual atmosphere where noise isn't an issue, all ages welcome
How late are they really open? Kitchen stays open until close - 1:30am Friday/Saturday, midnight other nights, reliable late-night option when most places shut down
Is this authentic Greek food? Americanized Greek street food - fresh ingredients and solid execution, but expect fast-casual portions and flavors rather than traditional taverna experience
Best For
Better for: Quick Mediterranean fix under $15, late-night cravings, feeding families without breaking the bank, casual group meals where everyone orders individually
Skip if: You want table service, romantic date-night ambiance, authentic slow-cooked Greek specialties, or craft cocktails - this is purely fast-casual territory