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Nick's on 2nd
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Nick's on 2nd
8.7
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Business Lunch Power Players
Birthday & Celebration Central
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Upscale casual taverna delivering classic American comfort food since 2008 in Belmont Shore's heart. Exhibition kitchen showcases culinary talent behind signature items like prime rib dip and butter cake dessert. Glass walls and spacious patio create sophisticated people-watching setting with consistently stellar service.
Must-Try Dishes:
Prime Rib Dip, Chilean Sea Bass, Butter Cake
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 9.2
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: 17-year neighborhood institution balancing casual warmth with upscale execution and exceptional hospitality
Who should go: Celebrants and seafood lovers seeking reliable excellence with style
When to visit: Thursday-Saturday dinner for full buzz or weekday lunch
What to order: Prime rib dip with mac & cheese, Chilean sea bass, butter cake for dessert
Insider tip: Save room for the legendary butter cake that regulars order in advance
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on 2nd Street and side streets - competitive but doable. Arrive 10 minutes early for dinner. No dedicated lot.
Dress code: Elevated casual - nice jeans and button-down works, but many dress up for the occasion. Skip the shorts.
Noise level: Lively but conversational - can talk without shouting, energetic dining room hum on weekends
Weekend wait: 30-45 minutes without reservation Friday/Saturday after 7pm. Reservations strongly recommended.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait - walk-ins usually seated within 10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - several options including pasta, salads, and vegetable sides. Kitchen accommodates modifications.
Vegan options: Limited - 1-2 salads can be modified, but not their specialty. Call ahead for best experience.
Gluten-free options: Yes - kitchen aware and can modify many dishes. Ask server for guidance, no separate menu.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice. Upscale enough to impress without intimidating formality. Glass walls and patio provide visual interest if conversation lulls. Noise level allows actual conversation. Friday/Saturday creates energetic backdrop; Tuesday-Thursday more intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch and early dinners (before 6pm) - yes, usually. Weekend dinners - risky. Your best bet: arrive right at 5:30pm or try the bar seating which doesn't take reservations. Otherwise book 3-5 days ahead for weekend prime time.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for well-behaved children - they have a kids menu and high chairs. Best for ages 8+ who can appreciate the upscale setting. Earlier seatings (5-6pm) more family-appropriate than late weekend buzz. Not a rowdy-kids-running-around vibe.
How long should I plan for dinner? Budget 90 minutes minimum, 2 hours for relaxed pace. Service is attentive not rushed. If you're catching a movie or show, book early seating and alert your server.
Is the patio worth requesting? Absolutely - it's a signature feature. Prime people-watching on 2nd Street, heated for cooler evenings. Request when booking. Inside has energy too with exhibition kitchen, so no bad seat.
Best For
Better for: Nick's wins on consistency and service polish over trendier Belmont Shore spots. Better for celebrations than casual competitors - same neighborhood feel but elevated execution. Exhibition kitchen and butter cake are unique draws in the area.
Skip if: You want cutting-edge innovative cuisine (this is refined classics), need guaranteed quick service (popular spot moves at its own pace), prefer intimate quiet dining (energetic scene especially weekends), or are on strict budget ($$$ justified but real). For adventurous ethnic food or super casual beach vibes, hit 2nd Street alternatives.
Nick's on 2nd
8.6
Upscale-casual New American gastropub in the heart of Belmont Shore serving expertly prepared steaks, seafood, and creative comfort food since 2008. The chic island bar and spacious covered patio create the perfect backdrop for people-watching on 2nd Street.
Must-Try Dishes:
Original Ribeye Melt, Cioppino, Butter Cake
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.9
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Exhibition kitchen showcasing culinary excellence with consistent high-quality execution
Who should go: Anyone seeking refined American dining without the stuffiness
When to visit: Reserve ahead for Friday/Saturday dinners, less crowded weekday lunch
What to order: Ribeye melt, clam chowder, butter cake dessert
Insider tip: Bar seats perfect for solo dining with full menu
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on 2nd Street and side streets - challenging on weekends after 5pm. Arrive 10 minutes early or use nearby paid lots ($8-10). Valet not available.
Dress code: Upscale casual - nice jeans and button-down work perfectly, no need for suits but step above beachwear
Noise level: Moderate buzz - conversation-friendly at tables, livelier at the bar. Patio offers quieter dining.
Weekend wait: 45-75 minutes without reservation Friday/Saturday after 6pm - reservations strongly recommended
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait - usually seated within 10 minutes, no reservation needed
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - solid selection including creative salads, pasta options, and veggie-forward small plates
Vegan options: Limited but workable - 2-3 dedicated options, kitchen accommodates modifications upon request
Gluten-free options: Yes - clearly marked menu items, kitchen aware of cross-contamination protocols, GF buns available
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - upscale enough to impress without pretension, noise level allows conversation, and varied menu accommodates different tastes. Patio seating ideal for spring/summer dates. Reserve the patio for best ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch and early dinner (before 5:30pm) - yes, usually fine. Friday/Saturday dinner - very difficult, expect long waits. Bar seating is walk-in only and your best bet for spontaneous visits with full menu access.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes, particularly for well-behaved kids 6+ - dedicated kids menu, accommodating staff, and casual-enough vibe. Best for family dinner before 7pm when it gets busier and more date-night focused. High chairs available.
Best For
Better for: Consistent quality execution across the menu, exhibition kitchen theater, and upscale-casual balance that works for multiple occasions. The covered patio and prime Belmont Shore location offer better people-watching than inland competitors.
Skip if: You want quiet intimate dining (try The Attic instead), need easy parking (consider restaurants with lots), or want adventurous/experimental cuisine rather than refined American comfort food. Also skip if you're on a tight budget - portions justify pricing but it's not cheap eats.
Nick's on 2nd
8.3
Upscale American comfort food anchors this Belmont Shore favorite since 2008. Exhibition kitchen delivers prime cuts, fresh seafood, and refined bar snacks in a contemporary space with floor-to-ceiling windows and a spacious patio perfect for business discussions.
Must-Try Dishes:
Butter Cake, Chilean Sea Bass, Prime Rib Sandwich
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Polished yet approachable setting with exhibition kitchen and impeccable hospitality standards
Who should go: Professionals, business lunches, special occasion diners
When to visit: Weekday lunch 11am-4pm for quieter professional atmosphere
What to order: Sea bass, deviled eggs, butter cake
Insider tip: Request patio seating after 2pm for people-watching without crowds
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on 2nd Street and surrounding blocks, typically easier before 11:30am and after 2pm. Metered spots ($1.50/hour) with 2-hour limits. Public lot one block north on Bay Shore.
Dress code: Business casual to smart casual - collared shirts and slacks work perfectly, jeans acceptable if paired with dressy top. You'll see suits at lunch, elevated casual at dinner.
Noise level: Conversational - designed for business discussions. High ceilings absorb sound well, though exhibition kitchen adds ambient energy. Patio is quieter for sensitive conversations.
Weekend wait: 30-45 minutes Friday/Saturday without reservation after 6:30pm. Reservations strongly recommended.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait 11am-1pm, walk-ins usually seated within 10 minutes. Peak lunch rush 12-1:30pm may require 15-20 minute wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - several options including roasted vegetable plates, salads, and pasta dishes. Kitchen accommodates modifications well.
Vegan options: Limited - 2-3 options available. Salads can be modified, roasted vegetables available. Call ahead for best experience as menu isn't vegan-focused.
Gluten-free options: Yes - kitchen is knowledgeable and accommodating. Several naturally GF options (steaks, fish, salads). GF modifications available but no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - sophisticated enough to impress without pretension, noise level allows actual conversation, and patio seating offers romantic ambiance. Price point shows effort ($60-80pp with drinks) without breaking the bank. Exhibition kitchen provides natural conversation starter.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch: Yes, usually available with short wait. Weekday dinner before 6pm: Good chance. Weekend dinner or Friday lunch: Reservation highly recommended - walk-ins often wait 30+ minutes or turned away during peak times. Bar seating available first-come for small parties.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes but skews mature - better for kids 8+ who can handle upscale dining. No kids menu but kitchen accommodates simple requests. Lunch is more family-appropriate than dinner service. High chairs available. Not ideal for toddlers or large groups with young children during business lunch hours.
How long should I plan for a business lunch? Plan 75-90 minutes for full experience. Service is attentive but not rushed - perfect pace for relationship building. Quick 45-minute lunch possible if you communicate urgency and order strategically (bar snacks, salads).
Is the bar area good for solo dining? Excellent for solo business diners - full menu available, attentive bartenders, and mix of professionals doing the same. Prime spot for working lunch with laptop-friendly counter space. More scene-y after 6pm on weekends.
Best For
Better for: Business lunches requiring conversation (quieter than beach spots), impressing clients without intimidation factor, reliable quality over trendy experimentation, patio dining with professional atmosphere. Strikes better balance than most Belmont Shore spots between upscale and approachable.
Skip if: You want cutting-edge cuisine or adventurous menu (this is refined comfort food), seeking budget-friendly option ($$$ pricing), prefer ultra-quiet fine dining (exhibition kitchen adds energy), want beachfront views (inland location), or need late-night dining (closes earlier than beach bars).