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Nick's South Lake Avenue
Master Critic Reviews (6 Lists)
Nick's South Lake Avenue
8.4
Upscale-casual American bistro delivering refined comfort classics with exhibition kitchen flair. The warm butter cake achieves legendary status while Chilean sea bass and prime steaks showcase culinary expertise.
Must-Try Dishes:
Warm Butter Cake, Chilean Sea Bass, Prime Rib Dip
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Exhibition kitchen and impeccable hospitality standards
Who should go: Business diners and special occasion celebrants
When to visit: Weeknight dinner to avoid crowds
What to order: Butter cake, sea bass, asparagus fries
Insider tip: Private dining room seats 13-24 guests
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $8-10, street parking available but competitive after 5pm on South Lake Ave
Dress code: Business casual to smart casual - collared shirts common, nice jeans acceptable
Noise level: Moderate - bustling but conversation-friendly, exhibition kitchen adds energy
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation, often fully booked Fri-Sat
Weekday lunch: No wait before 12:30pm, 10-15 min during peak lunch rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - several pasta dishes, salads, and sides can be modified
Vegan options: Limited - 2-3 options with modifications, call ahead recommended
Gluten-free options: Yes - knowledgeable staff, grilled proteins and modified sides available
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - upscale enough to impress but not stuffy, booth seating offers intimacy, and the warm butter cake provides a memorable sweet ending
Can I get a table without a reservation? Bar seating usually available for walk-ins, dining room tough on weekends - best bet is weeknights before 6:30pm or after 8:30pm
Is it kid-friendly? Better for older children (10+) who appreciate quality food - no kids menu but willing to do simple modifications, high chairs available
Best For
Better for: Superior business dining atmosphere compared to nearby chains, better service execution than most South Lake restaurants, butter cake outclasses any dessert in the area
Skip if: Choose Maestro or Union if seeking more adventurous cuisine, opt for casual spots if dining with young children or on tight budget
Nick's South Lake Avenue
8.2
Upscale American comfort in a two-story space featuring a balcony and garden room since 2008. Modern interpretations of classics with craft cocktails and extensive wine list create an elevated yet family-accessible experience.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shrimp Taquitos, Wood-Fired Burger, Weekend Brunch Specialties
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Elegant two-story layout with private dining options
Who should go: Special occasion families and business groups
When to visit: Weekend brunch or weeknight dinner
What to order: Shrimp taquitos, seasonal fish, signature burger
Insider tip: Second floor balcony best for groups
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $10, limited street parking fills by 6:30pm on weekends
Dress code: Smart casual - jeans fine but pair with nice shirt, many dress up for dinner
Noise level: Moderate - lively but conversation-friendly, quieter in garden room
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation, 60+ during peak season
Weekday lunch: No wait before 12:30pm, 10-15 min during rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - 5-6 options including pasta and seasonal vegetables
Vegan options: Limited - 2 modified dishes, call ahead for better options
Gluten-free options: Yes - marked menu items, kitchen accommodates modifications
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect - upscale enough to impress but relaxed atmosphere keeps it comfortable. Request garden room for romance or bar seats for casual vibe.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weeknights usually yes with 20-30 min wait. Weekends risky - try bar seating or come before 6pm. Always call day-of for cancellations.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes but better for well-behaved kids 8+. They have a kids menu and high chairs, but the upscale vibe means families tend to come for early dinners or brunch.
Best For
Better for: Private events and business dinners - the second floor spaces and professional service outclass other South Lake options
Skip if: You want quick casual dining or authentic ethnic cuisine - this is refined American comfort at leisurely pace
Nick's South Lake Avenue
8.3
Upscale-casual American restaurant known for inventive comfort food and bustling lunch service since opening daily at 11am. The contemporary dining rooms and reliable execution make it a go-to spot for business professionals seeking consistent quality without excessive formality.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bistro Steak Frites, Pan Scottish Salmon, Nick's Signature Burger
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Inventive American cuisine with consistent execution.
Who should go: Business groups wanting reliable quality dining
When to visit: 11:30am-1pm weekdays for prime lunch
What to order: Bistro Plate, Scottish Salmon, seasonal specials
Insider tip: Call ahead for groups of 5+ to ensure seating
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on South Lake Avenue fills up quickly during lunch rush; nearby public garage on Green Street ($3/hour, 2 min walk)
Dress code: Business casual standard - collared shirts and slacks dominate at lunch, jeans acceptable but lean professional
Noise level: Energetic lunch buzz - conversation flows easily at your table despite the busy atmosphere
Weekend wait: 20-30 min typical Saturday nights, reservations strongly recommended
Weekday lunch: 15-20 min peak lunch (12-1pm), minimal wait before noon
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - 4-5 creative options beyond basic salads, chef accommodates modifications
Vegan options: Limited - 2 options plus customizable salads, kitchen will adapt dishes on request
Gluten-free options: Yes - marked menu items, staff knowledgeable about cross-contamination protocols
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for lunch dates than dinner - the business lunch crowd creates a professional atmosphere that keeps things casual, while dinner service is louder and more group-oriented
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch before 11:45am or after 1:30pm usually works; dinner and peak lunch require reservations or expect 15-30 minute waits
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for lunch with well-behaved kids 8+ who appreciate real food; high chairs available but the business atmosphere isn't ideal for toddlers
Best For
Better for: Reliable business lunches when you need guaranteed quality without the stuffiness of steakhouses - more inventive menu than typical chains while maintaining consistency
Skip if: You want intimate romantic ambiance or are seeking cutting-edge culinary innovation - this excels at elevated comfort rather than experimental cuisine
Nick's South Lake Avenue
7.8
This upscale-casual spot since 2017 delivers refined American comfort with standout steaks and their famous butter cake in a two-story space with romantic balcony seating. The exhibition kitchen and wine room create energy while maintaining intimate corners perfect for dates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Center-Cut Filet, Chilean Sea Bass, Warm Butter Cake
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 7.7
Cultural Relevance: 6.8
What makes it special: Balcony dining and legendary butter cake dessert
Who should go: Casual dates wanting upscale without formality
When to visit: Weekend brunch or weeknight dinner upstairs
What to order: Filet, asparagus fries, butter cake (mandatory)
Insider tip: Second floor private wine room seats up to 24
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $8, public structure across street $3/hr, street parking competitive after 5pm
Dress code: Smart casual to business casual, nice jeans acceptable but lean dressy for dates
Noise level: Moderate - upstairs balcony quieter for conversation, downstairs livelier
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation, 60+ for balcony seating
Weekday lunch: No wait typically, immediate seating
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - several pasta options, salads, sides can make a meal
Vegan options: Limited - modifications needed, best to call ahead
Gluten-free options: Yes - steaks naturally GF, dedicated prep available on request
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect - upscale enough to impress without being stuffy, balcony tables are romantic, and sharing the butter cake is a memorable closer
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weeknights possible with 30-min wait, weekends risky - bar seating usually available, balcony books up days ahead
Is it kid-friendly? Better for 10+ ages - no kids menu but willing to modify portions, early dinner hours more accommodating
Best For
Better for: More intimate than Houston's, better dessert than Ruth's Chris, superior balcony ambiance to most chain steakhouses
Skip if: Want true fine dining formality (try Mastro's) or budget-conscious date (try Buca di Beppo nearby)
Nick's South Lake Avenue
8.1
This upscale American comfort restaurant blends steakhouse classics with fresh seafood in a lively multi-room setting featuring a bar, balcony, and garden room. The exhibition kitchen produces everything from center-cut filet with steak butter to Chilean sea bass, while the signature warm butter cake has developed a devoted following since the restaurant opened in 2008.
Must-Try Dishes:
Center-Cut Filet, Chilean Sea Bass, Warm Butter Cake
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Diverse menu balancing steakhouse and seafood with approachable American comfort
Who should go: Families and couples wanting upscale casual without formal steakhouse intensity
When to visit: After 3pm to avoid lunch crowds or weekday happy hour
What to order: Center-cut filet, asparagus fries, mandatory warm butter cake for dessert
Insider tip: The balcony seating offers a more intimate atmosphere away from the bustle
Nick's South Lake Avenue
8.3
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Business Lunch Power Players
Birthday & Celebration Central
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Nick's delivers elevated American comfort food with an exhibition kitchen showcasing dishes like Chilean sea bass, prime rib dip, and their signature warm butter cake. The upscale yet casual multi-level venue features a lively bar, private wine room, and garden room that balance sophistication with approachability.
Must-Try Dishes:
Warm Butter Cake, Prime Rib Dip, Asparagus Fries
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Local mini-chain with consistently excellent American classics and standout desserts
Who should go: Professionals, date night couples, celebration dinners
When to visit: Lunch weekdays less crowded, dinner reservations recommended
What to order: Warm butter cake, asparagus fries, Chilean sea bass
Insider tip: Parking lot behind restaurant on Shoppers Lane
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free lot behind restaurant on Shoppers Lane (best option), street parking on South Lake moderately available, nearby structures within 2 blocks
Dress code: Smart casual - business attire works for lunch, dark jeans and button-downs fine for dinner, avoid gym wear
Noise level: Moderate to lively - can converse but expect energy from exhibition kitchen and bar, quieter in garden room
Weekend wait: 30-45 min 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 - solid options including salads, veggie sides, pasta can be modified, asparagus fries are standout
Vegan options: Limited - 2-3 options, mainly salads without cheese, kitchen accommodating for modifications upon request
Gluten-free options: Yes - kitchen aware of cross-contamination, several naturally GF proteins, warm butter cake not available GF
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - upscale enough to impress without being stuffy, noise level allows conversation, exhibition kitchen provides built-in talking points, garden room is most romantic
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch yes, weekday dinner likely with 15-20 min bar wait, weekend dinner risky - make a reservation or arrive before 6pm to secure a spot
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids (8+) and family celebrations - they accommodate but atmosphere is upscale, no kids menu but classics like chicken and pasta available, earlier dinner times (5-6pm) more family-appropriate
Best For
Better for: Choose Nick's for reliable upscale American comfort food with exhibition kitchen energy, business lunches where you need quality without fuss, and special occasions where you want sophistication without stuffiness - the warm butter cake alone justifies the visit
Skip if: You want cutting-edge cuisine or chef-driven innovation (this is refined classics, not experimental), you're on a tight budget ($$$ pricing adds up), you need quiet intimate conversation (go to The Raymond), or you want authentic ethnic cuisine (plenty of better options in Pasadena)