I love to take people to Nick’s that have never been there before as their first impression of the joint is priceless. It’s a small cinder block building with no sign. And you know what? That’s fine because it doesn’t need one.
Nick’s in the Sticks is a Tuscaloosa gem. A true diamond in the rough. A Nick’s steak is without a doubt a deliciously cooked masterpiece. Most steak places I’ve eaten at in town are a hit or miss. Sometimes cooked appropriately other times not. But at Nick’s, it’s never been anything but perfect…And I’ve eaten there a lot over the past 15 years. Adorning my steak is always its expected counterparts, the baked potato and salad. As you would expect, the salad isn’t going to be getting any awards for the amount of various fresh greens and vegetables in it, but it’s satisfying. Plus their house dressing is a blend of ranch and bleu cheese which is great to quench the thirst even the snobbiest of ranch dressing eaters. Namely myself. It’s good.
But man/woman can not live on steak alone. No sir. There has to be a tasty beverage to wash it all down. Nick’s has such a beverage aptly named the Nicodemus. Had a rough day at work? Had a rough week at work? Did your dog die? Did your wife get pregnant after you had a vasectomy? The Nicodemus is potent enough to cure all these ailments and more. It’s red, will come with a cherry and be served in a styrofoam cup. Oh, and it’ll be topped with a shot of 151 Bacardi. The rest of the ingredients are a secret but if I were guessing, I’d say it had rum, vodka, tequila and Hawaiian punch. And a little bit of love. Drink two of these and you’ll know no pain.
When you get to Nicks, you’re probably going to have to wait for a table. It’s going to be that busy and there’s only 10 or so tables in the place. Here’s what you do. Get your name on the list and then go inside. Walk up to the bar and order a round of Nicodemi for your party. If you look like you’re in college, have an ID handy for each drink you order because they will ask. Then go back outside and enjoy the patio, drinks and your friends. Just like most restaurants I eat at in this town, Nick’s is laid back so leave your BA at home.
Intangibles:
- Having a party of more than 6 will make it damn near impossible to get a table. I’d recommend a party of 4 or plan on sitting separately.
- You won’t get a check after your meal is done. When you’re finished eating, walk up to the bar and point at which table you ate at.
- Weekends at Nick’s is the most crowded time. I’ve eaten there on weekdays and not waited for a table at all. So I recommend going during the week.
- You can probably forget eating there on gamedays.
If you’ve never been to Nick’s, I’d recommend getting someone to take you there. Unless you know what you’re looking for, it’s a little hard to find. Give me an email, I’ll go with you.
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