Nickel's Diner — Restaurant in Four Corners States

We passed Nickel's Diner many times on our way to IGA but never ate there. Didn't know what to think of it.

We finally did and it was less than average in our opinion.

Two plates, tacos dorados and the other one I can't really remember it was so unimpressive. From the picture it was some kind of carne asada with cole slaw.

My tacos dorados were just good. Nothing beyond that. The flavors just made the grade....barely. The shell had more flavor than what was inside the taco. The refried beans were almost a bit on the watery side. There is creamy and then there is way too creamy where it was falling thru the spaces in between on my fork. It felt like I was trying to eat a soup with a fork when I tried the refried beans. The sauce on the side (pico I guess) was making a brave attempt at something. Something was overpowering the pico and I think it was the big chunks of that green chili you can see. It wasn't bad but it was hardly good.

The other dish...again, can't remember it was so uneventful as a dish. At least the tacos had some kind of presentation to it. This other dish didn't. The meat (carne asada) did have some flavor but was more on the hard and chewy side. I hate to say but the cole slaw tasted old or rancid. I was hoping the curly fries would at least save the meal but they were just too soft. They reminded me of a soggy cereal. Between the ultra creamy almost soupy refried beans, old tasting cole slaw and soggy curly fries this review is just a one star review. I was really hoping the food was more in line with the old school diner atmosphere.

I've tried other restaurants in Rio Rico before I stated making reviews and so far it all disappoints. Sorry Rio Rico but that is only my opinion. Nothing more but I am entitled to it. There seems to be no real competitive spirit where eateries try harder than the other place to present a tasty flavorful meal. Or perhaps they have to many items on the menu instead of focusing on a few and making them exceptional...I don't know. I get the feeling they just settled for "ok" in that town. There are two new eateries that I haven't seen before but I'm scared to try them. Maybe if I gather the proper intestinal fortitude after slamming some liquid courage I'll go and try them.

Needless to say, we're not going back. The pictures of their breakfast look good but if you can't get something as simple as curly fries right then I probably shouldn't have high hopes for the...

Nickels Diner does many things right! I love the food there, the staff is always friendly, and the place is clean. They close a few times a month on some Mondays to do deep cleaning and that is actually a very good selling point for me. It is a gem in Rio Rico, the owners as well as the staff are always very nice and caring and hustle to get your food out as quickly as possible.

I've had breakfast, burgers, sandwiches, soups, salads and Mexican food there as well. Their rotating special or "daily surprise" as they call it has a whole variety of things from Po Boy sandwiches, to Italian food, to pot pie and Mexican caldos like: caldo de queso, albondigas, menudo, carne en su jugo, and gallina pinta. My favorite thing at Nickles is their Milanesa day which is typically on a Thursday.

They have Ribs, pulled pork, and BBQ.

All in all it is one of my favorite places to go in Rio Rico when I don't feel like cooking. Good food, friendly staff, clean restaurant decent prices.

My only complaint is that the place is always packed and it can get noisy and sometimes there are wait times, unless you want to sit at the bar (counter). Other than that, everything else is awesome. The ambiance is great, the decor looks awesome and I even heard they are building a brand new location which should be bigger. Can't wait to keep frequenting this place for a long...

My family has been going to Nickel'sDine r in Rio Rico for many years. During the last few visits we have noticed that the quality of ingredients and preparation has been deteriorating. During today's visit it has finally reached the point where we will not be returning. The lady server never came back to the table, We could clearly see her engaging in loud comraderie between her and the staff which was more important to her and the staff. The "sourdough toast" was not toasted and not sourdough by taste. The bacon appeared to be of medium quality and the over medium eggs were literally hard boiled. The "crispy" hashbrowns were soggy with oil and limp. They appeared to be reheated. The double meat Cheeseburger was nothing like the ones I have enjoyed in the years past. The meat was dripping with fat and lacked any flavor but fat. The Bun was barely toasted and only around the edges of the Bun and the pickles were McDonald's style hamburger dill chips. I have just finished a sweet across the country reviewing over 170 restaurants and The meals served at Nickel's Diner today would be placed in the bottom 10 of all restaurants fron New Mexico to Virginia Beach, VA. I have really liked Nickel's in the past and truly hope they return to their previous quality, preparation and service. I will be rooting for them and wishing...