Nick's on 2nd Long Beach — Restaurant in Long Beach

I can honestly say I never expected to encounter something so close to perfection in my life—but then Nick's on 2nd came along and absolutely exceeded my expectations. To the amazing team there, from the very moment we walked in, I was in awe. It wasn’t just the food, the service, or the atmosphere—it was the entire experience that left me completely blown away.

After a long day of balancing work and fun with my friends, we were looking for a place to unwind and grab a meal, and I’m beyond thrilled that we chose Nick’s. As we approached, I immediately noticed how lively the place was. It was packed, buzzing with energy, which is always a promising sign that you’re in for something good. Despite the crowd, the staff didn’t miss a beat. Within minutes, they had us seated at a perfectly clean table, like they had already anticipated our arrival. It was seamless, quick, and truly impressive, especially considering how busy they were.

The restaurant had a vibrant nightlife vibe, and while that’s the time we went, I imagine it’s just as fantastic no matter the time of day. The lighting around our table was spot on—not too dim, not too bright—creating a cozy, intimate atmosphere that was ideal for catching up with friends after a busy day. It struck the perfect balance between lively and relaxed, giving off an inviting yet upscale feel.

Our waiter was a shining example of professionalism and warmth. From the moment they approached our table, they were attentive and genuinely friendly, the kind of person who makes you feel completely taken care of. They had a deep knowledge of the menu and answered every question we threw their way without hesitation. Whether it was dietary preferences, drink recommendations, or clarifications about dishes, they had everything covered. Their attention to detail was remarkable and made the dining experience all the more enjoyable.

Everyone in our group decided to order something different, which gave us the opportunity to sample a wide variety of dishes. But what stood out for me personally was the bacon deviled eggs I chose to start with. Lightly fried with crumbled applewood bacon sprinkled on top, every bite was a flavor explosion. The balance of textures was incredible, and the dish managed to feel both indulgent and light at the same time.

For my main course, I couldn’t resist the Original Ribeye Melt—and let me tell you, it was the best decision I could have made. This sandwich was perfection on every level. The ribeye was melt-in-your-mouth tender, paired beautifully with Swiss cheese and red wine onions that added just the right amount of sweetness and depth. The mustard bacon sauce tied it all together, and the grilled Parmesan sourdough provided a delightful crunch with each bite. It was the kind of dish that makes you pause after the first taste, just to appreciate how good it is.

I know I’m gushing, but it’s hard not to when every element of the experience was executed so flawlessly. The food was outstanding, the service was impeccable, and the overall vibe of the restaurant was exactly what I needed that night. If I could, I would return here over and over again—this is the kind of place that you can’t wait to come back to. I can already picture myself trying more items on the menu, eager to see if they can top what I had this time (though it’ll be hard to beat that ribeye melt!).

To anyone passing through town or staying for an extended visit, I can’t recommend Nick’s on 2nd enough. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, having a night out with friends, or just looking for an exceptional meal in a welcoming environment, this is the place to be. It’s one of those rare spots that manages to check all the boxes and then some.

Thank you, Nick’s on 2nd, for giving me an unforgettable night. I will be back, and I hope others take the chance to experience the magic of this...

Nick's on 2nd: A Mixed Bag with a Delicious Payoff Nick's on 2nd in Long Beach offers a culinary experience that, while initially rocky, ultimately delivers on flavor. Our recent visit started with a frustrating hitch: despite confirming our late arrival via text, we were told upon reaching the restaurant that we'd missed our reservation. The hostess dismissed our text confirmation, and the manager echoed her stance before eventually, and graciously, seating us next. It was a slight bump, but one that could be easily avoided with better internal communication regarding reservation confirmations. The ambiance can be a bit lively, bordering on loud, but the exceptional food and drinks quickly overshadowed any initial annoyances. The appetizers were a highlight; the shrimp taquitos were perfectly crispy, and the deviled eggs offered a delightful twist on a classic. But the undisputed star of the meal was the seafood cioppino– it was truly delicious, a creamy, flavorful masterpiece. Despite the initial hiccup, Nick's on 2nd proved to be a worthwhile dining destination with a menu that consistently impresses. Nick's on 2nd: A Mixed Bag with a Delicious Payoff Nick's on 2nd in Long Beach offers a culinary experience that, while initially rocky, ultimately delivers on flavor. Our recent visit started with a frustrating hitch: despite confirming our late arrival via text, we were told upon reaching the restaurant that we'd missed our reservation. The hostess dismissed our text confirmation, and the manager echoed her stance before eventually, and graciously, seating us next. It was a slight bump, but one that could be easily avoided with better internal communication regarding reservation confirmations. The ambiance can be a bit lively, bordering on loud, but the exceptional food and drinks quickly overshadowed any initial annoyances. The appetizers were a highlight; the shrimp taquitos were perfectly crispy, and the deviled eggs offered a delightful twist on a classic. But the undisputed star of the meal was the seafood cioppino– it was truly delicious, a creamy, flavorful masterpiece. Despite the initial hiccup, Nick's on 2nd proved to be a worthwhile dining destination with a menu that...

After outdoor dining reopened in LA County, my fiancee and I were searching for a new brunch spot to try after realizing our usual hangs were fully booked on the Saturday we wanted. So I did my usual Yelp hunting, and realized the Nick's we loved in San Clemente also has a location in Long Beach. Sign me up!

We started with brunch cocktails--I ordered a Jackalope from the menu and thoroughly enjoyed it. A fruity break from traditional whiskey cocktails. My fiancee ordered the black-and-blue mojito, which isn't on the menu, at the server's suggestion. She enjoyed this cocktail a lot (I was of a differing opinion).

On to the food! For a starter we ordered the famous deep fried deviled eggs. They were just as tasty as I remember from the San Clemente location. I only order deviled eggs from one or two places, as I feel I can usually make more flavorful versions at home, but I ALWAYS make sure to get them at Nick's--so yummy. For mains we each ordered a dish and shared with each other. My fiancee got the classic cheeseburger, which was excellent. Juicy, fresh, expertly assembled. The fries were delectable--I couldn't stop munching on them! As for me, I got the prime rib dip with the mac anc cheese side. The mac and cheese was super good--I'll have one bucket please! The prime rib dip was good, but not great. Living in downtown LA, I'm spoiled by having the world-famous Philippe beef dip mere minutes from my house, so I'm probably a bit biased to that version of the sandwich. The difference between the Philippe version and the Nick's version is simple to me--the au jus. The au jus at Nick's is good, but doesn't hold a candle to the Philippe au jus, and thus the Nick's sandwich falls a bit flat because of this.

All in all whether you're eating at Nick's San Clemente or Nick's Long Beach--just come eat at Nick's! And seriously, order the...