CyberEater Review

Nick’s At The Beach - Dining “At The Beach”

By David Rottenberg

.

David Rottenberg is the editor of Dining San Diego Magazine, a guide to many of the city’s favorite restaurants. He is also a member of the Southern California Restaurant Writers Association and the North American Travel Journalists Association. Dining San Diego Magazine is available free at major hotel and other visitor locations as well as at most major condominiums and large corporate offices© 2004 David Rottenberg All Rights Reserved

Summertime! The days are still cool but bright enough to know that it is only a short time until the heat arrives. That leaves only a few more days to plan where to eat during the weeks when it is still light at 8 pm and when balmy evenings bring brief respite from the warmth of the sunny days. I’m making a list of places to dine, where I can enjoy the fading light and the night’s chill. Dining “at the beach” is always near the top of the list.

That is, dining at “Nick’s At The Beach”. This charming neighborhood restaurant has been a favorite for years to locals and visitors alike.

The two story building is only a short block away from the water and has an ocean view from the top. Breezes off the water’s surface usually cool the place comfortably. A small parking lot in front can hold 10 cars but street parking is available nearby.

A choice of patios features outdoor dining. The sidewalk cafe is at street level. The larger patio upstairs faces the ocean and usually is bathed in the setting glows of the sun. It contains high tables with high bar-type stools that are often filled with friends sharing food and huge tankards of beer.

The rest of the second story is one huge bar and pool room. Three pool tables share the space with a long, long bar. There are islands of more high tables surrounded by more high bar-type stools. Television sets are everywhere, hanging from the ceiling or mounted in racks along a far wall. This is an ultimate sports bar. One could easily follow many broadcast sports event by barely moving one’s eyes from screen to screen. The upstairs area is noisy but it is a good kind of noise, the warm sounds of people having a good time. Of course, one has to be over 21 to be allowed upstairs.

Although every item on the menu is available for service upstairs, serious diners go the the dining room on the main level. Silhouette cutouts of whales set the theme for the predominant cuisine on the menu – seafood. One would have to be a diehard carnivore to pass up these offerings from the sea.

Salmon is served in a choice of flavors. Nutty Salmon is brushed with a soy glaze and covered with – you guessed it – nuts! Walnuts, pecan, almonds, and peanuts coat the fish. Mustard Crust Salmon, on the other hand, is covered with bread crumbs mixed with a delightful mustard. Yucatan Salmon is covered with a tasty black bean mole sauce.

Mahi-Mahi, Seabass and Yellowtail are among the other fish on the regular menu. Then, there are always the daily specials for ultimate freshness.

Many of the pasta offerings also have a seafood element. Scallops & Shrimp come on a bed of linguini, as does the Shrimp Alfredo.

Lighter dining is available with salads and sandwiches. The Cobb Salad makes a great meal. Nick’s Ceasar Salad with Chicken has large chunks of tender white meat to satisfy one’s appetite. Nick’s Burger is a full half-pound that comes with delicious fries and salad. I found that it was great for dinner.

Diehard carnivores will also enjoy dining “at the beach”. The Pork Chops or Sirloin Steak are large portions, beautifully prepared. Nick’s Meat Loaf, with mushroom gravy, has a “down home” flavor and is well worth trying.

Nick’s At The Beach is all about good food and good fun. Sports fanatics can find a home there, where the crowd really seems to get into the games. For others, quiet dining can be enjoyed downstairs. The food is good and the beer flows. Here’s the best part. Nick’s At The Beach is all about prices– low prices. For the quality of the food and the size of the portions, Nick’s offers real value and moderate prices.

Nick’s At The Beach is located at 809 Thomas Avenue, at the corner with Mission. It is open for lunch and dinner and also offers breakfast on Sunday. Reservations are recommended. Call 858-270-1730 for reservations and information.

RETURN TO:FEATURES RESTAURANTS GLAMOROUS GETAWAYS