Nicks Pizzeria & Bar (Boca Raton)
***** Nicks Pizzeria & Bar, 2240 Northwest 19th Street, Boca Raton, Florida 33431, (561) 368-2900.
As I’ve done numerous times in the past…let me tell you about a terrific joint that “basically” nobody else in South Florida knows about. Say hello to Nicks Pizzeria & Bar, which opened 2-days ago in Boca Raton. This restaurant is soooo-new, that a few days ago, its owners were still tinkering with its name…finally deciding on Nicks Pizzeria & Bar instead of the “original” handle—Nick’s New Haven-Style Pizzeria & Bar.
Here’s the story…Last night I had dinner at this “coal fired” pizza joint–and I gotta tell you, it absolutely blew me away. First of all, for a joint opened only 2- days, the service was right on. The decor is dynamite, with a dark wood 1940s-1950s theme. There are inside booths/tables–outdoor tables. The joint has a full bar area/handful of flat screen tvs and a completly open kitchen. The piped in music, features doo wop, 1950’s-1960’s oldies…though I did hear a couple of Green Eyed Peas’ numbers in the mix.
Let’s talk food…all kinds of- appetizers, salads, wraps, subs (they call them grinders), pizza flats, pastas, desserts. You can do a GOOGLE on what “New Haven Style” pizza is all about…basically, crust-tomato sauce-romano cheese-oregano. NOTICE! there is no mozzarella cheese in the mix. Just so you know, in addition to “this” New Haven stuff, Nicks has “regular” coal oven pizzas, so you (us) New Yooorkers and other purists can get pizza that doesn’t “confuse.”
Last night I had dinner at Nicks. I “sampled” pan-fried mozzarella, steak & cheese grinder, New Haven Style plain pizza, margarita pizza (let’s call this one- New York Style), white clam-bacon-garlic pizza, parmesean fries, rigatoni bolognese…everything and I do mean everything was delicious. For dessert, I “tried” 4 of the 8 gelatos on the menu (I know- someone’s gotta do it!) milk chocolate, pistachio, lemon and coconut—this stuff alone, was worth the price of admission.
Another beautiful thing about Nicks is that it is located right next door– and I do mean right next door to a Weight Watcher Center. Just thought you point-counters would like that info.
Let me wrap this one up by simple saying…I loved Nicks. By the way, you can check menu/prices at www.nickspizzeriabar.com.
Nicks is open 7 days a week 11am-to late.
wasn’t that clams casino pie divine YUM!
Jeff, read your original writeup. Reprinted for others. You are right, the owners changed the name just before opening. I tried this evening and thought the New Haven style pizza wa delicious. Something different without that moz cheese. I also tried the milk chocolate gelato, also great.
Nick’s New Haven-Style Pizzeria & Bar (Boca Raton)
Posted on July 31st, 2011 · Boca Raton Italian Pizza Subs/Salads · [edit]
***** Nick’s New Haven-Style Pizzeria & Bar, 2240 Northwest 19th Street, Boca Raton Florida 33431, (561) 368-2900.
Here’s a heads-up for you guys…Tomorrow, Monday–August 1, 2011 at 11am, Nick’s New Haven-Style Pizzeria & Bar is going to open-for-business in Boca Raton. Now, I may-be sticking my neck out here—but I am predicting, that this coal-fired pizza joint is going to be an absolute homerun. Pray tell, Jeff…what makes you go out on such a limb? Well- The guys who own Nicks, had a mini-version of the Boca joint- Nick’s New Haven Style Apizza in Lake Worth (for 2-years)…and the pizza, sandwiches, pastas were absolutely amazing-delicious. The bet here, is that this new-semi-upscale 170 seater, repeats and even “betters” the owners’ first outing.
At this juncture, some of you guys might be asking yourselves, what the hell is “New Haven” pizza? Really don’t got- time to go into tremendous detail…but, “plain” pizza usually consists of crust, tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese…New Haven pizza consists of crust, tomato sauce and oregano and maybe some romano cheese—notice there ain’t-no mozzarella on the pie. For the ambitious out there, do a GOOGLE and you’ll get the full story.
I’m gonna check Nick’s out and I’ll let you know, if my “call” was right on the money or
was wishful thinking.
If you get “there” before I do, let me know what you think.
I ate there last night, Thursday, and it was terrible. You would think that they would kick it up a notch for the start of a new restaurant but it was just the other way around. For starters the salad was so bland and tasteless. Also the pizza tasted like frozen pizza that was defrosted and heated up. Good luck in the future if they keep serving this horrible, bland food. Also they keep their doors wide open so all the flies and bugs are invited too.
Mike and others,
Here’s my take on Nick’s.
I was there last night at 7:30pm and for a brand new restaurant with relatively no PR it was very busy.
First, I love the decor.
Second, the way it’s currently setup, you can enter trhough the bar or the front door. Personally, I found it confusing and didn’t even notice that there was a front door. The bar “entrance” should be closed.
On service, the waitress we had tried very hard and did good job for a newcomer. It was obvious that the managers were all over helping and that was good.
As Jeff noted they play a real cool oldies sound track which gives Nick’s a nice oldies vibe.
On the food, my group had a NY Style pizza. We found the crust real good. I think that the sauce could have been a whole lot sweeter. We also had fried mozzarella which was very good. The group also had a chicken parm sub and a cheese steak sub. We liked the chicken parm. The steak sub was good but a drop on the salty side. We had a salad and it was bland. We also had a couple of canolis which were good and chocolate and pastachio gelato. They were delicious.
Keeping in mind that Nick’s has been open exactly 4 days, I would rate the outing as pretty good.
As I said the decor is really cool. Never saw a kitchen that was entirely open to customers. Loved the old pictures on the walls and the oldies wall paper on the ceiling is really cool.
Based on what I saw and ate, I think that Nick’s has a real shot of making it here in Boca. All it needs is some fine tuning on a dish here and there and it will be on its way.
Obviously MKe works at a nearby pizzeria……
We were there on Friday nite and the place was hopping. No way did the pizza taste frozen, The clams, bacon and garlic was awesome as was the sausage. Thin, well done. No bugs or flies. Very helpful, kind staff. We were watching the bakers twirling the fresh dough in the air thinking this was going to be delish and it was. Good Luck Nick.
The Savo Family.
MKE….got to be a joke. I am, from new Haven and this pizza joint is as good as it gets. the clam pie reminded me of Palm Beach Pizza (in NEw haven, CT) 30 Yrs. Ago.
Pizza crust is awesome. frozen…kiddin me right…..
Foxon park Birch..they hit it right on…i will be heading back….
I think I’ve been to most of the coal fired places in S. Fl.
I dont care for Anthony’s. They burn their pizza and their sauce is way too heavy for me.
I got over to Nick’s yesterday.
The pizza is good. I like the way its served in oversize sheet pans.
The decor is cool.
Same for the music.
I’ll b eback to try other dishes.
PS. They don’t have wings. Maybe Hooter’s a few doos down doesnt allow competitors to have wings in their lease, but I dont think so. Wings would be a good addition.
jeff, tried Nicks.
vegetable wrap was not good. no taste.
new haven plain pie was very good.
chocolate gelato very good.
foxon park orange soda, tastes like crush or sunkist.
It’s worthy to note that Nick’s is the most expensive pizza in South Florida. It’s a nice place to eat in; but for takeout it’s no better than Big City Pizza and its several dollars more expensive.
hey coleman, just trying to figure out how you know that nicks is the most expensive pizza in s florida? i guess you’ve been to every place. by the the way, tucci’s in boca can make you a pizza that makes nicks prices cheap.
my wife and i were at nicks last night and my bill for a large plain new haven pizza, salad and 2 sodas was no more expensive than when i eat at anthony’s or any of the other coal oven pizza places.
the only thing that i would recommend to nicks is that it add chicken wings to the menu.
i would also mention that my wife thought that the salad could have been much better.
I used to enjoy reading Jeffeats but now I simply don’t believe that these are real reviews. I’m not sure how you sampled 12 dishes in the 2 days they’ve been open, but I can’t say I’ve ever been to any restaurant where “everything” was delicious. When you stop providing real information, people will stop caring what you have to say. And if people can’t say “Hey Jeff likes it so it must be good”, then you’ve lost the only thing that matters; your credibility.
Coleman:
Just had a chance to read your post.
Just so you know, when I ate at Nicks, I was a party of 8. So…I got to try a lot of dishes. By the way, that evening the waitress was bringing around “complimentary” passings of gelato, that’s how I got to sample 4 different ones.
Everything I had was delicious. If something wasn’t “good”- trust me, I’d tell you guys.
Thanks for reading…
was also there tonight with 2 friends – had the clams ‘casino’ white pizza (clams, bacon, peppers, garlic) lemon on the side – fabulous crust – amazing toppings cooked just right – as a former Italian restaurant owner – thought they hit the mark – although saying their pizza is done well was a bit contrived – they don’t need to reference Anthony’s well done slogan.
since this was day 3 – service was a bit spotty but helpful and the managers really worked the floor
hope they make it!
Was visiting relatives in Boca, and since I am originally from New Haven we decided to eat at Nicks.
Pizza was great! just like the origianal pizza we used to get on Wooster St. My favorite is White pie with bacon & onion. Loved the atmosphere. For a restaurant that has only been open for 3 days service was good, but Like a new hair stlye or new home there needs to be some tweeking.
Am recommending to all my friends that they also visit Nicks
grew up in new haven on wooster st ate at nick’s in new haven on wooster , again in lake worth and now in boca where i live, everything was great happy he is so close to us the menu has a great varity of choose and everything i tasted was great felt like i was back in new haven on wooster st good luck i know you and anthony will do great .looking forward to coming and eating there again.
Reply On August 6, 2011 at 2:25 pm · # · (Edit)
coleman,
i re-read jeff’s review.
unless i counted wrong like you did he sampled 7 dishes and 4 gelato flavors, not 12 dishes that you mentioned.
i’ve been to nicks, the pizza was good. service was good. great looking restaurant.
found the prices on the pizza like others.
Coleman:
Jeffs the man and his reviews are typically right on the $$. If you want to go out to eat and write blogs Ill read yours but until then jeffs where its at. You dont like it, stop reading it-
coleman, jeff’s the man.
he seemingly calls it as he sees it.
notice he lets readers post whatever they want in the comment section. the guys really plays it 100% straight unlike the sun sentinel and magazines that do reviews for adv.
So long Coleman. Don’t let the door hit you in the ass on the way out.
From: HerbK
Subject: The Best Bakery Around
Message Body:
Jeff, you have to try Gramma’s Bakery at 14466 Military Trail, a few doors down from the Girls Market. It is without a doubt the best bakery I have seen in South Florida since I moved here in 1974, and I’ve owned a couple. It’s a total scratch bakery that has great Jewish style pastries and breads as well as amazing cakes, pies, tarts, croissants, French breads, and the only real Kaiser rolls I’ve ever seen in this state. It would even be considered to be one of the better bakeries if it was in Manhattan.
Went to Nick’s yesterday. The place is beautiful, service was a pleasure and the food was delicious. Had the broccoli rabe with sausage(delicious) wife had the ceasar salad(she lovvvved it) we shared a large margarita pie(brought home more than half) It was a great pie(crisp pie with chewy crust, with loads of fresh cheese and delicious sauce) and about four time larger than tucci’s and most other coal and wood fire joints(as Jeff would say) for less money. They really seem to have their act together, and we wish them much sucess.
my husband and i ate at nicks.
love the decor.
the pizzas are enormous, in fact they have to bring them out on large tin platters.
love the oldies music.
the pizza was very good. i love tucci’s in boca, nicks is as good. it is much better than anthony’s.
we also shared a cheesesteak, it was also very good.
the pistachio gelato topped off a perfect meal.
this is the new hot pizza joint in boca. the pizza is excellent same for the grinders. hey, boys, you got to work on those salads, a little tasteless for me.
My wife and I have been to Nicks twice. The pizza and subs are delicous. The gelato is also really good. Great looking restaurant and staff that tries real hard.
From: Allen Feinberg
Subject: Hours
Message Body:
What hours are you open for business? I am originally from New Haven and look forward to being there Tuesday afternoon before the crowds with my mother! That is, if you will be open of course.
pizza was sensational.
My husband and and I have eaten at Nicks twice since it first opened a couple of weeks ago. Service is still a bit rough on the edges but it is definitely getting there. The pizza is delicious, same for the grinders, and pastas. The salads need work. Great music and decor. We really enjoyed both outings and will definitely be back.
delicious pizza.
almost on the level of frank pepe’s in new haven, not quite there, but awfully close.
really enjoyed this one.
pizza and steak sub just right.
Boca has hit the jackpot with this one. Great pizza and subs.
Cool environment with 50s-60s music.
I loved it.
Nice change from chain Anthony’s vibe.
Pizza was exceptionally good.
one of the best pizzas we’ve had in a very long time
Today they had a party at Nick’s open to the public. Face painting for the kids and free pizza for all.
Outstanding pizza.
perfect pizza,great atmosphere but skip the ice tea
i loved the pizza and i didnt have ice tea as it is unsweetened.
next time you are there try their orange soda its great.
shared a white pizza and chicken parm hero. delicious.
Was there last night around 8 pm.
Restaurant and bar jammed.
Had a plain pizza and house salad.
The food is very good.
Loved the oldies playing.
Mixed crowd of you and old was real nice.
Love the way the doors open up in front of restaurant and outdoor seating. Also love the great oldies decor.
This by far is one of the best coal fired pizza places in Florida.
Nick’s does coal oven pizza right.
If you like Anthony’s you will love Nick’s.
I am telling you that the food is outrageously good and the hip styling of the restaurant makes for a perfect outing.
pizza is the best.
if coal oven pizza is your bag, you will love nick’s.
best i have had in florida.
Some of the best coal fired pizza that I’ve eaten.
Great looking jumping restaurant.
Love the wallpapered ceiling.
Great bar that opens to the outside.
What makes this thing happen is Anthony and Nick the owners. They are always around, well they were there on all 4 times I was there. Nick runs the kitchen and Anthony is on the front of the house.
Both guys are personable and go out of their way to make you feel special and appreciated for being a customer.
Real cool place.
I highly recommend that you give it a shot.
Jeff,
Nick’s is a welcome addition to the Boca restaurant scene. The food is excellent and as others have indicated really cool place to eat at.
Personally, I love the music they play.
Anthony’s pizza is too heavily sauced. Tucci’s makes a good pie, but the place is way too small. Table 42 pizza is fair.
That’s it on the coal oven front, so I think I’ll be sticking with my new favorite Nick’s.
by far and away one of the best coal oven pizza joints in fl.
Ate there tonight.
Pizza delicious.
Chicken parm grinder awesome.
Chicken caesar salad delicious.
Fabulous gelato.
This is a terrific restaurant.
try their chocolate hazelnut gelato. phenomenal.
Goodbye Anthony’s hello Nicks!
Four of us tried Nick’s last night around 8pm. This is definitely the new hot spot in Boca as the place was packed with a 30 minute wait.
Great looking decor and bar area.
Nothing really fancy, you definitely can wear shorts etc.
From the crowd, it seems that both old and young were there.
The menu isn’t large but has pizzas, salads, subs and a handful of other items.
The plain pizza large pizza was delicious.
We also had chicken parm and sausage subs and they were also very good.
We split 2 salads which were delcious.
For dessert, they have like 8 gelato flavors. The pistachio and milk chocolate were outrageously good.
Throw in1 beer and 3 sodas and with tax and tip we walked out of there for $76.
I highly recommend Nick’s.
real good pizza and grinders.
try this one.
Nick’s is developing into a real hip place for all ages to go for great pizza, subs and salads.
Was there the other night and it was really jumping.
I have eaten there twice. The pizza etc are ok but nothing extraordinary.
Ate there last night.
For a relatively new place it had a 35 minute wait. Will be wild there when season hits.
Excellent pizza and chicken salad.
Great music piped in.
Pizza is very good.
The real homerun is their chicken parm hero.
My husband and I ate at Nick’s last Sunday night. We got there about 7:30pm and there was about a 20 minute wait. This was our first time and we noticed right away that the crowd was a mix of young and old and everything inbetween. Tons of pizzas were coming out of the ovens and people just seemed to be having a really good time. We also enjoyed the oldies music piped into the restaurant. When we were seated, we ordered a large pizza, a couple of house sodas (orange and lemon lime) and a large salad to share. The pizza was delivered in a large square pan which was something that we hadn’t seen before. The pizza was very good as was the salad. Our server was a young lady and she was very attentive and personal. We even discussed how the bottles had a deposit sticker on them which FL doesn’t have.
We have been to most of the pizza restaurants in Boca and the surrounding area. There is something very enjoyable about Nick’s that we haven’t found at the others like Anthony’s and Table 42.
Sometimes you can’t put your finger on something, but the owners have created a very good restaurant which has a certain charm that others don’t have.
I highly recommend Nick’s.
terrific pizza.
loved the clam soup.
The white clam, bacon and garlic pizza is out of this world.
~~Today’s HOT DEAL!~~
Nick’s New Haven Style Pizzeria & Bar
Boca Raton (behind Brewzzi)
Here’s what food blogger “Jeff Eats” had to say: “Last night I had dinner at Nicks. I “sampled” pan-fried mozzarella, steak & cheese grinder, New Haven Style plain pizza, margarita pizza (let’s call this one New York Style), white clam-bacon-garlic pizza, parmesean fries, rigatoni bolognese…everything and I do mean everything was delicious. For dessert, I “tried” 4 of the 8 gelatos on the menu (I know- someone’s gotta do it!) milk chocolate, pistachio, lemon and coconut-this stuff alone, was worth the price of admission.” (Read the rest of Jeff’s article here)
BLUE PLATE SPECIAL DEAL! 59% OFF!
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***Jeff, I got this email today from S. Florida Dines. Thought you would like to read it.
BOBBY R.
Hey Jeff, saw sun sentinel gave nick’s 3 stars this past friday.
i was there on saturday night and there was a 30 minute wait.
i’ve been there before.
pizza is delicious, same goes for their chicken parm sub.
this is a super place for a great meal.
Jeff,
By far and away one of your better finds.
My wife and I and another couple ate dinner there this evening and the pizza and salad were delicious. Loved the doop wop music. Great decor and attentive service. Throw in super reasonable prices and its a homerun.
Thanks,
sid
as good as pepe’s in new haven
Jeff, hopefully Nicks’ owners read your column and this comment.
my husband and i love its pizza and sandwiches. its salads are ok but nothing great.
the big problem that i have is that woman really don’t eat that much pizza. so the menu is a bit limited for me and my daughter.
i suggest that Nicks add chicken wings and a few grilled chicken dishes to the menu so that non pizza eaters have a choice.
we love the restaurant and what it does serve but a bigger menu would be appreciated.
My son and I tried Nick’s for lunch.
Delicious chicken parmesan hero
Delicious regular pizza.
Also enjoyed the oldies but goodies music playing in the background.
We will definitely be back.
like others here, i agree that they should add grilled wings. the pizza etc is really good but the menu is a bit limited.
delicious pizza.
love the doo wop music.
try this one, its a goody.
Don’t like the pizza too burnt on the bottom.
picked up a meatball pizza and a house salad, eating both right now an both are delicious and watching new england a]v broncos and hopin tebow can pull off another miracle.