Thanks for clarifying, last time I went it was the bar seating only. Glad to hear they've expanded a few seats.

its never been bar seating only ..

they just took away a table and added another window counter

I went by Nic's today at lunch and they were closed. Have they been closed all week? Will they be open tomorrow?

Bigray in Ok

Hes been closed all week. Usually he has a sign up saying that hes closed for the week/holidays. I would assume he will be closed the rest of the week. This is the way things go on a one man restaurant operation, cant blame the guy taking off a few weeks in the middle of winter. I do need to get there for a breakfast pretty soon.

he is sick.

Get well soon, Nic.

Bigray in Ok

That is the life of a one person shop. Get well soon.

There is a BBQ restaurant in Denver that closed recently that was a one man shop for 25 years.
Denver Post - Denver BBQ baron Louis Wolfe is packing up his smoker (http://www.denverpost.com/food/ci_16905866)

He has a helper so it is not preciselyy a one man shop as he does not do it all on his own. However when he is not there the restaurant does not open so it is only a kinda one person shop.

He's not sick, he was on vacation.

Nic is the only one that cooks so it is kind of a one man shop. A lot of people do not realize that he actually has two helpers these days. Javon is basically the waiter and there is another guy in the back that does prep work. He added the third guy after his business spiked from the Oklahoma Today Article and the Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives episode. Nic's is my favorite burger place in OKC and I eat a lot of burgers. I hope he is able to open next week.

Bigray in Ok

Nic's was open today.

That is the life of a one person shop. Get well soon.

There is a BBQ restaurant in Denver that closed recently that was a one man shop for 25 years.
Denver Post - Denver BBQ baron Louis Wolfe is packing up his smoker (http://www.denverpost.com/food/ci_16905866)

How funny. I've lived in Denver for most of several years and hadn't heard of that place. East Colfax is a tough neighborhood.

He's not sick, he was on vacation.

that's not what his answering machine said....are you calling Nic a liar?

BillyOcean, Mirage34, don't even try getting into a fight here. Anything you do at this point will be seen as amateur hour compared to veteran OKC Talk cage fight guys like Spartan and Metro.

BillyOcean, Mirage34, don't even try getting into a fight here. Anything you do at this point will be seen as amateur hour compared to veteran OKC Talk cage fight guys like Spartan and Metro.

And Steve is like our Don King promoter....

How funny. I've lived in Denver for most of several years and hadn't heard of that place. East Colfax is a tough neighborhood.

Is the Satire Lounge still there? I used to go there for Mexican food, believe it or not and they had the best enchiladas.

On the Tonight show with Jay Leno last night, Collin Farrell told Jay that he and some friends did a Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives map of the U.S. and drove across the country visiting different restaurants that were featured on the show. When Leno asked Collin what the best place was, Collin replied, "There is a place in Oklahoma called Nic's that makes a mean hamburger" or something of the sort. I knew he had been at Nic's a few months ago and think it is really cool he mentioned one of my favorite places on the Tonight Show. I went by Nic's today at 1:30 P.M and there were still about 15 people waiting to get in before the 2:00 p.m. closing. I decided to not wait in the line today and went elsewhere.

I know everyone does not love Nic's but it is great for an Oklahoma City restaurant to get mentioned on a national broadcast like the Tonight Show. Nic and Javon that work there are really nice people and I enjoy the burgers and the place in general.

Bigray in Ok

They need to start a celebrity wall. Guessing no one got a pic of him there?

They need to start a celebrity wall. Guessing no one got a pic of him there?


Javon showed me a picture of Collin Farrell he took on his phone. He said he showed up about ten minutes before closing in order to avoid a crowd. He told me the main celebrities that have been there are locals like Barry Switzer and Toby Keith. No Thunder players have been in there that I know of.

Bigray in Ok

That's still pretty cool. Glad Colin chose to pass thru Oklahoma!

Colin could have stopped at at least three other Oklahoma places from Guy F's Show: Ingrid's Kitchen (OKC), The Rock Cafe (Stroud) and Clanton's (Vinita).
Now that I finally tried Ingrid's, I can say I've been to all three . . . But not Nic's. Not yet.

Nic's is very good. The hours are limited, however.

Colin could have stopped at at least three other Oklahoma places from Guy F's Show: Ingrid's Kitchen (OKC), The Rock Cafe (Stroud) and Clanton's (Vinita).
Now that I finally tried Ingrid's, I can say I've been to all three . . . But not Nic's. Not yet.

There was also Mama E's in OKC and The Diner in Norman that Guy visited. Any others?

There was also Mama E's in OKC and The Diner in Norman that Guy visited. Any others?

He went to Eischen's in Okarche as well as Leo's BBQ and Cattlemen's here in OKC.

You can watch it here...... http://www.nbc.com/the-tonight-show/video/thursday-july-26-2012/1411405/

He went to Eischen's in Okarche as well as Leo's BBQ and Cattlemen's here in OKC.

Thanks. I thought there were more but I was just staring at empty blank thought bubbles trying to come up with them. One of those days.

You can watch it here...... http://www.nbc.com/the-tonight-show/video/thursday-july-26-2012/1411405/

That was great. I loved how he called out the people clapping in the audience. This conversation topic starts at about 22 minutes in.

Now for the off-topic rant: NBC is really pushing it with the minute and a half commercial before the video plays.

You can see where Nic spent some of his Ice House money (photo courtesy EatAroundOKC):

https://scontent-b-lax.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/12681_748153175200082_1700764140_n.jpg

Good to have the "Cash Only" indicator on there

I just had lunch there today. I'm sure the monitor is more convenient, but the chalk board just fit the mood of the place better.

Seems like a weird change/expense for such a basic place with only a handful of menu items.

Not exactly in need of a quick-change interactive display.


Maybe Nic just likes to flip on the TV while prepping / cleaning up.

Maybe Nic just likes to flip on the TV while prepping / cleaning up.

There was already a TV 3 ft. away. So, yeah, it does seem weird.

He is never open it's so hit or miss anymore.

Prices have been raised $1.84 for the combo.

http://secondsfood.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/IMG_3475-300x209.jpg

I liked the chalkboard better. Makes me wonder what is next?

Prices have been raised $1.84 for the combo.

http://secondsfood.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/IMG_3475-300x209.jpg

Has to pay for the TV. lol

It does seem like a weird expense. I wonder how many people have said "You can afford a tv for a menu, but don't want to pay the credit transaction fees!"

Nic's Grill made #2 on this list of Top 10 Burgers in the Nation

Nic's Grill In OKC Considered One Of America's Best Burger Joint - News9.com - Oklahoma City, OK - News, Weather, Video and Sports | (http://www.news9.com/story/25916851/nics-grill-in-okc-considered-one-of-americas-best-burger-joints)

Has to pay for the TV. lol

It does seem like a weird expense. I wonder how many people have said "You can afford a tv for a menu, but don't want to pay the credit transaction fees!"
The TV is a one time expense....every transaction on a credit or debit card is an expense. There are a lot of older, mom-n-pop places that still don't take cards if a person ever gets out of a city.

Interesting that they didn't mention the onions in Nic's burgers. Oh well.

The TV is a one time expense....every transaction on a credit or debit card is an expense. There are a lot of older, mom-n-pop places that still don't take cards if a person ever gets out of a city.
It's wierd and completely mental but for some reason I always think the food is better if the place only accepts cash.

it's like recipe you get at a potluck, it's always better when someone else makes it.

It's wierd and completely mental but for some reason I always think the food is better if the place only accepts cash.

it's like recipe you get at a potluck, it's always better when someone else makes it.
A lot of the places in small town Texas that we would ride to eat at only took cash, so I am used to it....but then I am 50 years old, not 25. I remember working retail when the card readers would rarely work and we had to do the slips manually and sometimes call it in.

Went to Nics today. Heard him talking about a new location that he is opening in Midtown. ( 1116 N Robinson )... Hopes to be in the building in the next month or so and then about 4 months of finish out. The new place will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. (He stopped serving breakfast about a year or so ago). It will also serve alcohol. Interesting news. Will for sure help out the lack of breakfast in the area.

Went to Nics today. Heard him talking about a new location that he is opening in Midtown. ( 1116 N Robinson )... Hopes to be in the building in the next month or so and then about 4 months of finish out. The new place will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. (He stopped serving breakfast about a year or so ago). It will also serve alcohol. Interesting news. Will for sure help out the lack of breakfast in the area.

Thanks.

Next time you are in there ask him about the name, partners, etc.

My understanding is the bar will be in the basement and the restaurant at street level.

My understanding is the bar will be in the basement and the restaurant at street level.


Correct.. Heard him say he wants it to have a "basement lounge feel." Whatever that means.

If they go into this location, it would seem that The Garage might be in for some tough times. Nic's does a much better burger than them. Man, Nic isn't scared of anything, going head-to-head like this.

If they go into this location, it would seem that The Garage might be in for some tough times. Nic's does a much better burger than them. Man, Nic isn't scared of anything, going head-to-head like this.

He's not really going head to head with them with burgers.... Justin has described what he is doing at this location to me as an upscale diner.

If you want a Nic's burger you will still have to go to Nic's Grill.

If they go into this location, it would seem that The Garage might be in for some tough times. Nic's does a much better burger than them. Man, Nic isn't scared of anything, going head-to-head like this.

Good restaurants only do better when other good restaurants come next door…

Even if you could get a Nic's Burger at this new location, I sincerely doubt that Hal Smith is worried about competition from any local restauranteur in this city.

He's not really going head to head with them with burgers.... Justin has described what he is doing at this location to me as an upscale diner.

If you want a Nic's burger you will still have to go to Nic's Grill.

Damn, that's unfortunate for me! It's sometimes impossible to get into that place with their hours and being closed on weekends.

Damn, that's unfortunate for me! It's sometimes impossible to get into that place with their hours and being closed on weekends.

You'll still be able to get Nic's burgers at the Ice House (MBG) when it's not ice skating season...

You'll still be able to get Nic's burgers at the Ice House (MBG) when it's not ice skating season...

As brought up before -- the Ice House burger is absolutely no comparison to an actual authentic Nic's Burger IMO.

As brought up before -- the Ice House burger is absolutely no comparison to an actual authentic Nic's Burger IMO.

I agree that it's not quite the same, but that's the beauty of his operation. It can't be perfectly replicated anywhere else. /burp :chef:

If they go into this location, it would seem that The Garage might be in for some tough times. Nic's does a much better burger than them. Man, Nic isn't scared of anything, going head-to-head like this.

Won't be hard to top The Garbage. Gag. I will just eat a burger at home.

Looking forward to Nic's new concept. He is the perfect restaurateur to pull this off, and people have been clamoring for an idea like this for years. Hal Smith does real estate; Nic does food.

Won't be hard to top The Garbage. Gag. I will just eat a burger at home.

Looking forward to Nic's new concept. He is the perfect restaurateur to pull this off, and people have been clamoring for an idea like this for years. Hal Smith does real estate; Nic does food.

Is the Garage really as bad as you portray it to be ? I went the other day (downtown location), they must have about 30 burgers to choose from, the one I got I thought was fine for the price and of all things the line to get in was out the door. I thought we'd have trouble finding a table but as soon as one emptied, they'd swarm it and it was ready for use.

Won't be hard to top The Garbage. Gag. I will just eat a burger at home.

Looking forward to Nic's new concept. He is the perfect restaurateur to pull this off, and people have been clamoring for an idea like this for years. Hal Smith does real estate; Nic does food.

Dumb quote of the year perhaps. Not ever comparing Nics to the garage because they werent designed to be the same thing. Each serves it's niche quite well. I enjoy both.
To say Hal Smith doesn't "do food" really is kinda short sighted. His restaurants have mostly been successful and most are good at what they do. If you don't enjoy them you certainly don't have to go. But at least be fair in your description.

Seeing stuff like this on this forum gets old. I don't post often but enjoy reading a lot. Some people and their holier than thou attitudes are starting to turn me off.

Dumb quote of the year perhaps. Not ever comparing Nics to the garage because they werent designed to be the same thing. Each serves it's niche quite well. I enjoy both.
To say Hal Smith doesn't "do food" really is kinda short sighted. His restaurants have mostly been successful and most are good at what they do. If you don't enjoy them you certainly don't have to go. But at least be fair in your description.

Seeing stuff like this on this forum gets old. I don't post often but enjoy reading a lot. Some people and their holier than thou attitudes are starting to turn me off.

It's just, like, my opinion, man. I'm sure The Garage makes money, but their burgers are nothing special. We can disagree without being disagreeable. It's a free country.

It's wierd and completely mental but for some reason I always think the food is better if the place only accepts cash.

it's like recipe you get at a potluck, it's always better when someone else makes it.

FWIW, you are not alone in such thoughts.

It's just, like, my opinion, man. I'm sure The Garage makes money, but their burgers are nothing special. We can disagree without being disagreeable. It's a free country.

Burgers are like any other food, you'll get a very wide base of opinions on who serves the best [whatever type of food].

Personally, the Garage in Edmond is my favorite goto burger. We probably eat there at least every other week and always have to wait in line and sometimes wait for a table even after ordering --- so, obviously lots of people think they make a good burger.

I love a Nic's burger, but its simply too damn difficult to get one and the portion is unrealistically large (caloric) to be eaten with any regularity.

I hope the new venture is a success (I'm definitely going to give it a try) but to claim he's "...the perfect restaurateur to pull this off..." is a (to me) a bit too much cheerleading for a one hit wonder.

It's just, like, my opinion, man. I'm sure The Garage makes money, but their burgers are nothing special. We can disagree without being disagreeable. It's a free country.

No problem. It's only opinions��
I think their burgers are good. Not great. I do think Hal Smith runs quality restaurants for the most part.

Yeah I actually enjoyed my one experience at the Garage. I just feel like Nic's is probably my favorite burger I've ever had. And Ice House, although delicious, isn't quite the same as Nic's. But definitely didn't intend to dog on the Garage though.

It's just, like, my opinion, man. I'm sure The Garage makes money, but their burgers are nothing special. We can disagree without being disagreeable. It's a free country.

Exactly, but calling the The Garage, "The Garbage. Gag." is a pretty disagreeable way to make your point. Or at least in poor taste. (see what I did there)

If you just said something like, "I'm not a fan of the Garage burgers because they're overcooked or don't use fresh tomatoes" then people could easily disagree with you without being disagreeable. But, that's just my opinion, man. ;)

I don't hate The Garage. When it first opened on Robinson we there quite often to watch Thunder games. BUT, I am not enamored with their food. It's not bad, by any means, but I think S & B is a better burger. McNellies burger is better IMHO. Heck, for that matter, I think Whataburger is a better burger than The Garage. It's all a matter of taste.