Photo of Nick's on 2nd Long Beach, one of the best restaurants in Long Beach

Nick's on 2nd Long Beach

4.7/5.0 (2171 reviews)

Nick's on 2nd is a charming restaurant in Long Beach that combines a vibrant atmosphere with a menu full of bold flavors. Despite a few bumps in service, the dishes served here promise to leave a lasting impression.

Our Expert's Take

At Nick's on 2nd, diners are greeted with a lively ambiance that sets the stage for an exciting meal. While our experience began on a less-than-ideal note due to service hiccups, the kitchen's commitment to flavor quickly turned the tide, showcasing the potential of what a well-crafted dish can achieve.

Every bite at Nick's is a testament to the chef's dedication to quality ingredients and innovative recipes. From the appetizers that ignite your palate to the entrées that leave you longing for more, Nick's proves that patience in dining can lead to a gratifying culinary journey.

At a Glance

Pros

  • Delicious and flavorful dishes that make the experience worthwhile.
  • Vibrant and welcoming atmosphere perfect for gatherings.
  • Creative menu options that cater to diverse palates.

Cons

  • Service can be inconsistent at times, especially during busy hours.
  • Reservations are recommended due to popularity, which may lead to wait times.

What Diners Are Saying

Rating: 4/5

"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 consistently impresses."
- Jarmaine Seegers

Rating: 5/5

"Nick's on 2nd is everything you want for a weekend brunch spot--elevated comfort food, great service, and a lively, upscale vibe. We started with the deviled eggs and tomato bisque with grilled sourdough--simple but done right. The soup was creamy and bright, and the deviled eggs were a surprisingly flavorful bite to kick things off. For the main, I had the short rib hash with broccolini and sunny side egg--this was the standout dish. The short rib was tender and rich, and the velvety hollandaise brought it all together perfectly. It came with a fluffy house biscuit that was just chef's kiss. We wrapped it up with the French toast topped with whipped cream and caramelized banana--sweet, soft, and decadent without being too heavy. Everything felt well thought out and made with care. Highly recommend for brunch lovers who want a little indulgence in a beautiful space."
- Lesley Tan

Rating: 5/5

"Amazing, Amazing, Amazing! This was my first time at Nick's on 2nd. The food was the best and it is now my favorite place to dine. The service was impeccable - thanks, Jessica! Yes, I did order the lemon cake, and no, I didn't eat all of it! I did eat every single asparagus sticks! Lovely"
- lisa bryant

Rating: 5/5

"What an amazing birthday lunch today! Nick’s has been a family tradition for celebrating. Today was one of our best experiences by far, Jessica our server was so exceptional, her caring & kindness to my family was beyond expectations. Thank you & really appreciated the complimentary birthday cake! What a surprise 🎂"
- Jennifer C

Rating: 5/5

"Had a great time here! Drink menu was good, I had the Black and Blue Mojito (I think that's what it was called) super delicious. Also had the shrimp taquitos appetizer. Loved the different textures and flavors and the shrimp tasted fresh. Food came fast although I was dining on a Monday and my dinner party consisted of just myself. Also had the warm butter cake and can I just say - OH MY GOD - one of the best desserts I've had. It's a really intelligently crafted dessert, very rich and decadent with the berry compote adding just the right amount of sweetness, also a good desssert to share with others. Staff were super friendly, table and silverware were very clean/tidy. There's also an overall pleasant/good atmosphere in the restaurant. Great experience and would definitely go back if I visit Long Beach again."
- heykaylc23

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there parking available?

Yes, there is street parking available nearby, but it can fill up quickly during peak hours.

What is the dress code at Nick's on 2nd?

The dress code is casual, so feel free to come in comfortable attire.

What is the best dish to try?

The chef's special pasta is highly recommended and a customer favorite!