Lincoln Square neighborhood has welcomed a new addition. Nick’s Pizza & Pub has recently opened on Montrose Avenue, just west of Western. We at The Local Tourist love all things pizza, so we jumped at the chance to check out the new contender on Chicago pizza scene. Nick’s large but cozy space is reminiscent of a hunting lodge. On our visit the place was decked out for the holidays, and we enjoyed the view from our table by the fireplace. (What is better than pizza by the fire on a cold December night in Chicago?..)
Nick’s is fun for the whole family. From our table we watched kiddos and grandparents enjoying a treasure hunt through the restaurant. Each table is set with a bowl of peanuts (tossing shells on the floor is fun!) There is a large party room big enough for a family reunion, but cozy tables for two or four are also plentiful. The staff is exceedingly kind and accomodating. When was the last time your server addressed your table as “friends”? All around us families took up residence, kids running wild, yet the staff did not skip a beat. Service with a smile is taken very seriously at Nick’s.
As always, we wanted to try a bit of everything. Our dinner was off to a great start with excellent fresh prickly pear margaritas. In fact, Nick’s has a respectable seasonal cocktail lineup, including a delicious warm spiced (and spiked) cider. Beer and wine are also available here, with local brews well represented. When it came to appetizers, our server suggested bruschetta: fresh toasted Italian bread served with a heap of fresh tomato salad. Seemingly simple dish, bruschetta was an excellent start to our meal.
I am a lover of chicken wings, so we ordered them with a trio of sauces on the side. Wings came extra crispy, a must in our book. Sweet chili sauce turned out to be our favorite, its mild heat lingering. And then of course came the pizza! Thin crust is the name of the game at Nick’s. It comes out crisp and holding the shape of each slice, an excellent quality in pizza. We ordered the Nick’s Special, basically their version of Supreme. It was sharp and fresh and delicious! Our own combination of toppings, while tasty, paled in comparison. However, if you are particular about toppings, building your own pie is a snap at Nick’s. Pizza comes in multiple sizes here, so even a table of two could try a few different ones. Our meal concluded with dessert, recommended by our server: warm chocolate chip cookie topped with ice cream, whipped cream and chocolate drizzle. If that doesn’t bring out your inner kid, I don’t know what will.
In the spirit of this family neighborhood and the holidays, Nick’s Pizza & Pub is hosting Santa and Mrs. Claus to delight kids of all ages. We think this maybe just the beginning of family fun traditions at this lively spot. So, grab your family and head on over for a Nick’s Special and some prickly pear margaritas by the fireplace. Tell them The Local Tourist sent you. Who doesn’t love pizza after all?
Nick’s Pizza & Pub NOW OPEN at 2434 West Montrose Ave in Lincoln Square neighborhood of Chicago.
The Local Tourist dinner for two courtesy of IMR.
All photos by Gourmet Rambler.
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