"My Grandfather was a regular at Nick's when Nick was the owner. My grandfather and father both remained regulars of Nick's when Frank was the owner. Some of my great memories are of my Dad and Grandfather-going to Nick's. My family has known Frank, Herbie, & the Commander for many years. What a great place. I was sad to see Frank sell, but was happy to see what Tyler has done to the place. It is the same but better. I look forward to coming to Nick's for many years to come."
Nick's Memories
We would love to hear from all of you who have stories to share from the days of old. Please post them here and comment on others who have had similiar experiences.
I use to go to Nick's with my Dad in the 1960's with all his cop buddies. The place was right out of Goodfellas. Unreal. So many memories! When it closed I was distraught. The remodel is unreal. The food is even better than it was. If you are in Portland this place is a must go!
You really did a great job preserving this local landmark. I was really impressed how great the coneys are...Sorry Frank...but they are much better than the old days of Nicks. The Double cheese burger is the best in the city without a question. My hat is off to you. We love Nicks and will be coming back again & again. Thanks for keeping Nicks alive & well.
Nice web site. Thanks for bringing Nicks back. My Dad took me there for the first visit in 1964. I almost cried when Frank closed the door.
You have done a magnificent job with the re-creation. We have been in three times and the experience is great. My grandson will get his first take next week when they arrive from Utah. Can't wait and will bring my camera.
I have been going to Nicks since the 70's. I was sad when it closed but Tyler Rogoway took it over and made it even better than I could have imagined. Now its just like the old days. The place is busy with excitement and friendly people and Nick's is once again the place to go to see Portland big shots, celebrities, sports figures and the average guy next door. And the food is incredible.
Wanting to see what all the media rahs were about I stopped in. I ordered a double and root beer float. Incredible, why hadn't I been here before? I'm actually sensing a "loss" for the wasted meals elsewhere. Nick's is now my place.
Yeah the coneys are the best anywhere, but where did you find the servers? My God they are out of this world. Could they actually make those coneys taste better. Nice that you stay open late. We really love your place. How can I prove it? We drive all they way from Gresham.
We love Nicks Coney Island. Where were we on the day the Blazers won the NBA championship? At Nicks. You could not get another body in the place, it was that packed. We stopped in and had a double. Best ever. We loved it then, we love it now.
It was great to see someome continue this long standing Portland institution. It's a piece of Portland history and could have just been a memory. Now you can live and enjoy the memories. Boy, the place is cleaner than it's ever been but still contains the charm and character. And the food? The dogs are even better and they were able to duplicate the chili. Great burgers, too!
I have no story, no memories, I never went there, and no one I knew ever suggested we go there. But now that I know Tyler and Dave, I go there often, the Carnegie is UNBELIEVABLE and I will take my children and grandchildren there if I live long enough.
Pinks in L.A is a great dog house and very famous. Tried Nicks.
Good (actually) very good, but I like holding my coney dog. Nicks is not shy on the sauce. Great vibe. Music was really loud but I'm old!
My Father took me to Nicks Coney Island when I was a tot. I will always remember his frown when we would park and discover that Nicks was not open (in the old days there were no set hours!). Today its wonderful as I just took my grand daughter for her first Nicks visit. Thank you for restoring this special place in Portland. You did a marvelous job and the food is just great. 5 stars.
I love Nick's! The coneys are terrific, the mac salad even better and the beer is ice cold. Friendly staff and great service. Plus, you can bring the kids until 8 p.m. It's my new neighborhood hangout. Thanks to Tyler and Dave for saving (and improving) a Portland classic!
Service was slow, but I will say the restaurant had people waiting out the door. Friendly staff, good food. Will return again. Hire more people!
Nice that the owner stopped at the table to make sure all was good. Have not seen that in years.
really like your house beer. What is the brand? My Dad played for the Beavers in 68.
Nicks was a favorite place we went. If I brought his photo in to the bar, would you hang it?
Dear New Owners: My Father took me to Nicks for the first visit in 1965. We made it a monthly ritual to have some Dad-Daughter bonding at a place that he adored. Now thanks to you (who now owns Nicks) I can bring my son to Nicks who is a big baseball fan. His first visit was Friday and he wants to go back again. All I can say is Thank You. I also want to express my thanks that you kept the look of Nicks in tact but added many new fun features that look terrific. You deserve the best of success.
Took my boy to Nicks. Sitting in the corner booth was Bill "The Schonz".
It was a great day. Bill was telling stories about the hey day of the Blazers. My son has no idea how great Bill was doing Play by Play.
He was the best. Had the best time at Nicks. Thanks for re-opening the best haunt in Portland.
We love Nicks. No old time stories for you, we are new to Portland and moved into the Hawthorne district. We visit Nicks weekly. Your Cheeseburgers are to die for. (sorry, not a coney fan).
NICKS:
I watched the 63 world series at your bar. It is a special memory.
The coneys were $1.50 back then. Frank was quiet in those days.
Thank you for reviving a historic bar. Ralph Owen/ Milwaukie
Had Thanksgiving dinner at Nicks. It was the first time back in twenty years. Oh it was wonderful. The Benson Hotel could not of done a better job. Turkey with Nicks coney sauce was Boss.
missed Thx at Nicks. That would of been cool. Heres my memory. I was 11 years old and having lunch at Nicks with my Dad (after picking up pharmacy stuff on the corner where the pizza place is now).....and who comes by? Robert Kennedy in a convertible. It was a beautiful day in Portland. We went outside and Kennedy waved at me. A day I will never forget. A week or so later he was gone.
In 1972 (going to Reed) we were regulars at Nicks. It was a great college hangout to have cheap eats and hams beer. I wandered in after hearing that Nicks re-opened. I have to say, the food is superb and the servers are allot HOTTER than in 1972. As a matter of fact, I don't think Nicks had female servers! I will return. The Coneys are world class,
It has been ten years since I was in Nicks. Very good job. Its clean, the food was terrific, service was very friendly. Oh. and its a bargain in these times!
Enjoyed the new Nicks very much. My Mom took me to Nicks in 1961 for the first time. This is a Portland treasure in my opinion. I'm looking forward to taking my grandson to Nicks next week.
1970- ME AND 3 PALS WOULD HIT NICKS ON FRIDAY NIGHTS RELIGIOUSLY! WE WERE GOING TO PSU AND NICKS WAS THE PLACE.
IT IS BETTER THAN EVER. HOPE ITS THERE ANOTHER 80 YEARS!
I moved from Chicago to Portland in the late 70s. My cousin first took me to Nicks then. Been eating there ever since. One fine rainy afternoon a few years back and many beers later, Frank, "The Commander" and Herbie and I were sitting around talking, and I told the three of them that Nicks holds a very near and dear place in my heart. Frank then asked why and I promptly said, " Its because you guys were the only ones to let me drink beer when I was only 18" The look on Franks face, priceless!
Tyler, you have done a wonderful job on the place. It was a pleasure to meet you, thanks for the free shirt,and when in Tucson, look me up, Ill be behind the bar at the place that looks just like yours serving up ice cold PBR and Coneys on 4th!!
watched the game last night at Nicks. The place was packed and every right to be. Food was the best. Better than the oldie days. Nice staff.
Were coming back.
My Grandfather was a regular at Nick's when Nick was the owner. My grandfather and father both remained regulars of Nick's when Frank was the owner. Some of my great memories are of my Dad and Grandfather-going to Nick's. My family has known Frank, Herbie, & the Commander for many years. What a great place. I was sad to see Frank sell, but was happy to see what Tyler has done to the place. It is the same but better. I look forward to coming to Nick's for many years to come.
I served Nick dinner when I was waiting tables in Vancouver in the late 80's. Two years later I walked into his place on Hawthorne and he say's, "Hey, Mike, How's the restaurant doing?" I couldn't believe it. What a pro he was. I now own two great restaurants in Hood River and I keep a journal with my guests names, their kids name, ect... All because of Nick's example. Old school businessman, rock! Good luck to the new owners, I'll be in soon.
We heard Nicks was saved, so while visiting friends in Oregon, we made a Coney stop at Nicks. THANK YOU for keeping Nicks going. We had a terrific dinner. This restaurant can NOT be replaced.
Memories
38 story(ies) on this page. Add your own story below.
I use to go to Nick's with my Dad in the 1960's with all his cop buddies. The place was right out of Goodfellas. Unreal. So many memories! When it closed I was distraught. The remodel is unreal. The food is even better than it was. If you are in Portland this place is a must go!
You really did a great job preserving this local landmark. I was really impressed how great the coneys are...Sorry Frank...but they are much better than the old days of Nicks. The Double cheese burger is the best in the city without a question. My hat is off to you. We love Nicks and will be coming back again & again. Thanks for keeping Nicks alive & well.
Nice web site. Thanks for bringing Nicks back. My Dad took me there for the first visit in 1964. I almost cried when Frank closed the door. You have done a magnificent job with the re-creation. We have been in three times and the experience is great. My grandson will get his first take next week when they arrive from Utah. Can't wait and will bring my camera.
I have been going to Nicks since the 70's. I was sad when it closed but Tyler Rogoway took it over and made it even better than I could have imagined. Now its just like the old days. The place is busy with excitement and friendly people and Nick's is once again the place to go to see Portland big shots, celebrities, sports figures and the average guy next door. And the food is incredible.
Wanting to see what all the media rahs were about I stopped in. I ordered a double and root beer float. Incredible, why hadn't I been here before? I'm actually sensing a "loss" for the wasted meals elsewhere. Nick's is now my place.
Yeah the coneys are the best anywhere, but where did you find the servers? My God they are out of this world. Could they actually make those coneys taste better. Nice that you stay open late. We really love your place. How can I prove it? We drive all they way from Gresham.
RC COLA! Ya gotta be kidding. That is cool. My husband loves your ice cold mugs. We will be back. Your fries rock.
We love Nicks Coney Island. Where were we on the day the Blazers won the NBA championship? At Nicks. You could not get another body in the place, it was that packed. We stopped in and had a double. Best ever. We loved it then, we love it now.
It was great to see someome continue this long standing Portland institution. It's a piece of Portland history and could have just been a memory. Now you can live and enjoy the memories. Boy, the place is cleaner than it's ever been but still contains the charm and character. And the food? The dogs are even better and they were able to duplicate the chili. Great burgers, too!
I have no story, no memories, I never went there, and no one I knew ever suggested we go there. But now that I know Tyler and Dave, I go there often, the Carnegie is UNBELIEVABLE and I will take my children and grandchildren there if I live long enough.
The old Nicks you had only coneys to select from, my wife & kids love the new and greatly improved menu. But I always have a coney. Always.
Pinks in L.A is a great dog house and very famous. Tried Nicks. Good (actually) very good, but I like holding my coney dog. Nicks is not shy on the sauce. Great vibe. Music was really loud but I'm old!
My Father took me to Nicks Coney Island when I was a tot. I will always remember his frown when we would park and discover that Nicks was not open (in the old days there were no set hours!). Today its wonderful as I just took my grand daughter for her first Nicks visit. Thank you for restoring this special place in Portland. You did a marvelous job and the food is just great. 5 stars.
I love Nick's! The coneys are terrific, the mac salad even better and the beer is ice cold. Friendly staff and great service. Plus, you can bring the kids until 8 p.m. It's my new neighborhood hangout. Thanks to Tyler and Dave for saving (and improving) a Portland classic!
Service was slow, but I will say the restaurant had people waiting out the door. Friendly staff, good food. Will return again. Hire more people! Nice that the owner stopped at the table to make sure all was good. Have not seen that in years.
really like your house beer. What is the brand? My Dad played for the Beavers in 68. Nicks was a favorite place we went. If I brought his photo in to the bar, would you hang it?
Dear New Owners: My Father took me to Nicks for the first visit in 1965. We made it a monthly ritual to have some Dad-Daughter bonding at a place that he adored. Now thanks to you (who now owns Nicks) I can bring my son to Nicks who is a big baseball fan. His first visit was Friday and he wants to go back again. All I can say is Thank You. I also want to express my thanks that you kept the look of Nicks in tact but added many new fun features that look terrific. You deserve the best of success.
Took my boy to Nicks. Sitting in the corner booth was Bill "The Schonz". It was a great day. Bill was telling stories about the hey day of the Blazers. My son has no idea how great Bill was doing Play by Play. He was the best. Had the best time at Nicks. Thanks for re-opening the best haunt in Portland.
you guys make a rockin drink.
We love Nicks. No old time stories for you, we are new to Portland and moved into the Hawthorne district. We visit Nicks weekly. Your Cheeseburgers are to die for. (sorry, not a coney fan).
NICKS: I watched the 63 world series at your bar. It is a special memory. The coneys were $1.50 back then. Frank was quiet in those days. Thank you for reviving a historic bar. Ralph Owen/ Milwaukie
Love Nicks Coney Island!
Had Thanksgiving dinner at Nicks. It was the first time back in twenty years. Oh it was wonderful. The Benson Hotel could not of done a better job. Turkey with Nicks coney sauce was Boss.
missed Thx at Nicks. That would of been cool. Heres my memory. I was 11 years old and having lunch at Nicks with my Dad (after picking up pharmacy stuff on the corner where the pizza place is now).....and who comes by? Robert Kennedy in a convertible. It was a beautiful day in Portland. We went outside and Kennedy waved at me. A day I will never forget. A week or so later he was gone.
In 1972 (going to Reed) we were regulars at Nicks. It was a great college hangout to have cheap eats and hams beer. I wandered in after hearing that Nicks re-opened. I have to say, the food is superb and the servers are allot HOTTER than in 1972. As a matter of fact, I don't think Nicks had female servers! I will return. The Coneys are world class,
It has been ten years since I was in Nicks. Very good job. Its clean, the food was terrific, service was very friendly. Oh. and its a bargain in these times!
Enjoyed the new Nicks very much. My Mom took me to Nicks in 1961 for the first time. This is a Portland treasure in my opinion. I'm looking forward to taking my grandson to Nicks next week.
1970- ME AND 3 PALS WOULD HIT NICKS ON FRIDAY NIGHTS RELIGIOUSLY! WE WERE GOING TO PSU AND NICKS WAS THE PLACE. IT IS BETTER THAN EVER. HOPE ITS THERE ANOTHER 80 YEARS!
I moved from Chicago to Portland in the late 70s. My cousin first took me to Nicks then. Been eating there ever since. One fine rainy afternoon a few years back and many beers later, Frank, "The Commander" and Herbie and I were sitting around talking, and I told the three of them that Nicks holds a very near and dear place in my heart. Frank then asked why and I promptly said, " Its because you guys were the only ones to let me drink beer when I was only 18" The look on Franks face, priceless! Tyler, you have done a wonderful job on the place. It was a pleasure to meet you, thanks for the free shirt,and when in Tucson, look me up, Ill be behind the bar at the place that looks just like yours serving up ice cold PBR and Coneys on 4th!!
watched the game last night at Nicks. The place was packed and every right to be. Food was the best. Better than the oldie days. Nice staff. Were coming back.
Nicks is the joint. A real joint. And that's a compliment.
My Grandfather was a regular at Nick's when Nick was the owner. My grandfather and father both remained regulars of Nick's when Frank was the owner. Some of my great memories are of my Dad and Grandfather-going to Nick's. My family has known Frank, Herbie, & the Commander for many years. What a great place. I was sad to see Frank sell, but was happy to see what Tyler has done to the place. It is the same but better. I look forward to coming to Nick's for many years to come.
its been years. tried it/liked it. was a bit smokey inside from cooking coneys but kinda cool really.
I served Nick dinner when I was waiting tables in Vancouver in the late 80's. Two years later I walked into his place on Hawthorne and he say's, "Hey, Mike, How's the restaurant doing?" I couldn't believe it. What a pro he was. I now own two great restaurants in Hood River and I keep a journal with my guests names, their kids name, ect... All because of Nick's example. Old school businessman, rock! Good luck to the new owners, I'll be in soon.
Drove all the way to Salem for a dog, well worth my drive. The best
We heard Nicks was saved, so while visiting friends in Oregon, we made a Coney stop at Nicks. THANK YOU for keeping Nicks going. We had a terrific dinner. This restaurant can NOT be replaced.
Thanks for re-opening and making it wonderful.
Nicks is the best. Always a good time at the Island (really love the house brew, what is it?
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