Nick's on State

Nick’s on State is a local favorite where everyone is welcome, whether popping in for a cocktail at the bar or dressing up for a romantic evening. Nick’s does an excellent job of having a space for everyone—casual and a little fancy— it’s up to you. 

When I first stepped into Nick’s on State in Carlsbad, it reminded me of the old-timey railroad depot. I could picture people traveling by railway, and everyone dressed to impress. In many ways, it reminded me of New York City’s Grand Central Station, but on a smaller scale. 

The first thing you notice is the breathtaking bar area, which reminds me of the Grand Central Station vibe. Industrial overtones are reflected in the piping, décor, and beautiful dark-grain wood. The massive windows, all brought together with the trifecta of huge lit wooden arches, create a so stately effect.

We opted for a patio table, which is considered “outdoors,” but it was well buttoned up with layers of heavy-duty plastic and screens, so no cold was felt. There was a mixture of seating between 2- and 4-tops as well as booths throughout the patio area in addition to the bar area. 

The patio would be the ideal spot for lunch or dinner on a lovely SoCal day or night. 

Our server for the night was Karlee, who was super attentive and sweet. We asked her about the most popular dishes and her personal favorites. But first, we had to start with some wine. I was giddy when I saw their wine list offered one of my favorite Malbecs from Achaval Ferrer. 

Once our wine was served (excellent!) then we were off and running to pair it up with some starters. 

Nick’s on State is a good, solid choice whether you’re looking for a casual outing with friends or a more upscale evening. It offers a surprisingly intimate atmosphere despite its wide-open spaces—another unique combination. 

Overall, Nick’s offers great service and food.

Vibe 

If you weren’t in casual Carlsbad and the staff wasn’t super cool and welcoming, one might feel a little intimidated even in their finest business casual dress. I actually did check the dress code before dining because it looked like they may have some attire requirements, but they did not, casual dress day and night. 

The bar area is very grand. And the spaces between the bar, restaurant, and patio offer so many different vibes though they all manage to seamlessly come together to offer a very cool and comfortable place to dine.

I saw everyone dressed from formal attire to Bermudas and Tommy Bahama Shirts—no one even blinked. The clientele was a melting pot of everyone.

Nick’s on State: Menu & Drinks

Taking in Karlee’s suggestions and our own tastes, we opted to order the Asparagus Fries, Shrimp Taquitos, and Bacon Deviled Eggs. I actually found it a bit odd that almost every restaurant I went to in North County offered some variation of deviled egg…guess it is a trend I wasn’t aware of, but I definitely found some interesting takes—Nick’s being one of them.

First up was the Asparagus Fries. Delish! Probably one of my favorite apps of all time. The asparagus spears were perfectly done, the breading was crispy and not greasy and the dipping sauce yummy. 

Next came the Shrimp Taquitos and then the Bacon Deviled Eggs. I very much enjoyed the Shrimp Taquitos, which were blackened Mexican shrimp with avocado sauce and chipotle ranch. The Bacon Deviled Eggs were lightly fried, making for an interesting take. I would say if you have a hankering for Deviled Eggs, order them at Nick’s on State!

The appetizers and Malbec sparked our appetites, so I ordered the Baby Back Pork Ribs, and Eileen ordered the Buttermilk Fried Chicken. 

Nick’s has a handful of lovely salads like the Spicy Thai and the Crispy Bleu Cheese Wedge. Should your hunger require an entree, consider the Chilean Sea Bass or the Original Ribeye Melt, to name a few. 

With stellar food, unique ambiance, and incredible drinks, Nick's on State is a must on your San Diego getaway.