08/03/09

Our Upper West Side close neighbors

by AndHow

I just read a scathing review for Niko’s Mediterranean Grill. With all the inside information given there must be more to the relationship between the reviewed and reviewer. Niko’s, and Big Nick’s down the block, are our Upper West Side close neighbors. These are long time eateries on the Upper West Side, with Big Nick’s (or the Burger Joint/Pizza Joint) in business since the sixties. There is no one in the area who does not know and frequent both places. Many people who have ‘sat-in’ or ‘taken-out’ of these two establishments for years now ‘order-in’ for many reasons especially the much older, long time patrons (‘shut-ins’) who have their breakfast, lunch, and dinner from there. Many of us know the wait staff for years and “Mr. Nick”, himself for many more. The food is consistently good and always fresh. There is little found that is gourmet in the extensive menu and the décor is a bit like our own crowded apartments after many years of collecting found objects. Niko’s is a bit more up-scale than Nick’s so make sure your Tee shirt doesn’t clash with the Hermes tie of the guy at the next table. Nick’s and Niko’s is our Upper West Side kitchen. Outsiders should feel fortunate if they happen upon Nick’s two restaurants. They will undoubtedly drop in again and often.

• Pros: Good simple food, prepared well at fair prices
• Cons: Generally crowded in the tight space

07/30/09

Horrible Place

by pkg121254

The reason why the last guy had a bad experience progressivley is because it is horribly run place. The service has gone down because it is a horrible place to work. It is the most inhospitable place to work ever. And I know I sound like a disgruntled but it is true. The owner is un professional and promotes the staff to the be unfriendly and uncaring. No one is allowed to talk to each other for more than 30 secs, and yet they have this ridiculous communication book, that says the same stupid stuff over and over again about "team work and communication". Maybe you wouldn't need the stupid communication book if people could actually "talk"! I think the food is still decent, but maybe over priced. It is also loud and plays the same loud music over and over. The a/c is lacking as well many people have complained about both. The decor is also tacky with valentines day decor from a year ago.

• Pros: food
• Cons: ownership, treatment of waiters,noise, a/c

07/05/09

to the owner - it's not what it was

by MKy

We used to love this place and stopped by often. My, how things have changed. It just seems as if they don't care anymore. The once-friendly wait staff is long gone and what's left leaves no order, timeliness, or courtesy.

We once knew what we were getting and looked forward to it next time, but now the 'whole fish' is more like a goldfish - I'd be embarrassed to serve it if it were me. The $12 pizza and pricey salads have dropped in quality, size and ingredients. It may take forever to get your food, and who knows in what order (you may have to wait for utensils, side plates and/or bread as well).

It's a shame we just won't go back there now - there's pretty much nothing to look forward to anymore and no reason to go.

• Pros: still tasty, for the most part
• Cons: service, portions