smelts

One of our goals is to inform Dayton Foodies about fantastic dining spots that they may not be aware of.  One of the best examples of a Mom and Pop place that is off the beaten path, featuring incredible menu items, is Nick’s Restaurant.  Located  in Xenia, it is a place with a style all it’s own.  Style is one thing, but Nick’s also has irresistible, addicting food throughout the menu.  The restaurant was started in the 1940’s by the late owner Nick Malavazos and was formerly called “Say How Do.”  Since Nick’s passing, the local ownership has changed the restaurant name, but kept the tradition alive with great eats and friendly service.

How good is their food?  At the recent Kickin’ Chicken Wing Festival at Fraze, Nick’s won 5 out of the 6 awards, including Best Side, People’s Choice Award, Best Wing, Best Sauce, and Best Booth.   The Big Ragu loved their wings and would recommend their “Secret Sweet Hot Damn Sauce.”  Wings are only a small portion of their offerings, and this was just the start of our menu exploration. Nicks has a full bar and has that type of watering hole atmosphere that spills into the dining area.  The drink offerings are vast, but we were here for food.

We tried some unique appetizers including fried smelts.  For those who do not know, smelts are small fish about the size of sardines that are fried whole, but headless.  They are usually served with tartar sauce.  The Big Ragu loves smelts our guests took a bite of the little fish and liked them so much that we had the waitress sit down and try them as well.  Food Adventure accomplished!  Nick’s Restaurant has another spectacular appetizer, the hand breaded deep fried mushrooms.  Light and crispy, our mushrooms were cooked perfectly.  The waitress then  brought out one of the best french onion soups we have ever eaten.  We also enjoyed some freshly cut potato chips.  There are a ton of good appetizers to choose from! Your Food Adventurers were already very impressed, and we had not yet tasted an entree.

The staff then brought out our dinners which were piping hot.  The Big Ragu ordered Pan Fried Walleye.  The piece of fish was huge and overlapped the plate like Ragu’s belly on his belt.  The walleye was superb and served with freshly hand breaded onion rings.  This dinner will satisfy big appetites and we loved every bite.  We tried an entree of Filet-Mignon.  The large steak was grilled to perfection and wrapped with bacon.   Ragu smiled after trying a bite of the steak and devouring a plate of smelts.  Obviously the kitchen knows what they are doing, and it shows in each and every entree.  We upped the ante by trying a unique side of purple pickled eggs and beets.  It was pretty tasty!

Our meals, menu sampling and Food Adventure was a complete success.  We love this place!  The staff and owners of the restaurant could not have been more attentive.  Good restaurant service is an art, and you will find assertive waitresses and waiters here.  Nick’s has a reputation for great food, and we discovered why they have such a loyal following.  When  you go Nick’s, it is obvious they take pride in what they bring to diner’s tables.  The variety is there, and the taste is there.  Can you think of another restaurant that has purple pickled eggs, beets AND smelts on their menu?  It is truly a unique eatery! Nick’s is another perfect example of why Food Adventures exists, and we are happy to shed light on this unbeaten stairway to taste heaven.   We were very impressed and now we understand why Nick’s website is gotonicks.com.  It is because you HAVE to go there !  It is American style pub food with a gourmet twist.  Trust us on this one, a jaunt down North Detroit Street is your ticket to a meal that will fill you up and have you raving.

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Have you been to Nick’s Restaurant in Xenia?  Then tell us what you think below !!