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Part of the beauty and intrigue of Nic’s Beverly Hills is the fact that the restaurant cannot be boxed into any one category. The restaurant serves American-style cuisine with ethnic influences, but boasts an extensive martini bar as well.
Much to every visitor’s luck, Nic’s holds a happy hour special every day that the restaurant is open and applies to items within both the restaurant and the bar.
Within a separate happy hour menu is a variety of about 20 food and drink options, all for the consistent price of $7. A specialty cocktail of the week as well as a red wine and red wine are all priced at $7 alongside all platters, small plates, and other appetizers. (The only categories on the menu that do not apply to the happy hour deal are Nic’s Specialties and Sweets.)
“What sets us apart from other happy hours in the area is our quality of food,” Larry Nicola, owner and founder of Nic’s Beverly Hills, said.
Affectionately known as “Nic” by friends and guests alike, Nicola elaborated on the uniqueness of the menu.
“All of the food is original,” Nicola said. “I created all of the recipes.”
From plum-glazed duck taquitos to watermelon and goat cheese salad, it is clear that much creativity and effort have gone into the featured food items.
“Some of our most popular items are Nic’s Oysters and the lobster beignets,” Makaela Nicola, manager of Nic’s Beverly Hills and daughter of Larry Nicola, said.
Nic’s happy hour special is a huge part of what keeps a bustling atmosphere. Customers flood in the doors starting at 4 pm, which is not only when happy hour commences, but also when the actual restaurant opens for the day.
“We have an eclectic crowd every day,” Makaela said. “We have all different age groups come in. We see a lot of young professionals from the area as well.”
Happy hour is all day Monday and from 4 pm to 7 pm on Tuesdays through Saturdays. The restaurant is closed on Sundays.
Another unique element separates Nic’s from the standard bar: six years ago, Nicola conceptualized an original idea in the form of a walk-in, drink-in exhibitionist freezer for vodka connoisseurs, called the VodBox. Guests can wear provided coats and have a luxurious drinking experience in a designed vodka freezer, surrounded by bottles of liquor from all over the world.
“My son and I travel all over to taste-test vodkas and bring them back to the restaurant,” Nicola said. “We consider ourselves vodka-teurs.”
From searching for the most prime vodka options to managing the store, Nic’s Beverly Hills has been a family affair, ever since it was first birthed about 17 years ago.
“My favorite part of my job is being able to work with my son and daughter,” Larry said.
Alongside the VodBox is the elaborate martini bar, where bartender David Warchol described Nic’s happy hour as “fun, sexy, and yummy.”
“We’re always doing something fresh,” Warchol said.
The freshness seems to carry on to the aesthetics of the martini bar as well. At first glance, the interior design is a challenge to describe, as the swanky appearance seems to embody both vintage and modern appeal at the same time with its draping chandelier lights and red-toned color scheme. However, this further adds to the fact that Nic’s has no problem successfully and tactfully meshing several themes together.
It’s no surprise that Nic’s Beverly Hills is a hotspot for celebrities and locals alike.
“We’ve had all sorts of celebrities come in,” Makaela said. “Athletes, directors, actors, musicians – you name it. But our biggest celebrities are our regulars.”
It was made clear by the unpretentious, hospitable atmosphere that Nicola and his daughter have maintained relationships with their guests, further fostering the family environment that the restaurant is rooted in.
For a lovely combination of Beverly Hills class and a warm, welcoming environment, be sure to check out Nic’s daily happy hour. Nic’s Beverly Hills is located at 453 North Cañon Drive, Beverly Hills. For more information, call 310.550.5707 or visit nicsbeverlyhills.com.
