Nick's Fishmarket Grill: User Reviews

Reservation denied
By ChicagoFan from eau claire, February 23, 2008

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Six of us had reservations at Nick's Grill last Friday, all of us coming from out of town. Most of us managed to make it on time, but just before arriving at the restaurant we found that one couple were seriously delayed in traffic and most likely would not make it. We were up front with the hostess and maitre'd, when we arrived, that two of our party most likely would not be able to arrive, and we were met with a very surprising reaction. They refused to honor our reservation! Despite trying to explain the situation, the hostess kept bleating that reservations were only for 5 or more. We were all very upset that our honesty penalized us. So Nick's - if I could give you a big fat zero I would. If your service at the front desk is any indication of the service in your restaurant then we were probably better off. I can't make any comment regarding the food or ambiance because we will NEVER be eating there.

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Pathetic
By Jantastic from Lincoln Square, Chicago, February 6, 2008

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I met friends celebrating Mardi Gras that evening in the bar area at street level. The waitress was terrible. When she came to the table, I wanted to order some food, but she told me "no". She was only taking drink orders. I decided to bypass the pathetic service by going directly to the bar and ordering food there. A classy, yet busy bartender, took my food order and served me drinks. He was a friendly older gentlement and my savior that night because God-forbid, I actually wanted to order some food.

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Disappointing lunch
By linus from loop, January 23, 2008

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We arrived close to 1:30, told the host that we planned a leisurely lunch, rejected the first seating and were still seated in a heavy traffic area with other tables available. We had to ask the waitress for place settings, were told that butter was not available unless she went "all the way downstairs" to get it, had to endure two wait staff discussing the weather animatedly within armslength of our table and generally were very disappointed with our $80 lunch for two.

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We had a wonderful experience...
By cindy w from chicago, IL, April 30, 2007

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We had a wonderful experience from beginning to end. The servers were impeccable in demeanor, knowledge and promptness. The lobster bisque is the best we have ever had.

The best place for happy...
By Bradford from Chicago, IL, February 7, 2007

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The best place for happy hour in the loop! The atmosphere is wonderful, the service staff attentive, the prices right--I can't say enough. The Happy Hour Light Bites menu is amazing. The cheese puffs should win the Nobel Prize.

I went here for lunch...
By Tristan from Chicago, IL, January 25, 2007

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I went here for lunch and ordered the Catfish Clarence, blackened catfish with a Cajun butter sauce, rice pilaf and season veggies-It was so good, one of the best meals I've had in a while-I can't say anything negative and I will be back for more lunches and would like to see how their dinner menu is-

My boyfriend and I had...
By Kennedy from chicago, IL, January 13, 2007

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My boyfriend and I had a wonderful dining experience, from start to finish. We had 6:30pm reservations, but we were seated early and graciously asked if we had time constraints (I'm assuming they cater to the theatre diners often). Service was prompt and very good. The Lobster Bisque is one of the best in the city and the King Crab Legs were the most succulent I've ever had. Wonderful menu. The atmosphere is cozy and formal, and we didn't feel at all rushed through the meal. While this is definitely a splurge (our bill was over $250 for the two of us), it was well worth it and we will definitely return.

I have been to Nick's...
By Elizabeth from Linden, IL, September 20, 2006

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I have been to Nick's several times during both the new incarnation and the old. Two of went their recently on a lark. The service was the worst I have experienced at any place in a long time. Once he took our drink order, the waiter disappeared. Everytime we needed something we had to flag someone down. The manager is pretentious and while he did reduce the bill, he appeared not to care at all about our bad experience. I predict this restaurant will be closed within the year. You cannot charge $30 for an an entree and have this type of service.

I don't frequent Chicago institutional...
By walterswaringer from chicago, il, August 25, 2006

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I don't frequent Chicago institutional restaurants very often. Having been a guest I obliged. I would describe this restaurant as an old tired stop resting on formal laurels. The wine list was sparse and chochky at best,considering most of it doesn't pair with the food. The service staff was not up to par. The food was non-cohesive, and conceptionally piece milled.