Nic’s Grill: possibly the best burger joint in Oklahoma City
by Andrew | September 10, 2008 | 31 Comments
(votes: 17, average: 4.65) 
Loading ...Nic’s Grill is located at 1201 N. Pennsylvania Ave in Oklahoma City (map). They are open for breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday. Call them at 405.524.0999.
I love a good burger, and am actually pretty picky when it comes to burgers. I also like shady, hole-in-the-wall-type places. Nic’s combines the best of both worlds with a fantastic burger prepared in a little building, a shack actually, just off NW 10th on Penn.
I like my burgers thicker than onion burgers, greasy, and full of meaty flavor. The problem with griddle-fried burgers is that often times they are very bland when they are not squashed down to typical onion burger thickness. In fact, I hate watching Oklahoma City’s onion fry chefs (I hear they are better in El Reno, but I don’t know from personal experience) get their big spatulas and then squish every last morsel of juice out of every patty they fry. I also hate watching friends do this when they are grilling burgers at home. My favorite part of a burger is all the flavorful beef juice that explodes into a cholesterol and fat-laden flavor bomb with every bite. Nic has figured out how to serve a big, beefy (dare I say manly?) burger without murdering it while it cooks.
I have actually been meaning to experience a Nic’s burger for myself for a long time now. The problem is that every time I drive by there are people lined out the door and there is no place to park. There are only 15 seats in the entire place — nine at the bar, where you get a front row seat to all the cooking action, and 3 two-seater tables along the back wall. I went at 11:20am and had no trouble claiming 2 bar stools, although Nic did say it was one of his slower days in quite some time. By the time we left, it was standing room only. My advice is get there early, before the big lunch rush. Apparently there is major to-go and call-in business here as well, so you have options.
Before I dive into the burger and fries I experienced, let me go over the menu. Breakfast, burgers, and chicken fried steak. No frilly salads, no fruit cups, no yogurt and raisin parfait, just different slabs and hunks of meat and eggs thrown on a griddle. That’s my kind of place. He does have a daily special of pork chops, meatloaf, or fried chicken, depending on the day. I can’t wait to say that I have tried them all. I love a griddle or pan fried chicken fried steak, so I can’t wait to try Nic’s. He seasons, lightly flours, then throws it on the griddle. Once it’s done it is plated, and then he goes around to a back room where he finds mashed potatoes and white gravy to cover everything in. I have to admit, my eyes started to well with tears of joy when I first saw him do this.
The burgers are thrown on the grill in what appears to be 1/3 to 1/2 pound of meat. I didn’t ask the exact weight as I was feeling a little verklempt after watching the chicken fry and the precision with which Nic fielded orders from patrons in seats, over the phone, and from standing, waiting to-go orders. The burger was covered with cheese, grilled onions, dressed to my specifications, and then piled onto a toasted bun. It was huge, sloppy, and extremely hot.
He also has hand-cut curly fries that are fried to each order. Sure, lots of places serve hand-cut fries, but Nic’s look better. They aren’t mushy and brown like you so often see. They are crispy, golden, and fresh. He doesn’t care about letting them sit and drain. He believes that hotter is better and throws them straight from the grease directly onto your plate. The portion of fries is the size of a small child, and when paired with a burger it is a daunting task just to finish everything.
Nic, always looking to help curb coronary disease, does not serve a double burger.
A few comments I and my lunch companion made really help to sum up the experience. My companion thanked me for making him experience a place like this. He had no idea the treasures you can find if you just take a risk and jump into some of these little dives to experience true Oklahoma City culture. He is obviously not a regular shady companion, but after this experience, he may well be. My reaction to Nic’s was equally sincere. I believe I muttered something about this burger changing my life as I wiped tears from my eyes.
I would call Nic’s shady, but not so shady as to deserve the prestigious designation of “Shady Restaurant of the Month.” To me, it has shady characteristics, but falls more into hole-in-the-wall status. We don’t want to cheapen the title given monthly to those truly shady places, so let’s just call Nic’s a great hole-in-the-wall with fantastic food. Prepare yourself properly before going so you can maximize your experience. Arrive early, skip breakfast, and be prepared to either sneak a nap at work afterwards or to at least have access to a highly caffeinated beverage. I have a feeling you, like me, will agree this is the best burger in town. Let us know what you think in the comments.
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So far, 31 people have responded to this article. Won't you join in?September 10th, 2008 at 8:35 am
Have you considered making your reviews less great? Because I totally brought my lunch to work today, but now I want to throw it in the trash, pick a fight with a hobo and then eat at Nic’s. So thanks a lot, jerk.
September 10th, 2008 at 10:47 am
I work just down the street from this place and have never gone there because it does look a little seedy, but there are always people jammed in there so after reading your article I am going to try it out today for lunch. I will let you know what I think later.
September 10th, 2008 at 11:20 am
I love Nics! The burgers are second to none and yes, you must get there early. I have tried all of the specials and the chicken is killer. However if you can believe it, the breakfast is worth the million calories! Almost better than the burgers if you can imagine it! Great review!
September 10th, 2008 at 11:37 am
AUGH….well I just finished the bacon cheese burger with about 5lbs of fries and I really need a place to hibernate for a couple of days. It was AWESOME! The grilled onions were the best I ever had and there were loads of them on the burger. I will have to go back next week and try something else now!
September 10th, 2008 at 11:41 am
I didn’t realize this place was still open! I don’t live in the city, so whenever I drive by, it’s an evening or weekend. Nic’s is, of course, closed at those times. The very tiny-ness of the building has always fascinated me. Now that I know that there is also good food inside, I will hope to make a visit if I’m ever there during the week.
September 10th, 2008 at 1:00 pm
I must have been on the seat next to Kevin because I just finished eating there as well. It was my first time and I was really impressed. Big, juicy burgers with tons of grilled onions. Not a traditional thin patty that some expect with an onion burger - a big, beefy burger. It was way better than I expected. I had curly fries that were solid as well. One of the guys that I ate with is a regular and he said he almost never gets a burger because the rest of the menu is so good (and cheap). I will definitely go back.
September 10th, 2008 at 2:01 pm
Does anyone know how this place compares to Bunny’s over at 50th and Meridian? I LOVE Bunny’s. I’m not a fan of Ron’s though. I think it’s very overrated.
September 10th, 2008 at 4:57 pm
I too had heard about Nic’s, but never been. Went for lunch today and it may just be the best fried onion joint in OKC and I have tried just about all of them. The burger was big and juicy. The fries were awesome and the service great. I was with there with a regular and I can’t wait to go back and try the rest of the menu items.
September 10th, 2008 at 5:39 pm
Are they open on Saturdays? If so, I am so there this Saturday.
September 10th, 2008 at 7:03 pm
Let me start answering some of these questions:
1) Unfortunately Nic is only open M-F for breakfast and lunch.
2) Bunny’s doesn’t compare to Nic’s, and yes, I too think Ron’s is overrated.
3) I’m not sold on calling this an onion fry. Doesn’t it have to be cooked in or on, or mixed up with, onions? Nic cooks his onions separately.
4) Glad so many of you experienced Nic’s for yourself today. It’s my new favorite spot in town.
September 11th, 2008 at 12:17 am
Okay, this site is devasting to my diet. I am SO there tomorrow! Will report back.
September 11th, 2008 at 8:24 am
I was with Andrew when he first partook of one of Nic’s burgers. I think the exact quote was “this burger has changed my life”. It’s not really a burger….it’s an experience.
September 11th, 2008 at 10:27 am
A good friend of mine introduced me to Nic’s probably about a year ago. Ever sinced that first bite, I have been touting it as the best burger in OKC to all my friends and the reaction is always the same “Where’s Nic’s?”. While I completely agree with this article, I hate it that know I’m going to have to get there at 11 to get my fix. I better leave now!!!
September 11th, 2008 at 11:06 am
I’ve driven by this place numerous times. Much like Courtney (above) I thought it was closed, mostly because I drive by it in the evenings. Perhaps a lunch spot for today????
September 11th, 2008 at 11:48 am
arghhh, I have driven by here probably a thousand times - really. Never considered even stopping until know. Thanks so much for unearthing all these treasures!
September 11th, 2008 at 8:21 pm
Here is another word of advice. If you want the daily special of Fried Chicken (pretty sure that is Wednesday) you better call in for it. We went at 11:15 and Nic was already sold out.
And don’t think about splitting a meal with someone. No sharing meals inside. With there being only 15 seats it would probably cause riots if Nic didn’t have a policy in place anyhow.
September 12th, 2008 at 3:17 pm
I have driven by that place a ton of times and have never stopped. I definately will the next time! Thanks for a great review.
September 13th, 2008 at 3:52 pm
Absolutely the best burger I have had in my life! I’m kinda sad for all the publicity. The line will only get bigger! Nic has something going that is amazing!
September 14th, 2008 at 5:14 pm
I am so glad to finally see a review come in for Nic’s. I have been eating there for around 7 years. My father-in-law discovered the place through his normal course of business as a heat & air company.
I actually took pictures of Nic’s about two months ago and was planning on writing a review to submit to you, or to at least have you review it, but never got around to it. Boy, am I glad, because I would not have done it justice compared to your article.
I agree with everything you said, and just wanted to add that breakfast’s are just as delicious but probably larger. In fact, if you ever order the pancakes (they are also the best in town), be sure and order only a meat with it, no hashbrowns or anything, because it will be TOO much. You need the meat though to give you a flavor break. The omelet’s are equally as satisfying and huge.
My favorite meal there is probably the Friday special. Meatloaf with green beans and mashed potatoes and white gravy, Ohhh, so delicious, you will not be disappointed.
Thanks for the work you do putting places like Nic’s on the radar for us fine folks.
September 15th, 2008 at 9:56 am
every time im in town i have to go get a burger there no doubt one of my favorite burger places ever
September 15th, 2008 at 1:08 pm
I just had Nic’s-To-Go and It was so good. It was made to order especially for me and it was absolutely amazing. The bread got a bit soggy from the drive home, but it was still very good.
October 2nd, 2008 at 10:01 am
Everytime I have went to Nic’s, there is always someone asking if they accept credit cards. I’m a cash person, so never knew. Anyone here know?
October 8th, 2008 at 6:45 am
Finally made it to lunch here yesterday. Tried to go a couple weeks ago but Nic was closed due to illness. Anyway, went by myself, which is a great option since it allowed me to snag the only available counter seat. Met some nice people since we were all sitting very close to each other. Also met Nic and told him about the fantastic reception his place has received here on the site.
About the food — man, that burger is huge, and tasty. The onions he puts on top are unbelievable. I agree with Andrew, this is not an “onion-burger” in the El Reno tradition, since the onions aren’t smashed in. But it is a burger topped with some amazing grilled onions. I loved the choice of other toppings as well, including jalepenos.
The fries were great as well, fresh cut, very thin, and fresh cooked.
Cheeseburger combo with fries and drink for $7 is a good value.
Though the burger and fries is not a healthy choice, you can find some more healthy options here. The guy next to me had the grilled pork chop Tuesday daily special with green beans instead of mashed potatoes. It looked great and offered a pretty healthy option for a good value.
I also appreciated how much attention they were able to give every customer with just the two man show that runs everything. There was never a time my iced tea was wanting for a refill. Great work!
Only problem with this place is that it’s not something my wife would enjoy, I think. She’s only be able to eat about 1/4 of that burger and since there’s no splitting plates, I doubt it’d be a good option for us to enjoy together.
Looking forward to trying breakfast there sometime. My fellow diners told me it was terrific.
Kudos, Nic.
October 22nd, 2008 at 10:33 pm
I go to lunch at Nic’s probably twice a month. The drve from Edmond is certainly worth it. Now that Abraham’s is officially gone Nic’s is probably the best fried burger in OKC. The portions are more than enough as I usually need to get the circulation back in my arms after all of the heavy lifting ! The two workers here make sure that you always have something to drink even if you are standing and waiting for a seat. Try the fried jalapenos and swiss cheese on your burger but just leave me some fried chicken, that’s what I’m gonna try next time in. Let’s keep this great restaurant in business !
October 25th, 2008 at 1:50 pm
Gotta love it!
October 28th, 2008 at 1:34 pm
To the person wondering if they take credit cards, no they do not. Cash only.
October 28th, 2008 at 1:37 pm
Also, there was mention here about calling ahead. When I tried to call ahead the day my friend and I wanted to try it for the first time, I got a busy signal - only to discover when I got there that they leave the phone off the hook - so no calling in to come pick it up. You have to wait. I asked someone else there that was waiting for a to-go order and she said that she has only picked up too because they don’t answer the phone during the lunch rush. Just FYI so you can plan ahead.
November 4th, 2008 at 11:25 am
Been wanting to try it, but can’t ever get there when there is not line out the door. As a rule when does the line begin? Also, how long would the wait be with only 3-4 people waiting outside?
Just the uninitiated wanting to try the goodness.
November 12th, 2008 at 3:27 pm
been here numerous times now since this review was posted. the burgers are great and so is the breakfast. make sure you have en easy afternoon though, the burgers will fill you up.
November 12th, 2008 at 10:34 pm
To answer mattjank’s question: If you are there before 11:15 there is often a free seat. The line moves relatively quickly however. Nic will make sure you have something to drink while standing and waiting anyhow, and you can watch ESPN highlights on the big flat panel. It’s worth the wait. Go.
November 13th, 2008 at 10:26 am
Went to Nic’s a few months ago and thought I submitted an article. Oh well… Listen, there are few burger joints in OKC that match Nic’s. It was amazing. The burger was juicy, cooked correctly. I love the fresh veggies and I like jalepenos and they chop them right there fresh. The fries were great, my only complaint would be there is too much. The fries ended up getting cold. Oh and I think the bun could be a bit smaller. But I’m just pickly like that.
Please tell us what you think.