Nick’s New Haven-Style Pizzeria & Bar: High End Joint Using Great Ingredients

by Guest Contributer August 10, 2014

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By: Dan I. Cook

Sitting at the bar outside in Coral Springs can’t be beat. Even though the view is cars whizzing by on University Drive. I don’t care, I like being outside. Plus, the cozy outdoor couches give this place a relaxed vibe.

Clam Chowder

Bartenders and management are friendly, and they have a reasonably priced happy hour. They have two for one on certain draft beers and wine as well as reduced priced appetizers.

Great deal.

Located just up the street from Tamarac at 2444 North University Drive in the Royal University Plaza, this place is a 5,200-square foot pizzeria, bar and lounge.

Nick’s New Haven-Style Pizzeria & Bar is best known for its specialty White Clam Pie and other regional specialties include Hummel hot dogs and East Haven, Connecticut Foxon Park sodas, crafted since 1922 in flavors such as White Birch and Gassosa. The menu also features a wide range of pastas, entrees, coal fired grinders and fresh salads. Standouts include House-made Ricotta Spinach Gnocchi, Linguine and Clams and a perfectly Grilled Skirt Steak with mushroom risotto and broccoli rabe.

Fried Risotto Balls

I had the fried risotto balls and they were fantastic. For five bucks you get three balls (insert joke there) and a side of marinara sauce. These balls were fried perfectly and were very creamy inside Sorry I can be so juvenile sometimes. I also had the clam chowder which was delicious. This clam chowder was different from any type I have had before because it was a clear broth. Nice chunks of potato and good amount of clams neatly rounded out this soup. It tasted like clams. I know that sounds stupid but if you try it, you will know what I mean.

The pizza isn’t too shabby. They served it on a bakers tray and the large is well….large. It has a thin, burnt-looking crust. It was tasty, but it ain’t cheap folks. But then again, this isn’t your five buck “Hot Ready” pizza either.

The style of cooking and the taste of the ingredients makes it worth the money.

I like the design of this joint so much that I took a photo of the toilet too.

Cool Toilet

No, I’m not kidding.

The men’s toilet has a pull chain to flush it. Reminded me of the toilet at 15 street Fisheries. By the way, a high school best friend and former roommate of mine who is a big wig with Chili’s told me years ago that you can judge the cleanliness of a restaurant’s kitchen by how clean the bathroom is. That statement has stayed with me ever since, and I believe it. So I pay attention to everything folks including the damn bathroom. So good news, this bathroom is sparkly clean and have fun pulling the chain to the commode.

I originally wrote this review a couple of weeks ago. Since then I’ve been back maybe four times after I sent it to be published. I really do like this place, and it’s kind of grown on me. I originally was going to give it three beers, but I’ve changed my mind. I give it four beers.

Beers-4

Remember to tell them Dan and Tamarac Talk sent you.

Stay Hungry!

The Coral Springs Nick’s, with 200 plus seats and a covered patio, is open Monday-Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays from 11:30 a.m. to 12 a.m.; Sundays from 12 noon to 10 p.m.