For a spontaneous lunch date with my mom, we sought a spot that was both convenient and comforting. We landed on Nick’s on 2nd Street, a restaurant located in Long Beach, which holds a nostalgic charm as it occupies the space of Bono’s, a beloved eatery from the past. My mom, eager to experience the new establishment, suggested we give Nick’s on 2nd a try, and so began our midday culinary adventure.
The exterior of Nick’s on 2nd immediately caught my eye with its vintage-inspired signage. The Art Deco elements are subtly present, peeking through the foliage, lending a touch of classic elegance to the street view. Capturing the full sign required a bit of maneuvering to avoid obstructing trees, but the charming aesthetic was well worth the slight effort.
Stepping inside Nick’s on 2nd, the interior reveals a modern and stylish ambiance. The bar area is particularly well-appointed, offering a more refined setting than initially perceived from photos. While the contemporary design is appealing, my mom and I found ourselves reminiscing about the previous décor of Bono’s, which, in our opinion, had a certain warmth that resonated more personally.
Perusing the lunch menu at Nick’s on 2nd, we discovered a diverse array of options. Initially, a sandwich seemed like a straightforward choice, but the enticing descriptions of the main courses quickly broadened my culinary horizons.
To commence our meal, my mom opted for the Spinach & Artichoke Dip as a starter. Typically, I’m not inclined towards dips, however, the anticipation for our main dishes was slightly extended, prompting me to partake. I was pleasantly surprised by the dip’s texture and flavor profile; it was notably less heavy and creamy compared to many spinach and artichoke dips I’ve encountered, which was a welcome subtlety.
For the main course, my mom selected the Roasted Prime Rib. While she reported it to be quite flavorful and satisfying, the presentation appeared somewhat understated. Her preference for a Loaded Baked Potato with only butter contributed to a rather simple plate. A touch more visual enhancement could elevate the dish’s appeal, even with minimalist preferences.
My choice was the San Francisco Cioppino, and it proved to be an excellent decision. The dish was brimming with fresh seafood, expertly prepared, and the broth was impeccably seasoned, striking a perfect balance of flavors. Complementing the cioppino was perfectly toasted bread, an ideal accompaniment for soaking up the delicious broth.
To conclude our lunch at Nick’s on 2nd, we shared the Warm Butter Cake for dessert. This dessert is generously portioned and utterly divine. Its texture is a delightful hybrid, reminiscent of a buttery madeline with a crackly muffin top, and a slightly soft, soufflé-like center. It’s a unique and exceptionally delicious creation, unlike any other cake I’ve tasted.
The Warm Butter Cake is further enhanced with a scoop of ice cream, adding a cool contrast to the warm cake. It’s a rich and satisfying end to the meal, almost causing a ripple effect as we noticed other diners being intrigued and subsequently ordering the same dessert after seeing ours arrive.
If you visit Nick’s on 2nd Street, the Warm Butter Cake is an absolute must-try. Have you experienced the delight of Warm Butter Cake, or dined at Nick’s on 2nd in Long Beach?
Nick’s on 2nd
4901 East 2nd Street
Long Beach, CA 90803
(562) 856-9000
nickson2.com
