Hello all beer and food lovers alike. Over the course of the next month, I will be reviewing and trying different beers offered along 2nd street in Long Beach.
My first stop led me into a very quite, yet eloquent, restaurant and bar by the name of Nick’s on 2nd. Located on 4901 E Second St, Nick’s serves a classy, secluded experience for dinners and drinkers alike. Nick’s has four other locations around California, including in Laguna Beach, San Clemente, Manhattan Beach and Pasadena.
Upon entering, immediately it dawned on me and my buddy that this joint may be a little out of my league by the way everyone was dressed. Nonetheless, we had a ball. Men decorated in ironed suits and women dressed the nine filled the small restaurant exchanging in small talk. The atmosphere of the place was very lively, with lots of exchanges of playful laughter and bartenders loosely pouring drinks.
More than half of Nick’s drink menu includes a variety of wines including Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Carbernet Sauvignon, and other white wines. Ranging from $10 to $12 a glass, the prices are on par with the rest of the area considering the selection of premium wines they regularly stock. Nick’s caters well to it’s audience by pairing a menu of dishes that pare well with wine. Nearly everyone at the bar was sipping on a glass of grape goodness. The restaurant maintained a steady volume of banter that never got rowdy or excessively loud. Diners respect the atmosphere of the restaurant.
Now for my favorite part: the beer review. Nick’s carries 14 beers available to order, with four being on tap. The four taps consisted of GOLDEN ROAD – hefeweizen, draft, OGOPOGO – hazy ipa, draft, NORTH COAST – scrimshaw pilsner and NICK’S PALE ALE – draft . Me and my buddy settled on a OGOPOGO brewery signature hazy ipa. Crafted in San Gabriel, this heavy bodied at 6.9% ABV “Sharlie” Hazy IPA will have you feeling mellow and content. Consisting of Idaho 7, Mosiac and Citra hops, this Hazy went down a little slower than other IPA’s I’ve consumed in the past due to its thick, flavorful body. Each sip intensified in a hoppy, citrus manor that filled the palette pleasantly. The after taste I thought tasted similar to a early morning orange juice mimosa, very enjoyable.
Overall, the experience was a nice change in pace from some of the other typical bars I have encountered. If you are looking to grab a quiet, intimate drink with a friend or significant other, this is the perfect place for you.
Beers & Benders 