Cheap Eats: Nicko's Fine Food

Photos:

Walking through the short, metal diner door you almost have to duck, and I half expect to be transported back in time to 1956 when Elvis ate here. Part of me wouldn’t be surprised to see him sitting in one of the simple booths, since not much has changed since the 50’s —décor or menu wise—Nicko's is a true American diner.

Décor: If it wasn’t for the large sign out front facing Florida Avenue, you might miss the prefabricated silver building situated in Seminole Heights behind Hillsborough High School. Once inside, waitresses and, most of the time, Nicko himself, greet you warmly. In full diner-style, a row of red-topped stools line the bar and faux leather booths surround it. The most decorated this diner gets is the Elvis photo shrine poised proudly above the booth he ate at. And, behind the cash register are a few choice certificates displayed…look for Nicko’s special license.

The Food: You won’t see a peanut butter and banana sandwich on the menu (I’m sure they’d make it for you anyway), but you will find almost everything else you can think of that belongs at a diner…with the bonus of some Greek classics. We ordered up the souvlaki platter with marinated chicken on pita bread with a saucy topping of mushrooms, onions, tomato, and peppers. But, it was the eight-ounce Nicko burger with cheese that we gobbled up along with the big steak fries, coleslaw and kosher pickle that accompanied it. The flavor was so good it tasted like the grill has never been turned off.

While known for their burgers, mashed potatoes and gravy, Nicko’s menu lists dozens of items from Sanka and a two egg breakfast to fried chicken, meatloaf, sandwiches, hot platters and cold plates. Top off your meal with a slice of pie or some pudding (of course!).

Why it’s a cheap eats: Diners were created to serve up home-style food on a dime, making Nicko’s the quintessential cheap eats. And with most breakfasts ranging between $2.50 and six bucks, lunches between four dollars and $6.50, and dinners around eight or nine, you can eat here for less than if you were to go out and buy the ingredients to make your own.

The Feel: There is nothing fancy about Nicko’s. I would even venture to say that if you showed up in your pajamas on a Sunday morning nobody would look at you funny. You’ll find mostly hard-working locals at all times of the day and week with weekends bringing in young families and the late breakfast crowd. All attentively tended to by smiling waitresses bustling back and forth with coffee pots in their hands.

The Bottom Line: Fine food in a friendly atmosphere will put Nicko’s on the map when you’re in the area or if you live close and are just discovering it. The filtered noise of conversations, food prep and a small TV in the corner blend with a Tampa radio station (think “More Than a Feeling”) making you feel like you’re in someone’s kitchen in middle America. John Cougar would be proud.

Insider Tips: Bring cash or your ATM card – there’s a machine in the back. Also, all items are available for carryout for ten cents more per item. Breakfast is served weekdays until 11 and all day on the weekends.

***

4603 N. Florida Avenue

Tampa, FL

Phone: 813-234-9301

Fax: 813-238-8221

Hours:

Monday – Friday: 6:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Saturday: 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Sunday: 7:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Add a comment