You’re walking down the Hollywood Broadwalk. The sun is aggressive, the salt air is thick, and honestly, every third place looks like a tourist trap selling overpriced frozen daiquiris. Then you see it. It’s not flashy. It doesn't have neon signs pulsing with "modern vibes" or a hostess in a cocktail dress. It’s Nick's Bar and Grill Hollywood FL, and it looks like it hasn’t changed since your dad was in college.
That’s because it hasn't.
In a world where Florida real estate is being swallowed by sleek glass towers and $18 avocado toast, Nick’s is a stubborn, beautiful relic. It’s a place where the beer is cold, the floor is probably a little sandy, and the view of the Atlantic is unobstructed by ego. You come here because you want a burger that actually tastes like beef and a seat where nobody cares if your shirt is inside out.
The Broadwalk Reality Check
The Hollywood Beach Broadwalk is a 2.5-mile stretch of nostalgia. Most people get it wrong—they think it's just a mini-version of South Beach. It isn't. It’s grittier, friendlier, and way more "Old Florida." Nick's Bar and Grill Hollywood FL sits right in the heart of this, near the Johnson Street bandshell.
If you’re looking for a Michelin star, keep walking. Nick’s is about the atmosphere. It’s about the fact that you can sit at the outdoor bar, watch the rollerskaters go by, and feel the breeze without paying a "resort fee."
The menu is straightforward. No foam. No infusions. Just grilled Mahi, solid wings, and burgers that have been a staple of the area for decades. People talk about the "Famous Burger" here like it’s a local legend, and mostly, it lives up to the hype because they don't overcomplicate it. It’s seasoned, grilled, and served. Simple.
What Most People Miss About the History
Nick’s isn't just another beach bar; it’s a family-owned landmark. In a town where businesses flip every two years, staying power is the ultimate flex. The restaurant has survived hurricanes, economic dips, and the creeping "Disneyfication" of the Florida coast.
Locals know the rhythm. Saturday afternoons are chaotic. You’ll see families with strollers, bikers in leather, and retirees who have been sitting in the same stools since 1980. It’s a melting pot that actually works. You might end up talking to a guy who just docked a yacht or a guy who just spent his last ten dollars on a pitcher of Miller Lite.
The service is... well, it's beach service. It’s fast when it can be and relaxed when it’s slammed. Don't expect a corporate script. The staff at Nick's Bar and Grill Hollywood FL are usually locals who know the menu backward and forward. They aren't there to fluff your pillows; they’re there to get you a cold drink while you watch the waves.
The Food: Beyond the Basics
Let's talk about the Mahi sandwich. In South Florida, Mahi is everywhere, often frozen and sad. At Nick’s, it’s usually the go-to order. You want it blackened. The spice cut by a squeeze of lemon and a side of fries makes for the quintessential beach lunch.
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- The Wings: Crispy. Not that breaded nonsense.
- The Clam Chowder: Surprisingly decent for a place that looks like a shack.
- The Beer List: It’s heavy on the classics. Think Landshark, Corona, and the standard domestic drafts. It fits the heat.
If you’re a vegetarian, your options are limited to salads and maybe some sides. Let’s be real: you’re coming to a grill on the beach. It’s a meat-and-seafood kind of joint.
Why Location Is Everything
Geography matters. Because Nick’s is situated right near the Margaritaville resort but retains its own identity, it acts as a sort of "escape valve." When the resort crowds get too loud or the prices at the fancy hotels get too high, people migrate toward the red-and-white umbrellas of Nick’s.
You have a front-row seat to the Atlantic Ocean. There are no walls. There is no air conditioning in the outdoor section—just the ocean. On a July afternoon, it’s hot. On a November evening, it’s the best place on earth.
The "No-Frills" Tax
Some visitors complain about the prices. "It’s $15 for a burger!" Yeah, it is. But you aren't just paying for the ground chuck. You’re paying for the square footage on one of the most famous boardwalks in America. Compare it to the prices inside the big resorts next door, and suddenly Nick’s looks like a bargain.
Also, they often have live music. It’s usually a guy with a guitar playing Jimmy Buffett or classic rock covers. It sounds cliché because it is, but when you’re three beers deep and the sun is setting, "Margaritaville" starts to sound like a masterpiece.
The Nick's Survival Guide
If you’re heading down to Nick's Bar and Grill Hollywood FL, there are a few things you should know so you don't look like a total tourist.
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First, parking in Hollywood Beach is a nightmare. Don't even try to find a spot on the street near the Broadwalk. Use the city garage on Nebraska Street or Johnson Street. It’s cheaper than the private lots and you won't get towed.
Second, bring cash. While they take cards, having cash for the outdoor bar is just faster. It’s an old-school move for an old-school place.
Third, timing is everything. If you show up at 1:00 PM on a Sunday, expect a wait. If you show up at 11:00 AM, you can snag a prime table right on the edge of the Broadwalk and people-watch for hours.
Dealing With the Florida Elements
It’s the beach. There are seagulls. They are bold. They will try to steal your fries if you leave your table for a second. This isn't a Nick's problem; it's a Florida problem.
Also, the weather changes in six seconds. If a storm rolls in, everyone huddles under the main roof. It becomes a communal experience. You’ll make friends with the person next to you while you wait for the lightning to pass. That’s part of the charm.
What Really Happened with the "Famous" Status
Every place claims to be "famous." Usually, it’s a marketing gimmick. With Nick’s, the fame comes from consistency. They haven't tried to pivot to a "fusion" menu. They haven't tried to become a nightclub at 10:00 PM.
They know what they are: a beach bar.
There’s a certain respect that comes with staying in your lane for decades. While other spots nearby try to out-do each other with LED lights and VIP sections, Nick’s just keeps the grill seasoned and the kegs tapped. It’s the kind of place where you can show up with sand on your feet and a sunburn on your nose and feel completely at home.
A Note on the Crowd
You’ll see a lot of Canadians. Hollywood, Florida, has been a massive draw for "Snowbirds" from Quebec for generations. Don't be surprised to hear French being spoken at the table next to you. It adds to the weird, eclectic vibe of the area.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
- Order the "Famous Burger" but get it with grilled onions. It changes the game.
- Skip the fancy cocktails. Stick to cold beer or a simple rum and coke. The simpler the drink, the better it tastes in the salt air.
- Check the band schedule. If there's a big act at the Hollywood Beach Theatre (the bandshell), Nick’s will be packed. Plan accordingly.
- Walk the Broadwalk first. Work up an appetite. Start at the north end near Dania and walk down to Nick's. It’s about a 20-minute stroll.
- Watch the sunset. Even though the sun sets over the Intracoastal (the opposite side), the sky over the ocean turns incredible shades of pink and purple. It’s the best time to be there.
Nick's Bar and Grill Hollywood FL isn't trying to change the world. It’s just trying to be a solid place to eat a burger by the ocean. In 2026, when everything feels automated and artificial, that’s more than enough.
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Stop overthinking it. Park the car, walk to the water, find the red umbrellas, and sit down. The world can wait for an hour while you eat a sandwich and watch the tide come in.
Summary of Key Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 1214 N Broadwalk, Hollywood, FL |
| Best Known For | The "Famous Burger" and Oceanfront Views |
| Vibe | Casual, Sandy, Old Florida |
| Proximity | Steps from the Johnson Street Bandshell |
The reality is that places like Nick's are disappearing. Every time a new developer buys a plot of land in Broward County, a local spot gets threatened. Supporting these institutions isn't just about getting a meal; it's about keeping the actual culture of the Florida coast alive. Next time you're in town, skip the chain restaurants at the mall and head to the Broadwalk.
Pack some sunscreen. Bring a hat. Don't feed the birds. Enjoy the fact that for a few dollars, you can have the best view in the state without needing a reservation.
Next Steps for Your Trip
- Check the Weather: Hollywood Beach is best enjoyed when the humidity is below "swamp" levels, usually October through April.
- Verify Live Music: Look at the City of Hollywood’s event calendar to see who is playing at the bandshell next to Nick’s.
- Explore the North End: After your meal, walk north toward the fishing pier for a quieter, more nature-focused side of the beach.