Nick's Gyros and Grill: Why the Augusta Road Menu Hits Different

Walk into the Nick's Gyros and Grill on Augusta Road in West Columbia, and the first thing you notice isn't the decor. It's the steam. It's that heavy, savory fog of grilled onions and shaved lamb that hits you before the door even swings shut. Honestly, if you're looking for white tablecloths or a quiet place for a business meeting, you're in the wrong spot. This is a "neon-lights-in-the-window" kind of joint. It stays open until 2:00 AM on weekdays and stays pumping until 4:00 AM on the weekends, making it the unofficial sanctuary for the night shift workers and the "I stayed out too late" crowd.

There's something about a place that serves gizzards, snow crab legs, and Greek pitas under one roof. It shouldn't work. On paper, a menu that jumps from Alfredo shrimp pasta to 50-piece wing buckets looks like a fever dream. But that's basically the charm of Nick's Gyros and Grill. It’s a messy, delicious cross-section of American comfort and Mediterranean fast-casual that has carved out a permanent spot in the Columbia food scene.

The Gyro is the Hook, But the Philly is the Secret

People come for the gyro because it’s in the name. It’s the $9.99 gateway drug. You get those tender strips of marinated meat, the cooling thwack of tzatziki sauce, and enough sliced onions to make sure nobody wants to kiss you for the next six hours. It’s solid. It’s reliable.

But talk to the regulars—the people who actually live in West Columbia—and they’ll tell you the Philly Steak is the real MVP. For $11.99, you get an 8-inch sub that is basically a structural integrity test for bread. They load it with sautéed onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms, then smother it in provolone. There’s a specific "Philly, Fries & Drink" combo for $14.99 that is the most popular item on the digital menu for a reason. It’s a massive amount of food.

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Then you’ve got the seafood. This is where Nick’s gets kinda weird in the best way. Most gyro shops stick to meat and bread. Here, you can get a Snow Crab Legs Combo with two clusters and ten large shrimp for $25.99. Is it high-end dining? No. Is it exactly what you want when you’re craving butter-drenched crab at 1:00 AM? Absolutely.

Breaking Down the Menu Chaos

If you’re looking at the board and feeling overwhelmed, you aren't alone. The variety is staggering.

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• The Classics: The Lamb Gyro remains the #1 most liked item.
• The Deep Fryer: Gizzards and Livers. You don’t see these everywhere anymore. You can get a half-pound for about $6 or go full-tilt with a pound for $8.99.
• The Unexpected: Alfredo Chicken or Shrimp Pasta. Surprisingly, the chicken is usually well-portioned and "all up and through the pasta," according to local feedback.
• The "I'm Hungry" Specials: Combo #10 is a beast—10 large shrimp, 5 wings, and a drink.

What Nobody Tells You About the Augusta Road Location

Let's be real for a second. The reviews for Nick's Gyros and Grill are a rollercoaster. Some people swear it's the best value in South Carolina, while others complain about the wait times or the occasionally "sketchy" interior.

The truth? This isn't a fast-food chain with a corporate manual. It’s a high-volume, late-night grill. Sometimes the drive-thru line is twelve cars deep and you’re going to wait fifteen minutes for your wings. That’s because those wings aren't sitting under a heat lamp; they’re being fried to order.

Also, the smell. Some people find the mix of frying oil and heavy spices overwhelming. Others find it intoxicating. If you’re sensitive to "diner smells," you might want to stick to Uber Eats or DoorDash. But if you do that, you miss the vibe. You miss the neon glow and the frantic energy of a kitchen that never seems to sleep.

Why the Location Matters

There are other "Nick's Gyros" out there. You’ve got the Chicago spots on Ashland Avenue and Harlem Avenue, and there’s a legendary "Nick's Food To Go" in Atlanta. But the Columbia/West Columbia iteration is its own beast. It leans much harder into the "Seafood and Grill" aspect than its Northern cousins, who focus more on the "Pizza Puff" and "Italian Beef" culture of Chicago.

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In Columbia, it's about the fried green beans and the hush puppies. It's about that specific Southern-Greek fusion that somehow makes sense when it’s served in a styrofoam container.

Actionable Tips for Your First Visit

Don't just walk in and order the first thing you see. To get the best out of Nick's Gyros and Grill, you need a strategy.

1. Check the "Everyday Specials" first. They usually have combos like 2 Gyros for $14.99 or a Philly with wings that save you a few bucks over ordering a la carte.
2. Specify your wing preference. If you like them "all flats" or extra crispy, say it loud. They're usually pretty good about customizations if you're clear.
3. Watch the Crab prices. Like any seafood place, prices for the 1lb Snow Crab can fluctuate. If the sign says "Market Price," ask before you swipe your card.
4. Try the Cajun Fried Green Beans. Seriously. They’re $6.99 and arguably better than the fries.
5. Parking is tight. The Augusta Road lot can be a nightmare during the lunch rush or late Friday night. If the lot looks full, park nearby and walk over; it’s easier than trying to navigate the tiny spaces.

The Augusta Road location is a local staple because it doesn't try to be anything it isn't. It's affordable, it's open when everything else is closed, and the portions are big enough to feed two people. It's not fancy, it's not "curated," and it’s definitely not health food. It's just Nick's. And for most people in West Columbia, that’s more than enough.