You’re walking down Woodlawn Avenue, the Chicago wind is doing that thing where it tries to peel your skin off, and suddenly you smell it. That specific, nostalgic scent of seared soy sauce and hot oil. You’ve arrived at Nicky’s Chinese Food.
Let’s be real for a second. If you’re looking for white-tablecloth, authentic regional Szechuan that requires a glossary to order, you’re in the wrong place. But if you’re looking for that quintessential "good-bad" Chinese food—the kind that comes in heavy containers and fixes a bad day—this is the Hyde Park holy grail. Honestly, most people get the Nicky’s Chinese Hyde Park menu all wrong by sticking to the same three items they ordered as freshmen.
The Reality of the Menu
The menu at 5231 S Woodlawn Ave is massive. Like, "how do they fit all these ingredients in that tiny kitchen" massive. It’s a dizzying grid of over a hundred items, but there’s a secret architecture to it.
💡 You might also like: Lake Zurich Jack O Lanterns: Why This Illinois Tradition Actually Rules
Basically, you have your "Old Reliable" section and your "Actually Kind of Interesting" section. Most students and locals live in the former. We’re talking about the Orange Chicken and the Sesame Chicken. The Orange Chicken here isn't just "sweet"; it’s aggressive. It’s crispy, sticky, and comes in portions that defy the laws of physics. One "small" is usually enough to feed a UChicago grad student for three days.
What’s actually worth your money?
If you want to eat like someone who knows what they're doing, look at the Nicky’s Specials.
- Nicky’s Fried Rice: This is the benchmark. It’s got the holy trinity—shrimp, chicken, and beef. It’s not just rice; it’s a meal.
- Combination Garlic Delight: This is for when you're tired of the sugar-heavy sauces. It uses a black bean garlic sauce that has actual depth.
- The Salt and Pepper Wings: Kinda the sleeper hit of the menu. They’re crispy, salty, and hit with enough aromatics to make your breath a hazard for the next four hours.
The Lunch Special Hack
If you aren't ordering the lunch special between 10:30 AM and 2:00 PM, you’re essentially donating money to the restaurant. It’s one of the last true bargains in Hyde Park.
For a price that’s usually cheaper than a mediocre sandwich elsewhere, you get an entrée, your choice of rice (fried or steamed), and a choice of an egg roll or BBQ pork. It’s a lot of food. Most people don't realize you can swap the rice for War Mein or Chow Mein for a tiny upcharge. Do it. The Pan Fried Noodles have a texture that holds up way better during a walk back to the dorms or the office.
A Note on the "Nicky's Style"
There’s a specific category called Nicky’s Lo Mein and Nicky’s Chop Suey. Whenever you see "Nicky's" in the name, it usually means they’ve thrown every protein they have—shrimp, chicken, and beef—into the wok. It’s the ultimate value play.
Beyond the Basics: The Seafood and Tofu
Surprisingly, the vegetarian and seafood options aren't just an afterthought. The Szechwan Vegetable dish has a respectable kick. It’s not "melt your face off" hot, but it’s got enough red pepper to make itself known.
The Tofu with Seafood Soup is also a weirdly comforting choice on a 10-degree Chicago Tuesday. It’s thick, loaded with scallops and shrimp, and feels much "cleaner" than the fried stuff.
The "Bad" Reputation
Look, we have to talk about it. Nicky’s has had some rough patches with health inspections over the years. Some people treat it like a dare. Others swear by the "sterilizing power" of a 500-degree wok.
Honestly? It’s a high-volume, counter-serve spot. It’s not trying to be a Michelin-starred establishment. The kitchen is visible, the service is fast, and the food is hot. You go there because it’s consistent and it’s open when everything else is closed.
Why it survives
In a neighborhood that’s becoming increasingly gentrified with $18 salads, Nicky's is a holdout. It’s a place where you can still get a massive tray of BBQ Rib Tips or a Shrimp Egg Foo Young without checking your savings account.
Navigating the Prices in 2026
Prices across Chicago have jumped, and Nicky’s isn't immune. While it used to be "cheap-cheap," it’s now more "fair-cheap."
- Small Entrées: Usually hover around $10.00 to $13.00.
- Large Entrées: Can go up to $18.00 or $20.00 depending on the protein (looking at you, Lobster and Scallops).
- Appetizers: The Crab Meat Cheese Won Tons (Rangoon) are about $8.70, and they’re basically a requirement for any order.
Your Next Steps
If you're planning to order, don't just hit the "popular" button on a delivery app.
- Check the hours: They're open until 10:30 PM on weekends, which is late for this part of town.
- Order the Nicky's Fried Rice: Seriously. It’s the best way to test if you like their style.
- Ask for extra sauce: Their sauce packets are small, and if you’re a "drowner," you’re going to need more than the two they throw in the bag.
- Call it in: If you’re nearby, calling for pickup is always faster and cheaper than the apps.
Go grab a number 42, find a bench in Nichols Park if it's not freezing, and enjoy the heavy-handed seasoning that has kept Hyde Park fed for decades.