I had two slices of pepperoni from Nikki G's on Bay Street last night. Really good stuff, big ol pepperoni nipples, greasy cheese, it's about freakin time we had an alternative to hotdogs downtown! It also helped soften the pain of watching the jags get sodomized on national t.v. (espn didn't help either by showing a freakin waffle house in the opening shots of the city before the game)
But what's the story with Nikki G's, is it truly independently owned & operated? Or a chain with a local theme like seven bridges, ragtime etc.
Its a true locally owned and operated independent restaurant. So far, i've heard nothing but great things from people who have already tried them out.
QuoteDowntown dining
Downtown patrons looking for late-night dining options will soon have a new restaurant to frequent. The city issued a permit for 3,994 square feet of alterations for Nicky G's Brick Oven Pizza at 119 E. Bay St., between Ocean and Newnan streets, at a cost of $15,000.
Nicky G's Brick Oven Pizza will be the first restaurant venture in Jacksonville for co-owner and firefighter Mike Maloney, who works at the fire station in Springfield. Additional owners include Jason Tidwell, a captain at the Springfield fire station, and Nick Delcalzo, who was a firefighter in New Jersey, but relocated to the First Coast to help run the restaurant.
Maloney said the downtown location was attractive because it was still affordable, something he doesn't think will be a viable option for too much longer.
"We think it's going to be an area that's going to be built up in the next few years," he said.
And, it seems Nicky G's Brick Oven Pizza is already aiding in the downtown bustle: The restaurant has attracted the interests of other businesses looking to infiltrate the downtown market. Maloney said a dance club plans to open next door, and actually plans to cater to Nicky G's hours by staying open as late as the restaurant. He said they will also provide food for the club.
Nicky G's Brick Oven Pizza will have regular operating hours during the week, with plans to stay open until 3 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Maloney said he expects to open the restaurant sometime this month.
http://www.jacksonville.com/tu-online/business/pipeline/pipeline_archive.shtml (http://www.jacksonville.com/tu-online/business/pipeline/pipeline_archive.shtml)
They guys that run it are really good guys, one of them is I believe still an active firefighter at the deuce in Springfield. You can tell a lot of the people busing tables and running delivery's are either active firefighters or were in the very recent past. There was a ladder truck outside yesterday when I went in, and all in all the guys not only do great food, but actually built a great atmosphere.
Could be another "Firehouse" in the making....
that's exactly what I was thinking, just in time too. Firehouse on adams closed down like what, three weeks ago?
I could see them (nikki g's) easily becoming a chain.
I need to get down there and give them a shot.
me to
hello! I just moved downtown and love it. I too went to Nicky G's for the first time last week and LOVED it. Great food and fun atmosphere. I plan to support it's success! I need more places to eat within walking distance!
It's so worth it, the food and atmosphere are great! I've become a regular!!