Where to Drink: All-Day Happy Hour @ Nic’s Beverly Hills

Since the days of Dean Martin, Nic’s Beverly Hills has impressed patrons with its irresistible martinis, swanky décor and its laid-back vibes. And here’s the catch: Nic’s knows that it’s marvelous. You sense it as soon as you walk into the front door, in the manner in which the host confidently (and almost arrogantly?) greets you. You feel it at the bar, while the bartender smartly whips and shakes up martinis with a self-assured smirk. And you see it in the presentation of every tiny, minute detail – from the distinctive art hanging on the walls to the arrangement of food that’s whisked to your table.

All of that sexiness coupled with a Beverly Hills address must make frequenting here more on the expensive side…right? Correct. You'd probably average about $100 per person for dinner and drinks on any given evening.

-- BUT --

I repeat: BUT…

Nic’s phenomenal happy hour (all day on Mondays and from 5-7 p.m. the rest of the weekdays) is so heavily discounted that you don’t have to have Denzel Washington’s wallet to come in and enjoy a martini or two. All items on the cocktailing food menu – which normally run about $12-$14 per plate – are only $7. And interestingly enough, these plates and especially the nicnic platters are well-proportioned and quite filling (the greco nicnic platter is pictured to the right).

Of course ordering a martini is mandatory, whether it’s the conservative dirty martini or the flamboyant Lemondrop blush. Martinis are made with fresh ingredients, colorful fruits and heavy doses of spirits. While not all of the martinis are discounted during happy hour, there’s usually one particular “martini of the day” that’s priced at $7, such as the cucumber mint martini that my friend Jaymes is drinking, pictured below to the left.

For decades, Nic’s martinis have lured Angelenos into its colorful interior, making this lounge a staple amongst the elite. Who knew that it was also an oasis of martinis and gourmet appetizers at shockingly low prices? Indeed, one of the best-kept secrets around town!



For More Information:
453 North Canon Dr.
Beverly Hills, CA
90210 310.550.5707 http://www.nicsbeverlyhills.com/


MISS WILSON’S TIPS (So you know “what’s up" when you go):
- A martini with more flavor: Beeez Kneez
- A martini with more bite: Nic’s Martini 
- One of the most popular martinis: Lemondrop Blush 
- The parking structure off of Beverly Dr. and little Santa Monica Blvd. offers two hour free parking before 6 p.m. and a $5 flat rate after 6 p.m.