Uncle Nick's, Greek Restaurant in NYC, New York
I think I have more chance booking a trip to Greece than getting a table at Uncle Nick's in Hell's Kitchen. Well, in fact, it is what I thought, having tried few times to go there, until I saw their location in Chelsea. Uncle Nick's is well known: good food in a casual ambiance, far from the trendy Avra Estiatorio or the more elegant Molyvos, that is, according to one of my Greek colleagues, the best Greek restaurant in New York.
Dining room at Uncle Nick's, Greek Restaurant in NYC, New York
We went there on a Friday and the place was packed, but there were still empty tables. Service there was courteous and very efficient, serving dishes to customers adding a little folklore, like for the saganaki where they shout "Opa" at the moment they pour the ouzo on the flaming cheese. Ok, I admit that I missed this one as we were talking and I did not realized the wait staff came with our order. So, by the time I grabbed my camera and turned it on, the huge flame was gone...
Saganaki flambee at Uncle Nick's, Greek Restaurant in NYC, New York
The saganaki was fantastic: it was gooey and chewy at the same time, not too salty. Sublime! This is a dish I always enjoy in a Greek restaurant and definitely recommend it.
Saganaki at Uncle Nick's, Greek Restaurant in NYC, New York
We then shared a small greek salad or Horiatiki.
Greek salad at Uncle Nick's, Greek Restaurant in NYC, New York
Greek salad at Uncle Nick's, Greek Restaurant in NYC, New York
It was of a good size for $9 and was very appetizing with all the vibrant colors of the vegetables. There were tomatoes, cucumber, peppers, as well as olives and grape leaves, topped with some feta.
We also tried their mixed grill, that was composed of Fried zucchini, eggplant and peppers served with scordalia dip.
Grilled vegetables at Uncle Nick's, Greek Restaurant in NYC, New York
A scordalia dip is made with potato and garlic. And there was a lot of garlic...
Then, I could not resist the Octapodaki or grilled octopus, smothered in oil and vinegar.
Grilled octopus at Uncle Nick's, Greek Restaurant in NYC, New York
The octopus was well cooked, not rubbery at all, but I wish there was a nice char on top and less vinegar.
Last was the house made baklava.
Baklava at Uncle Nick's, Greek Restaurant in NYC, New York
Not the best I ever had (the one at Molyvos is fantastic), but good and a nice way to finish the dinner. I liked my meal at Uncle Nick's and the ambiance of the restaurant. I would certainly go back, maybe this time to try their moussaka or some grilled fish.
Enjoy (I did)!
If you like this post, the photos or the blog, please feel free to share it or post a comment. Merci!
