Nick's Roast Beef Reviews

I have been going to Nick's forever and it always hits the spot. You have to deal with the parking and the décor wins no points, but the sandwiches are the best and the beer cold. Servers are definitely old school. This is a must destination for any visitor wanting to experience the real Philly.

You would not expect it from the looks on the outside but this is the Best roast beef in the city, Fries and the gravy used on the meat is fantastic as well. Great lunch time stop or if your in the mood for a light dinner.

great then and probably just as good now..live in florida or would still visit. a land mark. joey gee

I just finished the best roast beef sandwich I've ever had in my life, hands down! Just incredible.. Also, the atmosphere is very Philly. You have to try it for yourself.

spicy sausage sandwich, roast beef sandwich, pulled pork sandwich, all very good.great service and beer also.

Went to Nicks to get some roast beef sandwiches and was very disappointed in the flavor and amount of beef on the sandwich. The prices have risen up and the quality and quantity have gone down.

My friend Bobby J and I inquired where is the best place to eat something unique in Philly besides a cheese steak and this was the suggestion. It was an amazing suggestion. The menu is stapled to the wall and the place looks run down, but you are in for thee best roast beef sandwich. The sandwiches are served a number of different ways such as "wet" and "overboard". The sandwich is about $7.80 without sides. $7.80, you say? The sandwich is huge and filling. It is served with a piece of aged cheddar. There are condiments at the table consisting of horseradish, banana peppers, spicy mustard, and ketchup. The staff was amazing giving us the scoop as to how order and what was good and not good. Our server was great. She was personable and joked with our table. The beer was cheap too with a lot of selections (Flat Tire, Stella, etc.)....There was also Italian hots (peppers) and gravy fries. The gravy fries are golden mealy fries serves with cheese, roast beef, and gravy. We did not try the broccoli rabe because we were told that it was "eeeh".

Great sandwiches pork, beef, turkey, great Sharp provolone...... and did I mention hand carved..... food great atmosphere is like something from the fifties like going back in time or going into a museum give it a try

I was up in the area visiting from Florida for the holidays. I have been going here since my grandfather took me 40 years ago. We used to go here before the Sixers and Eagles games. Love this place! Old school, tiny place, not a lot of tables, limited menu. Plain, with cheese, wet, not wet...pretty much all you need to know - oh and the gravy fries!!!! It was just like the old days, still awesome!!!!!!!!

They've expanded the menu over the years, you now have options for gravy fries, broccoli rabe in addition to the classics of roast pork, ham, and roast beef sandwiches. Go for an overboard combo (combo=slice of provolone, overboard=dip the roll in gravy). How messy it is is directly proportional to how good it is! Best roast beef sandwich you'll get, end of story.

This place is great and in a location with "character". Nothing fancy, just good food and cold beer. The roast beef sandwich is hand carved and served on a good soft roll doused with au jus. The beef itself is very tender with no fat. I got one with provolone and smothered it in horseradish (real, not creamy) that is available at the table. The gravy fries are special, my friend always orders two orders and now I know why. Cost is very reasonable. If you like roast beef sandwiches and fries smothered in chunk gravy, you'll love this place. Be sure to ask for extra gravy.

I was here back in June. I'm plotting a trip to Philly so we can go to Nick's for a roast beef and gravy fries. (And I don't usually like gravy fries) Can we go NOW?!!

WHEN I WENT TO NICK'S ROAST BEEF I ALWAYS HAD TO DOUBLE PARK;THERE WERE NO PARKING SPACES ON THE STREET TO BE HAD. I KNEW I WAS GOING TO GET A TICKET FOR MY PARKING. I ALSO KNEW IT WAS WORTH THE $5 TICKET AS I REGARDED IT AS PART OF THE COST OD BEEF SANDWICH. I WOULD GET ANOTHER TO BRING HOME. THEY USED REAL IMPORTED PARMESAN CHEESE BC THAT'S WHAT PEOPLE LIKED & WERE WILLING TO PAY FOR IT. FRANK

Excellent food Gravy fries are awesome as usual roast beef sandwiches are phenomenal a favorite Philadelphia icon

Our stay in Philly was greatly enhanced with a couple of evenings, drinking and making new friends whilst watching our favorite sports. Not too busy or noisy so that you can't chat and good bar food options. Although we avoided it on Saturday night when it was filled with a young, halloween crowd.

First off, the food is the same, its very good for a bar. Here,s what happened. I took my friend from calif today for the first time.. We arrived around 1pm, walked into the side entrance, took a seat in the middle of the room. The one waitress was busy taking care of her tables, gave us a brief glance and went her way. The other waitress, the one who waited on us after 5 minutes of us just sitting there, was walking back and forth, clearing tables, handing out checks to other customers with out even looking at us as we where sitting there. No hello, no be with you in a minute, nothing.. She than two tables away from us after picking up her tip, shouts out to us, you no what you want to order?? I said, O you noticed that we where here, you want to wait on us now?? Takes our order with her tude, comes back afterwards, drops off our change,says nothing, walks away..I do not like being treated buy anyone like that for no reason, no excuse for that behavior, none. buy buy Nicks after 50 years of eating there

I believe it's actually called Old Original Nick's Roast Beef. If your visiting Philly, definitely get a cheesesteak or two in any of the cheesesteak establishments (I personally recommend John's Roast Pork) but the roast beef sandwich at Old Original Nick's Roast beef I think is actually one of best sandwiches you can get in Philly. It is served with gravy and I recommend getting gravy fries. I wrote a review about John's Roast Pork but only mentioned the cheesesteak. The roast pork sandwich might actually be the best Philly sandwich. Nick's roast beef sandwich is absolutely a contender as well.

I honestly only review places that I like. I haven't had a better roast beef sandwich anywhere. A meal in itself, the beef is tender, juicy and so full of flavor. The gravy fries...you can't eat both together because it's just too much...well...really it's hard not to eat both the sandwich and the fries....in fact, we just did take out the other night and what can I say....delicious!

I"ve had many sandwiches in Philly and this is one of the best I've had so far. An old friend from South Phllly introduced me to this place years ago and my kids and I always crave this place when we want a good sandwich. Their beef combo (w/ provolone cheese) melts in your mouth on every bite! My kids also like their pork combo as well.

to my surprise Nick Roast Beef banquet room was very warm!! It was on the day of August the 2 in which the temperature of the day was hot but this should not matter if the air conditioning was working. The temperature meter on the wall reads 78 as the room get hotter. I spoke the person in charge but she says it will get cold. I was very upset for the quest at my baby shower and very ashamed of Nick's Roast Beef for not taking action. So please I would not recommend this place!!!!! Noooo

We stopped in and had a great time, good food great service. A fun stop for a late night Philly cheese steak.

We lucked into finding Nick’s thanks to a recommendation from a bartender at another bar. Nick’s did not disappoint. The roast beef was better than any cheesesteak I had in the city. The appetizers are amazing. I recommend the cheese sticks and fried pickles. Drink prices were great. Great staff too.

These sandwiches will melt in your mouth. They are priced right great flavor. They have fast service and polite services. Everyone needed to try their food seriously.

Had lunch with a six friends and everyone did the sandwich and beer. Roast beef was really good, beer wasn't expensive...it doesn't get much better than this. If you go, remember it is a bar with a small dining area in the back.

My husband kept telling me I had to go here with him and get the roast beef sandwich. OH MY GOD!!! It was so good! We also had some beers and fries. Everything was so good, and unbelievably cheap. We sat at the bar to eat and they bar tender was friendly. Just so you know, you're not here for the atmosphere. It's not pretty and it's loud but that's expected right?! It's completely casual and very Philly. If you're craving an amazing roast beef sandwich, beer and blue jeans...this is your place!

Established Family business has been around for generations. The DeSipio family has served the finest quality Roast Beef sandwich I guarantee you ever had. Try one and 9 times out of 10 you will ask for another one. Through the years voted best of Philadelphia a few times. Well worth the trip.

It is not much in the way of ambiance but you have never eaten anything as delicious as a Nicks roast beef sandwich and must have gravy fries. You will not be disappointed by the food, the simple layout and the sweet servers.

Forget the over-hyped pats/genos cheesesteak nonsense. You want local Philly? Nick's is the place - and you go for the roast beef combo and fries with gravy - gravy being the drippings and trimmings from the roast beef which is cooked right there in the shop. Get the combo as that means the sandwich includes the best provolone on the planet. Friendly people, local atmosphere. Can't beat it.

Nick’s roast beef is an institution, a landmark of what old school Philly is. People triple parked in the streets in a dim and decrepit building that serves the tastiest roast beef sandwich you’ll find anywhere. The servers take care of you but don’t expect to be pampered, this is Philly and they don’t do that sort of thing. There are now several locations, but at one time this was the only one. I tend to go to another location because it is easier to get to and park, but for a one of a kind experience and a delicious roast beef sandwich Nick’s remains king!

I am from Delco and have lived in Florida since 2001. The first thing I do when I get back in town is head for Nick's Roast Beef. You can get a cheese steak in any city these days, but this is the only place you will ever get a beef sandwich that literally melts in your mouth!!!!!! Family owned and family run, do not miss out on a great casual dining experience.

Nick's Roast Beef sandwiches are the best. Period. I don't think I've been there for over 40 years, and the only thing that's changed are the prices (no surprise). It's a simple menu and a modest environment, but it's just the best place for a hot, tasty roast beef sandwich anywhere. Others have described the food well enough, and no need to repeat. I give only four stars because of accessibility. If you have any mobility issues you might not be able to enjoy the experience. The front door has very high steps with no handrail of any kind. The side entrance (not marked) also has a high step, but there is a handle that helps, though we found it still to be a challenge. The rest rooms were tidy, but might be a challenge for anyone with any agility problems, and certainly not wheelchair size.

What's to say about this place besides "Tony Bourdain should've visited"...He Effed up!!! The whole ambiance is a trip, too. The Italian outpost in a no longer Italian neighborhood factor. It's fun. Order your roast beef with sharp provolone and broccoli rabe or not, it's still too good for words.....Enjoy!

Not much more to say here. I'm a local, and this is the best you're going to get. Plus it's cheap to eat there.

I worked for ups for 9 years, I've been in every neighborhood in philly, this place has by far the best roast beef in philly, actually the best I've ever had. This place is legit

"Nick's Roast Beef " at 20th & Jackson Street in South Philadelphia and "Old Original Nick's Roast Beef", Springfield, Pennsylvania are the ONLY bonafide Nick's Roast Beef around. Nick's at 20th & Jackson Street is the original and in recent years a family member opened the Springfield, PA location. Both have the identical quality that Nick's on South 20th and Jackson created in the 1930's, when my grandparents went there. If you don't know South Philly, finding Nick's (or actually parking at Nick's) may be a little difficult. The menu is simple. Beef or Pork sandwiches with options of Fries or Brocholi rabe. When you order your sandwich: Combo = with Cheese (specifiy...Provolone), Overboard = means doused with rich gravy. The Springfield location is just a fantastic but I feel guilty leaving the 'ol neighborhood for the suburbs. All I can tell you is that this is the best Roast Beef Sandwich you will ever have. The horseradish on the table is HOT. No matter what your size is, you will order a second or split a second. They now accept credit cards too.

I had the roast beef combo overboard with long hots and gravy fries. This is a messy delight that your taste buds with thank you for. Fresh cut fries would really put them over the top, but this place is a legend in Philly.

Many years ago, when our children were little, we used to come here as a special treat. Visiting Philly, I was excited that my friends suggested it for lunch. It really hasn't changed.. There's a limited menu because Roast Beef is THE specialty. The sliced beef is served on soft Kaiser rolls. This is tender real roast beef - not deli style. Our waitress suggested a pitcher of birch beer which was adequate for 3 hungry, thirsty customers

Everyone has a local bar in their town that they claim has the best roast beef sandwich. Philly even has several that use the same name (Nick's). And I'm a person so likes rare or medium-rare beef (which this is not). But let me tell you, this is the best roast beef sandwich, hands down. I've even taken people who had their own local favorite here and let them try it -- with a sad (and satisfying) "You win" result. Not only is the beef great, but of course being in S. Philly they have access to good rolls (unavailable in most cities in the US, and I travel a lot). The bread is an important ingredient here, just as it is in hoagies / subs and cheesesteaks. But I would say the stand out here is definitely the beef. Your choice of free condiments (sliced banana peppers or actual horseradish -- not "mayo with a bit of horseradish). Warning: These are addictive.

People have nostalgic love for this place. Its a South Philly spot that you must try if you haven't already or bring friends to when they visit from out of town. Cheap domestics and ultra delicious roast beef sandwiches - hard to find nowadays! Delightfully, greasy, crispy gravy fries (fries topped with roast beef, drizzled with gravy. just omg) Walking up to the outdoor window, it's South Philly all the way. Inside are patrons eating at the bar. At the end and before you enter the dining area you can see the guys making these delicious sandwiches with this huge pan of Au Jus. I was salivating while waiting for an open table. We stopped in after the Eagles parade. Philly pride runs deep here, Nick's was the best place to be on this day. Everyone in the restaurant stood in honor, hand over hears for the star spangled banner and we watched the end of a long-waited victory on TV like a family. Philly pride, cold beer and a juicy, roast beef sandwich. Can't ask for more. I ordered the OG sandwich, roast beef with provolone and gravy on a kaiser roll. The roll was so fresh. But that roast beef.. The roast beef is fresh and cooked to perfection. So tender, so moist. The taste? It doesn't get any better. I've been to Louis Lunch in Connecticut, its kinda snobby and they don't serve ketchup. This is South Philly! I mean, Nick's didn't invent the roast beef sandwich but they've been around forever and the price point is cheap. If you're in Philly and are looking for a good sandwich in a casual, neighborhood-loved spot, come come to Nick's Roast Beef for a proper roast beef sandwich.

The servers are delightful and always serve with a smile. The food is outstanding. I love the Roast Beef but there are plenty of other choices on the menu, enough to satisfy everyone. I loved it so much that I booked the downstairs room for my daughter's graduation party we love how happy the girls and their friends were-will probably have another party there soon!

Simply, there is no better roast beef sandwich in the world. I couldn't even name you a close second. Just ask any neighborhood Cuz.

Visited Nick early this week and had the best roast beef sandwich ever. The sandwich was hot, juicy, tasty and just plain delicious. The atmosphere hasn't changed in forty and neither has the sandwich. It was fabulous then and fabulous now. Just the BEST Roast Beef sandwich in PHILLY.

They slow cook this roast beef for 5 or 6 hours. So amazingly tender and flavorful. Can't believe anyone would gripe about it being a sloppy sandwich. Go there, double park your car. It's the Philly way!

Ifound this place on Yelp. Very highly rated. I had to try them. I arrived in Philly and immediately headed for Nick's. I arrived and sat at the bar. The waiter came over, and i told him it was my first time. What should i get? Of course, he recommended the roast beef. I said, hook me up, and he did. The roast beef sangawich filled the whole roll. It had cheese and a gravy / sauce. They had a small jar of horseradish, nice and spicy to add to the meal. Wow. What flavor. The horsey sauce was the topping on the cake (sangawich). That thing hit the spot. This was the best roast beef I've had. This is a must if you're in the area. Now I have another reason to come to Philly. I recommend.

FINALLY got back to Nick’s after 20 years. Used to visit in college. Some things never change: Excellent roast beef sandwiches (best in Philly), the most amazing onion rings ever, fries loaded with roast beef, gravy , and provolone are to die for. Do not believe everything you read. The review about cheesesteaks is inaccurate. They DO NOT serve cheesesteaks. That dude obviously doesn’t know where he went. Make sure to visit Nick’s on your next trip to Philly. Close distance from sports stadiums. Lastly, need anything? …just Yell for Michelle (literally)! Best service ever!

I good friend of mine suggested (actually ORDERED would be more accurate!) I head to Nick's and try their roast beef sandwich when he learned I was travelling to Philly. First off, lets be clear, if you want the real thing it has to be from the Nick's on 20th and Jackson in South Philly not the one on 2nd ST in Old City, I sampled them both and there's NO comparison. Back to the samwich, it was a sloppy mess but so delicious you don't care!!! The slow roasted beef topped with sharp provolone and fresh horseradish melts in your mouth... literally. Combine the food with the no frills throwback (or should I say "UNCHANGED") setting and you have a winner. If you're travelling to Philly, forget Geno's cheesesteaks or Tony Luke's roasted poprk hoagies, head to Nick's and have the original roast beef... the best sandwich in Philadelphia!!

Figure out where to park you car. Go in order a pitcher of yeungling order a great sandwich. Sit back listen to all the south Philly talk and sayings. It's a must do!

I love Nicks....this is original locations and I go whenever I can! You can purchase if you give two days notice. Was on diners, drive ins, and dives. Best sandwich for roast beef and pork!

Just had a dog and burger with fries (skins on) and beer - great price and fresh and tasty. Yum is the word for this place with friendly service included. It was our first night in Philly and a great pick for hungry travellers.

a really sloppy sand which

A local recommended we stop here for a good Philly cheesesteak sandwich! It was good, but we did have better while in Philly.

Great (and super fatty) roast beef! The service is pleasant and patient if you haven't been there before. Expect digestive problems (but it's worth it)

Tried this place while in Philly after a day of sightseeing. On a sweltering day, this place was dark and cool and just the place we needed to recharge! We ordered two of the roast beef sandwiches and two burgers. The Pub Burger may have been the best burger I've ever had. It was a perfect medium rare, hot off the grill and delicious! The roast beef sandwich was great too, though I'd recommend the regular/mild provolone over the sharp provolone. On top of the food being great, the service was spectacular as well. Our server was friendly and attentive and really heightened the experience for us. Absolutely recommend!

Don't be shocked, but the inside of Nick's has been done over. New paneling, new art work, but same great food. Gravy fries are historically good and everyone should get their on order. Sandwiches are as good as ever. Service, Philly chic. Avoid soda and get a cold beer. Parking was and always is a problem. But a spot will open, don't give up.

Early Friday night dinner, slow upon arrival but it was packed when we left. Roast pork & beef sandwiches very good.

Love this place. Always the same. Great roast beef and "gravy fries". Service always the best. Can smell the beef outside, easy parking during the day, lot harder at night. Been same for many a year, no need to change. This place is as historic as the Liberty Bell, don't miss it!

Had not been here in ages. i remembered my mom sending Dad to this bar/sandwich nook and well had it this past week and still the best..the beef is melt in your mouth good..t's the old time flavor beef, great gravy! they didn't have the sharp provolone but the mild was just as tasty, i ask for extra gravy of course ..i could have eaten 2!! lol great fries as well..my fiance lived down south quite a while and he HAS to have brown gravy on the fries..they sure did not disappoint! Family owned and run ..it doesn't get better than this..don't know why i haven't made the trip there.for such a long time..but i sure will be back real soon!!

Not much to say here, 2 people can go in and can both get a sandwich, fries, and a beer, and the bill will be $20. Can't beat that, and let's not forget the sandwiches are amazing

Been going there for 20 years and although it looks seedy from the outside, the atmosphere is the charm of this place. A great neighborhood bar/deli and hangout for the locals. The roast beef combo and roast pork combos are do die for, but you must add Italian long hot to complete the meal. Horseradish and hot peppers on the table ( which there are only about ten) make this a corner gemstone. Recently before a Flyers game we had 2 roast beef combos, a turkey combo, gravy fries , 2 sodas and a Yuengling for $38. All meat is cooked on site in the front bar area. The only issue is that parking is a premium and park off of Jackson street avoiding 20th because you will be driving around for a while. Highly recommended

Visiting Philly or just moved here and want to experience TRUE South Philly food? - this is it! ALL of the other Nick's pale in comparison. I love the roast beef - ask for the "outs" (the outside slices with the extra flavor) but I love the pork even more! Basically two sandwiches is all they sell here and fries covered with the "outs" (MUST have). These sandwiches are what gave birth to the cheese steak - give them a try, you won't be dissappointed. Btw: its just a dive bar - you are coming for the food, the beer and to prep for a day w/ the Eagles or Phillies.

It old school South Philly beef. I'm 54 and have been coming here forever. Get the beef on the outs. Sharp provolone and rab.

I would be labeled a heretic in Philly for saying a I wasn't a fan of a Phillycheese steak, but a friend took me to Nicks now I'm a believer! The fresh round bun loaded with delicious Roast beef topped with Mozzerela not some gooey cheezewiz crap, and the Gravy Fries were to die for (they could kill,you, but yolo!) fries covered in the yummy au jus from the roast beef was pure heaven. Head to South Philly and Nick's won't disappoint you!

As always the food was delicious was just there half hour ago the only problem I have is the neighborhood is so dirty

Easy review. Everything is awesome. Always. And all the waitresses have character. Fun, delicious. Cold beer.

My parents first took me there, then I took my friends, now I go with my kids. These roast beef sandwiches unquestionably the best and a must for everyone. Yes it's a dive bar, yes the sandwiches are sloppy, but that's exactly what I want. I want the juice running down my arm, and a beer....Heaven!

This is the REAL PHILADELPHIA! Tremendous roast beef sandwiches...hand cut beef...sandwiches made right in front of you...

Went here for years back when I worked and went to school at night at LaSalle University. It was great then and still is today. Great roast beef combo and on a good roll. Will be back again. Just one suggestion: RC cola is awful and $2.25 for a can of Pepsi is crazy. Get Coke or Pepsi on tap with free refills!!!!

Stop at this original Nicks rst. Beef location & probably won’t stop again. I can’t say that the roast beef sandwich wasn’t good. BUT the music that was being played was the worst ever. F..k every third word. I’m wondering if the owners know of this. It’s was approximately 8:30-9:00 in a Friday nite. 3 patrons at the bar & where I was sitting in the back there were only 3 other tables. But because that horrible music, we left as soon as we could.

So sad they served us this crap they must have grab the scrapping from the hard pieces of dried meat that fell off and 2 nice slices of beef on top I purchased 4 sandwiches waste of money ..............

The best roast beef sandwich !!! The gravy fries are the best I ever had, make sure you try them you will not be sorry!! The place has not been updated in a very long time but the food is worth the visit!!!

Nick's has Great Roast Beef Sandwiches and a wonderful beer selection. They need no reviews since the cars are parked three rows deep at lunch time EVERY DAY... that's enough for anyone to realize how delicious their fare is. One of the main yummies is the Fries w/ Gravy which is made with the beef bits and jus. While Nick's doesn't cater to vegetarians, I will say that even a vegetarian (we had one in the crowd) can eat the broccoli rabe sandwich and it too is good.....meanwhile, we carnivores are in heaven!