At the entrance to Nick’s, I experienced a moment of trepidation. Painted on the door was a gentle, but unambiguous, reminder of the restaurant’s dress code: “PROPER ATTIRE REQUESTED.” And there I was, about to walk through those doors in my jeans and t-shirt (this one said “Stay Focused” on it. It’s a mantra I try to live by.). It was with some hesitation then, that I pushed the glass door open and stepped into this restaurant. Charlie and I had a 12 pm reservation, and I arrived to find that Nick’s was busy, though not completely filled yet, at that hour (it would get even busier by 1 pm, when seemingly all the tables would be taken). After a short wait, a hostess took me up to the second floor and motioned me toward what looked like a very comfortable table for two overlooking the ground level. Although all the chairs and benches in this restaurant seem like they would be comfortable for most people, I’m not most people when it comes to sitting (not a distinction anyone should be envious of, believe me), especially not when I’ve been kneaded, massaged, and adjusted by an overzealous chiropractor for the past month. On this particular day, I could not sit down, like, at all. There was a bar area on the first floor where I noticed some patrons eating, and I asked the hostess if I could we could have two seats there instead. “Sure,” she replied, explaining that the seats around the bar are first-come, first-serve, and since there were free seats, I was welcome to pick any spot I wanted. Actually, my intention in opting for bar counter dining was so I could remain standing during my meal. I thought this might be awkward and shy-making, and, during the initial couple of minutes after I had claimed a spot for Charlie and myself at the bar, I felt compelled to explain myself to the strangers around me. Notwithstanding my casual attire and odd posture, however, the relaxed vibe of the place and the friendliness of the other patrons soon put me at ease. If anyone wondered why I wasn’t seated, I certainly didn’t feel their curious eyes on me.

On this hot summer day, Nick’s was a cool, lively, yet relaxed, sanctuary of subdued lighting, black wrought iron, beige seats, and wooden furniture. Standing at the bar, I got to see up close with what animation and care the bartenders mixed their drinks. It’s the kind of place where you know almost right away that you’d like to become a regular of.