Nic’s Grill is known around the country, several tv shows have featured it, many magazines have done stories on it. My first visit was a few years ago, at the time it was only open during the week for lunch. Even though we got there early, my claustrophobia set in and we got the burgers to go. Now after a 30-minute drive back home I wasn’t really impressed with the burger. But I wanted to give them another chance, I just needed to work through being in such a small place.
While passing it a few months ago, I found out that they are now open on Saturday as well. So I took a long breath and went in. To say this place is tiny is an understatement, there is a long counter with 9 stools overlooking the grill, a shorter counter near the window on one side of the door and 2 small tables on the other side of the door. I felt it best to sit in the corner with one window behind me and another I could see out. The menu was pretty straightforward, burger or cheeseburger, by themselves or in a combo. You do get a selection of cheese and can get add ons like bacon or mushrooms. The only sides are curly fries.
My order was taken quickly even though they only have 2 employees, one on the grill and one doing everything else. I didn’t wait long for lunch to be delivered. The curly fries were the first thing I tried, freshly cut, fried, and lightly salted. They were really enjoyable and a reminder that simple can be good. Then the burger, it was huge. Lettuce, tomato, pickles, lots of fried onions and melty cheese all piled on top a nice sized patty with a soft bun. I was pleasantly surprised how good it was, juicy, needed to use both hands to eat it. I really wish I had tried it fresh years ago, was much better experience this time around.
I keep mentioning it was a small place, it really is. No place for large groups or small children (I did watch parents realize this when they opened the door). It’s just an old time burger stand, not seen like this in many years. Only open for the lunch crowd and still closed on Sunday. I will go back as long as I can sit near the windows again, I’ll give them 5 strips of bacon.
Address: 1201 N Pennsylvania Ave., Oklahoma City.
The Fat Okie 
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