Dining Out With Roundhouse Ron..Nick’s Roastbeef
You ever just drive spots in our fine city without really thinking it’s history because it’s just been there for so many years? I have driven past “Nick’s Roast Beef” on Cottman Avenue like over a million times, but never thought of how fascinating the story goes. “Nick’s Roast Beef” has a very long & interesting history in our Philadelphia area, starting with the first old original “Nick’s Roast Beef” (20th & Jackson Streets) opening it’s doors in 1938. During those jazz musical times, our city had a very strong & physical mob presence, and it was also just a few years after this country ended alcohol prohibition. Since then, there has been a second location (10 E. Woodland Avenue in Springfield, PA) that opened in 1998 & a sexy sleek franchised spot (2212 Cottman Avenue) that opened over 30 years ago.I choose to do my foodie review on the “Nick’s Roast Beef” located on Cottman Avenue in NE Philly, just a stone’s throw from the Roosevelt Mall. Established over 30 years ago by a gentleman named “Tom Gannon Sr.”, who seen the need for a top quality roast beef sandwich on this part of town. “Mr. Gannon Sr.” since has passed away about 3 years ago, when his daughter “Dianna” took over the entire operation. With so many things on “Dianna’s” plate, her brother “Tom Gannon Jr.” stepped in to continue the “Gannon” family business, so it would not be sold to anyone without the same commitment to quality food. Now, “Tom Jr.” is the full owner & master mind behind the all new “Nick’s Roast Beef” in NE Philly.
During the past year, this restaurant/tavern has been going through numerous changes from an all new interior design look, to some new very tantalizing menu items. If you have ever been to this “Nick’s Roast Beef”, you can’t help to notice the all new seating selection from the very spacious booths, to open tables and now high top table seating. The floor plan has been totally opened up, with a new stage area for local talent & bands to perform their skills. You will be very pleased with the brightly improved eye appealing decor & enjoyable relaxing atmosphere.
After I parked my truck in their huge azz rear parking lot, I entered “Nick’s Roast Beef” & was greeted by two very attractive hostesses by the names of “Allie” & “Vikki”. As my companion for the evening & I were being seated, it was very noticeable how happy & content the entire staff was as they were performing their various responsibilities. Our fantastic server (“Melissa”) for tonight was this very energetic, knowledgeable & very helpful gurl, that any establishment would luv to have on their waitress staff. Once again, thank you so much “Melissa” for everything.
Now, while chugging on my tasty beverage (Jack Daniels & Diet Coke), I could not help to notice the jars of horseradish & hot peppers on every table. Mentally I was like, freakin awesome cause I like hot flavorful food with a slight kick. Checking out the “Nick’s Roast Beef” menu, I was finding it very hard to just pick out 1 entrée, because it all sounded so interesting. So, let me start off by telling you about this crazy good backboard special soup of the day, homemade “Cream Of Vegetable” is all I gotta say. OMG, this was just what da doctor ordered on a chilly Philly night. A few crackers & a slash of black pepper, I was in heaven. Always check out da blackboard special soup of the day.
Just a little info on your boy “Roundhouse Ron”, I luv potatoes & cheese like a fat kid likes cake, so for a beginning teaser I choose the “Buffalo Chips”. As this delectable appetizer reached our comfy booth for 2, you could just smell da goodness. That’s cause the “Nick’s Roast Beef” “Buffalo Chips” are made with a famous recipe, of fresh waffle fries tossed with buffalo sauce along with melted sharp cheese to complete this masterpiece. You can also add slices chicken breast to complete this fantasy, if desired. This was a perfect start for my spicy palette urges.
Since selecting an entrée seemed to be a challenge, I loaded up on all the “Nick’s Roast Beef” goodies. My 1st selection, you could hear sizzling as it was coming out of da kitchen. Yes, I decided to go for da “Chicken Fajitas”, it was designed by using freshly sliced chicken breasts, grilled til they sizzle, included were peppers, onions, served with lettuce, tomato, Monterey Jack/sharp cheeses & soft fajita shells. If preferred, you can also add filet steak or freshly peeled shrimp. Next up, I just had to try da “Ragin Cajun Chicken Wrap Sandwich”, as it was served with Cajun seasoned chicken breast with bacon bits, lettuce & Monterey Jack cheese tightly wrapped with a tangy flavorful power punch.
I could not leave “Nick’s Roast Beef” without trying da world famous “Nick’s Roast Beef Sandwich”. It has to be one of America’s most tender & sultry sandwiches in history, as the roast beef is seasoned & slow roasted, and then piled high on a freshly baked Kaiser roll, with a side of Au Jus & pickles. If you choose, you can also add mushrooms, onions, long hot peppers, roasted red peppers, broccoli rabe & sharp provolone cheese. This signature sandwich of “Nick’s Roast Beef” is a freakin masterpiece that will take you on a 1 way trip to flavor town.
This is so wild, but people come from all around just to taste the “Potato Chips”, yes, I said the “Potato Chips”. They are all homemade, cut from genuine grade A extra long fancy Idaho potatoes, deep fried, seasoned & served with a crispy crunch. When going to “Nick’s Roast Beef”, I am kindly asking you to order da “Gravy Fries”, cut fresh daily, married with prime roast beef & topped with homemade beef gravy.
If you have a sweet tooth, the desert menu freakin rocks with such delectably sugar treats as “Reese’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Pie”, “Big Cheese Brulee”, “Caramel Apple Granny” & “Molten Chocolate Cake”.
I must give the entire staff of “Nick’s Roast Beef” major props & kudos for such a superior job well done. You all made me feel so at home & comfortable, while still performing your individual duties in a very professional matter. Hang in there, because I must thank you all, starting with the hostesses (“Allie” & “Vikki”), the servers (“Dana”, “Joanie”, “Bobbie”, “Melissa”, “Denise A”, “Denise B”, “Rachel”, “Tory”, “Sam”, “Annie” & “Caitlin”), the bus boys (“Danny”, “Mike”, “Greco”, “Matt” & “Ed”), the prep cooks (“Kenny”, “Mairsol” & “Kevin”), the cooks (“Matt”, “Bill”, “Keith” & “Mark”) & the bartenders (“Samantha”, “Mark”, “Timmy”, “Jenn”, “Lisa” & “Ms. Linda”).
Special thanks to “Jeronimo” (general manager), “Gary” (assistant manager), “Jimmy” (kitchen manager) & “Javier” (head chef). Superior job my culinary brothers & sisters, you have taken a sensational establishment as you all are serving top quality food & perfectly poured libations.
If you are planning a private party in the future, “Nick’s Roast Beef” has just the perfect banquet facility for up to 100 guests. They also have sum specially priced bar & buffet packages, that I am sure can fit your every delight. To hold this spacious area & inquire about the fantastic banquet menu specials, please contact “Caitlin” (event coordinator) @ 215.745.1292 or email her @ CGannon_NicksNorthEast@yahoo.com.
Did I forget to mention that “Nick’s Roast Beef” also sponsors a local flag football league, softball league, a dart league & what they call a give back night? Just other ways they have been supporting the community in which they choose to be a part of. Every Tuesday & Sunday nights, “Nick’s Roast Beef” holds a cool local neighborhood celebrity bartending event, where you can bring your posse as you are da celebrity bartender.
“Nick’s Roast Beef” has sum really awesome & thrifty weekly specials, like this thing they call “Happy Hour Nick’s Time”, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday (4pm – 6pm Yuengling & Coors Light pints $1.50, well drinks $2, Blue Moon pints $3, Twisted Tea bottles $3 & appetizers 2 for $20), not to mention these wild daily specials, Monday’s (8pm – 10pm Yuengling pints $1.50, domestic bottles $2, Yuengling pitcher & 10 wings $10 & 5pm – 9pm all you can eat mussels $9.99), Tuesday’s (domestic pints all day for just $2 & 8pm – 12am ½ price appetizers), Wednesday’s (9pm – 11pm Bud/Bud Lights pints $2, Bud/Bud Light bottles $2.50 & 6pm – 10pm wings are just 35 cents each), Thursday’s (8pm – 10pm Miller Lite pints $2, roast beef & french fries $6 & 15% off with college ID), Friday’s (all day long Captain Morgan drinks $3), Saturday (all day long Miller Lite pints $2, Miller Light bottles $2.50) Sunday’s (all day long Bud/Bud Light pints $2, Bud/Bud Light bottles $2.50 & Bud/Bud Light buckets $10). It doesn’t end there my little mind freaks, read on for some entertaining weekly events.
This spectacular facility (“Nick’s Roast Beef”) is now one of NE Philly’s premiere venues for local entertainment with things like this, Tuesday’s (Free Poker Tournaments with cash prizes & 10pm – 12am Kinky Quizzo), Wednesday’s (Karaoke Dance Party), Thursday’s (College Night DJ Dance Party), Friday’s (Local Bands Live On Stage), Saturday’s (Local Bands Live On Stage) & Sunday’s (Free Poker Tournaments with cash prizes). You will definitely catch my crazy azz hangin out @ “Nick’s Roast Beef” many, many times in the near future.
To be totally honest with you, I have been to “Nick’s Roast Beef” on many occasions in the past few years. But now, this place looks so much better & I actually luv all they have done with the new recent changes. My boy “Jeronimo Vasquez” (general manager) is running “Nick’s Roast Beef” like a professional football team going to da Super Bowl. He credits “Gary Gola” (assistant manager) for contributing to da success of this stadium of flavor.
I was so impressed with the entire staff, from the hostesses, to the servers, bartenders, bar backs, cooks & head chefs. Shyt, they have people working here for over 20 years, with lots of them 3 years & higher. The rotation in personnel is very low, due to the loyalty & commitment from the staff to this establishment. If you ever wanna just chill with a few cocktails or settle in for a fine meal, I highly recommend “Nick’s Roast Beef” on Cottman Avenue, you will not be disappointed. When you go, make sure you tell them your boy “Roundhouse Ron” sent you ;-}
Get your calendar out right now & mark down February 9th, 2013 (Saturday), it is “Nick’s Roast Beef’s” “Grand Re-Opening Party” with a live band (“The Insiders”) performing on stage, DJ dance party all night long, drinks specials, food specials & free give-a-ways. Come out, bring all of your friends & celebrate da grand re-opening.
Please stop by “Nick’s Roast Beef”, 2210 Cottman Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19149, 215.745.1292, www.NicksNortheast.com, they can also be found on social media @ facebook & twitter, just go to: “Nick’s Roast Beef”. “Philly’s Favorite Roast Beef & So Much More”