After reading other reviews I was excited to go to Nick's, but I ended up being fairly disappointed. The hot dogs here are pretty good, especially the chili cheese dog, but they aren't phenomenal or anything. I was very disappointed by the baked beans. The ambiance was definitely nice, at least for a first visit, but I agree with the comments about this place going downhill. Maybe it was good in its heyday, but Nick's is nothing special now. read more

Please note this review is mostly for the hot dog... ...which was quite unique and tasty, if not exceptional. The dog tasted good and was swimming in some sort of yellow stuff I think may have been straight up...grease? Fat? Either way some of it soaked into the bun and was yummy. The bun was not toasted but still passable, nice and soft, and the sauce was ok, somewhat spicy with a good amount of cumin. The building is amazing and I'd gladly come back just for the ambiance. I also got a strawberry frappe which was, you know, exactly what you'd expect. Good stuff. BTW - I just noticed this place for some reason is listed as $$$. A dog and frappe for me was like $6. read more

I do love an old-fashioned hot dog place, and Nick's certainly qualifies. When I lived in the area, I'd sometimes pop up from Spfld for lunch and have a picnic nearby. Having moved out of the area in 2003, I had begun to jones for Nick's, to see if it was same as it ever was. We went on Saturday, bringing our five-year-old daughter, who loves hot dogs (esp. from Wasses, in Rockland, ME), and she was really quite happy with them here. We adults loved our chili-cheese-kraut dogs, and she loved her ketchup dogs, and the orange drink (referring to the color, not the flavor) was a blast from the past. Coffee frappe was delicious. Only negative was that the beans seemed a bit salty. read more

If you like hot dogs and are even slightly nostalgic, you have to visit Nick's a least once. It really is one of Holyoke's landmarks. The hot dogs are very good. I think they keep them in trays that have melted butter in them and as one reviewer eluded to, some of that butter seeps into the bun. Yum! The beans and french fries I could take or leave. I usually get a couple of dogs with mustard and onions and a root beer. Who doesn't love a "gadget" door? The front door is hooked to a cable so when you tun around to leave, if your hands are full, the pull on a cable from behind the counter and it opens the door just long enough so you can use your hands to balance your hot dogs! read more

Used to be a good place. New owners have not kept up old standards. Had been going there for 55 years time to try a new place. So sad that new owners do not know how to keep the old ways. read more

Love Nicks Nest! The food is great, the service is fantastic and they also are part of their community!

I have not eaten a hot dog in a billion years...but if you enjoy them then you need to go to Nick's Nest. This place is landmark. My advice for out of town folks looking for come classic American eats? Hit up Nick's Nest and then trek over to West Springfield to the White Hut. read more

I have always enjoyed stopping at Dog Houses around the North East. I am now happy to "Spin a Yarn" on a good dog joint to visit when the need to feed a dog craving occurs. Nick's Nest has a great old school feel with a decent helping of style within its walls. The staff out front was friendly and made us feel welcome. There's a counter to grab a seat with friends and watch the world drive by out front. On my last visit I tried out the Chili Dog and another with Kraut. The dogs are mild in flavor and have been cooked in a butter water bath. The buns are New England style that are warm and steamed. The Chili sauce is good and it's a true chili flavor rather than Coney Island or Greek sauces. Cost wise, the dogs are $2.85 each with the extra's on them and under 3 is good by me. I will definitely be back and look forward to trying other good's from their menu. On the go with........ http://www.gooddiggin.com read more

Nothing special at all. Plain boiled hot dogs in supermarket style, plain white bread, split-top buns. And for 3 bucks each.... Just not worth it to me for a hot dog. read more

Basic boiled hot dogs on a cold bun. Not the experience my mom told me about from back when she used to go.

One of my favorite places to eat in western mass. Best hotdogs around. Best service. I've only had pleasant experiences here since I was a child. It's like you're taken back to an old school small diner. Lots of history in this place. I highly recommend it! read more

Overpriced hot dogs floating in a yellow liquid... I guess locals like it but couldn't tell you why.

Went there yesterday with my wife. After trying to find a decent place for a quick bite to eat, we settled on this place due to its high Yelp reviews. I am not sure what the hype is but their hot dogs and "famous baked beans" is nothing to write home about. Beans were very bland and dry. I had two chili dogs and she had two dogs with sauerkraut. The chili was also bland and hot dogs and buns were nothing special. Plain hotdogs that are boiled and regular white bread buns that you can buy in any grocery store. Wife and I both were sick the next morning spending a lot of time in the bathroom. These hotdogs were the only thing we had eaten yesterday. Would never go back or recommend them to anyone that I know. read more

Though I currently live in Pittsburgh, I grew up two blocks away from Nick's and still swear it is the best. The dogs in combo with a frappe are simply wonderful; each bite, full of flavor, is a memory. As you walk inside, to the left on the wall is an incredible and totally unique piece of machinery. I do not know if it has been repaired yet, but every time you would put a coin (I feel so old - 58 - they were nickels) in the little machines on the dining counters (they had pages to turn to select songs..I used to love "Walk Right In" by the Rooftop Singers), the blue curtain on this machine would slide open. Then, you would see a stage with an orchestra playing!!! They were little figurines no more than a couple of inches tall. Talk about nostalgia! To see that again would bring tears to my eyes. Just get your butt over there; it is simple, but wonderfully unique. read more

This is not the Nick's Nest that I grew up with, unfortunately. I made a trip there a few months ago, and I was saddened to see that the quality of food and service were not the same. It should be noted that the service was awful, as it seemed like I was inconveniencing the workers by buying a hot dog. Also, they have the nerve to charge high prices. You're selling hot dogs, people. Very sad. read more

This is our go to place for soft serve! Locally owned not a chain with great service. We look forward to this every summer.

3 stars for the history and nostalgia and neurotic flashing neon sign. 2 stars for the greasy bathed in yellow goo hot dogs.

Always loved the hots dogs, but it's the incredible service that deserves 5 stars. I bring my father in the Soldiers Home a milk shake every week. As soon as I pull into a parking space they start making it. I am literally in and out in seconds. Best staff ever. read more

Makes me want Gray's Papaya in NYC. Unlike Gray's, Nick's Nest is just ok. They now (finally) serve sauerkraut which they didn't used to, which seems impossible if you're a NY style hot dog joint. Great vintage vibe here but the food isn't that special. I have to say I LOVE that they have a pull chain in the ceiling behind the counter that whips open the door for you as a customer. That's a cool touch that seems like you'd only find in a place that was doing this in 1955. Just wish the dogs were better than plain old boiled dogs, and nothing else has wowed me either. You have to try them for local color nonetheless. read more

Best hot dogs and Nick's has a charm to it - 6 stars

I have been coming here since it was a baby, and my mom has been since she was a baby and now I get to bring my baby!! I seriously love the old school feel!! I always get popcorn (extra butter )2 hot dogs(one isn't enough ) with relish and mustard, baked beans, and a chocolate milk!!! Order what I order and you won't be disappointed read more

Nick's Nest - Hot Dogs Near Me - Holyoke, Massachusetts

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I hate to speak poorly of this place, because I think it's a terrific landmark. I'm giving it three stars based on just that. It's worth going to for the nostalgia factor, for sure. I recommend it. Don't go expecting a good hotdog, though. Overpriced, bland, and soggy, I'd rather just make one at home. Like I said, though, worth stopping in for the atmosphere... and maybe they do some other food well? read more

This place is so good I'm writing about it from 3000 miles away! I went here as a kid with my folks every time we visited family in Springfield. A few years ago I heard Nick's might close so was thrilled to learn it's been taken over by a young couple who are carrying on the tradition. You can't really compare their dogs with the tough skinned franks from Nathan's. The story goes, Nick Sr. was approached by Friendly's who offered to buy his secret dog recipe for some obscene sum. Nick told them to scram and the subtle deliciousnesss that is their hot dog has remained a treat for locals only. If you want a Nathan's dog stay in New York! Those Coney dogs are only good for speed eating contests. You'll want to savor every bite at Nick's Nest. There beans are a smokey comfort and popcorn has truely never smelled so good. The antique band box is a kick and I love the way the owner opens the door for you with an old pully system. This place is one of a kind! read more

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While I'm not personally a fan of their renowned hot dogs, I do love the ice cream. Everyone is always friendly and the atmosphere is really nice even though it's so small. When Pokémon Go was live and active, I'd visit here a lot. It's good for group plans too like sports, family, and groups of friends. They have so many different flavors including my favorite which is butterscotch. read more

This place is a real Holyoke Staple. They have their hot dogs made for them half beef half pork... and have a secret sauce they marinate in. Sooo good! They have awesome homemade soups as well. Great family and Really cool location. They have a little pulley they use to open the door for you on your way out. Very cool!!!! read more

I love this place. It's great to come here and sit at the counter eating hot dogs and watching the world go by. I always order two hot dogs and two chocolate milks, never branching outside the box. I think next time I will be trying more from the menu. I've been coming here for years and I love it. It's gotten pricey over the years, but hey, you're in western Mass, where are things not spendy around here? read more

I have been coming here for many years for hot dogs and will continue for many more. Hot dogs are great and also love their onion rings which are not greasy and heavy like some. I think they are coated with panko, nice and light and very sweet tasting. Customer service is second to none and can't wait to come back. read more

Yelp helped us find this gem on a roadtrip with the family. Hotdogs are not my thing in general, but the baked beans were so good! The soft-serve was also good--- beware-- the "baby" cone is preeety large. The atmosphere was the best, could totally tell this was a local institution, and that is the best part of travel! read more

I grew up in Holyoke, still live in the immediate area and have visited the establishment a number of times mostly when I was younger. My overall opinion is that while the hot dogs are ok, they are nothing special and if anything are overpriced. There are at least several restaurants in the area (I cite Lucky Strike and Al's Restaurant) which serve a grilled hotdog which is appreciable better/tastier and cheaper than that of Nicks's Nest)-the one served at Lucky Strike is at least 50% bigger also. Yes the restaurant has been around for many years and has a certain ambiance to it, but quality wise, when all is said and done, it is just another restaurant which serves hot dogs and certainly not worth a special trip for someone who does not live in the area and/or someone who has simply not eaten there before. read more

Nick's is a Holyoke institution. My boyfriend loves their hot dogs for a quick lunch or dinner, and their cheesburg soup is something I crave after a long day at work. The popcorn is great as well. Mostly I come here for soft serve in the summer months, because there's always good parking and people-watching, and it's very convenient to Easthampton Road and Exit 17. If the spaces next to the ice cream window are full, don't forget to look for more spaces across the street behind the car dealership! read more

I havn't been to Nick's in a few years. But their hotdogs are great, and I suggest you try the clam chowder which is amazingly tasty as well. =) MMMmmMmm read more

Yum! Seriously, great hot dogs! Great onion rings! Fries nothing to write home about in comparison to everything else but not bad! My only complaint here is they need more seating, but I get that its a small place read more

For the love of God... please, do not eat here. It is a health and safety hazard. I brought my family in here after seeing all of the friendly commercials; but after walking in we all looked at each other and decided to walk out, the smell of mold and mildewy hot dog water was absolutely disgusting. This place should be investigated by the board of health. How can one screw up a simple hot dog stand? Nick's nest figured that out, hands down worse than street meat. read more

Great hot dogs and toppings!! We had hot dog with chili, potato salad, beans, and onion rings. Very happy with it all. Definitely going back

Food was good, but limited selection of hot food. Prices were great. Make sure to leave room for dessert! Best selection of soft serve ice cream I have ever seen. read more

Nick's Nest has the best hotdogs around! I don't know what it is - but it works! The setting is also great - very cosy and intimate. I liked it so much, I built their building in Lego and exhibited it! read more

I am so glad I live close to Nick's. I love the old school feel of it and have never been disappointed with the food or service. Everything I've had is good- the hotdogs, fries, baked beans, potato and macaroni salad. Oh! And the soft serve! I always make sure to go very hungry! The place is always clean (inside and out). read more

I wanted to love this place because it's been there forever and it's cute but the hot dog was pale and could have been cooked more ... can't comment on the other food however. I might go back and try the other menu items because the staff was nice and it is a very cute place. read more

Great food , good prices, wonderful staff ! Love the orangeade! I would come back again. And again....

Love the dogs and orange drink. A blast from the past. Their only downside was not accepting debit; but now they do. A Holyoke must.