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Nicky Rottens
Categories: Restaurants Burgers Nightlife Bars Sports Bars Burgers, Sports Bars [Edit]
560 5th Ave(between Island Ave & Market St)
San Diego, CA 92101
Neighbourhoods: Gaslamp, East Village
(619) 702-8068
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Music:
- Juke Box
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Sun, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
- Drive-Thru:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
455 reviews for Nicky Rottens
Review Highlights
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"I love that happy hour starts @ 11am on the weekends." In 47 reviews -
"Breakfast Burger (apple-wood smoked bacon, over easy egg..." In 6 reviews -
"We started off with Onion Rings, which I HIGHLY recommend." In 18 reviews
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455 reviews in English
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Review from Anthony K.
Los Angeles, CA
Last time I was here a male stranger bought my friends and I some drinks. We didn't black out (I stared out our drinks to make sure we weren't getting roofied) and we didn't have to put out, so I can't say anything negative about that experience. I don't care what his intentions were...we got free Jack and cokes, so don't judge us. NONE OF YOU OWN ME!
This time, I went with my ball and chain, so no men were buying me drinks. Wah wahhh. We shared a Bacavo Burger and it was quite good. I like avocado, bacon, and beef, so it was an easy choice. The bun wasn't toasted, but it added a different chewy texture to the burger that I didn't expect, but I liked. I recommend.
I hate onions, but I ordered onion rings. They were good! Crispy batter outside and mushy onion mess inside. Don't ask me stupid questions like, "Why would you ask for no onions on your burger, then substitute your fries for onion rings?" I hate onions, but like onion rings. It's not the same thing. I don't ask you stupid questions like why you think your degree from Phoenix College is real. (You really should have been like me and listened to Little Romeo and went to ICDC College. Now I do CSI, NCIS, and Homeland Defense at Leland High School. There's no truancies on my watch!).
Service was excellent. Our waitress, Marissa or Melissa (it was loud and I have trouble with my R's and L's and get looks when I order "flied lice" at chinese restaurants), was awesome. It was busy and she did a good job checking on us. It also didn't hurt that she was hot (*in a robot voice* "but not as hot as my wife" :) ). I got better service here than I do at home...ahem. I don't know her, but someone should pay her more. Good looks and good service tend to be negatively correlated, but it wasn't the case here. -
Review from Chelsea D.
Queens, NY
Went out for dinner on a Thursday night before a conference weekend, and the restaurant was full (not a surprise, considering the amount of people at the convention center). So they brought us over to Sloppy Joey's, their sister restaurant next door, and gave us their menu (an actual surprise).
We were able to pick from both of the menus (which we did), but I'll just review my burger and appetizer, which were the only things we had from Nicky Rottens proper. I went for the mozzarella sticks, which were served with homemade marinara sauce and buttermilk ranch dressing. I later learned that basically everything fried is served with ranch dressing, but I was surprised by this... though it was insanely awesome. Ranch and mozzarella sticks is an A++ combination for sure.
For the entree, I went with the bacavo burger, which was a ridiculously massive monstrosity: http://www.yelp.com/bi...
I mean seriously, look at that thing. Swiss, avocado, Rottens sauce, tomatoes, it had everything on it and it was incredible. The slices of avocado were massive, and everything was fresh, and I wish I was eating that burger right now.
Also: I was a big fan of the happy hour. Something like 3-7 or 4-8, select appetizers were half off, and select drafts and house wine (I think) was $3 or $5. Excellent deal. -
Review from Meredith M.
Los Angeles, CA
3rd stop of our bar hopping excursion.
There were no drink specials but the bartender was heavy handed with the liquor. There was a dj who was playing good music and while there was no designated dance floor, there was enough space to make our own. -
Review from Mary B.
Three words: GARLIC TATER TOTS
I'm a fan of this tater tot trend going on right now. There are some great places in Portland to get some. I wasn't expecting to find a spot in San Diego that served a yummier tater tot than I'm used to. But when we ordered some here, I was seriously impressed. I know someone reading this is totally chuckling about how I'm going on and on about such an immature food choice. I mean, I used to eat these in my grade school cafeteria. Maybe that's the draw.... nostalgia. If there is such a thing as "high end tater tots", this is the place to get them. -
Review from Josie L.
It was Sunday and we were in search of a cool sports bar in San Diego to catch the Lakers game and grab a quick bite. My fiance was in the mood for a good burger so we headed over to Nicky Rottens thx to a great suggestion by Yelp. We got there around 12 and the place was pretty dead but by half time it was crowded.
We sat at the bar and the bartender who served us was Olivia. She told us it was happy hour (awesome) from 11 -1 p.m. so we ordered a couple of drinks - blue moon for the fiance and mimosa for me. We also ordered the sweet potato fries and fiance ordered the Badass BBQ Burger. He really enjoyed the burger and literally demolished the thing. The sweet potato fries were very good and served with warm maple syrup which I thought was odd at first but I ended up really liking it. His burger came with regular fries, but I definitely recommend upgrading to the sweet potato fries. Those were a lot better!
Only complaint is that they could use some bigger TVs behind the bar :) -
Review from D.J. M.
Fremont, CA
Huge burgers - could easily be shared. Very friendly and efficient service by waitress Marissa. Nice outdoor dining area on the street - good for people watching. But the smoking allowed in the small outdoor area spoiled the end of our meal.
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Review from Christine S.
Lemon Grove, CA
This place is awesome!
Great food! I used to work across the street from them, would get breakfast all the time, as well as the burgers.. And I love burgers.. Give me mushrooms and I'm in heaven. Nick and April the owners are the best, I miss them since I stopped working downtown, one of thionyl reasons I go downtown is to go see them, and Dominic! Miss you guys! -
Review from T.J. K.
Charlottesville, VA
Nicky Rotten's is my go-to in the gaslamp. Freaking HUGE bacon avocado burger with great fries for only $10. Compared to other gaslamp restaurants (including the overpriced Burger Lounge), it's an incredible deal.
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Review from Blair K.
Arlington, VA
I have been here twice and both times thought it was pretty tasty. I did make the mistake of ordering a burger without knowing how huge they are. If you can down a gigantic burger then this is your place. Unfortunately I could only finish about half. The second time I came, I got the sliders and they were much more my speed. Definitely opt for the tater tots!
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Review from TJ D.
Los Angeles, CA
Had breakfast (actually at Sloppy Joey's next door, but seems to be same menu/kitchen) and I was pleasantly surprised. Really great pancakes, good service. I had a bit of the "O'Brien potatoes" that came with my fiancé's dish and they were fantastic. If I'm in San Diego and looking for breakfast I'll be back.
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Review from Greg S.
There's a hallowed burger joint in Atlanta called the Vortex. I'm a huge fan, having eaten there multiple times and loved every bite.
Then there's Nicky Rottens in SD. Once I saw the menu and photos of their food, I knew I was in for a "Vortex-like experience." And indeed, it delivered!
First off, any place serving tater tots as a side to their burgers is doing something right. I mean, how could you not love tater tots? Little fried pillows of potatoey goodness! Add to that some amazing fried zucchini slices, and I'm talking gooooood. Pair them up with some bomb sides of cucumber wasabi and pesto aoli, and my toes are curling!
Their burgers are solid and flavorful. I tackled the jalapeno burger, which had a good amount of heat but I could have handled more. Perfectly cooked as well.
Service was friendly and attentive, from everyone we encountered. And even though the place is semi-loud and boisterous, it's got a nice vibe. And prices are not too shabby either.
If you're looking for a great burger with some tater tots, look no further. I know I won't the next time I'm in the Gas Lamp! -
Review from Andrew N.
Torrance, CA
My wife and I were visiting San Diego and decided to stop here for lunch. Josefa was our waitress. She recommended burgers because that's what they are known for. My wife and I had other ideas because we already had our fill of burgers back home. I ordered the shrimp and chips with fried zucchini and my wife ordered the steak and spinach salad.
We both loved our dishes. The steak on my wife's salad was cooked perfectly. The salad itself was well-dressed. My fried tiger shrimp was also cooked/fried perfectly. The place itself was like a sports bar frequented by the local naval folk. There are TVs everywhere with nothing but sports on. It was busy when we were there, but Josefa made sure we were not overlooked. She even knocked 15% off our bill (totally unnecessary but much appreciated) because she thought we were inconvenienced with how crowded it was (which we were not). We were just enjoying our meals quietly.
Thanks Josefa! -
Review from Mikie B.
Poway, CA
Excellent food and service here. The buffalo chicken pizza will destroy your mouth hole in a good way. Nice for lunch or an early dinner, or before Padres games.
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Review from Victor B.
Spring Valley, CA
I COME FOR THE BURGERS!!!! One of the best places for burger places in San Diego, and they make other foods!!!!
LOVE THIS PLACE!!!! Just wish they would build a bigger one or expand bc it gets crowded sometimes. Excellent place to go for lunch and not too expensive either. -
Review from Matt A.
People may not expect it here because of the "kitsch" factor, but the truth is that the burgers here are very very legit. The meat is quality and the great variety of burger options makes Nicky Rottens a worthwhile stop. The service is really good, except one of the waitresses hates when you "hay girl" her. And by "hay girl" I just mean you say in a loud voice "haaaaaaaaaay girl". But back to the food. The chili is real tasty as are the tater tots, fried zucchini and many things off the Sloppy Joes menu. Overall the Stache approves of NR!
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Review from Sharon L.
Pretty strong martinis and their mule is delightful.
The mushroom burger is gargantuan. It's as American as a burger can get: big, slightly clumsy, greasy, straightforward flavor. Large bun studded with sesame seeds, thick patty layered with cheese. It looks, feels, and tastes heavy. -
Review from Mary K.
San Diego, CA
Great Veggie Burger! HUGE prawns - seriously worth the price. Friendly staff, great food, cold beer, relaxed atmosphere. What more do you need?
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Review from C S.
San Diego, CA
Very good burger place the best I have had probly ever and make sure you go in on an empty stomach skip bfast this is an all in one meal very good.
adding an update stopped by again today food was awesome but hostest chick was some what of a snot, I took my mother n law wife and my 2 yr old son for a burger and right away she urged me to go next door because its a bar scene I was like no kidding ive been going there for years its not like were gonna sit at the bar and its around little after 1pm so just thought id put that out there and food was still great but tha almost killed it for me the smugness. -
Review from Jillian B.
Lakeside, CA
Worst service I've EVER had....mediocre food at best
I've been to Nicky Rotten's 3 times in total, so I've given it the 'ol college try to say the least. My first visit there was horrific. It was the worst service I have EVER experienced and it wasn't isolated to one really bad thing that happened in the meal. It was the entire visit. AND I witnessed the same horrid service at other tables. I was fuming when I left there and voxed that I would never go back. The service was bad enough, but the food didn't make up for it...Everything was mediocre and so so. The breakfast burger is probably the best thing I've had a bite of from there.
The only reason I ever went back was because my whole group was so miffed about the service that we wrote a letter to the owner and they gave us a $75 gift card (which was appreciated, but meant that I had to go back). Our second experince was definitely improved (but in all honesty I don't think it could have gotten worse then the first visit) in the service dept, but the food still didn't wow me. Same for the 3rd visit. I'd rather eat an In-n-Out burger then one of theirs.
I know this is a popular place and a few of my friends really like it, I just have no desire to send any more of my money their way..... -
Review from Lindsay K.
San Diego, CA
This review is based only on customer service at the bar - which was so crappy, we walked out before ordering anything.
So, four of us were doing a little bar hopping and decided to go into Nicky Rottens for a drink and some appetizers. We walked up to the bar where there were 4 seats available, sat down and waited for a bartender. The bar was a little busy, but not abnormally busy or chaotic.
I need to stress that we were having fun, not in a hurry and we aren't the "uptight customer" kinds of people. With that said, the bartender (male) came up to us (with an apparent chip on his shoulder) and asked us what we wanted. Before we could respond, he rolled his eyes, walked away and helped someone else. I'm serious when I say we had about 3 seconds to spit our answer out before he got annoyed with us. He came back, and I dared to ask for a menu so we could get an appetizer with drinks. Once again, I got an eye roll and when he came back he flicked the menu at us and walked away.
At that point, we decided we weren't going to bother with this place.
It's too bad...I had heard this place has great food, but I'm turned off to ever go back. -
Review from Kevin P.
Ramona, CA
In my quest to try all gastro pubs/burger bar joints I hit up Nicky Rottens last weekend. Unfortunatly didnt get to try a burger as wel snacked on cold beers and apps while waiting for friends. Great beers, full bar, friendly staff, and loads of fun watching people as there is seating outside right in the gaslamp. Prices are very decent since the gaslamp can get crazy expensive. Will be going back for some burger action.
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Review from cheng k.
Was not terribly stoked on this place. I ordered the "bad ass burger" and it was just pretty bad. The cheese on the burger was in the stage where it was trying to melt, but then coagulated back together. It was a pretty lame burger.
The nachos were lame, except for the chili - the chili was great.
Sorry, overall, meh. -
Review from Barry H.
San Diego, CA
I've been wanting to try this place for a while but I dislike going to the Gaslamp because of the parking and the crowds. We had reason to be downtown anyway and thought it would be fun to go with friends after our occasion ended. Unless you get lucky and happen upon street parking the easiest thing to do is use Park it On Market-a pay garage about a block away. There are also valet services across the street if you are so inclined. We actually were seated in Sloppy Joeys next door because Nicky Rottens had a wait to get in that night and we were hungry. No matter because we aren't really into the bar scene anyway. Since both Nicky Rottens and Sloppy Joeys are under the same ownership you can order off of either menu from either place. Both accept kids but Nicky Rottens is probably not the best place to take your kids. Sloppy Joeys would be perfectly fine for the whole family.
We started out with fried zucchini. Since I am trying to watch my weight I tried only one but could have eaten the entire basket-they were good. Next my wife and I shared a salad and the Rotten Mushroom burger- again both very good. I would rank it up there with most of the gourmet burgers in town. At $10.95 it is a little pricier than most but I call that the Gaslamp tax. I can only imagine what rent is down there. You won't find a less expensive place to eat at down there. After the appetizer, salad and burger we were all pretty full so we passed on dessert. I think I can say that all four of us were pleased with our choice and will highly consider coming back if we are downtown again. Thanks for a great meal Nicky! -
Review from Julie K.
San Diego, CA
OMG! I went there for the 1st time today for lunch. We were looking for organic food.
Ok, yes its a bar, but its 100% organic and absolutely the best burgers anywhere! Try the peppercorn burger! Three of us went for lunch and said this will be one of our new lunch time places!
Service was good and friendly. We didn't have drinks, but the food was the best. -
Review from Glen H.
San Diego, CA
Food was really good. You have to order a burger. One of the best in San Diego. The server did a real good job. Surprised she was able to put up with us.
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Review from Glen C.
Chicago, IL
Went there in the middle of the day looking for a good burger. Found one!!
Got the "dirty sanchez" burger (giggle giggle), and oh man it was awesome. Chile, jalepaneos, pepper jack, and a whole lot of awesome.
I can't speak for the night scene, but the day restaurant is great! -
Review from Lina L.
Chula Vista, CA
Came here with a group of 13. My sister and I chose the place by looking on Yelp. Made a reservation a couple days before with no problem.
Location: Its in downtown. What do you expect?
Restaurant/Ambiance/Cleanliness: There's a large bar inside. Our tables were upstairs. We liked it because it wasn't crowded and only a few others up top. It seemed pretty clean inside. The lights were dim, but we liked it that way. There were TVs for the guys to watch some sports while we ate. Bathroom sucks because there's only 1 stall.
Service: Our waitress was great even with our large party and even when she had to keep going up and down the stairs!
Food: So they're known to have great burgers. You can change the beef patty to a turkey burger, chicken breast or veggie patty. My opinion on their food...Great! And I'm not saying this because I was buzzed off 2 sips of my Mai Tai! Lol. But really it was great.
Brushchetta Burger: My sister and I chose this and decided to share this. We got the turkey basil patty and changed our fries to sweet potato fries. I didn't realize until a week later when I looked at my receipt...they charged $1 for a split plate and $2 to change the fries! Wow. But the burger was very delicious and tasty as were the fries.
Bacavo Burger: My husband got this and its a burger with avocado and bacon. It was delicious. I've read the burgers are huge, but my husband finished his entire meal! Its not as huge as some say unless my husband just knows how to eat. Ha.
Fried Zuchinni: Whenever this is on the menu, I get it. Shared it with my table and it was really good and fried perfectly.
Not sure what everyone else got...but my cousin got a BBQ chicken salad and it was delicious and something I wouldn't mind ordering myself. We had no complaints with our party.
My sister and I want to come back again to try different things. -
Review from Scott L.
We went here for lunch and wanted to sit outside and eat with our dogs. They couldn't fit four of us and the dogs outside on their small patio area with some other people who were already seated, so they offered us a table next door at the Pizza Place they also own (Sloppy Joey's) and told us we could order from either menu. That was some nice thinking and made it so we could still eat here.
They sat us a table that was a little tight for four people, but there wasn't anything bigger. We started with an order of the garlic fries, which were pretty good but the garlic was a little over cooked. They were still very good, just not the best I've had.
I ordered a burger and after just sharing a huge plate of fries wondered what other options they had. The waitress ran down a fairly long list and if I just hadn't eaten a whole lot of garlic, probably would have tried their garlic tater tots. I'll have to try them next time I'm back. My wife really wanted to try their chili cheese fries so that' what I got and they were really quite good. My burger was also very good and they prepared it just how I wanted it.
This was a nice lunch, with good food, and good service. The tables outside Sloppy Joey's are a little tight for parties of four, but the waiters did a great job of clearing the table and arranging stuff so we had room. It's great that the staff was able to accommodate us when we wouldn't have fit otherwise. We may not have eaten here other wise. It's great that they're dog friendly too. I think the prices were reasonable also. I'd gladly go back if I need a burger fix next time I'm in town. -
Review from Sandy I.
Fullerton, CA
Food was average... if I knew I was going to get a burger, I would've gone straight to Hodads.
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Review from Jenifer P.
La Mesa, CA
I went here for lunch with my co-workers and I have to say this was one of the best burgers I have had in a long time, maybe top five of my life! They have a very extensive menu but if you are coming here for the first time you must get a burger, it's what they are known for plus they cook (or don't cook) your burger as rare as I have ever seen which is the way I like them. They are located in the heart of the Gaslamp which is nice and they have a very fun, Chicago-themed vibe with decor to match. Their prices are reasonable and they have a killer happy hour I want to come back for one day.
The waitstaff is friendly and the restaurant is clean with indoor and outdoor seating. There is also another restaurant which is connected to Nicky Rottens and you can order of their menu of pizzas and pastas too but I have heard to avoid the pasta.
Overall it was a great experience and I would highly recommend the burgher and if you can finish their two-and-a-half pound burger in under a half hour, it's free and if you do it in under an hour, you get your name on the wall, a t-shirt and the chance to live in infamy! -
Review from caroline h.
San Diego, CA
this place has a way better burger than i expected!!! i can't remember which one i got, but i loved it. my friends all loved theirs too. we also got sweet potato fries and regular fries, both good!!! i went another time where we got things other than burgers, and everything was great that time as well.
i'll need to go again and update this when i remember my food a little better! -
Review from Clint K.
Sterling, IL
My wife and family were on a business trip, while my wife was at meetings, she left me in charge of finding a burger joint . So i went serching on the laptop. oh yea in walking distance of our hotel.(Manchester hyatt) I read some reviews, and a few were pretty bad. But we took a chance, thank god we did because it was the best damn burger we had. And the service was perfect too. Thank You NICKY ROTTENS
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Review from Josh W.
San Diego, CA
My favorite place to eat before a ball game. The burgers here are awesome! To me they tie Hodads for the best burgers in San Diego.
The sloppy Joe is great too!!! -
Review from Angelica D.
Los Angeles, CA
I'm only trying to discover this so called Gaslamp District as it is known for the trendy bar-hopping drinking scene. This was one of the places we dropped by. Had the usual whiskey and coke, which tasted very funny. But I think it's because I am now accustomed to Jameson and Cokes. Good chill crowd, and ample seating at the bar.
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Review from James H.
This place is really good, each of the burgers on the menu looked delcious and had wildly hilarious names. Names of the burgers include "dirty sanchez" for the spicier crazy burger and no other names come to mind but i had avocado burger which was delcious and they have really good beer specials before 8pm for happy hour for 3 bucks each.
Appetizers were also really good. Waitresses are really hot here. The only downside is service isn't as good as I would hope but nonetheless. Great experience. You can catch your favorite games as there are plenty of tvs everywhere and the crowd that comes here is pretty young and hip.
Will be coming here more. I suggest ordering a couple appetizers and sharing a burger.. the burgers are huge! They also have a 2 1/2 lb burger challenge you finish it you get it for free and a tshirt.. One of these days I will take the challenge! -
Review from Khloe J.
San Diego, CA
HOLY BURGER. Let me say right off the bat - one burger is two meals. So either plan on bringing half home, or share it with a friend. Or hey, maybe if you're feeling adventurous you'll go for the whole thing.
I got the peppercorn burger with sweet potato fries. The burger was the best thing I've eaten in a long time, you have to try this one - sooo much flavor and cooked perfectly. I added jalapenos for an extra kick. The sweet potato fries were also delicious and the best part is that they come with honey mustard and MAPLE SYRUP. Perfection. I'm looking to go in for happy hour next time.
Go with a big appetite, Leave happy and full. -
Review from F-eezzzyyy N.
San Diego, CA
O M G.
best burgers in town.
They are HUGE so i would split it.
the enviorment is a sports bar setting but the food is deff worth everything. I got the jalepeno burger....AWESOME.
deff go back
staff is super nice also.helpful. -
Review from Dana L.
Westwood, CA
The staff was very friendly and their draft beer selection is great.
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Review from Robert K.
Chandler, AZ
Fun place to blow your diet.
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Review from Eveline A.
San Diego, CA
Now THAT is a tasty burger!
I normally avoid the Gaslamp as much as I possibly can, but I will venture there specifically for Nicky Rottens. I was initially on the fence, because burgers - come on. I can take them or leave them. I'm just as happy to go to In 'N Out. My friend was jonesing bad for a burger though, so we ventured into the neon, tourist-crowded streets of the Gaslamp. Several catcalls from the bro-douche clubbers later (does this neighborhood ever get less sketchy? Seriously, we were wearing, like, sweatshirts. And jeans. And it was Monday), we arrived at Nicky Rottens.
The decor is...interesting...to say the least - think cheesy, touristy Sopranos sports bar. We started off with their happy hour well drinks, which were surprisingly generous with the alcohol - overall a good deal. But the food. My God. Sometimes you just gotta have DEEP FRIED EVERYTHING and Nicky Rottens is the place to go. Onion rings, regular old French fries, seasoned French fries - you name it. These are the biggest damn onion rings I think I've ever seen. I didn't think I'd need to eat again for a week after having an order.
That was my big mistake, because I'd also ordered their mushroom burger - holy cow. Melty, delicious cheese and mushrooms, onions. I was so full I had to take half home - burgers don't keep well, but this was still pretty good on day two. This really is one of the top burgers I've had in San Diego...no wonder Nicky Rottens was featured in the Serious Eats A Hamburger Today series. As good as my mushroom burger was, as soon as I saw my friend's Rottens Bruschetta Burger ("da one dat makes ya turn to da udda side"), I regretted not getting it. Sounds like we'll have to return. Yes, I will brave the bro-douches for another Rottens burger.
