Nick's Deli offers scrumptious meals for the right price

By Sean Orfila
Online Forty-Niner
Staff writer

Starving after three hours of surfing — I usually find myself in the back of a long line at Nick's Deli at about 10 a.m., water dripping from my nose. When I reach the register, I suddenly become the customer that I've always feared. I'm the guy that always orders the same thing.

The Vegetarian Burrito hits the spot so good that I'll never get sick of it. It's an automatic response, something like an addiction. When I finish a morning surf session, I crave the warmth of a Nick's burrito. Fresh potatoes and hot eggs and the sauce — yes the sauce! I just want to rub it all over. I could eat the same thing all the time — and I do!

I've been eating at Nick's on a regular basis for six years, ever since I dated a girl that lived nearby. I'm not trying to claim local status — some people have been eating at Nick's Deli every day since 1984. They've even landed themselves a spot on the to-go menu.

Shamefully, over the past six years, I've only eaten the veggie burrito. That's right, only seven ingredients — tortillas, eggs, potatoes, avocado, salsa, and that coveted special sauce — out of 34 items on the menu. A disgrace to food lovers everywhere.

Still, the eggs and potatoes usually hold my appetite through classes. School should be enjoyed. I couldn't imagine a better way to sit through class than having a warm burrito in my stomach and my head still spinning from the insane barrels I had caught that morning. Life can be kind.

The boys at Nick's are some of the quickest and cleanest kitchen workers in the business. There could be a line out the door and the crew would have everyone down and eating in five minutes. I like to hang by the free pepperoncinis and watch them cook. I've never seen anyone crack a dozen eggs that fast before in my life.

Nick's is one of those places where the cashier could be totally mean and you'd still come back because the food is so good. But they're friendly when they take your money and the tip jar is rather healthy.

Nick's also serves hot and cold sandwiches, six different burritos, submarines and homemade soup. I bet it's all very good. Maybe some day I'll know — but for now you'll find me eating a veggie burrito and reading the paper like a stubborn, grumpy old man.

Nick's Deli – 223 Main St., Seal Beach, Ca., open Monday thru Friday 7 a.m. — 7 p.m., Sat 7 a.m. — 5 p.m., Sun 7 a.m. — 4 p.m. (562)598-5072. Food $1.95 — $6, no alcohol, cash or check only.

Sean Orfila is a senior journalism major at Cal State Long Beach. He likes eating food, surfing, taking long romantic walks on the beach, and being a computer nerd. You can visit him at his Web site, www.goeatrice.blogspot.com.