A bit off the beaten path but we were told to visit an unassuming place called Nick's on HWY 20 between Niceville and Freeport. Well we finally did and we were not disappointed.

We dined on Thursday of this week. The place reminds of an old days fish house like something from Ocean Springs Mississippi where I used to go with with my PaPa and family to eat. Tile floor with tables with green tablecloths. Bar area and two TV's with the Braves game on! We got a nice table right on the window with a view of the bay. I noticed that evening that all the diners were couples when we were there. 5 or six couples coming to get away and get some good grub, but I digress.

Servers seem to be have been there awhile although many were quite young. Great service and laid back and relaxed as you would expect. A perfect match for the personality of the place.

Menu selections gave you ample time to think and rethink your options as well as three or four board specials as you enter.

Since I have started my diet I opted for the trout grilled with salad, fries and hushpuppies. Ok, so the fries are not on my diet, sue me. My wife got a steam platter combo of shrimp and what was supposed to be snow crab but ended up dungeness. We also ordered 1/2 lb. of steamed crab claws WITH Old Bay seasoning. Wife had a 1/2 carafe of Chard which was surprisingly good for $5.95 table. I had the trusty ice tea in the BIG glass.

Ok, the food. The crab claws were a yummy departure from fried and seasoned well with Old Bay. My trout was FAB as in 10 out of 10 fab. Although I could not eat all the fries due to diet they may have been the best side of fries ever with perfect texture and crispness with soft insides. You know what I am talking about. Hush puppies went to wife. Salad was plain but fresh and also what you expect from a place like this.

My wife loved her crab and shrimp and again Old Bay paved the way on the shrimp. Huge baked potato too! I sncuk a few shrimp and one crab leg and it too was plump, juicy and tender.

Too full for dessert BUT we will be back for blue crabs, oysters in season and some dessert.

Load the family on the station wagon, head down 20 and pull in for some great old style seafood house food and fellowship.

I am giving Nick's 4.5 out of 5 on my shells rating scale.

Tell 'em Emerald Coast 101 sent you and remember, Life IS a beach!;)