Nick’s Nest

Nick’s Nest, as the T-shirts they sell proclaim, has been a Holyoke landmark since 1921. The business recently changed owners, and these new owners seem to be committed to keeping things as they were, with some subtle improvements. Today you can have some outstanding hotdogs and sides and take in the atmosphere that has delighted customers for years.

What to eat at Nick’s Nest

The hot dogs are made for the restaurant and are also available to take home. According to their web site, they are “custom made from Nick’s original 1920’s recipe, a blend of fresh cuts of beef and pork. No trimmings or scraps. No filler, cereal or heavy spices. Despite the fact that low-fat was not in vogue in the Twenties, Nick’s Nest original recipe contains one-third less fat than today’s average hot dog or sausage.” While they may be lower fat, the taste is what will bring you back – not too spicy, on a nice soft New England style bun wrapped in a plain white napkin. You can choose from relish or onions, with or without mustard, although a bottle of ketchup is not far away.

The beans are homemade and, as the sign says, delicious. They now offer macaroni and potato salads, both of which are quite good. My companion, a local resident, swears by the orange drink, but I prefer a vanilla frappe. The restaurant is a step back in time, and well worth a detour!

Original Post by Tony Bad