Niki’s West Steak And Seafood Restaurant

Niki’s lunch offerings on Saturday are great, as food is served along a cafeteria style line. There are numerous offerings from meats, vegetables and desserts. If you are looking for a good meat and vegetable place for lunch, then this is the place. The line moves quickly as the line servers keep things moving along. The table serves are generally friendly and keep a good check on the table, keeping drinks refilled regularly and making sure everything is okay. Nicki’s is a solid choice for lunch in Birmingham.

Traveling from California. The price is affordable (~$ 11 for 3 sides plus a meat). Diverse menu and appreciate the buffet style makes it easy to get in and out. Staff was friendly .
Food: fair
Okay. Mediterranean chicken was dry. Liked the squash and veggie options. Gumbo wasn’t my usual Louisiana type — more tomato-​based. Yams were very sweet. Collard greens were okay. Mac and cheese somewhat Bland. Likes the roll options.

Today was my first time eating at Nikki west. My boyfriend who is originally from Alabama couldn’t wait to take me to this place. Well anyways I was pretty excited, I’m a fat girl at heart and just couldn’t wait. As we’re walking into the restaurant there’s a sign. «No tank tops, no bare feet and no rollers on your head» which I thought was pretty funny. I was so anxious and also trying very hard to make a decision with all this food in front of me. Well they definitely didn’t give me a chance to pick out what meat I wanted and just threw the fish on my plate. Made it seem like I was a convenience and I’m like I haven’t even opened my mouth to speak yet. So I just went with the fried tilapia since it was already on my plate. As I proceeded down the line a tall Caucasian man told me I had to button up my sweater because the 1 cm of belly that was showing was inappropriate. I definitely had high waisted pants on and a baggy shirt. So I was kind of embarrassed and upset but I was so hungry I proceeded down the line. The food was good I really enjoyed the candy yams and the sweet tea. I definitely think the men in on the expo line should be a little more courteous and keep their comments to their selves.

It was good — the food was comfort food for sure. The line can get long, so be ready for that. Don’t forget dessert!

For my whole life pretty much this has been my FAVORITE restaurant! The food is absolutely amazing! If you’ve never had it PLEASE take the time to go visit!

The best home cooking in b’ham besides your granny’s. Huge selection in a cafeteria style line. Grits, potatoes, hamburger steak, beef tips, greens, EVERYTHING. You better know what you want before its your time to order because the staff and customers will get mad. Somehow they get you seated and keep the line moving even with tons of people. They also have a huge selection of desserts. This place is an instant favorite.

We had the great pleasure of visiting Niki’s while we were in Birmingham and WOW. I was looking for restaurant ideas online and saw something touting Niki’s as the best meat ‘n’ three in the area. Having no idea what a meat ‘n ‘three even was I did some research but the reading could not compare to the actual experience. This is like what every sad cafeteria my family dragged me to wanted to be, somewhere deep in it’s sad little soul. Great homestyle cooking served up where you pick your meat, your sides and some serious dessert before making your way to a table. Everything we had was outstanding (veal cutlet, fried green tomatoes and yellow squash casserole for me). The service was great — our tea never went empty or turned to sweet upon refill. Overall, a great experience. My only sadness was we only made it there once during our stay.

I’ve been going to Nikki’s since I was a child. My parents would frequent this fine dining establishment and I haven’t grown tired of it yet. I always get the Veal Cutlet with macaroni, broccoli and cheese, with peach cobbler to finish it off. I’ve never been disappointed. The staff is always very nice from the line servers to the waiters. Some of the same people that were there when I was a young boy are still there today so it makes it feel like home. 5 out 5 from me.

Lots to choose from and I don’t think I’ve ever hit the bottom of my glass of sweet tea. This is an awesome no-​frills, down home and very reasonably priced spot. And the waitresses are super sweet, too. Going to Niki’s West feels like stepping back in time — in a good way.
Addition: I fantasize about Niki’s West launching a food truck and popping up in random places throughout the city. That would really be everything.

It’s a decent place to get a quick lunch. They have to go orders as well. Meal is a hit or miss depending on your taste buds. The place do get busy, but they have plenty of tables for you to sit at.

This restaurant is an old favorite and a southern must. It feels like home to me and my first choice for some good comfort food besides my mama’s cookin’. My family has been eating here since before I was born. It’s my favorite place in Birmingham to get a meat and three. You can stand in line and get cafeteria style food which is always good. Tip: the food tastes fresher at lunch. Or you can order off the menu. The flounder is fantastic.

Don’t think it is possible to have a bad meal here. This is your Southern granny’s cooking brought back to life. My personal favorite main dishes: Either the broiled Lemon — Pepper Catfish or the Fried Snapper; the tartar sauce is homemade, so ask for an extra. Others are the Baked Greek Chicken, Liver and Onions, Chicken and Dressing, or Meatloaf. You don’t need my help ordering sides!

I always passed by here on my way to the farmer’s market, saw the crowd but thought it wasn’t for me. We usually go as a large group. The line moves fast, so you should know what you want before you get to the ordering part. I usually get seafood, mac and cheese, fruits and a roll. My GOD, the roll is amazing. I wish I knew how to make it! Love, love, love! Always ready to go back!

Best of its kind in Birmingham! Southern cooking meat and 3 or whatever you call it this is the place to get it! The food is well prepared and this place is an institution! It’s not in the best area but people come from all around to eat here! There is a little Steinfeld soup Nazi situation going on here but its part of the charm. The place serves a ridiculous number of people on a daily basis. They like for the line to move as do the patrons. No one is exactly happy for you hold up the line because it takes you 15 minutes to decide between mashed potatoes or Mac and cheese. You can’t go wrong so pick one and move on.

There’s an old school steakhouse feel to this place, which is why it unexpected for a non-​Bham native to find the cafeteria style bar with every kind of veggie. There’s a host of folks asking what you’d like, and honestly, with all the choices, it can be overwhelming to pick, especially with several folks looking at you. It can feel rushed since there’s normally a line behind you. I always feel like I picked stuff without picking what I really wanted. Some of the veggies taste like they came out of one of those industrial sized cans you get at Sam’s. The meat is always good, especially the chicken cooked several different ways. The desserts are tasty and the rolls are scrumptious. Service can be very good with the right person. If you’re looking for old school cafeteria style food, Nicky’s is for you.

I had the pleasure of eating here while in town for work. We took a break for lunch and our hosts simply said «we’re going to Niki’s.» Good choice!
Now I’m a Yankee, so I’m not too familiar with southern food but it seemed they had pretty much every southern side dish and many mains I’ve heard of.
After eating heavy the last few days, I opted for the Greek chicken, which was automatically topped with a delicious thin vinegar-​based gravy. I scooped up sides of green beans, stewed carrots and macaroni and cheese. I grabbed a large dinner roll and skipped the pie.
I tried to order unsweetened tea… But when EVERYONE else at my table ordered sweet tea, I realized the error of my ways and reversed my decision. Again, good choice.
The roll was delicious. Green beans were on point. The chicken was as tender and flavorful as the Peruvian chicken I get back home, but even juicier and I loved the unique seasonings and gravy. I was hoping the carrots would be maple glazed or otherwise sweet, but were instead swimming in butter, as if Paula Deen herself had whipped them up. There was more than enough liquefied butter to dip my roll in. Not even mad.
The macaroni and cheese stood out as the best feature. I could have eaten an entire plate and forgone the healthy baked chicken.
I had a bite of a colleague’s pecan pie, but wasn’t terribly impressed. The nuts were plentiful, but it just wasn’t as sticky gooey caramely good like I prefer it.
All in all, a solid spot. I’d come back for sure!

I drive a truck and have eaten in several places over the years.
This is unequivocally one of the best places to eat anywhere.
The service included is outstanding.
Nothing will disappoint.
They have a serving line with the typical cafeteria style setup.
What isn’t typical is the quality and taste of the food.
They also have a menu for those who don’t care for the cafeteria line.
The seafood here is outstanding with the stuffed flounder being the standout.
Pies and cakes are made in house and can steal the show.
Prices are average. Meat and three delicious side runs $ 10. Generous portions.

I have always heard the adage that Greeks make the best restaurateurs and in Birmingham I certainly would believe it. For years a trip thru Birmingham for our family has meant a stop at the Birmingham Farmer’s market and a meal at nearby Niki’s. Fresh produce throughout the Mid-​South region of Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee originates in Birmingham at this distribution point for produce from far-​away as well as, during season, from local Alabama farmers.
If a visit to the Farmer’s Market is near meal time, the place to go is Niki’s West to enjoy many fresh vegetables, tastefully prepared from the Farmer’s Market. A traditional and very efficient cafeteria, you’ll find enough variety in their extensive food line to satisfy any taste.
My personal favorites here are always the vegetables. Always a sign of a quality establishment, you’ll find real butter on the table and a server will bring your beverages promptly and efficiently. During peak hours, lines can be rather long, but move very quickly and wait time is usually pretty short.

What can I say about Niki’s that hasn’t already been said? After all the great reviews, there isn’t much left. This place is the epitome of a great Meat and Three. Now, as mentioned before, you better be ready to order when you get to the front. Everyone is friendly, unless you hold up the line. But because of that, the line moves fast no matter how long. The place is HUGE so you always have a seat. Somehow no matter how many people come through the place, they have figured out the perfect amount of tables in order to have enough turnover to NEVER wait.
I have had a ton of great food. The livers are great. Beef Tips are fantastic. Some of the best salmon patties I’ve eaten. But my go to is the veal cutlet. It has the perfect amount of meat/​breading ratio. And the gravy just sets it off. I’ve also never had a bad veggie. Their greens are some of the best. Creamed corn is the bomb. And I am a huge black-​eye pea fan. These are definitely in the top 3 I’ve ever had. And THAT is saying a lot. Don’t hesitate if you are looking for lunch in Bham. This is your place.

I have been going here for years and it is one of the top lunch places my family wants to go to when visiting Bham. Delicious vegetables with more selection than you can imagine. Plenty of salad options and dessert options too. Swing by the farmers market after eating here.