If you find yourself wandering through Winthrop and don’t stop for a steak tip sub, did you even visit? Seriously though. Nick’s Place Winthrop MA isn't just another local pizza joint; it’s a massive operation that’s basically become the culinary backbone of this little peninsula town. It’s been sitting at 70 Pauline Street for years, and honestly, the sheer volume of food they move through that kitchen is kinda staggering.
Most people think of it as just a place to grab a quick slice of pepperoni, but that’s where they get it wrong. It’s way more than that. We're talking about a menu that reads more like a phone book—if people still used those. From Greek specialties to massive seafood platters, it’s the kind of place where a "small" order usually ends up being lunch for the next two days.
Why the Nick’s Place Winthrop MA Menu Is Actually Exhausting
You walk in and there’s this giant board. You’ve got your standard Italian-American staples, sure. But then you see Lamb Tip Dinners, Grilled Swordfish, and Lobster Ravioli. It’s a bit of a localized phenomenon. Most sub shops stay in their lane. Nick’s? They own the whole highway.
The steak tips are arguably the biggest draw. People around here are picky about their tips—it’s a New England thing. At Nick’s, they’ve got this marinade that’s just the right amount of sweet and salty. You can get them in a sub, over a salad, or as a full dinner with rice pilaf and those "Italian broccoli" spears that are drenched in just the right amount of garlic and oil.
- The Pizza Scene: They do a thin crust that's actually thin, not just "not thick."
- The "Special": Nick’s Special Pizza comes loaded with peppers, onions, mushrooms, pepperoni, hamburg, and sausage. It’s heavy.
- The Wild Cards: Ever tried a Mashed Potato Pizza with jalapenos and bacon? It’s weirdly addictive.
- The Roast Beef: They take their North Shore roast beef seriously here. Super roast beef on a seeded onion roll is the only way to go.
The Local Reputation: It's Not Always Perfect
Look, let’s be real. When a place has been around since the mid-80s (specifically 1986), they’re going to have some off nights. If you look at recent reviews from late 2025 and early 2026, you’ll see the usual local gripes. Some people complain that prices have hiked up—which, honestly, what hasn't lately? Others mention that on a Friday night, the delivery might take a bit longer than the app promised.
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But there’s a reason the parking lot is always a chaotic mess of delivery drivers and locals double-parking to run in for a pickup. The consistency is generally there. You know that if you order a Steak Bomb, it’s going to be overflowing with salami, cheese, and grilled veggies. It’s comfort food. It’s not trying to be a Michelin-star experience; it’s trying to feed a family of four for a semi-reasonable price without anyone having to wash a dish.
Beyond Just a Pizza Shop
One thing that catches people off guard is the history. This isn't just a Winthrop thing anymore. The brand has expanded significantly. You’ll find Nick's Place outposts in Revere, Saugus, Lawrence, and even up into New Hampshire like Hampton Falls and Newmarket. It’s a mini-empire.
The Winthrop location, however, remains the heart of it. It moved from 1 Pauline Street to the current 70 Pauline spot back in 2006, and it’s basically been a town landmark ever since. It’s located right near the high school and the ice rink, which means if there’s a hockey game or a graduation, you better call your order in an hour early.
The Seafood Secret
A lot of tourists or newcomers miss the seafood section because they're blinded by the pizza smell. Big mistake. Being so close to the water, they do a Haddock Sandwich and Fried Whole Belly Clams that actually rival some of the dedicated seafood shacks in the area.
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They even have a Grilled Seafood Risotto with shrimp, lobster, and scallops. In a sub shop? Yeah. It’s surprisingly high-end for a place where most people are wearing sweatpants and flip-flops.
What You Need to Know Before You Order
If you’re planning to hit up Nick’s Place Winthrop MA, there are a few "pro moves" to keep in mind. First, their Greek Lemon Soup is the sleeper hit of the entire menu. It’s that thick, creamy, egg-and-lemon broth with chicken and rice. It’s basically medicine if you’re feeling under the weather.
Second, the portions are massive. Don't let the "Junior" size on the roast beef fool you; it’s plenty. If you order a "Large" sub, you’re basically committing to a physical challenge.
Hours and Access:
- They’re usually open from around 8:30 AM until 10:00 PM most days.
- Delivery is available through all the usual suspects (Uber Eats, DoorDash, etc.), but calling them directly sometimes gets you a faster result if the local drivers are looped in.
- Parking is tight. If you’re picking up, try to find a spot on the side streets rather than fighting for the three spaces right in front.
The Verdict on Nick's Place
Is it the best food in the world? Maybe not. Is it the most reliable, "I-don’t-know-what-I-want-for-dinner" solution in Winthrop? Absolutely. It’s a business that has survived decades of changes in the town because it knows exactly what it is: a high-volume, high-variety kitchen that doesn't skimp on the portions.
Whether you're there for the Buffalo Finger Pizza or a Prime Rib Dinner (which they usually only do on Thursdays, by the way), you’re getting a piece of Winthrop culture. It’s loud, it’s busy, and the food is consistently "good enough to come back next week."
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Actionable Next Steps
If you're heading there today, skip the standard cheese pizza and try the Steak Tip Salad with Feta. It’s the quintessential Nick’s experience. Also, if it’s a Thursday, check if they still have the Prime Rib special available before 6:00 PM, as it tends to sell out fast. Grab a side of the Homemade Spinach Pie too—it’s an underrated gem that many people overlook in favor of fries.