Nick The Greek

- 143 W Santa Clara St, San Jose, CA 95113

Welcome to Nick The Greek, your local California destination for authentic and incredibly flavorful Greek street food, designed for the modern, fast-paced lifestyle of the Golden State. Born right here in Northern California out of a family's passion and a craving for genuine Greek flavors, this restaurant has quickly become a beloved spot, and its original San Jose location remains a cornerstone. Unlike traditional full-service diners, Nick The Greek embraces the efficient, friendly, and delicious world of fast-casual dining, bringing the vibrant culinary experience of a Greek street corner right to the heart of downtown San Jose. It offers a taste of the Mediterranean that is both healthy and satisfyingly authentic.

The concept of Nick The Greek was founded in 2014 by three cousins—all named Nick, following a cherished Greek tradition and carrying on a family legacy in the restaurant business that spans two generations, rooted in their work at San Jose diners. Inspired by the authentic street food they enjoyed during their summer trips to Greece, the cousins focused their menu on classic, perfectly executed Greek staples like the quintessential gyro and souvlaki, moving away from the sprawling menus of traditional diners. This focus allows them to consistently deliver fresh, high-quality, and deeply flavorful meals, making it one of the leading names for Greek cuisine in California and across the wider United States. The atmosphere is casual and trendy, attracting a diverse crowd including college students, local groups, and tourists looking for a quick and satisfying bite of comfort food.

The menu is centered around traditional Greek favorites, ensuring there is a delicious option for everyone. A standout feature is the commitment to quality, with gyro meats cooked in-house on a traditional vertical rotisserie and souvlaki skewers charbroiled to perfection. Key offerings include:

• Gyros and Pitas: Including the classic Beef/Lamb Gyro Pita ($6.95), Chicken Gyro Pita ($6.95), Pork Gyro Pita ($6.95), and the flavorful Veggie Pita ($6.95), all served on warm pita bread. The Grecian Beefteki Burger ($7.95) also provides a unique twist on a familiar favorite.
• Plates: Generous and satisfying meals like the Gyro Plate ($9.95), Chicken Souvlaki Plate ($9.95), and Pork Souvlaki Plate ($9.95). These plates often include a choice of meat or falafel, served with fries or rice, tzatziki sauce, pita bread, and a side salad, creating a complete and hearty meal.
• Bowls: Popular choices like the Gyro Bowl, which offers a customizable, lighter option with a choice of meat or falafel, basmati rice, and fresh vegetables topped with zesty sauces.
• Salads and Soups: Fresh options such as the traditional Greek Salad ($6.95), Prasini Salad ($6.95), and the popular Avgolemono Soup ($4.50).
• Sides: Classic French Fries ($2.95), often seasoned with salt and oregano for a Greek touch, and Pita Bread ($1.50).
• Desserts: Traditional Greek treats including Baklava ($3.00), Loukoumades ($4.95), and Yogurt With Honey ($4.00), perfect for a sweet finish.
• Beverages: A selection of soft drinks and Greek/domestic Beers ($4.50) like Mythos, Fix, Stella, and Bud Light.

The restaurant also takes pride in its commitment to the Greek value of *Filotimo*, a deep-seated cultural concept that integrates selflessness, honor, and a sense of duty, which they apply to every aspect of their operation, from customer service to food preparation. This ethos contributes to the consistently high quality and friendly service that guests in California have come to expect.

A crucial part of its success is the centralized and easily accessible location.

Located conveniently in downtown San Jose, California, Nick The Greek is an ideal spot for anyone in the Silicon Valley area. The address is 143 W Santa Clara St, San Jose, CA 95113, USA. This location is particularly popular for its proximity to San Jose State University, making it a go-to lunch and dinner spot for college students, as well as an easy stop for groups and tourists exploring the downtown area.

Accessibility is a key priority for the establishment. The restaurant ensures a comfortable visit for all patrons by providing a wheelchair accessible entrance, wheelchair accessible seating, and a wheelchair accessible restroom, demonstrating a strong commitment to serving the entire California community.

To accommodate the busy Californian lifestyle, Nick The Greek offers a variety of convenient services:

• Dine-in service with casual, comfortable seating.
• Quick and efficient Takeout options.
• Full Delivery service for enjoying Greek cuisine at home or the office.
• Catering packages, such as the Spartan, Athenian, and Olympus Packages, perfect for feeding groups, large gatherings, and office events throughout San Jose and the Bay Area.
• The acceptance of multiple payment methods including Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and NFC mobile payments for a seamless transaction.

Nick The Greek is known for several key features that enhance the dining experience:

• Fast Service: A primary highlight of the fast-casual model, ensuring quick preparation and delivery of orders, making it perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
• Authentic Offerings: A focused menu specializing in Greek street food classics like gyros and souvlaki, which are prepared with an emphasis on authentic flavor.
• Dietary Options: The menu includes a variety of options catering to different needs, such as Halal food, Vegetarian options (like the Veggie Pita and Falafel), and plenty of Comfort food classics.
• Dining Flexibility: Open for Lunch, Dinner, and offering Late-night food, catering to different schedules and cravings in the downtown area.
• Family-Friendly: Recognized as good for kids, with amenities like high chairs available.
• Alcohol Service: Offering Beer to complement the Mediterranean flavors.

For general inquiries, placing a phone order, or arranging catering, please use the following contact details:

Address: 143 W Santa Clara St, San Jose, CA 95113, USA

Phone: (408) 294-6425

Mobile Phone: +1 408-294-6425

For California residents seeking a truly authentic, yet quick and convenient Greek meal, Nick The Greek in San Jose is an excellent choice. The establishment’s commitment to genuine Greek street food, rooted in the heritage of its founders, sets it apart from more generalized Mediterranean concepts. While one customer noted a personal disappointment with the simplicity of the "salad with lamb," the overwhelming sentiment across many reviews highlights the speed, freshness, and authentic taste of core menu items like the Beef/Lamb Gyro Pita, Chicken Gyro Pita, and the freshly made falafel. The high praise for the fast service is a testament to its successful fast-casual model, making it a reliable option for those in a rush.

The true value proposition lies in the focused menu of traditional favorites and the efficient delivery of a flavorful, satisfying meal. The generous portion sizes of items like the Souvlaki Plate and the highly-regarded taste of the falafel and creamy hummus make it a worthwhile experience. Furthermore, the availability of both quick bites and full plates, along with diverse options including halal and vegetarian dishes, ensures that the restaurant can satisfy a wide range of tastes and dietary preferences. For a piece of authentic Greece delivered with Californian speed and hospitality, Nick The Greek offers a delicious and well-rounded dining experience in downtown San Jose.

Nick The Greek

143 W Santa Clara St, San Jose, CA 95113, USA