Welcome to Nickel's Pit BBQ Watkins Glen
Nickel's Pit BBQ in Watkins Glen is a must-visit for barbecue enthusiasts. Nestled at 207 N Franklin St, this lively spot boasts a welcoming ambiance, perfect for indulging in delicious smoked meats and sides. Diners rave about the flavorful brisket, indulgent pulled pork, and crispy onion rings, often hailed as a standout dish. The welcoming staff and vibrant atmosphere, often accompanied by live music, enhance the dining experience. From the unique jalapeno mac and cheese to the extensive selection of sauces, Nickel's Pit BBQ promises memorable meals that will keep you returning for more, solidifying its place as a top barbecue destination.
- 207 N Franklin St, Watkins Glen, NY 14891, United States Hotline: +1 607-210-4646
Welcome to Nickel's Pit BBQ, a gem nestled in the heart of Watkins Glen, New York. Located at 207 N Franklin St, this lively spot has become a must-visit for barbecue enthusiasts and casual diners alike. With a friendly atmosphere and an inviting patio, it’s the perfect retreat after a day of exploring the beautiful Finger Lakes region.
At Nickel's Pit BBQ, the focus is on delivering top-notch smoked meats and hearty sides that will tantalize your taste buds. The reviews speak volumes—guests rave about the brisket, which is tender and flavorful, and the pulled pork that's nothing short of miraculous. One diner mentioned, "Both were fantastic," highlighting the quality that keeps customers coming back.
One of the standout dishes here is the onion rings, which are consistently hailed as a must-try. A previous visitor couldn’t stop thinking about them, stating, “Get the onion rings!!” Their crispy batter and satisfying size have left a lasting impression, making them a popular appetizer choice among patrons.
Additionally, Nickel's Pit BBQ caters to diverse palates with various homemade sauces. Each bite can be customized according to your preferences, whether you enjoy a touch of sweetness or a spicy kick. The restaurant's pulled pork sandwich with burnt ends has also garnered rave reviews, described as “out of this world” by a satisfied guest.
The vibe here is enhanced by live music that fills the air with energy, while the spacious seating arrangements make it an ideal spot for groups. As one diner noted, the décor includes visible food prep stations and plenty of TVs for sports fans. The service is equally commendable; guests often highlight the attentive and friendly staff who make you feel right at home.
For those looking to unwind, Nickel's offers a selection of draft beers that perfectly complements its smoky dishes. The jalapeno mac and cheese and cornbread muffins have also received accolades, rounding out a menu designed to please.
In conclusion, Nickel's Pit BBQ in Watkins Glen is not just a restaurant; it's a culinary experience filled with warmth, flavor, and an unyielding commitment to quality. Whether you're a local or a traveler passing through, this spot promises memorable meals that will have you planning your next visit before you even leave. Make sure to stop by and indulge in the remarkable BBQ offerings that have earned this place a spot on many top BBQ lists!

We were walk-ins on a Wednesday. Quick and friendly service. Loved the wings. The brisket was good. Wish there was a BBQ chicken offering . But the star was the onion rings. Get the onion rings!! Cannot stop thinking about them! Would have bought the Carolina sauce if there was one left to bring home. Will be back when we are in the area again .

This place is the best spot on Franklin St. Food was excellent had the brisket with burnt ends and pulled pork sandwich. Both were fantastic. The pork belly appetizer was out of this world!

Our first food stop of the trip was at Nickel's Pit BBQ. The place was so busy with some great live music. Food: I ended up ordering pulled pork, chopped brisket, fries, and a jalapeno mac and cheese. Everything was as expected for a BBQ restaurant, insanely delicious. I really enjoyed the mac and cheese and the chopped brisket was delightful. Service: our waitress Courtney was very good and very helpful, stopping by often to check in. Aesthetic: large amount of seating wrapped around the outside with a nice bar in the middle. Some of the food prep stations are visible with a lot of TVs to accommodate for sports.

Onion rings for appetizer. Pretty good size rings and batter was very crispy. The beef brisket was very tasty and juicy. The chopped brisket with red eye sauce was flavorful. The cornbread muffin is a must! Excellent service too everyone was very nice and accommodating. Gets pretty busy.

To be fair, it was an emotionally tricky day to start, but the patio’s dog-friendliness; the delicious pork; the not-too-crispy, not-too-soft french fries; the kitchen’s willingness to make a couple modifications; Nickel’s great draft beer selection; the excellent playlist; and Zoe’s fantastically thoughtful and intuitive service made this rainy day lunch an overwhelmingly great highlight to my trip to Watkins Glen. Thank you so much, Zoe!

My husband enjoyed this restaurant so much that we ended up dining here twice during our stay; this is something we rarely do when visiting a new destination. Every dish we tried was exceptionally flavorful, and the house sauce, in particular, was outstanding. This spot truly stands out and is a must-visit for anyone spending time in Watkins Glen. The quality of the food and overall experience exceeded our expectations. This place is now in our top 5 barbecue restaurants.

The brisket was amazing and the medium wings we had were one of the best we’ve ever had. The coleslaw was tasty and paired well with the brisket and the golden wave beer complimented the meal. Atmosphere was nice and servers were very friendly. All and all loved the place

For a barbecue place in upstate New York, it is pretty good - I’m from Texas. We ordered the pitmaster combo and loaded tots to share. My favorite was briskets, pulled pork and tater tots. There were also a number of different barbecue sauces to cater to any taste preferences. Affordable and easy place to dine in after hiking at Watkins Glen.