It’s time to stop patronizing establishments that don’t appreciate customers. After telling the manager (Rodney) at Niki’s West in Birmingham that my chicken was not fully cooked in the middle, he refused to replace it with a better cooked piece after I requested. Instead, he insisted that I eat something else because they don’t do replacements. How are you going to make me eat something other than what I ordered. I was polite, told him to just take it back, and reframed from causing a scene. This visit is disheartening because my family and I have been coming here for years and this has never happened. We will not be back or recommend to anybody.

Had to come here for lunch because everyone says it is the best soul food in town. We tried the catfish and beef liver with onions. So much food! Couldn't eat it all but is sure was delish! Back again in 2022 and the quality of the food continues to be A+.

Let me preface this review by telling you that I haven't eaten at a Cafeteria type restaurant since I was a kid, about 10 years old, and even at 10 I didn't like it. So I kept my expectations open here for Niki's. I'm going to bring to light how incredibly convenient and great it is for the restaurant to have a parking area for truckers. As a trucker every day we're losing good sit down restaurants with hot food, and it's being replaced by unhealthy unappealing fast food. So Niki's having Parking for America's truckers is so incredible! Immediately upon leaving my truck the grounds of the restaurant are well kept, and the restaurant has clean windows, and fresh looking paint, very inviting. Open the door and I'm immediately greeted by folks on the serving line. The restaurant is SPOTLESS! The Serving area is Also completely spotless, not a pea or kernel of corn out of place. Brightly lit so the customer can easily view the deliciousness that awaits them. It didn't take me five steps in to realize that this most definitely wasn't anything like the restaurant I ate in many years ago When I was 10. I looked at the main entrees of the day, and the decision was difficult, everything looked great, I did however settle on the Grecian fish with Spinach, squash with onions, okra, and shredded cabbage for the sides. Immediately after making my choice a friendly face rang out my delectable decisions and another smiling friendly face guided me to my seat. I want to take a moment again before talking About the food to bring up the cleanliness of the dining area as well as the absolute unison of dress attire of EVERYONE there. Clean black or red button shirts and white spotless aprons. For a moment in time you forget where you are.. You get the feel that you're a celebrity dining in a Five star restaurant enjoying some of the best Birmingham has to offer. Now the meal, my waitress was epic, I ordered an unsweet tea which was very fresh and tasty. She made sure my glass never went dry, and also brought extra napkins and kept up with me to make sure I needed nothing. Her smile was pleasant, and it was nice to see someone enjoy what they do. Immediately after cutting my deliciously flaky And juicy Grecian fish, I knew right away I was in for a treat. Topped with tomatoes scallions and celery, plenty of aromatic oregano, served in an absolutely perfect lemon sauce, I savored every bite. It paired well with the fresh whole leaf sautéed spinach, and even better with the squash and onions. I wanted to pause a moment with the squash, all too often restaurants will absolutely overdue the squash and cook it so long that it becomes a mushy squash purée. Not here, they were perfect, slight crunch accompanied by the onions, and a very smooth buttery taste for the finish. Okra was also very delicious cooked in a red sauce and completed with tasty onions. Shredded cabbage was also good, topped with what tasted like a slightly sweet light Buffalo sauce, but at that point I had eaten enough and couldn't finish it. This meal was above and beyond anything I had expected. I will for sure return many times in the future for the exemplary service and food that SETS THE BAR! Thank you for a delicious lunch!

What an incredible experience! The food was delicious, I had the fried pork chop, spinach, mac and cheese and fried okra. There are so many delicious choices it’s almost overwhelming (in a good way!) The line moves super fast so if you’re someone that likes to take their time looking at the menu then do your research/planning ahead of time. Will return soon!! 🤩🤩

Ordered cabbage, pork chops, Mac and cheese both was good except old pork chops, they were old and cold. Returned and ask manager did they have any fresh pork chops he replied what’s on the line is what we got. Rude!!! Guys working line rude. If I could give no stars I would..

I swear I’m gonna be big as a house if I keep eating here! By far the BEST food I have had in a long time (apart from my mothers)!☺️ I would post pictures but by the time I think about leaving a review my food is gone🥲 Here’s what’s left of ky peach cobbler though. Trust me when I say ABSOLUTELY come here if you want a good home (away from home) cooked meal! Bonus-the people are also wonderful!

I've been to world famous Niki's West finally. It didn't disappoint. One of the best and efficient cafeteria style restaurants I've ever been to. I got the fried pork chops as my protein. It was lightly breaded fried golden with clean oil. The sides were delicious. The bread/roll was truly the highlight of the meal. The lines moved quickly and we got to sit down in no time. Would recommend stopping by to experience.

Such a wonderful place. Takes you back to the olden days. I like how they kept the same old tradition, lovely to see people working there very happy, content with their jobs. Always, delicious food. They keep it interesting with rotating menus and takes you back in time. Not many places like this exist anymore. I would do anything to keep this open if it's near where I live.

Nikis West has always been one of my top 5 favorite restaurants in Bham. This is hands down the largest meat and 3 in Birmingham, and it has to be one of, if not the largest in the southeast. There are always roughly 6-12 meats available, 20+ vegetables, salad, bread, and 6-12 dessert pies and cakes. No matter what you’re into, you will find something you like at Nikis. Old school place, with great food.

Why rush people through the line when there is no line. Why have pictures of catfish and when people ask for it “we ain’t got no catfish we have tilapia “! This was my first time going and went on a friend’s recommendation. The song “Rapper’s Delight” pretty much sums up the food. “Have you over to a friend’s house to eat and the food just wasn’t no good”?

Surprisingly this was our first time here at Nikki’s. The line was long but moved swiftly. One of the ladies who worked there helped my mother with her food tray to the table. The food was delicious with many choices of meats, vegetables and dessert. The bread pudding was warm and delicious. The service was excellent and even the bus boy helped by getting us a go box. This is the kind of comfort food we all grew up eating in the south and we will definitely be back for more!

The food is always great. I try something new each time and haven't been disappointed yet. Service is fantastic and attentive. I never even had to think about refills, as our server was always watching.

My first time here in over 12 years and it'll be my last. Their menu is not accurate. It said fried chicken was available for today and upon arrival it wasn't. Food was very bland. Most of it tasted like hospital food. The pork chop had no seasoning. The rice and gravy had no salt. The mac and cheese had no salt. The fried okra was actually good. The cornbread tasted like eggs. I was actually surprised at this and asked others at my table to try it and they all agreed it tasted like sulfur boiled egg flavor. Then, after no seasoning on anything, they seemed to save all their seasoning for the peach cobbler. It was atrocious. So much nutmeg that it was inedible. The three of us that ordered it left it on the table. I can't express how bad it was. I've eaten a lot of peach cobblers in my life from a lot of different places and never had one that made me sick as if it had gasoline in it. To top things off my meal was $25 for a meat and 3 and a scoop of petroleum cobbler. I could go to a nice steakhouse for that price, but instead I spent it on a hospital food for the diabetic. Service was great once we got it. We sat waiting with our food for drinks and eventually they brought them 5 minutes later. The server was very attentive though and refilled our drinks regularly and was very nice. It seems like it caters mostly to the very elderly and maybe that's why it tastes the way it does.

I really liked this restaurant. Really busy at this time of day, line was long but quick! The food was really good, I usually take pics before I eat, but I could not wait, so the pic shows how good the food was. One thing, it is on the expensive side, so be prepared. I had Greek baked chicken, okra, butter beans, boiled potatoes and a side salad with ranch. I ate every bite! The food was delicious and the server was very attentive. I can't eat here often, but when I can, I will! Nuff said...

i have a great appreciation for my work colleagues that turned me on to this iconic meat and three in Birmingham, Alabama. It's been a go-to lunch,early supper destination since 1957. Presently, the hours are from 10 am to 5 pm with easy parking and easy access. 1st thing you notice is the incredible level of cleanliness organization and warm hospitable service extended to everyone. Nicki's West is cafeteria style with ordering down a long line filled with southern specialties like collard greens fried or stewed okra or their wonderful Greek chicken, fried chicken or defty cooked talapia. There is a wide assortment of desserts like bread pudding banana pudding peach cobbler. My wife and I had all the above-mentioned items. EVERYTHING was tasty, well seasoned, and delightfully good. The collard greens were the absolute BEST! Had the pleasure of meeting Alex Hontas, the proprietor of Nikki's West.He has a warm, kind spirit, which is also seen in ALL of his employees Prices are very moderate. Service is warm and professional Highly recommended

Well I haven't been to Niki's in a while so I was pretty pumped. The food was not quite as good as I remember but not bad. The portions seemed smaller of course that's a sign of the times. The peach cobbler was the highlight of my meal it was quite tasty just as good as always! Niki's is a Birmingham staple and will always be on the list when I crave meat and vegetables.

I have eaten here many times, but this is my first time to do a review. Each and every time the food is delicious. This is your traditional meat & three type of place with a large variety of items to choose from. The staff is always friendly and the atmosphere is always welcoming to Little all the way, but worth the drive I would highly recommend this place anyone.

Delicious selection of food in a cafeteria setting! Large selection of meat, fish and veggies. Lunch of Meat and 3 with beverage is $16.88, including tax. Beverage is not included with the meal. Visited again today! One of my favorite places to eat! I had Liver with onions and brown gravy on top. I also had Cabbage, Fried Green Tomatoes, Rutabagas, and a big dinner roll! Everything was delicious! The place was packed, as usual. Brought a takeout order home which had Fried Tilapia, Cabbage, Rutabagas, big Dinner Roll and a piece of Cheesecake for dessert. Everything was awesome!

This restaurant ain't for the young folks not unless you were raised in a house that you ate what was cooked. 20 dollar meal but it's decent if you missing southern home cuisine... Them mf's serving the food tho can be a little rude but hey... who isn't rude in the restaurant industry these days. Let people pass, if they know what they want or know what you want before you get in LINE... OTHER THAN EAT TRY EVERYTHING AND GET FULL...

Unusually large cafeteria style meat and three type of restaurant. First time to visit so we didn’t know what to expect, but it was really good. I had the country fried steak, which was really hamburger meat covered in brown gravy. Mashed potatoes, Okra, beans and banana pudding completed my meal. Generous portions, but every side after three costs another $4.15. With a tip my wife and I spent $60.

Considering I wasn’t served the entree I wanted (country fried steak), the grant steak was great!! Had fried green tomatoes, squash and green beans with a roll. Went to meet a couple of business associates so we had to move tables twice because they didn’t hear me say we would be there a while. I would not recommend this place for any meeting ever. I did not see a meeting room but if they had one that would be a great money maker. This was the first visit. I’ll go back cause the foods that good.

Wow they’re fast! It takes longer to park than it does to sit down with your lunch. They’ve been here forever and it’s obvious why. Great home style lunch. In and out in less than 30… unless you’re just wanting to hang around.

Great soul food served cafeteria style.

This place always has good service, know what you want before you get up to the counter though! You always get in and get through the line and seated quickly. Our waitresses have always been pleasant and quick with service. A very good meat and 3 type restaurant. I try to stop here any time I'm in the area with work.

Niki's West, a beloved Birmingham institution, is a must-visit destination whether you're a local or just passing through. Renowned for its delectable meat and three options, this cafeteria-style eatery invites you to pick up a tray and explore a tempting array of dishes. Being Greek-owned, every dish at Niki's West is infused with delightful flavors that make choosing among them a delightful challenge, as everything is simply scrumptious. For seafood enthusiasts, their fish dishes paired with a selection of vegetables are a winning combination. Alternatively, you can opt for a wholesome vegetable plate. Indulgence awaits at the dessert section, boasting a variety of mouthwatering treats such as pies and the ever-popular banana pudding, which is my personal favorite. Niki's West holds a special place in my heart as it was a regular haunt for my father, and its consistent excellence over the years only solidifies its reputation as a top-notch establishment. The restaurant's warm and welcoming atmosphere reflects its status as a cherished family-owned gem, truly embodying the essence of Birmingham's culinary identity.

The food is the best meat and three I have ever had. Fresh, properly seasoned…just outstanding. The only down side is just getting through the line without being verbally accosted to speed up. They have probably 10 meats and 30 vegetables and it would be great to look for 5-10 seconds but that’s not possible. Other than that annoyance this place has absolutely the best food and I recommend going anytime you have the opportunity.

Beautiful restaurant from the outside to the inside, super nice service, food is fantastic ( it's a bit pricey at $17 a person) but still worth it

I visited with a group of friends during a convention across the street. We had no reservation but were still seated promptly after a few minute wait. Our primary server, Becca, did a great job explaining what to expect as most of us hadn't been there before. The salad bar is well stocked and presented with class.

Everything was clean outside, entrance was clean, staff was okay. Food was cafeteria style, fresh, mostly southern comfort food. Wide selection of vegetables, if you love a hot vegetable plates. Desserts looked nice, and a small salad was available if you wanted one with your meal. The lighting was a little dark and dated for midday meals. Lack of windows, bldg needs a bit upgrades for2023 as well as parking enlarged.