A sign posted on the door of the restaurant at 4918 Newport Avenue confirmed the closure, marking yet another incident in a year already marked by an alarming number of vermin-related shutdowns across the county. According to DEHQ data, over 300 restaurants have been closed for vermin-related violations in the current fiscal year alone, a surge that some attribute in part to San Diego’s unusually wet weather in early 2024.
Nico's has been a fixture in Ocean Beach for decades, originally founded in 1982. The restaurant, which has since opened other locations, serves classic Mexican fare like carne asada burritos and rolled tacos. Known for its late-night hours and no-frills authenticity, Nico's has long held a loyal following.
Health inspectors determined that the infestation at Nico’s posed a direct risk to public health, necessitating the immediate shutdown. Under DEHQ protocol, vermin evidence - such as droppings, gnaw marks, or live rodents or insects - mandates closure until the establishment can be reinspected and deemed safe for the public.
Among the other high-profile closures in the past year were Las Cuatro Milpas in Barrio Logan, SeaWorld San Diego, and the Catamaran Resort’s main restaurant. As with those venues, Nico’s will be allowed to reopen once it addresses the violations and passes reinspection.
San Diego County's 75 health inspectors are tasked with conducting unannounced inspections of more than 15,000 food-serving establishments. Each is inspected at least once per year, with additional checks triggered by complaints or illness reports. The DEHQ makes these records publicly accessible via the website SDFoodInfo.com.
As for Nico’s, it remains unclear how long the closure will last, though fans of the restaurant hope to see it back in operation soon. For now, the restaurant joins a growing list of local institutions affected by what is shaping up to be one of the most scrutinized years in recent San Diego food safety history.
Originally published on April 22, 2025.
