Nick’s Restaurant is launching a new concept at River Street Marketplace.

Nick’s Restaurants is expanding its culinary footprint in Orange County with the upcoming launch of Cowboy by Nick’s, a new establishment slated to open at the Riverstreet Marketplace in San Juan Capistrano. This venture will occupy the space recently vacated by the ranchero-style steakhouse Vaquera, which closed its doors on May 3 after less than two years of operation.

As part of a broader trend towards reimagining dining experiences, Cowboy by Nick’s aims to cultivate a relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere that embraces a Western aesthetic. The establishment is still in the early stages of development, but early indications suggest it will feature a design that pays homage to the cowboy heritage of San Juan Capistrano, which historically served as a hub for ranching and agriculture.

While specific menu offerings have yet to be revealed, there are expectations of a focus on steak, building upon the legacy of its predecessor, Vaquera, known for its expertise in cooking premium cuts of beef. The decision to include a steak-forward menu likely reflects the growing demand for high-quality meat dishes in the region, particularly within the context of family-oriented dining options.

Although an exact opening date has not yet been disclosed, the restaurant is projected to commence operations sometime between fall and winter of this year. The initiative is part of Nick’s Restaurants’ strategic expansion and is characterized by a commitment to “high standards and reasonable prices.” This pricing strategy represents a noticeable departure from the generally higher cost of dining within the Riverstreet Marketplace, especially outside the food hall environment.

Nick’s Restaurants, founded by fourth-generation restaurateur Nick Nickoloff, has established itself as a significant player in the Southern California dining scene, with locations in Laguna Beach, San Clemente, and Newport Beach, as well as branches in Los Angeles and San Diego. In addition to the namesake restaurant, Nick’s also operates the sister concept South, which has locations in San Clemente, Laguna Beach, and Del Mar.

The arrival of Cowboy by Nick’s is poised to add diversity to the culinary landscape of San Juan Capistrano, appealing to both locals and visitors seeking a quality dining experience that honors the area’s historical roots while providing a modern twist. As the dining community eagerly anticipates this new establishment, the focus will undoubtedly be on how Cowboy by Nick’s will distinguish itself in a competitive market.