The address housed Nick's for 64 years before closing in 2024
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Overview
Updated 1 hour agoThe address at 226 State St has served food since 1933. Nick's Restaurant ran there for 64 years before closing in May 2024. A Mexican spot, El Águila Real, took over that August.
Now a new name is on the record. Anthony's Restaurants LLC has a 'Primarily Restaurant' license with Public Health Madison & Dane County. The record first appeared on the city's list September 11, 2026 — one approval among several the business still needs.
Why it matters
226 State St has served Madison since 1933, and a new license means the iconic Nick's corner is changing hands again.
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The company has a 'Primarily Restaurant' license on record with Public Health Madison & Dane County at 226 State St.
Greek-inspired diner that operated at 226 State St from 1960 to 2024.
Mexican restaurant that replaced Nick's at 226 State St in August 2024.
The agency that licenses and inspects restaurants in Madison and Dane County.
Timeline
January 1933 September 2026
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Anthony's Restaurants LLC license on record
Today LicensingThe 'Primarily Restaurant' license first appears on the city's list.
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El Águila Real opens at 226 State St
OpeningMexican restaurant replaces Nick's in the space.
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Nick's closes after 64 years
ClosureOwner Dino Christ announces the final day on State Street.
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Nick's Restaurant opens at 226 State St
HistoryNick and Selena Christakos open the Greek-inspired diner.
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Julian's Delicatessen operates at 226 State St
HistoryThe address begins its restaurant lineage.
Historical Context
2 moments from history that rhyme with this story — and how they unfolded.
The 1977 fire at 226 State St
A fire gutted the upper floors of buildings flanking Nick's. Owner Arist Christ kept the restaurant open, calling the blocks around the Capitol 'a skid row.'
Nick's survived the fire and continued operating.
The location proved resilient, operating continuously for decades.
The current turnover, three tenants in two years, contrasts with the location's earlier resilience.
The decline of the American diner
Diners across the United States have closed as costs rose and eating habits shifted. Nick's was one of the last operating in Madison.
Many beloved local diners closed, replaced by new concepts.
The diner as an institution has largely disappeared from American downtowns.
Nick's closure fits a broader pattern of iconic local restaurants giving way to new tenants.
