Sedona, AZ — Nick’s on the West Side’s tradition of great food, hospitality, camaraderie and good times continues with new owners Jonathan and Elli Bourque.
For more than 25 years Nick’s has been a favorite restaurant and watering hole for Sedona locals who enjoy dining at its most delicious best, breakfast all day, lunch and dinner, and for tourists and visitors who have heard of its reputation for quality cuisine and service.
Now, the Bourques bring youth and new vision to one of Sedona’s longest lasting and favorite restaurants.
As with most people who come to visit Sedona and could not resist coming back to live there, Jonathan, and Elli, were drawn in by the magic of the red rocks.
“We came to Sedona on vacation in October 2022 and fell in love, Jonathan said. “Which we have come to learn is very common theme known as “Red Rock Fever.”
It did not take long for them to realize Sedona was where they were supposed to live, and pulled up their stakes from Lafayette, Louisiana, the heart of Cajun Country where he and his wife, born and raised in Opelousas, La., once lived.
Once convinced they were doing the right thing, they took action and began the process of relocating.
“We googled, ‘Businesses for Sale in Sedona,’ and came across a listing for a restaurant favored by locals,” he said. “I sent an email to the address on the ad and the process started from there.”
On July 1, of 2024 they acquired the restaurant. They were welcomed, and embraced by fellow restaurateur Alice Simmons, owner of Judi’s, another local favorite restaurant in Sedona.
“Alice and her staff at Judi’s have been wonderful to our family since we have moved here and continue to be,” he said. “Both restaurants made us feel like we had a little piece of home here. Alice has been a Godsend to me since we purchased Nick’s. She has been honest, encouraging, supportive, and my go-to person for the many things I don’t know.”
Both Elli and Jonathan had extensive careers in the medical profession, he a nurse, and she a Nurse Practitioner, neither with much experience in the food industry. But, the lure of Sedona was too great to deny, and they took the plunge anyway.
“I was a bartender in college and a fry cook in high school,” he said. “My wife was a server in 
college. That is the extent of our restaurant experience. After 15 years as an oncology and hospice nurse, I decided it was time for a change. Also, our 12-year-old son has Autism and we wanted to have a place where he can learn to work and gain as much independence as possible. We also had no doubt that we should be in Sedona, where we will be for the rest of our lives. We wanted to plant roots as soon as we could. Nick’s seemed to be the best opportunity as first-time restaurant owners.”
Jonathan and Elli’s vision for Nick’s is to continue making it a favorite for both locals and visitors alike.
“Our dream is to be THE spot for locals and welcoming to tourists,” he said. “My wife and I have spent years in the service of others as a registered nurse and nurse practitioner. My wife was a NICU nurse for 11 years before earning her Masters’ and Doctorate as a NP. Our professional background and Cajun heritage give us an advantage in genuine hospitality. There are plenty of restaurants that provide cookie-cutter dining experiences, and I mean that respectfully. We aim to provide a genuine, casual, comfortable, and immersive experience. If you want great food, great people, great price and great experience then come see us at Nick’s.”
Defining the type of food and the restaurant’s menu selection, Jonathan boils it down to one word… Love!
“I would say our cuisine is food with love,” he said. “We have some the freshest ingredients and recipes that date back generations in our families. Our menu is too expansive to nail it down to anything better than that. I challenge anyone to find a more comprehensive menu with so many dishes made completely from scratch and from fresh ingredients.
“We serve truly authentic Cajun dishes. I believe my Gumbo and bread pudding are already gaining a following. Sedona can look forward to many new Cajun dishes, especially once crawfish season begins. We will be introducing more Cajun dishes as time goes on.”
No doubt the Bourques intend to make Sedona their permanent home and make an indelible mark on the community’s cuisine and dining experience. Their love for Sedona is permanent and profound.
“We truly love this community and would not have moved here if we did not,” he said. “I am in the restaurant every day and love to interact with locals. We are a family-run business and truly care about providing a wonderfully genuine dining experience. Please feel free to let me know about your experience with us. I love the feedback.”
Here id a bit more on Nick’s fabulous fare as written on its Website:
“Nick’s West Side is not just a restaurant; it’s an experience that combines the rich flavors of Mexican cuisine with the smoky goodness of barbecue.
Located in Sedona, Arizona, this eatery boasts a vibrant atmosphere that reflects the spirit of its surroundings. With its rustic decor and friendly staff, Nick’s invites you to unwind and indulge in a menu that caters to diverse palates.
From sizzling carne asada to mouthwatering pulled pork tacos, every dish is crafted with fresh ingredients and authentic recipes that pay homage to traditional cooking methods. The outdoor seating area provides an excellent opportunity to enjoy your meal while taking in the breathtaking views of Sedona’s iconic red rock formations.
The restaurant is particularly popular for its hearty breakfast options, which are perfect for fueling up before a day of exploring the natural wonders nearby.
Whether you’re visiting for lunch or dinner, be sure to try their signature dishes paired with refreshing beverages from their extensive drink menu. As you savor each bite at Nick’s West Side, you’ll discover why this spot has become a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
The warm hospitality combined with delicious food creates an inviting atmosphere that encourages guests to linger longer over their meals. Don’t miss out on this culinary gem during your Sedona adventure!”
Nick’s on the West Side is located at 2920, W. S.R. 89A, Sedona Az, 86336 • 928-204-2088 • www.Nickswestside.com •https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567904127145
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4 Comments
We’ve got your back. All the best to your wonderful family. Love you, All of us at Judi’s!
Make some Chicken Gumbo with fresh okra and lots of good spice and I’ll be in more frequently than I already am.
I hope with the new owners there are new servers
I have not been in the place in over 5 years because it was annoying that the server was outside smoking instead of paying attention to customers
We love the new Nick’s! Great food, friendly staff and good prices. A real plus for Sedona.