Nic’s Beverly Hills is closing, so say goodbye to vodka tastings in that giant freezer

Nic’s Beverly Hills restaurant and bar is closing after 19 years on North Canon Drive, co-owner Melisa Nicola said in a statement via email. The restaurant’s last night of service will be New Year’s Eve.

“We write to you today to let you know how much we have loved being a part of your life,” wrote Nicola. “The time has come to close our beloved restaurant, Nic’s Beverly Hills. She has been an icon in Beverly Hills for 19 years, but now, it is time to move on.”

Known for its Vodbox, a walk-in freezer at the back of the restaurant that housed more than 50 different vodkas on 30 shelves, guests frequent the restaurant for vodka tastings. Before entering the Vodbox, visitors are given faux leopard and black fur coats and hats to keep warm.

Weekends at the restaurant saw a packed dining room of people dressed in cocktail dresses and suits, eating plates of vodka-cured salmon and caviar under sparkling chandeliers. Live jazz bands played.

“Remember Nic’s as a place where people gathered and shared opinions,” said Nicola. “Take all of your experiences with you and share them, knowing that you have been part of something larger than life.”

Nicola plans to focus on her nonprofit Culinary Arts Kids Eat (CAKE), which works to help high school kids develop healthful eating habits. Nicola’s ex-husband and partner Larry is working on developing a world vodka tour.

“It was really just time,” said Nicola of the closing. “We want to take the Vodbox and perhaps bring a little bit of Beverly Hills to London and other cities.”

453 N. Canon Dr., Beverly Hills, (310) 550-5707, nicsbeverlyhills.com.

I like my shots ice cold. Follow me on Twitter and Instagram @Jenn_Harris_

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UPDATES:

3:52 p.m.: This article was updated with additional comments from Melisa Nicola.

This article was originally published Dec. 16 at 3:25 p.m.