It is, without a doubt, the closest any of us will get to being Rocky Balboa.
Inside a little food truck park on the Wynwood/Midtown border along NW 29th St., you’ll find the usual collection of pizza, ceviche, burgers, and acai bowl bars. But in the back you’ll also find something most food truck parks don’t have: Free weights. And while you might expect it’s some kind of “strength-training-and-spirulina” outdoor fitness studio, it’s actually the complete opposite: Just a bench, a couple barbells, and some 25-pound plates.
So if you love lifting and protein loading without having to touch a shaker cup, I highly recommend planning an afternoon at Nicky’s Philadelphia Cheesesteaks. The workout/Philly cheesesteak combo seems especially timely, what with “I Play Rocky” coming out this fall. The sandwiches are as good as any I’ve found without having to ride the SEPTA, and the promise of a little pre-lunch pump just sweetens the pot.
Why are there weights in a food truck park?
Because anyone can throw a smoothie bar in a pilates studio. It takes real foresight to realize the kind of guy who seeks out a good cheesesteak is also the kind of guy who’d pick up a random barbell during his lunch break just to see if he’s “still got it.” The truth is, I have no idea, and neither did anyone inside the food truck park. Just enjoy the workout and, like so many things in Miami, don’t think too hard about it.
The scene: Is a food truck with a smattering of tables and chairs. It’s not formal, but on a nice day it’s quite pleasant.
What to eat and drink: Nicky’s leans into the food truck ethos of “Do one thing, and do it well,” so you’ll find only one item on the menu: Cheesesteaks. And damn good cheesesteaks too. They’re probably the best I’ve found since the untimely loss of Blue Collar, overflowing with sirloin, peppers, cheese, and optional condiments. Philly purists might sneer that these aren’t Amoroso rolls. But last I checked Amoroso’s closest bakery was in Beellmawr, New Jersey. These rolls are baked fresh in Miami, and toasted nicely before serving. All they’re missing are sesame seeds.
Your choice of American, sharp cheddar, or provolone gets mixed in with the meat, and you can add onions, sweet or hot peppers, mayo, or ketchup - if you’re a six-year-old or a psychopath.
Pro tip: If you really want to get into the Rocky spirit, hit the test-your-strength punching bag machine by the vegan truck in the front of the park.
Expect to pay: Cheesesteak combo with chips and a drink runs you just under $20.
Perfect for: Outdoor lunch. Lunch and a workout.
How’s the parking: Eh. You can find street spaces on NW 29th Street, but you may end up walking a few blocks. Bring your sweats and make it a hybrid workout.
@nickysphillysteaks // 34 NW 29th St., Midtown