The Best Nachos In Chicago
By Chicagoist_Guest in Food on Feb 11, 2016 9:04PM
Those in search of the perfect bite know nachos are where it’s at. After all, they’re a mix of textures and a straight-up mound of flavor. Some preps—like the ones that follow—are better than others. Thankfully, unlike a poorly done pizza or an overcooked burger, a pile of nachos—even mediocre ones—rarely let you down. Check out some of our favorite versions around town.
By Jennifer Olvera
By Jennifer Olvera/Chicagoist
Old Fifth
Whiskey and pizza take center stage at West Loop sports bar Old Fifth, but the standout Brazilian nachos arguably steal the show. Just arrive with your willpower intact, bypassing the duck fat-fried jalapeño fries in favor of these beauties, topped with slow-roasted pork, Chihuahua and aged cheddar cheeses, silky avocado puree and amped-up black beans, along with shredded lettuce, pico de gallo and a zap of chipotle-lime crema.
Old Fifth is at 1027 W. Madison St.
Zacatacos
Fans of the classics will appreciate Zacatacos’ nachos con carne, a calorie calamity built from house tortilla chips, nubs of smoky charbroiled steak and generous doses of cheese sauce, tomato-studded guac, sour cream and pickled jalapenos. Wash it all down with a zingy limonada, sweet horchata or Mexican Coca Cola.
Zacatacos is at 3949 W. 71st St. and 5925 S. Pulaski Rd., plus three additional locations
Taqueria San Jose
The simple setting is nothing to write home about, but the Nachos Especiales from Bridgeport’s Taqueria San Jose are a different story entirely. They're loaded with all the good stuff: carne asada, beans, cheese, jalapenos, tomatoes and sour cream, and you may well have leftovers for days. Order some extra pico de gallo if you’re wise.
Taqueria San Jose is at 3253 S. Halsted St.
Little Goat Diner
Though they’re plenty hyped, it’s all-but-criminal to discuss nachos without including Little Goat Diner’s Machos Nachos. Proof comes in the form of house-made masa chips topped with locally procured barbecue pork, refried beans, pickled peppers and a thick cloak of cheddar, all offset by sour cream and luxe avocado puree.
Little Goat Diner is at 820 W. Randolph St.
Taco in a Bag
So what if the Jim Reeves from Taco in a Bag deviates from platter-nachos—it’s the delivery method that’s different. That, and the attention to detail. Served in a portable sack as the name implies, these fork-eaten numbers are doused with chorizo, pepper jack cheese, country gravy and tomatillo sour cream before receiving a shock of cilantro. Mind you, the menu’s other inspired takes threaten to distract.
Taco In a Bag is at 4603 N. Lincoln Ave.
Mi Tierra
Bring your crew since there’s plenty to share, and order the traditional steak nachos from colorful, hacienda-style Mi Tierra. While Mi Tierra is known for its parrillada (a tabletop assemblage of grilled meats), the corn tortilla chips topped with your choice of meat, beans, melty Chihuahua cheese, sour cream and guacamole are why you’ll return. Can’t commit (or considering nachos as your mean meal)? Try them as part of the Botana Compuesta, a combo platter that features a bean version, along with quesadillas. Make like fellow diners and guzzle a Modelo, too.
Mi Tierra is at 1039 W. Belmont Ave.
Mike Ditka’s
Da Coach knows his way around beef—that’s a statement of fact. Fortunately, you don’t have to be a fan to appreciate his steak-centric meateries. However, the shredded pot roast nachos make their own case for a visit. Available in two sizes (at a rather hefty price tag), the nachos arrive with nary a chip free of pulled meat, cheddar-Jack, jalapeño, tomatoes and sour cream. Adding to the appeal, the clubby setting—all finger-licking aside—feels civilized.
Mike Ditka’s is at 100 E. Chestnut St., Chicago; 2 Mid America Plaza, #100, Oakbrook Terrace; and 2000 W. Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights
De Pasada
Small, simple and familiar in formula, casual taqueria De Pasada does all the standards and does them well. That includes the exemplary, extra-cheesy steak nachos finished with—you guessed it—lettuce, tomatoes and sour cream. Of course, you could always veer toward similarly minded chilaquiles, which mingles nacho toppings, eggs and a choice of steak or chicken, alongside beans and rice.
De Pasada is at 1517 W. Taylor St.
via Smoke Daddy
Smoke Daddy
Barbecue or nachos—it’s an age-old debate. The good news is at Smoke Daddy, there’s no need to choose. Here, a huge platter of crisp chips gets crowned with a tangle of pulled, smoked meat and every anticipated topping. The problem is, you’ll want to order the pimento cheese hush puppies and smoked jalapeno beer cheese, too.
Smoke Daddy is at 1804 W. Division St.
Cortland’s Garage
Score a high-top table at this exposed brick burger bar, starting your meal—in good company—with an order of the not-so-spicy short rib chili nachos. Offering a twist on the mainstay, they’re blanketed in slow-cooked, pulled-meat chili and topped with the works. Order them solo and you’ve got more than a meal, guaranteed.
Cortland’s Garage is at 1645 W. Cortland St., Chicago, and 1 N. Vail Ave., Arlington Heights
El Presidente
When cravings hit, there’s one reason to hightail it to 24-hour El Presidente in Lincoln Park and it’s the insanely cheesy nachos. Slathered with velvety beans, drizzled with ranchero sauce and gobbed with bubbly, browned Chihuahua, they come with a choice of ground beef, chicken or steak — even if that’s unnecessary. Naturally, there’s a lineup of sopes, tacos and enchiladas, too. When weather allows, enjoy it all on the patio.
El Presidente is at 2558 N. Ashland Ave.