5 Chain Restaurants With the Best Loaded Nachos, According to Chefs
Nachos are one of the greatest things to eat on the planet. They’re crispy, cheesy, customizable, and fun to share. But nachos can go very wrong if they’re not done right. They can quickly become a soggy mess if they’re not layered properly with high-quality chips and good toppings. You can find nachos easily, but to find the best, Eat This, Not That! asked Corrie Duffy, chef and food blogger at Corrie Cooks, to share his top five go-to chains.
Margaritaville
Inspired by Jimmy Buffett, Margaritaville gives off fun, vacation vibes, and, according to Chef Corrie, the Volcano Nachos are worth the splurge. “The tortilla chips are stacked into a tall tower, then smothered with beef and black bean chili and fiesta cheese queso sauce,” he says. “The sauce has a smooth, velvety texture and flows down the sides like lava, which is where the dish gets its name. On top, you’ll find pico de gallo, sour cream, pickled jalapeños, and fresh guacamole.” He adds, “The whole thing is served in a fun, over the top atmosphere that adds to the experience. It’s a generous portion that makes for a memorable table-side dish.”
Rosa Mexicano
Rosa Signature Nachos are so customizable that there’s something for everyone–meat eaters, seafood lovers and vegetarians. For an extra $8.00, you can add red chile chicken, which is Chef Corrie’s favorite. The order comes with “Chihuahua cheese, black beans, pico de gallo, guacamole, pickled jalapeños, and cotija cheese,” he says. “The ratio of chicken and jalapeños to chips is well balanced, and the flavor is really good even when ordered for takeout.” Chef Corrie adds, “The portion size is on the smaller side compared to other chains, but the quality of the ingredients and the overall taste make it a solid choice.”
Yard House
If you’re in the mood for an elevated version of nachos, try the Poke Nachos from Yard House. Instead of tortilla chips, they use crispy wonton chips that melt in your mouth. “The dish is topped with marinated raw ahi tuna, avocado, serrano peppers, nori, sesame seeds, cilantro, green onions, white truffle sauce, soy ginger sauce, and sriracha aioli,” Chef Corrie explains. “Each chip gets a generous bite of tuna, and the combination of flavors, from the sweetness of the ginger to the saltiness of the soy and the hint of truffle, creates something that feels both decadent and fresh. It’s the kind of appetizer that easily becomes a full meal.”
Hard Rock Cafe
Themed restaurants were all the rage in the ’90s, and Hard Rock Cafe was one of the biggest names in the game. While the brand may not be as ubiquitous as it once was, it still delivers on its signature mix of music, memorabilia, and crowd-pleasing comfort food. According to Chef Corrie, its Legendary Nachos are a standout. “They’re served on a large metal tray with evenly melted cheese and tender white meat chicken with the chips staying crunchy throughout, and there are no burned spots,” he explains. “The creaminess of the cheese and the tenderness of the chicken are what make this dish stand out. The tomatoes are about what you’d expect depending on the season, but overall it’s a reliable, satisfying plate of nachos.”
Pink Taco
Pink Taco has always been a small boutique chain with a rock n’ roll vibe, and while a few locations have closed, there are still three remaining– New York City, Boston and Washington D.C. Chef Corrie says if you’re near one of the restaurants, the nachos are a must-have. You can add everything from carnitas, ground beef, al pastor, chicken, vegetables and Chef Corrie’s go-to carne asada. “They have a seasoning that is incredibly flavorful and aromatic,” he says. “The base ingredients are solid, and the overall combination of toppings works well together.” He explains, “The steak pieces have a delicious seasoning, though the texture can be a bit chewy at times. When the steak is tender, it’s a fantastic dish.” Chef Corrie adds, “The guacamole is fresh and well balanced with lime, adding a nice brightness to the plate.”