Chef Corrie Duffy names 5 chain restaurants that serve the best loaded nachos.
Nachos are one of the greatest foods in the world. They’re crisp, cheesy, customizable, and fun to share. But nachos can go terribly wrong if they’re not done right. They can quickly become muddy if not properly installed with high quality chips and good lubrication. You can easily find nachos, but for the best, Eat This, Not That! asked Corrie Duffy, chef and food blogger at Corrie Cooks, to share her top five chains.
Margaritaville
Inspired by Jimmy Buffett, Margaritaville offers fun, holiday vibes, and, according to Chef Corrie, the Volcano Nachos are worth the mud. “The tortilla chips are stacked in a tall tower, then topped with beef and black bean cheese and fiesta cheese queso sauce,” he said. “The sauce has a smooth, creamy texture and goes down the sides like mud, which is where the dish gets its name from. On top, you’ll find pico de gallo, sour cream, pickled jalapeños, and fresh guacamole.” He adds, “Everything is served in a fun, high-spirited way that adds to the experience. It’s a big part of what makes a tableside meal memorable.”
Rosa Mexicano
Rosa Signature Nachos are so customizable that there’s something for everyone—meat eaters, seafood lovers, and vegetarians. For an additional $8.00, you can add red chile chicken, 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 in the chips is well balanced, and the flavor is really good even when ordered to take out. Chef Corrie adds, “The portion size is on the small side compared to other chains, but the quality of the ingredients and overall taste make it a solid choice.”
The Courtyard 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 filled with raw ahi tuna, avocado, serrano peppers, nori, sesame seeds, cilantro, green onions, white truffle sauce, soy ginger sauce, and sriracha aioli,” explains Chef Corrie. “Each chip gets a big bite of tuna, and the combination of flavors, from the sweetness of ginger to the saltiness of soy and a hint of truffle, creates something that feels decadent and fresh. It’s the kind of drink that easily becomes a full meal.”
The 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 its signature mix of music, memorabilia, and crowd-pleasing comfort food. According to Chef Corrie, its Legendary Nachos stand out. “They are served on a large metal tray with evenly melted cheese and white tender chicken meat and chips that stay firm, no burnt spots,” he explained. The creaminess of the cheese and the tenderness of the chicken is what makes this dish stand out. The tomatoes are about what you’d expect depending on the season, but overall it’s a reliable and satisfying plate of nachos.
The Pink Taco
Pink Taco has always been a small boutique chain with a rock n’ roll vibe, and while a few locations have closed, three remain – New York City, Boston and Washington DC 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 carne asada. He says: “They have an amazing flavor and aroma. “The base ingredients are strong, and the perfect combination of toppings works well together.” He explains, “Steak pieces have a nice flavor, although the texture can be chewy at times. Chef Corrie adds, “The guacamole is fresh and goes well with the lime, adding a nice brightness to the plate.”
Heather Newgen
Heather Newgen has twenty years of experience reporting and writing about health, fitness, entertainment and travel. Heather currently freelances for several publications. Read more about Heather
