Philadelphia, a city known for its rich history and diverse culinary scene, also boasts a surprisingly vibrant nacho landscape. Forget basic cheese and tortilla chips; Philly's nacho game is elevated, with creative toppings, unique flavor combinations, and generous portions that will leave you craving more. This guide dives deep into the top 15 nacho destinations in the city of brotherly love, ensuring your next nacho craving is met with cheesy, spicy perfection. We'll explore what makes each location unique, considering factors like quality of ingredients, creativity of toppings, and overall value.
The Nacho Elite: Our Top 5 Picks
These five spots consistently deliver exceptional nachos, standing out for their quality, innovation, and overall nacho experience.
1. El Vez's "Mexican Street Corn Nachos"
El Vez, a vibrant Mexican restaurant, takes the classic nacho to a whole new level with their "Mexican Street Corn Nachos." Forget simple cheese; this dish features perfectly crisped tortilla chips loaded with creamy cotija cheese, tangy lime crema, sweet corn, spicy chili powder, and fresh cilantro. The combination of sweet, salty, spicy, and creamy creates a truly unforgettable flavor profile.
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What makes them special: The unique street corn-inspired toppings elevate the dish beyond the ordinary. The balance of flavors is expertly crafted.
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Price: $$ (Expect to pay around $20-$25)
2. Distrito's "Loaded Nachos"
Distrito, a modern Mexican restaurant with multiple locations in Philadelphia, serves up "Loaded Nachos" that live up to their name. The impressive portion features a mountain of tortilla chips buried under a generous layer of melted cheese, seasoned ground beef, black beans, pico de gallo, guacamole, sour cream, and jalapeños. It's a classic nacho experience, executed perfectly.
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What makes them special: The sheer size and generous toppings make it a great value for sharing. The classic flavors are done right.
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Price: $$ (Expect to pay around $18-$22)
3. Bar Bombon's "Spicy Chorizo Nachos"
Bar Bombon, a trendy spot known for its tapas and cocktails, offers "Spicy Chorizo Nachos" that pack a punch. The house-made chorizo is incredibly flavorful, adding a depth of spice and richness to the dish. It's topped with melted Oaxaca cheese, aioli, and pickled onions for a balanced flavor profile.
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What makes them special: The high-quality chorizo and the balance of spicy and creamy elements.
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Price: $$ (Expect to pay around $16-$20)
4. Talula's Garden's "Seasonal Nachos"
Talula's Garden, a farm-to-table restaurant, takes a seasonal approach to nachos, creating innovative dishes with locally sourced ingredients. The toppings often change depending on what's fresh and in season but always highlight the high-quality ingredients. Expect creative variations with unusual but delicious cheeses and toppings.
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What makes them special: The commitment to fresh, seasonal ingredients and the creative approach to toppings.
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Price: $$ (Expect to pay around $20-$28)
5. Jose Pistola's "Carne Asada Nachos"
Jose Pistola's, a popular Mexican cantina, offers “Carne Asada Nachos” with tender, marinated carne asada, creating a more sophisticated approach to a classic. Their nachos are piled high with generous portions of grilled carne asada, melted cheese, guacamole, sour cream, and pico de gallo.
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What makes them special: The high-quality carne asada, perfectly seasoned and cooked.
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Price: $$ (Expect to pay around $18-$22)
The Next Tier: Nachos Worth Seeking Out (6-10)
These restaurants offer solid nacho options that consistently deliver satisfying results.
- Monk's Cafe: Classic, well-executed nachos with a focus on quality ingredients.
- Lolita's: Known for their creative Mexican-inspired dishes, their nachos are no exception.
- Taqueria Feliz: Casual spot with large portions of tasty nachos.
- Las Palmas: Family-friendly Mexican restaurant with reliable nachos.
- South Philly Barbacoa: Offers unique barbacoa-inspired nachos.
Good Choices: Solid Nachos for a Casual Bite (11-15)
These locations are great for a casual nacho craving and generally deliver satisfying, if not spectacular, dishes.
- The Dandelion: Offers a more unique approach to nachos with different types of cheese.
- Time: A hip spot with interesting takes on classic dishes, including their nachos.
- McGillin's Olde Ale House: A historic pub that surprisingly has decent nachos.
- Bridget Foy's: Classic American fare, including a straightforward version of nachos.
- Sabrina's Cafe: A neighborhood spot with reliable, affordable nachos.
Tips for the Ultimate Philly Nacho Experience
- Consider Sharing: Most Philly nacho portions are quite generous. Sharing is a great way to sample a wider variety of toppings.
- Check for Specials: Many restaurants offer nacho specials on certain nights of the week.
- Don't Be Afraid to Customize: Many restaurants will let you add or substitute toppings.
- Explore Beyond the Classic: Try a restaurant's unique or signature nacho creation for a truly memorable experience.
This list is just a starting point; Philadelphia's nacho scene is constantly evolving. With a little exploration, you're sure to discover your new favorite spot for this classic comfort food. Happy Nacho Hunting!
