Old Town Mexican Cafe | 2489 San Diego Ave. | San Diego, CA In the street-front window of the Old Town Mexican Cafe, women are making fresh tortillas. Based on this alone, I thought this place would definitely be a five-sombrero joint. As I entered in to the restaurant, the stench of lard was in the air (not a good sign). The place was packed and I was willing to forego the smell in my quest for the perfect plate of nachos. When my nachos arrived, I instantly knew they were going to be sub-par. The bowl of sour cream and guac on top of the dish was one indication and the glob of cheese that practically swallowed the plate was another. The nachos had absolutely no flavor and were practically inedible. Don’t believe the hype surrounding this award-winning joint.

Old Town Mexican Cafe | 2489 San Diego Ave. | San Diego, CA

In the street-front window of the Old Town Mexican Cafe, women are making fresh tortillas. Based on this alone, I thought this place would definitely be a five-sombrero joint. As I entered in to the restaurant, the stench of lard was in the air (not a good sign). The place was packed and I was willing to forego the smell in my quest for the perfect plate of nachos.

When my nachos arrived, I instantly knew they were going to be sub-par. The bowl of sour cream and guac on top of the dish was one indication and the glob of cheese that practically swallowed the plate was another. The nachos had absolutely no flavor and were practically inedible.

Don’t believe the hype surrounding this award-winning joint.

Frank & Lupe’s Old Mexico | 4121 N. Marshall Way | Scottsdale, AZ Frank & Lupe’s is a hidden gem in the heart of Scottsdale. Their tortilla chips are made from maseca tortillas which are fried to perfection creating a light and tasty chip. Maseca hails from Mexico and is made up of 85% corn and 15% flour. Most restaurants don’t use it simply because it’s too expensive. Thankfully, Frank & Lupe’s doesn’t cut any corners. Their nachos are good—no complaints here. Lettuce is added (almost as a garnish) which is a welcomed twist on what can be a heavy dish. If you are ever in Scottsdale and craving some authentic mex, then Frank & Lupe’s is not to be missed.

Frank & Lupe’s Old Mexico | 4121 N. Marshall Way | Scottsdale, AZ

Frank & Lupe’s is a hidden gem in the heart of Scottsdale. Their tortilla chips are made from maseca tortillas which are fried to perfection creating a light and tasty chip. Maseca hails from Mexico and is made up of 85% corn and 15% flour. Most restaurants don’t use it simply because it’s too expensive. Thankfully, Frank & Lupe’s doesn’t cut any corners. Their nachos are good—no complaints here. Lettuce is added (almost as a garnish) which is a welcomed twist on what can be a heavy dish. If you are ever in Scottsdale and craving some authentic mex, then Frank & Lupe’s is not to be missed.

Merchants Chelsea | 112 Seventh Ave. | NY, NY I would have never imagined that Merchants serves up decent nachos, but they do. My sister and I frequent this place because their food, more importantly, their nachos are consistently good. I’ve never been disappointed. Their guac is mediocre, but the rest of the toppings generously cover every chip leaving no chip behind. My sister and I both give Merchants’ nachos:

Merchants Chelsea | 112 Seventh Ave. | NY, NY

I would have never imagined that Merchants serves up decent nachos, but they do. My sister and I frequent this place because their food, more importantly, their nachos are consistently good. I’ve never been disappointed. Their guac is mediocre, but the rest of the toppings generously cover every chip leaving no chip behind.

My sister and I both give Merchants’ nachos:

LA Buns & Company I 8787 Santa Monica Blvd. | West Hollywood, CA You might question the quality of food at this American + Mexican fare joint. They serve up killer cheeseburgers, fries and hot dawgs, but I’m commenting on the nachos, folks. Their nachos are literally finger-lickin’ good. Not only do they fry their chips to order, but there is certainly no shortage of goods here—cheese, chili and salsa fresca. I’m going to have to knock off a sombrero or two because the dish isn’t complete without fresh guac and sour cream—you have to order it on the side. Still, I always make a pit spot at this gem when I’m in LA.

LA Buns & Company I 8787 Santa Monica Blvd. | West Hollywood, CA

You might question the quality of food at this American + Mexican fare joint. They serve up killer cheeseburgers, fries and hot dawgs, but I’m commenting on the nachos, folks.

Their nachos are literally finger-lickin’ good. Not only do they fry their chips to order, but there is certainly no shortage of goods here—cheese, chili and salsa fresca. I’m going to have to knock off a sombrero or two because the dish isn’t complete without fresh guac and sour cream—you have to order it on the side. Still, I always make a pit spot at this gem when I’m in LA.

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Andale Mexican Restaurant & Bar I San Francisco Airport, Terminal G This is the perfect spot if you’re looking for fresh, Cali-style Mex. Their nachos are pretty good. I always get the veggie version—black beans, cheese, salsa fresca, guac and sour cream. They could add more fixings to ensure every chip is covered, but I have to give them props for freshness. As you know, it’s especially difficult to find good grub in airport establishments.

Andale Mexican Restaurant & Bar I San Francisco Airport, Terminal G

This is the perfect spot if you’re looking for fresh, Cali-style Mex. Their nachos are pretty good. I always get the veggie version—black beans, cheese, salsa fresca, guac and sour cream. They could add more fixings to ensure every chip is covered, but I have to give them props for freshness. As you know, it’s especially difficult to find good grub in airport establishments.

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Pepper’s Mexicali Cafe I Pacific Grove, CA This place is absolutely one of the best Mexican spots I have been to. I have yet to experience a joint that is superior to Pepper’s. I’ve been going here for over 20 years and it’s still in my top 10. Now for the nachos, I always get it with pinto beans and all the fixins’ (you can get it with black beans, meat, etc). Every chip is smothered with nacho goodness—beans, cheese, guac, sour cream, salsa fresca and jalapenos. Mmm, I wish I had some right now.

Pepper’s Mexicali Cafe I Pacific Grove, CA

This place is absolutely one of the best Mexican spots I have been to. I have yet to experience a joint that is superior to Pepper’s. I’ve been going here for over 20 years and it’s still in my top 10.

Now for the nachos, I always get it with pinto beans and all the fixins’ (you can get it with black beans, meat, etc). Every chip is smothered with nacho goodness—beans, cheese, guac, sour cream, salsa fresca and jalapenos. Mmm, I wish I had some right now.

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