Nov 6 is National Nacho Day. You may be someone that believes that nachos were created in the US. According to New York Times writer Pati Jinich, Piedras Negras, in Coahuila, Mexico, is the birthplace of nachos. They’re so proud of their creation that they started the International Nacho Festival, which takes place annually on Oct 21.
The best nachos have crunchy, not soggy, tortilla chips. The best restaurants use handmade tortillas that are fried in-house. The chips must be thick enough to carry the toppings and not fall apart as it makes their way to your mouth. There should be multiple layers of chips and toppings so that you don’t eat a bunch of plain chips.
Here is a round-up of some of LA’s best nachos.
Super Nachos at Bar Ama
Instead of Happy Hour, Bar Ama highlights its nachos with its own “Super Nacho Hour.” This Tex-Mex version features seasoned ground beef, melted Texas-style queso, salsa roja, sour cream, guacamole, chopped red and green onions, and cilantro. The thick tortilla chips hold up to the weight of the toppings.
118 4th St, Los Angeles, 90013; 213.687.8002; bar-ama.com
Have it your way at Sky’s Gourmet Tacos
Sky Tacos uses freshly made seasoned tortilla chips and stacks them high with melted cheddar cheese, beans, tomatoes, and cilantro. Gourmet toppings include seasoned steak, filet mignon, lobster, carnitas, shrimp, and even one for vegetarians with shiitake mushrooms.
5303 W Pico Blvd Suite #01, Los Angeles, 90019; 323.932.6253; skysgourmettacos.com
Nachos Supreme at El Compadre
The flaming maggies are the big draw at El Compadre. Be sure to pair that with their Nachos Supreme, made with tortilla chips covered with melted cheese, chorizo, steak, and housemade ranchera sauce and topped with sour cream and guacamole.
7408 W Sunset Blvd Los Angeles, 90046; (323) 874-7924; elcompadrerestaurant.com
Rainbow Cauliflower Nachos at Petty Cash Taqueria
The most colorful offering is Petty Cash Taqueria’s Rainbow Cauliflower Nachos. They use multiple-colored cauliflower mixed with poblano crema, kale, fresno chiles, and jack cheese.
7360 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, 90036; 323.933.5300; pettycashtaqueria.com
Lamb Barbacoa Nachos at My Taco
If you are seeking a unique experience, consider the Lamb Barbacoa Nachos at My Taco. The lamb is seared, slightly crispy, and drizzled with consomme and a squeeze of lime.
6300 York Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90042; 323.256.2698; my-taco.net
Amor Y Tacos – A Modern Take on Nachos
Chef Thomas Ortega features Alta California cuisine with his modern take on Mexican cuisine. Even the nachos aren’t an afterthought. The Nacho Libre is topped with a blend of ground beef, chorizo, sour cream cilantro, salsa de arbol, sliced jalapenos, radish, and red onions.
13333 South St, Cerritos, 90703; 562.860.2667; amorytacos.com
$6 Nachos at Miguel’s Jr.
In celebration of this holiday, Miguel’s Jr offers its iconic nacho dish for only $6! Homestyle refried beans, tortilla chips, española sauce, cheddar cheese, fresh tomatoes, and a choice of chicken or shredded beef with a side of homemade creamy guacamole & sour cream. Carne asada is also available at an additional cost. This special is only valid on National Nacho Day, Sun. Nov 6.
Locations in Orange County and the Inland Empire. miguelsjr.com