Craving nachos? Whether you like them with creamy queso, spicy salsa or tangy pickled jalapeños, we’ve rounded up the best Chicago spots for this Tex-Mex favorite.
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65 W. Kinzie St. / Website
This River North Mexican spot serves its sharable signature nachos, crafted with aged jack cheese, tangy pickled red onions, black beans, jalapeños, charred tomato and jalapeño salsa, pico de gallo and garlic crema. Diners can opt for add-ons like pork carnitas, housemade chorizo, chicken al pastor or steak.
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435 N. Clark St. / Website
With a country Western theme, tasty barbecue staples and an ever-changing array of live music performances, this River North fan favorite is one to visit for small bites, burgers, smoked meat sandwiches and mouthwatering pulled chicken nachos. With all-natural chicken, guacamole, tomato salsa, jalapenos, cheddar, Oaxaca cheese and sour cream, this appetizer is perfect for sharing—or keeping all for yourself.
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2311 W. North Ave. / Website
This Wicker Park neighborhood spot features vegan and vegetarian comfort food favorites and offers a meat-free alternative to your favorite appetizer. Handlebar’s nachos are topped with black beans, seitan chorizo, pico de gallo, guacamole and queso or vegan cashew queso for a harmonious, savory, spicy and tangy combo.
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180 N. Morgan St. / Website
With locations in Fulton Market and Logan Square, this buzzy Mexican taco and tequila bar is a popular pick both for the dinner crowd and members of the nightlife scene. Dig into the Grande Nachos with tender smoked brisket, salsa verde, pickled red onions, pickled jalapeños, cilantro, sour cream, guacamole, cotija and spicy nacho cheese—best paired with Fed’s frozen margarita, tequila mule or blood orange martini.
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2101 N. California Ave.; 5310 N. Clark St. / Website
This Tex-Mex joint serves everything from burritos to quesoritos and crave-worthy Truck Stop nachos to boot. With black beans, queso, pickled red onions, jalapeños and banana peppers, tomatoes and crema, the nachos can be made vegan or amped up for meat lovers with chorizo, carne asada or picadillo beef.
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155 W. Kinzie St.; 3518 N. Clark St. / Website
Whether you are visiting for happy hour or starting your night out on the town, this spot serves a generously sized platter of its signature TC Nachos. Crafted with house-made tortilla chips, cheese, pinto beans, salsa verde, crema, guacamole, queso fresco, pickled onions and jalapeños, Moe’s nachos can be elevated with add-ons like chicken tinga, chorizo or steak.
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1422 N. Milwaukee Ave.; 738 N. Clark St.; 1321 E. 57th St. / Website
This Mexican-Korean fusion eatery serves signature fare like kimchi fried rice, bulgogi beef burritos and Seoul Sauce-topped quesadillas—and its nachos are not to be missed. Try Seoul Taco’s unique take on the classic dish, featuring crispy tortilla chips, queso blanco, green onions, roasted sesame seeds, kimchi and a dollop of sour cream.
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1804 W. Division St.; 3636 N. Clark St. / Website
Since 1994, this beloved barbecue spot has served slow-cooked chicken, pork, ribs and brisket, specializing in entrees like smoked meat platters, marinated barbecue wings and savory burnt ends. Smoke Daddy offers its tempting pulled meat nachos, topped with your pick of pork, brisket or chicken.
9 W. Hubbard / Website
This upscale River North sports bar offers indulgent tatchos (tater tot nachos) topped with smoked chicken, queso, bacon and ranch. Pair this tempting bar dish with offerings like buffalo chicken wraps, cheeseburgers and taco flatbread. Don’t forget to check out Theory’s beverage list to try favorites like 3 Floyd’s “Gumballhead” pale ale, Blake’s Triple Jam berry hard cider and the refreshing prickly pear spicy paloma.
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3358 N. Southport Ave. / Website
This Lakeview hot spot offers a host of classic Mexican dishes, margaritas and sides (like elotes and escabeche) and its Holy Grail nachos are a favorite. With mixed cheese, jalapeños, pico de gallo and sour cream, Tuco and Blondie’s nachos can be paired with your pick of ground beef or chicken tinga.
See also: The 10 Best Margaritas In Chicago
Photography by: MITCHELL PICTURES/GETTY IMAGES
