Top 19 nachos in Chicago
"Nachos in Chicago" are a popular and delicious snack that combines crispy tortilla chips with a variety of toppings. This Windy City favorite features gooey cheese, flavorful meats, and fresh vegetables, all piled high to create a mouth-watering experience. From classic renditions to unique twists, Chicago's "nachos" scene offers something for everyone.
- 1. Federales Fulton
- 2. Big Star
- 3. Taqueria Moran
- 4. Broken English Taco Pub
- 5. Twisted Spoke
- 6. Seoul Taco
- 7. Chilango Mexican Street Food
- 8. Broken English Taco Pub
- 9. Flaco's Tacos
- 10. The Outpost Mexican Eatery
- 11. Taco Maya
- 12. Zombie Taco
- 13. Chicago Taco Authority
- 14. XOCO
- 15. Big Wig Tacos & Burritos
- 16. Flaco's Tacos
- 17. Burrito Beach
- 18. Taco Lulú
- 19. Gordo's Tiny Taco Bar
1. Federales Fulton
Mexican-inspired dishes, lively atmosphere, rooftop bar

Federales Fulton is a restaurant known for its lively atmosphere, well-decorated interior, and great drink options. One of the dishes they offer is nachos, which are topped with a standout Cotija cheese that is finely grated and a house-made Queso sauce. However, some of their other dishes, such as the shrimp tacos and spicy chicken tacos, receive high praise, while others, like the barbacoa chicken, could use more seasoning. The rice and beans served as sides are not as impressive, as the beans are dry. The cocktails at Federales Fulton tend to be sweeter.
When it comes to the nachos at Federales Fulton, the Cotija cheese and house-made Queso sauce are particularly noteworthy. However, the quality of the dishes at Federales Fulton varies, with some, like the shrimp tacos and spicy chicken tacos, receiving rave reviews, while others, such as the barbacoa chicken, could benefit from more seasoning. The rice and beans served as sides are not as enjoyable due to dry beans. Additionally, the cocktails at Federales Fulton are known to be on the sweeter side.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Fusion Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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2. Big Star
Live music, casual atmosphere, cash only

Big Star, a popular establishment in Chicago, is renowned for its exceptional nachos, attracting visitors from across the country. One such visitor, a self-proclaimed nacho aficionado, traveled from Columbia, SC specifically to sample Big Star's offerings, accompanied by a refreshing margarita. The venue's pleasant staff, lively atmosphere, and excellent drinks have left a lasting impression.
The famous nachos feature large, warm chips, providing a satisfying crunch in every bite. The three mystery salsas, unlabeled and ripe for exploration, each deliver unique and delightful flavors. The chunkiest of the three, which could be affectionately named "chunky salsa," stands out as the preferred choice, adding an extra layer of texture and taste to the already impressive dish.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Hidden Gems
- Mid-Range
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3. Taqueria Moran
Family-owned restaurant serving authentic Mexican food

Taqueria Moran's nachos are a must-order dish, piled high with cheese, meat, and an abundance of toppings. The portion size is more than enough for sharing, making it a great option for groups. The chimichanga, as well as the nachos, are both extremely authentic and full of flavor. The restaurant's service is commendable, with quick and efficient delivery of dishes to the table.
My friend and I were impressed with the meal we had at Taqueria Moran, which stands out as the best Mexican food we've ever had. The dishes, specifically the chimichanga that I ordered and the nachos that my friend ordered, were packed with cheese and meat, offering a satisfying and delicious experience. The speed at which the food was prepared and served was notably fast, taking only about 10 minutes to arrive at our table.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
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4. Broken English Taco Pub
Features a relaxed and social atmosphere with board games and TVs

During our trip, we visited the same restaurant twice and I had the opportunity to try their nachos on the first night. The platter was generously sized, priced at $18 and able to feed up to four people. The nachos were truly excellent and easily one of the highlights of the meal.
The nachos were a standout dish - a platter piled high with a variety of toppings, including melted cheese, beans, jalapenos, and seasoned meat. The portion size was extremely generous, and the quality of the ingredients was evident in every bite. At $18, the price was reasonable for the amount and excellence of the food. Overall, the nachos were a truly satisfying and delicious choice.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
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5. Twisted Spoke
Cozy motorcycle-themed bar with a large patio

The nachos served at this establishment were a source of mixed opinions. On one hand, some found the chips to be disappointingly soggy and the toppings unevenly distributed. On the other hand, others found the nachos to be delicious with a generous portion size, making it a great option for sharing.
In summary, the restaurant is a suitable spot for a laid-back meal. While there were some issues with the nachos for certain customers, others enjoyed their experience with the tasty nachos and large portion size. It seems to be a good option for those looking to share a meal with others.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
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6. Seoul Taco
Uses fresh and high-quality ingredients, Handmade tortillas, Spicy and savory sauces

The nachos at this location are truly exceptional, featuring a creative fusion of Korean flavors and the traditional nacho setup. This unique combination results in a must-try dish that is sure to delight.
One of the standout aspects of these nachos is their unique flavor profile, which combines the savory, spicy, and tangy tastes of Korean cuisine with the familiar cheese and chip combination of nachos. Additionally, the portion size is quite generous, making this dish a great choice for sharing or as a satisfying meal on its own.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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7. Chilango Mexican Street Food
Authentic Mexican street food, Bright and lively atmosphere

The steak nachos are a delicious and generously portioned dish that I recently had the pleasure of trying. The flavors were expertly balanced, with each component of the dish coming together to create a truly enjoyable eating experience. The standout feature of the dish was the perfectly cooked steak, which added a satisfying depth of flavor to the nachos.
If you are a fan of nachos, I highly recommend giving the steak variety a try. These nachos are loaded with a variety of tasty toppings, and the star of the show is the perfectly cooked steak. The dish is sure to leave you feeling satisfied and pleased with your meal choice. Don't miss out on the opportunity to enjoy this must-try dish.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Dinner
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8. Broken English Taco Pub
Cozy atmosphere with a lively bar scene

Nachos were enjoyed and found to be delicious, with an impressive portion size. The flavors were highly satisfactory, making for a tasty experience.
Nacho Momma's Nachos have received positive feedback, with a thumbs up for the combination of flavors and generous toppings. The nachos have proven to be a popular choice.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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9. Flaco's Tacos
Located in the heart of Chicago, offers a cozy and relaxed atmosphere, family-owned and operated

The nachos and carne asada fries at this place are served in large portions, with all the trimmings piled high. The chips and queso side dish also arrived spicy, but the cheese seemed processed or canned in quality.
Moving on to the drinks, the Sangritas are recommended as a tasty option. The food is some of pretty good quality, and the large portions ensure value for money. However, the canned cheese used in the queso lets down an otherwise satisfying dining experience.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
- Gluten-Free
10. The Outpost Mexican Eatery
This cozy eatery offers vegetarian and vegan options, and uses locally sourced ingredients.

The chicken quesadillas served at The Outpost were large in size and abundant in chicken content, making for a very satisfying meal. The nachos and Barilla tacos were also notable for their quality and delicious taste. The staff at the establishment were characterized by their kindness and sweetness, contributing to a positive dining experience.
I was a guest at the nearby Holiday Inn and opted for carry-out service from The Outpost. The food was not only conveniently accessible but also incredibly tasty. The nachos were a standout dish, with their perfect flavor and composition. I was very pleased with my carry-out experience from The Outpost.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mexican Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Dinner
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11. Taco Maya
Specializes in Mexican street food, Offers catering services

The nachos served were delightful, with plentiful portions that allowed for a satisfying experience. The toppings were remarkably fresh and full of flavor, contributing to an enjoyable meal.
The cheese on the nachos was perfectly melted, creating a delicious and gooey texture. Additionally, the salsa provided a welcome kick to the dish, enhancing its taste and making it even more enjoyable.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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12. Zombie Taco
Creative twists on classic nacho recipes, using high-quality ingredients and unique toppings

The nachos, featuring black beans, pico de gallo, fresno peppers, sour cream, and guacamole, were a delicious and worthwhile choice. The addition of green chile queso to the dish added a unique and delicious flavor. For those looking to enjoy this meal from the comfort of their own home, delivery options are available, and the nachos were found to arrive fresh and just as tasty as if they were enjoyed in the restaurant.
The standout component of the nachos was the green chile queso. Its rich and creamy texture, coupled with the perfect amount of spice, made it a must-try topping. The black beans and pico de gallo added a satisfying blend of flavors and textures, while the fresno peppers, sour cream, and guacamole provided a cooling contrast to the spicier elements of the dish. Overall, the nachos were a hit, with the green chile queso being a particularly memorable and delicious element.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Hidden Gems
- Dinner
13. Chicago Taco Authority
Housemade tortillas, fresh ingredients, and family-friendly atmosphere

The nachos served at this location are truly exceptional. They are loaded with an abundance of toppings, making each bite a delightful surprise. The cheese is perfectly melted, adding an extra layer of flavor and richness to the dish. This is a must-try for anyone visiting.
I can personally attest to the deliciousness of the nachos. The portion size was generous, ensuring that every craving was satisfied. The combination of flavors was spot on, making for a truly enjoyable dining experience. I highly recommend giving them a try.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Mexican Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
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14. XOCO
Features a rotating selection of ingredients and daily specials, Upscale Mexican street food experience, Modern and trendy atmosphere

XOCO's nachos are a standout dish, offering a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The fresh ingredients used in the preparation of these nachos contribute to their delicious taste. The generously portioned dish is sure to leave you satisfied.
If you're looking for a must-try dish at XOCO, the nachos should be at the top of your list. Featuring fresh ingredients, this dish boasts a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Its generous portion size ensures that you'll leave feeling full and satisfied. Highly recommended for anyone looking to indulge in a delicious and satisfying meal.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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15. Big Wig Tacos & Burritos
Handmade tortillas, wide variety of vegetarian and vegan options, spacious and pet-friendly patio

A late-night food delivery was received through Uber Eats, featuring Mexican cuisine. The standout dish was the Nachos Supreme, which was packed with flavor and satisfied the taste buds. The chips and queso were also a hit, and the 32 ounce Margaritas were an excellent addition to the meal. The tacos were enjoyable and added to the overall satisfaction with the order.
It was a pleasure to discover quality late-night Mexican food in the area. The Nachos Supreme, chips and queso, and Margaritas were the highlights of the order, while the tacos were a tasty accompaniment. The meal was a welcome change from the typical fast food options that are often the only choice for late-night dining. Overall, the experience was positive and has led to an interest in exploring more Mexican food options in the area.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Mexican Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
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16. Flaco's Tacos
Located in the heart of Chicago, Offers a cozy and casual atmosphere, Known for their delicious Mexican street food

Flaco's Tacos is a popular eatery well-known for offering large portions of delicious foods. The nachos and carne asada fries are among the most sought-after items on the menu, both piled high with an abundance of tasty toppings. For those looking to indulge in a flavorful experience, Flaco's Tacos is the spot to try, with generously sized helpings that ensure you won't leave hungry.
In addition to the loaded nachos and carne asada fries, Flaco's Tacos also features Sangritas on their menu. With a reputation for outstanding food portions, it's no surprise that their Sangritas are also worth mentioning. Whether you're in the mood for a satisfying meal or a refreshing beverage, Flaco's Tacos has something to offer that will not disappoint.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
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17. Burrito Beach
Sustainable and organic ingredients, building community through food.

I ordered a spicy chicken burrito and a side of nachos and salsa during my visit. The chicken burrito was extremely spicy, to the point that I couldn't finish it and had to leave around half of it. On the other hand, the cheese nachos were a standout and incredibly delicious.
My experience with the food was largely positive. I was blown away by the quality and taste of the cheese nachos, which were a highlight of my meal. The spicy chicken burrito, while too spicy for my preference, still had its merits and I enjoyed what I could eat of it.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
18. Taco Lulú
Uses fresh ingredients and homemade sauces

The nachos I received were generously portioned and beautifully presented. The queso sauce stood out as a particular highlight, with its rich and satisfying flavor that lacked the artificial taste often associated with mass-produced versions. Meanwhile, the tacos appeared to be incredibly fresh and appealing, suggesting a high level of quality and attention to detail.
It's clear that significant care and expertise went into the preparation of these dishes. The ingredients were carefully selected to create a vibrant and inviting presentation, and the flavors were expertly balanced to create a truly memorable dining experience. Whether you're in the mood for classic nachos or inventive tacos, this establishment is sure to deliver a delicious and satisfying meal.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
19. Gordo's Tiny Taco Bar
Small, cozy location with a fun and festive atmosphere

The nachos served at the establishment were a standout feature. They were prepared using fresh ingredients and the portions were more than satisfactory. The combination of these elements resulted in a delicious and enjoyable snack. The experience was positive enough that a return visit is being planned.
On the other hand, some individuals may have a different opinion about the nachos. They found the nachos to be just average and not particularly exceptional. The salt level was a bit too high for their preference, which detracted from their overall enjoyment. However, they did acknowledge that the toppings were fresh.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots