West Chester Dish

I have to come clean. I have an addiction¦ to nachos. I’ve been indulging (this is horrible) almost everyday. And not just chips and salsa. I mean fully loaded with cheese, sour cream, salsa, guacamole… the works.

Usually, my willpower is intact for other things (excluding ice cream) but my self-control goes down the drain when someone mentions N-A-C-H-O-S.

In an effort to help with my spending and waistline I’ve tried buying healthier versions of ingredients to make my addiction at home. I’ve been able to recreate them with baked chips, low fat cheese, plain yogurt in place of sour cream (better than it sounds), fresh veggies and homemade salsa. But here are the downfalls. 1- Baked chips do not microwave well. (My apartment almost caught on fire from the sparks created after two seconds on medium heat) and 2- With all the ingredients in my home, I could easily make more¦lots more.

Let’s face it, there is something almost magical about a plate of prepared-by-someone-else-nachos placed before you. Piled high, each chip is its own masterpiece and blend of flavors. Yumma.

The world agrees. I recently found a website dedicated to the famous snack called nachosrule.com. International nacho fans rate, photograph and even write poetry about their favorite appetizer. I found the following Nacho Haiku to be the highlight of the site:

Cheese flows over corn
Nachos hold all the answers
My life is complete

I couldn’t have summed it up better myself. And the fact that nachos show up on almost every menu in the country (believe me I know) shows that perhaps they do hold all the answers.

So nachos¦ I ask you¦ where should I go to get the best nachos in West Chester? Check them out for yourself…

#1: Iron Hill Brewery. They are classic American nachos but with high quality ingredients and end up being the most expensive nachos that I enjoy because I add on extras. But that’s not stopping me, or other Iron Hill fans. Menu reads: House Nachos- Diced tomatoes, black beans, green onion, jalapenos, sour cream, Monterey jack and cheddar cheese. For $2.00 extra you can add Fajita spiced chicken, ground beef or guacamole (which is delish!) Large portion is $9.95, small is $6.95

Locations and full menu available at www.ironhillbrewery.com

#2: Kildare’s Irish Pub. Although it doesn’t seem logical to include an Irish Pub in a nacho review, I’m including them because they are different. The Irish flare of this restaurant has taken a fun spin on the typical corn chip and replaced it with potato chips. Menu Reads: Kildare’s Nachos- A Mountain of Thick Potato Crisps Topped With Melted Cheese, Salsa, Guacamole and Sour Cream $7.95

Locations and full menu available at www.kildarespub.com

#3: Coyote Crossing: This is a great stop for authentic nachos with homemade chips and real south of the border toppings. They are delicious if you are open to a more authentic version of nachos. One thing that you cannot go wrong on is the atmosphere. The West Chester rooftop is without a doubt the best outside seating in town. Sip a margarita with these nachos and you have an instant vacation. Menu reads: Nachos for Two - House Made Tortilla Chips, Queso Oxaca, Queso Chihuahua, Queso Cotija, Black Bean Puree, Guacamole, Sour Cream, Pico de Gallo, Queso Fresco and Cilantro $10.00.

Full menu available at www.coyotecrossing.com

Locations:
West Chester, 102 East Market Street 19382 (610) 429-8900
Conshohocken 800 Spring Mill Avenue 19428-2314 (610) 825-3000

#4: Senora’s Authentic Mexican. Perhaps the most authentic Mexican food in the area and the best deal for the amount. They don’t’ charge extra for toppings (except for guacamole) Experience their Cabo nachos. Menu reads: A mouth watering blend of handmade tortilla chips covered with whole black beans and your choice of shredded chicken breast, tender shredded sirloin steak, carnitas-seasoned roast pork or chorizo-spicy Mexican sausage. Smothered in a blend of Monterey jack and cheddar cheese and garnished with tomatoes, mild green chilies and scallions. Accompanied with your choice of homemade salsa or sour cream. Also prepared vegetarian style. Small $5.99 Large $8.49

Location:

505 E Gay St. West Chester, PA 19380 (610) 344-4950