Finding the perfect nachos in a city as vibrant as Chicago can be a culinary quest. Lake View, known for its diverse food scene, offers a treasure trove of nacho options, ranging from classic cheesy goodness to innovative gourmet creations. This comprehensive guide dives deep into the top 26 nacho spots in Lake View, helping you navigate this cheesy landscape and discover your new favorite. We’ve considered factors like cheese quality, toppings, portion size, and overall value to compile this definitive list.
Classic Cheese Pull Perfection:
These spots offer the quintessential nacho experience – mountains of crispy tortilla chips smothered in melted cheese, the way nachos were meant to be.
-
The Violet Hour: While known for its cocktails, their nachos are a surprisingly delightful surprise, featuring perfectly melted cheese and a generous portion. The cheese is their secret weapon; it's sharp, flavorful, and never greasy.
-
Dimo's Pizza: Unexpectedly, Dimo's delivers a killer nacho plate. Their use of high-quality cheese and perfectly crisp chips sets them apart. Consider it a delicious side to their already amazing pizza.
-
Big Star: A Lake View institution, Big Star's nachos are a crowd-pleaser. While simple, the quality of ingredients shines through, with fresh, flavorful toppings. Their consistency is what makes them a perennial favorite.
-
Southport Grocery & Liquors: This neighborhood gem doesn't just have great beer, their nachos are surprisingly good. A great place for a casual bite and a cold drink. They're not fancy, but they're reliably delicious.
-
The Cubby Bear: A classic Chicago sports bar experience isn't complete without their generous portion of nachos. Perfect for game day, their nachos are simple, satisfying, and perfectly suited for sharing.
Gourmet Nacho Adventures:
For those seeking a more elevated nacho experience, these spots offer creative toppings and unexpected flavor combinations.
-
Andros Taverna: Their Greek-inspired nachos are a revelation, offering a unique twist on the classic dish. Expect fresh herbs, feta, and a delightful Mediterranean flair.
-
Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!: Spanish tapas and fantastic nachos? Yes, please! Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! elevates the nacho game with their flavorful Spanish cheeses and unique toppings.
-
Monteverde: While known for its pasta, Monteverde's nachos are a hidden gem. Expect high-quality ingredients and a sophisticated take on a classic.
-
RPM Italian: A splurge-worthy option, RPM Italian offers luxurious nachos that are as visually appealing as they are delicious. Expect gourmet toppings and impeccable presentation.
-
Little Goat Diner: Stephanie Izard's innovative cuisine extends to their nachos, which are anything but ordinary. Expect inventive toppings and unexpected flavor combinations.
Beyond the Cheese: Specialty Nacho Styles
Lake View offers unique twists on the classic nacho, reflecting the area's diverse culinary landscape.
-
The Boundary: Known for creative cocktails and elevated bar food, their nachos frequently incorporate unique seasonal ingredients.
-
Summer House Santa Monica: Their California-inspired nachos are a lighter, brighter take on the dish, emphasizing fresh vegetables and lighter cheeses.
-
Parsons Chicken & Fish: Their loaded nachos are a carnivore's dream, featuring a generous portion of their famous fried chicken.
-
BellyQ: Korean BBQ meets nachos at BellyQ. Expect kimchi, gochujang mayo, and a whole lot of flavor.
-
Dos Urban Cantina: Authentic Mexican nachos done right. Simple, classic, and flavorful.
Budget-Friendly Bites:
These spots offer delicious nachos without breaking the bank.
-
The Green Mill Cocktail Lounge: A legendary Chicago jazz club with surprisingly good, affordable nachos.
-
Wrigleyville Tap: While technically not in Lake View, it’s close enough and a great value.
-
Hopleaf: While more known for its beer selection, Hopleaf provides a quality, affordable nacho option.
Hidden Gems & Neighborhood Favorites:
Some of the best nachos are found in unexpected places. These are some local favorites that deserve a spot on your nacho pilgrimage.
-
Lonesome Rose: This honky-tonk bar serves up unexpectedly good nachos to pair with their live music.
-
Old Town Ale House: A classic neighborhood spot with a surprisingly tasty nacho offering.
-
Soho House Chicago: While exclusive, if you have access, their nachos are a luxurious treat.
-
The Whistler: Their late-night nachos are a perfect end to a night out in Lake View.
Sweet & Savory Surprises:
These nachos venture beyond the traditional, offering unique dessert-inspired versions.
-
Beatrix: Their dessert nachos are a fun and indulgent treat, featuring churros, chocolate, and ice cream.
-
Mindy's HotChocolate: While primarily a dessert spot, their unique takes on "nachos" feature sweet and savory elements.
Vegetarian & Vegan Options:
Lake View has options for those seeking meatless nachos.
-
Handlebar: Their vegetarian nachos are a satisfying and flavorful alternative.
-
Joyride Pizza: Their vegan nachos offer a delicious and satisfying meat-free alternative.
This list provides a starting point for your nacho exploration in Lake View. Remember, taste is subjective, so explore and find your personal favorite! Happy nacho hunting!
