Nachos @ Mel's Burger

Where: Mel's Burger Bar @ 2850 Broadway, New York, New York, United States

What: Nachos (Tortilla Chips, Cheddar Cheese, Ground Beef, Salsa, Guacamole and Sour Cream)

How much: $12

Rating: 6

Overall review: These are good nachos that could be great nachos. The biggest problem is the toppings. They're not layered, so they cling to the top of the nachos and never mingle with the chips below. In fact, it was hard to pick up a chip without also taking the whole top. This made for a large plate of naked chips at the end. That said, the nicest touch was the addition of ground beef, which makes perfect sense for a place with great burgers.

4.13.2008: Nachos at Mama Mexico

Restaurant: Mama Mexico
Location: 2672 Broadway (at 101st Street)
Type: Mama Nachos
Ingredients: Corn tortilla chips, topped with shredded chicken, along with refried beans, melted cheese, and pickled jalapeños. Served with lettuce and guacamole.
Cost: $9
Rating: 6

Brief Review: These were enchilada nachos; nachos that contained enchilada ingredients and were very messy and soggy. However, they were very yummy! The one downside was the portion size - it was pretty small, but not pizza nachos small. If the portion size was bigger, these nachos would have easily scored a 8 or higher!

3.12.2008 Nachos at La Cocina

Restaurant: La Cocina
Location: 217 West 85th Street (Between Broadway and Amsterdam), NYC
Type: Nachos Supreme
Ingredients: "A mount of corn tortilla chips" topped with stewed chicken, cheddar cheese, sour cream and jalapeños
Cost: $8.95
Rating: 7


Brief Review: Very tasty nachos. The stewed chicken added an excellent flavor. They had no right to describe the portion size as a "mount of corn tortilla chips," it was more like a small "mound."

3.4.2008 Nachos at Havana Central at the West End

Restaurant: Havana Central at the West End
Location: 2911 Broadway (Between 113th & 114th Streets), NYC
Type: Nachos (with chicken)
Ingredients: Corn tortilla chips, jalapeños, tomatoes, refried black beans, jack cheese, tomato, cilantro, and onion salsa.
Cost: $7 + $2 for chicken
Rating: 6


Brief Review: These nachos were just ok. Despite the array of toppings they were pretty dry. And it didn't help that there wasn't a drop of salsa anywhere to be found. The black beans (possibly included to give some moisture) added only a dull taste to already boring nachos.

2.13.2008 Nachos at Dive Bar

Restaurant: Dive Bar
Location: 732 Amsterdam Avenue and 96th St., NYC
Type: Nachos (Large)
Ingredients: Nacho chips topped with cheddar cheese, sliced jalapeños, salsa, sour cream, and guacamole.
Cost: $12
Rating: 5

Brief Review: The first couple of bites were delicious. However, the nachos soon became very soupy from the salsa. Most of the toppings were cold including the cheese!

1.23.2008 Nachos at El Porton

Restaurant: El Porton
Location: 3151 Broadway, NYC (Btw LaSalle & Tiemann Pl)
Type: Tinga de Pollo
Ingredients: Roasted Chicken Breast in a Smoky Chipolte Tomato Sauce.
Cost: $8
Rating: 7


Brief Review: Spicy. Light crispy chips. Guacamole was delicious! Needed more integration between the ingredients. Could have used some salsa. Creative use of jalapeños.


2nd Review: Even better the second time! See picture above. These are a solid 7 tasty nachos. The lettuce and carrots were very creative.