El Pinto

Rating: 4

Cost: $10.49-12.98

Location: Albuquerque

Customized:Yes (Added Beef +$2.49)

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This is considered by many to be the finest Nacho money can buy. Lets Find out!

Love it or hate it, El Pinto is the premier destination for tourists looking for New Mexican food. It is one of the largest restaurants in Albuquerque, and has gained a national reputation for quality. There are some haters for sure, but El Pinto is one of the defacto experiences of visiting Albuquerque (much like the Frontier, but for different reasons). The location is far off the beaten path, but once you see the grounds you know why. El Pinto is a massive restaurant, and one of the most gorgeously decorated. Its patio area is larger than most other entire food establishments. Their menu is standard New Mexico fare, able to accommodate most appetites. Their prices, considering the look and feel are quite cheap. Their salsa is delicious, and can be found at most local grocery stores. I rarely eat their due to its location, and the fact that there are several other similar restaurants that I prefer. However, after I learned that the Wall Street Journal dubbed El pintos Nachos the best Nachos in America, I was offended that no one consulted me. I felt it was my duty to investigate the matter.

Now titled “One of the best nachos in America” (humility greatly appreciated), El Pintos Nachos are comprised of a body of chips covered in a mix of cheddar and monterey jack, beans, guacamole, sour cream, green chile, and fresh cut jalapenos. This nacho is large, and is meant to serve four as an appetizer.

I’ll admit, when these Nachos arrived I was extremely happy with the size. Although not the largest I had seen (a ridiculous feat to achieve) it was very appropriate for the price. The nacho was attractive, full of color, and every chip seemed to be swimming in a plethora of toppings. I was admittedly put off by the small portions of sour cream and guacamole considering that this was meant for four people. I was also not crazy about the raw jalapenos, but at least I knew what I was getting into because they were very clear on the menu (take note other restaurants that use raw). After my first bite I knew this was a damn fine nacho. A veritable mix of flavors, each chip seemed to contain most, if not all of the toppings of the nacho. I can’t tell you how important not having plain dry chips is! Although sad at the small portion of sour cream and guacamole, they were at least very high quality, some of the best guac I’ve had. The meat was well spiced and flavorful, the cheese was melted to perfection, and the green chile was top notch. They weren’t lying about their portions though, I couldn’t even finish a third of this bad boy before I was stuffed. Although I wouldn’t consider this the best Nacho I ever ate, it is definitely a high roller. I think that their should be more topping options and larger portions of sour cream/guacamole. I also think that the type of Jalapeno should be optional. I definitely recommend this nacho! It would be a great meal for 2-3 people to share!