North Slope Nachos

Issue: Sometimes I just need nachos, ok? Where do I go when my craving gets so intense that I cannot walk more then 5 blocks?

Rule: I have never claimed to be a nacho purist. I like nachos with and without jalapenos, with cheese melted over a pile of chips, or placed delicately on 3 or 4, with chicken or with veggies. However, I will not stand for fake cheese. Oh no, that crosses the line.

Application: Los Pollitos II is on 5th Ave in Park Slope and has a mean mole enchilada but it does not use real cheese on the nachos. Nuff said. There was a time when the restaurant had entirely different nachos. There was a time when customers were able to sit outside with a margarita and enjoy delicious nachos and corn on the cob slathered in cheese. That time has passed. I don't know when the change made to EZ Cheez, but the strange concoction that is oozing off the chips is not what it used to be. Ugh.
Lobo is just a few blocks down on 5th Ave and always saves the day! A generous basket of chips is placed at the table upon arrival. Salty and crunchy but never too greasy, it is a sign of good things to come. The nachos are the size of half a taco with beans, cheese, jalapenos and additional fixings (chicken usually for us). Hold on to the basket of chips for additional scooping power to get the leftovers once the big chips are gone. Lobo is big in these parts for a delicious margarita that tastes like Christmas (blood orange with Cinnamon tequila- yum) but it has also become my go-to place when I want to enjoy a few nachos while sitting outside. Lobo seems quieter than Los Pollitos even though they are on similar corners, but Lobo's dining area is fenced in, which does make a difference.

Conclusion: Go Lobo. An ideal dinner for two is nachos and an assortment of the veggie sides to assuage the guilt of too many chips. The sides include a wonderfully garlicky spinach, a slightly lackluster creamed corn and some pretty delicious buffalo wings. It is more than enough food for two. Do not think that the chips and salsa alone will satisfy you (they may) just go ahead and order the nachos anyway. You will not be disappointed.

Where is your favorite spot for nachos?