Connecticut's Top Nachos, According To The Expert

What originally started as a Top 10 quickly became a Top 12, and then, just when I thought I was done, it turned into a baker’s dozen. But honestly, that feels about right because all 13 of these nachos deserve to be on the list.

These are all nachos I’ve personally tried over the years that have brought a smile to my face, whether it was because of the creativity, the toppings, the flavor, or simply because they hit exactly the way a great plate of nachos should.

I’ve also had the chance to have some fun creating nachos of my own with Connecticut restaurants and attractions over the years. Past collaborations have included Steak Au Poivre Nachos with Anchor Social in Milford and the Home Run Nachos with the Hartford Yard Goats, both inspired by recipes from my cookbook. Seeing these dishes come to life outside the pages of the book has been especially fun for me.

Anchor Social, Milford
Crab Nachos

Lump crab, housemade tortilla chips, roasted corn salsa, guacamole, Colby Jack and cumin-lime crema. I love that this one takes nachos in a completely different, coastal Connecticut direction.

Archie Moore’s, New Haven, Fairfield, Milford, Wallingford and Branford
Buffalo Chicken Nachos

Tortilla chips topped with cheddar-jack cheese, grilled chicken marinated in Archie Moore’s buffalo wing sauce, tomatoes and jalapeños, served with salsa, sour cream and blue cheese dressing.

Arugula Bistro & Bar, West Hartford
Middle Eastern “Nachos”

Ful medames seasoned with lemon, garlic and cumin, topped with hummus and served with pita triangles, cucumber, tomato and red onion salad. Note: Available during Social Hour at the bar.

Barracuda Bistro & Bar, New Haven 
Yuca Nachos

Yuca frita replaces traditional tortilla chips and is topped with pepper jack cheese, tomato and scallions, served with sour cream, picante sauce and guacamole. Several proteins can be added, and I especially like mine with blackened chicken.

Eli Cannon’s Tap Room, Middletown 
Classic Nachos

Fresh tortilla chips piled high with tomatoes, olives, scallions, jalapeños and cheddar-jack cheese, served with sour cream and salsa.

Frida Mexican Cuisine, West Hartford 
Mole Nachos

Crispy corn tortilla chips layered with traditional mole poblano sauce, black beans, tender shredded chicken and warm cheese dip.

Geronimo Tequila Bar and Southwest Grill, Fairfield and New Haven
Nachos Borrachos

Fully loaded with chicken tinga, buffalo chile and carnitas, then finished with sour cream, jalapeños, bell peppers and pico de gallo.

Marker 37, Chester
Nachrageous Nachos by Alex P. Taylor

Housemade chips topped with braised short rib, seasoned cheddar, diced cheese curds, pickled onions, scallions, sliced jalapeño and horseradish sour cream. (This one is especially fun for me because it was created as a collaboration with Marker 37. My name is actually listed on the menu, and they named the dish after my cookbook.)

Market Place Kitchen & Bar, Multiple Connecticut locations
Blackened Chicken Nachos

Blue corn tortilla chips topped with blackened chicken, Vermont white cheddar, caramelized onions, hot cherry peppers, arugula, guacamole and truffle aioli.

Mezcal, New Haven
Nachos Tres Estilos, Number Three

Tortilla chips layered with melted cheese, refried beans, sour cream and guacamole, plus your choice of shredded chicken, pulled pork or chopped steak.

Puerto Vallarta, Multiple Connecticut locations
Fajita Nachos

Tortilla chips topped with refried beans and melted Monterey Jack cheese, plus your choice of marinated steak or chicken sautéed with bell peppers and onions, generously garnished with onions, tomatoes, guacamole and sour cream.

Willimantic Brewing Company, Willimantic
Traditional Willibrew Nachos

Cheddar-jack cheese, tomatoes, jalapeños and scallions, with options to add grilled or blackened chicken, BBQ pulled pork, pulled birria beef, crispy chicken, veggie chili or bacon.

Wood-n-Tap, Multiple Connecticut locations
Nachos

Your choice of chicken or beef with cheese, sour cream, tomatoes, jalapeños, black beans and shredded lettuce.