10 Best Nachos in Los Angeles

Rachael Narins

Nachos at El Cholo

4. El Cholo:
Once upon a time (in the 1950's) a woman named Carmen moved to L.A. from Texas. With her, she brought nachos, a dish that had been invented in her border town. For that contribution to our local landscape, El Cholo still proudly serves Carmen's Original Nachos, a large platter of chips hiding under a pool of cheddar and Jack cheese. The dish is also given free at their "Nacho Table," which is deemed the loudest table in the house. They also have the Sonora-style, which come with beans, cheese, salsa, jalapeños and guacamole. Both versions are enhanced by the slightly sweet, very crispy chips that they fry up in-house.1121 South Western Ave., Los Angeles; 323-734-2773.

Rachael Narins

Sky's Gourmet Taco's Nachos

3. Sky's Gourmet Tacos:
Sky's Gourmet Tacos is a charming little spot on Pico Blvd. with a loyal local following. The majority of orders placed are rightfully for the tacos, but you would be remiss to skip their nachos. The selection includes shrimp, lobster, beef, pork, mahi mahi, tilapia and salmon. While we normally shy away from seafood and melted cheese, what they're doing somehow negates our common sense and really works. We particularly recommend the sweet lobster. Just keep in mind, this is a garnish, not the centerpiece, so there isn't a lot. The salsa is freshly made, as is the guacamole. They offer black or pinto beans and the whole thing is both beautiful and easy to devour. 5408 W. Pico Blvd. Los Angeles; 323-932-6253.

Rachael Narins

Panchos Nachos

2. Pancho's Tacos:
Walk into Panchos during the lunch rush and you'll be met with a cacophony of a blaring television, orders being sung out, local businesspeople taking a break from their hectic day and a lot of teenagers enjoying their few free minutes between classes. Everyone present is digging in to this Westside institution's well-seasoned fare. Everybody -- and you, too -- should be eating the nachos. What we particularly swoon over is the rich mole with which that they drench the plate. No chip is left completely dry but most still retain that essential crunch. There'ss a salsa bar available, allowing you to amp up the heat as needed. 2920 Lincoln Blvd., Santa Monica; 310-452-2970.

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