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Mex 1 nachos

Order Nachos at These 15 Charleston Destinations

Who knew Charleston was a nacho city?

by Parker Milner Apr 2, 2019, 3:00pm EDT

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Mex 1 nachos

| Mex 1/Facebook

by Parker Milner Apr 2, 2019, 3:00pm EDT

Appetizers these days are far fancier than they used to be, as no-frills options like potato skins have made way for honey-dusted brussels sprouts and steak tartare. Still, there’s always time for a crowd pleaser that feeds the masses, and nothing fits the bill quite like nachos.

Nachos can be as simple as warm shredded cheese-topped tortilla chips. However, Charleston chefs are upping the ante, bridging the gap between this nostalgic classic and the sophisticated starter offering to which many are now accustomed. From award-winning barbecue to bison, guests can find a wide range of elements atop their nachos, with cheese being one consistent ingredient (even if it’s vegan). Exceptional nachos are worth seeking out, and these 15 Charleston destinations are a good place to start the journey.

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YoBo Cantina Fresca

Yo Bo keeps their queso recipe a secret and for good reason — it’s downright delicious. Find the thick, creamy cheese sauce atop warm tortilla chips with protein options like rojo chicken or carnitas.

Open in Google Maps

10 Windermere Blvd, Charleston, SC 29407

Visit Website

Huriyali

Huriyali is more than just smoothies and acai bowls — the sunlit cafe offers a variety of sandwiches, bowls, and plates like the self-proclaimed “healthiest nachos in town.” This lighter version doesn’t lack flavor, as the tortilla chips are topped with guacamole, cashew nacho cheese, and spiced ground turkey.

Open in Google Maps

401 Huger St, Charleston, SC 29403

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Dellz Uptown

To those skeptical of vegan options, breathe easy — Dellz nachos don’t skimp on flavor. The Snobby Nachos arrive layered with avocado, banana sauce, Goddess dressing, and Dellz signature mango salsa. Topped with mixed Daiya cheese and meatless crumbles, guests will certainly not leave this small daytime eatery hungry.

Open in Google Maps

511 Rutledge Ave, Charleston, SC 29403

Visit Website

Edmund's Oast

Chilaquiles are nachos’ saucier sibling, and Edmund’s Oast offers its take during brunch. The seasoned chips are slathered in a spicy red sauce and sprinkled with a pork-beef combination before two sunny fried eggs are placed on top of the pile to tie the whole dish together.

1081 Morrison Dr, Charleston, SC 29403

Visit Website

Edmund's Oast — Edmund’s Oast

Also featured in:

Fuel Charleston

Maybe the biggest and cheesiest on the list, the Fuel nachos are made for sharing. Pro tip—for maximum toppings, add roasted chicken to the vegetarian nachos, which come piled high with corn, black beans, and pico de galla.

Open in Google Maps

211 Rutledge Ave, Charleston, SC 29403

Visit Website

Home Team BBQ

Four key elements make the Home Team nachos some of the best in Charleston. Homemade spiced chips lay the foundation for copious amounts of pulled pork, making the meat the star. Guacamole— which is also made in house — and a vinegary pickled carrot relish provide the final toppings. Of course these nachos also have all the topping classics: jalapenos, pico de gallo, sour cream, and shredded cheese. Pro tip—ask the server to pour queso over the top, ensuring no cheese-less chips are left behind.

Open in Google Maps

126 Williman St, Charleston, SC 29403

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Recovery Room Tavern

Charleston’s famed dive bar’s offering doesn’t consist of nachos in the most classical sense, seeing as they use tater tots rather than chips. That said, the Recovery Room Tater Tachos — which are topped with cheese, onions, and jalapenos — are sought after and seem to pair perfectly with a can of PBR.

Open in Google Maps

685 King St, Charleston, SC 29403

Visit Website

Rec Room tots

Taco Boy

Taco Boy is known for, well, tacos, as they offer 14 different types. They of course offer a variety of other crowd pleasers like nachos, and these stand apart thanks to a heaping scoop of cowboy pinto beans that join one of five proteins and fresh guacamole. The chile con queso spilling over the entire platter provides the finishing touch.

217 Huger St, Charleston, SC 29403

Visit Website

Taco Boy

Also featured in:

Jack of Cups Saloon

This Folly Beach staple imparts global flavors into classic comfort food, and their nachos follow that mantra. Tri-colored tortilla chips are combined with a chickpea curry and corn salsa before being finished with a dollop of ginger yogurt, providing a complex bite that will have guests forgetting they actually ordered nachos.

Open in Google Maps

34 Center St, Charleston, SC 29412

Visit Website

Also featured in:

10 Warming Bowls of Soup to Try in Charleston

Halls Chophouse

The Hall’s atmosphere is unmatched, and a not-so-secret bar menu gives patrons the chance to enjoy an elegant snack while soaking up the scenery. The restaurant offers nachos that are topped with prime bison, avocado, and queso. Pair this with a hot pepper martini or Manhattan.

Open in Google Maps

434 King St, Charleston, SC 29403

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Basic Kitchen

Okay, butternut-cashew cheese may not be for everyone, but those looking for something a little different — and “basic” — can head to Basic Kitchen for its take, which also includes avocado and roasted apple-tomato salsa. Pair with a house kombucha or cooling cocktail.

Open in Google Maps

82 Wentworth St, Charleston, SC 29401

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Minero

Nacho-lovers can also find chilaquiles at Minero, as the East Bay Street eatery tops housemade tortilla chips with a garlicky sauce, diced chicken, queso fresco, and a fried sunny egg. The egg is the nucleus of these nachos, as the runny yolk adds another layer to the sauce.

153 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Saltwater Cowboys

The nachos at this Shem Creek hot spot earn high marks for presentation, as it topples out of a tin bucket for guests tableside. The creamy queso cheese atop the chips is that much better while on one of the best outdoor patios in Charleston.

Open in Google Maps

130 Mill St, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Stacks Coastal Kitchen / Stack’s Evening Eats

This neighborhood bistro offers several upscale starters like truffle-asiago fries or cornmeal fried oysters, but the tuna nachos are truly a can’t-miss dish. They may not be as big and messy as others around town, but the airy wonton chip is the ideal vessel for gathering the chunks of seared ahi tuna, which are topped with a slightly spicy wasabi and ginger sauce.

Open in Google Maps

1440 Ben Sawyer Blvd #1107, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464

Visit Website

Mex 1 Coastal Cantina

Mex 1 serves the Lowcountry with multiple Charleston locations and offers two nacho sizes for guests to nibble on while sipping a strong margarita. The large and in charge Big Mamas pair seasoned black beans, fresh guacamole, and queso with one of five protein options like smoked chicken or pork.

1109 Park W Blvd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29466

Also featured in:

Take the Whole Family to These 11 Kid-Friendly Charleston Restaurants

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YoBo Cantina Fresca

10 Windermere Blvd, Charleston, SC 29407

Yo Bo keeps their queso recipe a secret and for good reason — it’s downright delicious. Find the thick, creamy cheese sauce atop warm tortilla chips with protein options like rojo chicken or carnitas.

Open in Google Maps

10 Windermere Blvd, Charleston, SC 29407

Visit Website

Huriyali

401 Huger St, Charleston, SC 29403

Huriyali is more than just smoothies and acai bowls — the sunlit cafe offers a variety of sandwiches, bowls, and plates like the self-proclaimed “healthiest nachos in town.” This lighter version doesn’t lack flavor, as the tortilla chips are topped with guacamole, cashew nacho cheese, and spiced ground turkey.

Open in Google Maps

401 Huger St, Charleston, SC 29403

Visit Website

Dellz Uptown

511 Rutledge Ave, Charleston, SC 29403

To those skeptical of vegan options, breathe easy — Dellz nachos don’t skimp on flavor. The Snobby Nachos arrive layered with avocado, banana sauce, Goddess dressing, and Dellz signature mango salsa. Topped with mixed Daiya cheese and meatless crumbles, guests will certainly not leave this small daytime eatery hungry.

Open in Google Maps

511 Rutledge Ave, Charleston, SC 29403

Visit Website

Edmund's Oast

1081 Morrison Dr, Charleston, SC 29403

Chilaquiles are nachos’ saucier sibling, and Edmund’s Oast offers its take during brunch. The seasoned chips are slathered in a spicy red sauce and sprinkled with a pork-beef combination before two sunny fried eggs are placed on top of the pile to tie the whole dish together.

1081 Morrison Dr, Charleston, SC 29403

Visit Website

Edmund's Oast — Edmund’s Oast

Fuel Charleston

211 Rutledge Ave, Charleston, SC 29403

Maybe the biggest and cheesiest on the list, the Fuel nachos are made for sharing. Pro tip—for maximum toppings, add roasted chicken to the vegetarian nachos, which come piled high with corn, black beans, and pico de galla.

Open in Google Maps

211 Rutledge Ave, Charleston, SC 29403

Visit Website

Home Team BBQ

126 Williman St, Charleston, SC 29403

Four key elements make the Home Team nachos some of the best in Charleston. Homemade spiced chips lay the foundation for copious amounts of pulled pork, making the meat the star. Guacamole— which is also made in house — and a vinegary pickled carrot relish provide the final toppings. Of course these nachos also have all the topping classics: jalapenos, pico de gallo, sour cream, and shredded cheese. Pro tip—ask the server to pour queso over the top, ensuring no cheese-less chips are left behind.

Open in Google Maps

126 Williman St, Charleston, SC 29403

Visit Website

Recovery Room Tavern

685 King St, Charleston, SC 29403

Charleston’s famed dive bar’s offering doesn’t consist of nachos in the most classical sense, seeing as they use tater tots rather than chips. That said, the Recovery Room Tater Tachos — which are topped with cheese, onions, and jalapenos — are sought after and seem to pair perfectly with a can of PBR.

Open in Google Maps

685 King St, Charleston, SC 29403

Visit Website

Rec Room tots

Taco Boy

217 Huger St, Charleston, SC 29403

Taco Boy is known for, well, tacos, as they offer 14 different types. They of course offer a variety of other crowd pleasers like nachos, and these stand apart thanks to a heaping scoop of cowboy pinto beans that join one of five proteins and fresh guacamole. The chile con queso spilling over the entire platter provides the finishing touch.

217 Huger St, Charleston, SC 29403

Visit Website

Taco Boy

Jack of Cups Saloon

34 Center St, Charleston, SC 29412

This Folly Beach staple imparts global flavors into classic comfort food, and their nachos follow that mantra. Tri-colored tortilla chips are combined with a chickpea curry and corn salsa before being finished with a dollop of ginger yogurt, providing a complex bite that will have guests forgetting they actually ordered nachos.

Open in Google Maps

34 Center St, Charleston, SC 29412

Visit Website

Halls Chophouse

434 King St, Charleston, SC 29403

The Hall’s atmosphere is unmatched, and a not-so-secret bar menu gives patrons the chance to enjoy an elegant snack while soaking up the scenery. The restaurant offers nachos that are topped with prime bison, avocado, and queso. Pair this with a hot pepper martini or Manhattan.

Open in Google Maps

434 King St, Charleston, SC 29403

Visit Website

Basic Kitchen

82 Wentworth St, Charleston, SC 29401

Okay, butternut-cashew cheese may not be for everyone, but those looking for something a little different — and “basic” — can head to Basic Kitchen for its take, which also includes avocado and roasted apple-tomato salsa. Pair with a house kombucha or cooling cocktail.

Open in Google Maps

82 Wentworth St, Charleston, SC 29401

Visit Website

Minero

153 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401

Nacho-lovers can also find chilaquiles at Minero, as the East Bay Street eatery tops housemade tortilla chips with a garlicky sauce, diced chicken, queso fresco, and a fried sunny egg. The egg is the nucleus of these nachos, as the runny yolk adds another layer to the sauce.

153 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401

Visit Website

Saltwater Cowboys

130 Mill St, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464

The nachos at this Shem Creek hot spot earn high marks for presentation, as it topples out of a tin bucket for guests tableside. The creamy queso cheese atop the chips is that much better while on one of the best outdoor patios in Charleston.

Open in Google Maps

130 Mill St, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464

Visit Website

Stacks Coastal Kitchen / Stack’s Evening Eats

1440 Ben Sawyer Blvd #1107, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464

This neighborhood bistro offers several upscale starters like truffle-asiago fries or cornmeal fried oysters, but the tuna nachos are truly a can’t-miss dish. They may not be as big and messy as others around town, but the airy wonton chip is the ideal vessel for gathering the chunks of seared ahi tuna, which are topped with a slightly spicy wasabi and ginger sauce.

Open in Google Maps

1440 Ben Sawyer Blvd #1107, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464

Visit Website

Mex 1 Coastal Cantina

1109 Park W Blvd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29466

Mex 1 serves the Lowcountry with multiple Charleston locations and offers two nacho sizes for guests to nibble on while sipping a strong margarita. The large and in charge Big Mamas pair seasoned black beans, fresh guacamole, and queso with one of five protein options like smoked chicken or pork.

1109 Park W Blvd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29466

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