Never got a chance to review Jose’s, which was a little hole in the wall with some damn good Mexican food. They’ve shuttered up, without notice. Sad day.
Also, thanks to the visitors in 12 different countries who have made Nachojawn the preeminent Philadelphia nacho blog. I wouldn’t be where I am today without all of you.
Jose’s Mexican
469 N. 10th St.
CLOSED
On a rainy night, Nachojawn Jr.’s Little League team hit the batting cages at 5th and Girard. I took this as an opportunity to take Little Miss Nachojawn just a block away for some nacho sampling.
These are the Nachos Especiales, although I’m not entirely sure what makes them so especial. Pretty basic stuff here — melted cheese, guacamole, pico de gallo, sour cream and some jalapenos. But they were fresh and hot and hit the spot while the Taney Jungle Cats took some batting practice.
4.05/5 pickled jalapenos – eat these after taking some batting practice, but wash your hands first
Nachos Especial – $9
Taco Riendo
1301 N 5th St
On one of the busiest corners in Center City, a taqueria has popped up in what used to be a frozen yogurt shop. The decor remains the same, and it was slow to catch on, but they seemed to be doing a pretty good business when I stopped in for lunch.
Rosewood Tex Mex
I got the Mexican Nachos with beef picadillo. Picadillo is a pretty underrated filler/topping. Usually you’re going to get ground beef cooked with guajillo peppers, garlic, and lime. I’ve gotten raisins and potatoes sometimes too.
You can see the sour cream, guacamole, pickeld jalapeños, cheese and pico de gallo.
Where these nachos were lacking was in the chip quality, unfortunately. I think they were underfried, meaning they didn’t have that snap to them, and instead had a little chew. Not what you’re looking for, and it really hurts the dish as a whole.
3.65/5 pickled jalapeños – eat these when you want a slice of Puebla in Center City
Mexican Nachos with Beef Picadillo – $9
Rosewood Tex Mex
1300 Walnut Street
This blog can’t be all nachos and no jawns, so for a hot take on jawns, here’s an article on whether a guy can be a jawn.
They’re not all going to be works of art. Sometimes you’ll be out in the suburbs and this is what you will end up with.
Chips, pinto beans, chicken, 3-cheese queso, some more cheese, guacamole, “roasted” chile corn salsa, and maybe some other salsas hiding under there.
All I remember is that I was full after eating these. It was better than not eating them.
3.35/5 pickled jalapeños – eat these in a strip mall in one of 641 locations.
Chicken nachos – $8
Qdoba – all over the place
The Whole Foods at Plymouth Meeting parked a food truck on its roof, and they turn out some pretty decent food. Last year they served up margaritas as well, but they’re gone for some reason, and you’ll have to make due with beer.
On a sunny spring afternoon, my wife and I both got some nachos for the cause.
Carnitas nachos with pico de gallo, sour cream, guacamole and queso. Habanero pineapple salsa on the side. You just check boxes for what toppings you want, and it all works out in the end.
Fish nachos
Fish nachos with corn salsa, queso, cilantro and probably some other stuff. The fish was good, but a little unwieldy as a nacho topping.
Best supermarket nachos I’ve ever had – the rooftop taco truck is straight up good. Just be careful that you don’t check off too many boxes, can’t be drowning those chips. Happy eating.
4.25 pickled jalapeños – eat these when you’re on a supermarket roof
Nachos – $7
Whole Foods Plymouth Meeting
498 W Germantown Pike
Tough to argue with the list…..
From the look of these nachos, our neighbor to the north has some legit entrants in the North American division.
Our first guest post is bound to generate a lot of controversy. While I have eaten El Vez’s nachos many, many times, they are due for an official visit. Guest Reviewer DK beat me to the punch with this scalding take. The following guest review does not represent the official opinion of Nachojawn:
Nacho YAWN
The Nachos Mama at El Vez were uneventful. The boring (and too thick) pieces of chips were served on a pizza tray. If this was intended to be a nod to the “cantina experience’, it was lost on me. That I was reminded of matzo while eating nachos speaks volumes. The toppings were standard fare – I’ve done better with bagged chips, jarred salsa, and pre-shredded cheese from the supermarket.
For a completely different perspective, my husband thought they were delicious. Neither of us were wow’ed by the shrimp tacos.
The highlight of the meal was a superbly concocted glass of limeade. I guess they had nowhere to go but down.
2.5 out out 5 pickled jalapenos
El Vez
121 S. 13th St.
Guest Reviewers – please submit reviews. Your opinions will be viewed by literally several to a few more than several people!
nachojawn 