Chacho’s is more than a restaurant, it is an institution. Actually, thinking about it, it is more than an institution, it is a revolution of cheese, salsa, fajita meat, and margaritas.
Some people say, “You know, one type of salsa is good enough for me.” Chacho’s comes around and says, “Well then I’m about to blow your mind with like 8 or more.”
Some people might be like, “You know, I just like a little bit of cheese on my Mexican food.” Chacho’s comes around and is like, “Please. A little bit of cheese? I am about the grade the entire block on your nachos and then give you a bowl of queso to further dowse your chips.”
Some people are like, “You know, Dixie cup margaritas are perfectly ok.” Chacho’s says, “Take this wristband, get a designated driver, and try several of our large margaritas that are half the cost but pack twice the punch.”
Chacho’s may not be for those in the haute couture crowd, but what do those people know about flavor. I mean, really, you are going to try to eat a pile of chips, beans, and cheese in a dress that looks like a swawn? No. Chacho’s may be low brow food, but that type of food is what makes me full and happy.
There are two things that you need to order when you go to Chacho’s. First is the Margarita. I have affectionately called it the “best terrible margarita in San Antone!” I think that this is due to the fact that (1) it is a frozen margarita (I prefer mine on the rocks), (2) they use table salt to rim the glasses instead of the margarita salt, (3) it is ridiculously overpowering with not high quality tequila, and (4) is more like a 7-11 slurpee than a margarita. In other words, it has every quality that I typically don’t like in margaritas, but for some reason I LOVE the Chacho’s margarita; two will definitely get you crazy! Before you go, it is helpful to understand that when ordering margaritas, each person who is drinking has to physically go up to the register (this is tricky maneuvering where there are tons of people), present an ID, get a wristband, and pick up their drink. There is a strict one drink per wristband policy.
The food item that you must order is the King Kong Nachos. If you are in a group of 3 or less (or 4 if you are mildly hungry) order the half order of King Kong Nachos. If you are in a group of 4 – 7, go ahead and order the full order. The beautiful thing about the King Kong Nachos is the fact that the half order costs around $10-$12 bucks and the full order is like $20-$22 (I don’t remember the exact prices, see the margarita section for the reason why). When you request the full order of King Kong Nachos, the cashier will most likely give you a dubious glance and a “Really?” if it appears that you are by yourself.
The best part about ordering the King Kong Nachos is getting to carry them to wherever you are sitting. I like to play a game where you sit the furthest possible seat away from the counter, and as you carry the King Kong Nachos back to your seat you count the number of “Oh my goodness!” that you see people mouth. It is great.
The Kind Kong Nachos are divided into quarters and have one part fajita beef, one part chicken, one part ground beef, and then one part spicy beef. You have to learn how to master the “rotation” – when one person ties of their segment, the entire platter of nachos is rotated to give them a new assortment of meats and cheese. You also have to be able to handle the fact that you are eating spots of nachos where other people have picked on. After mastering both of those things, you are in for a delicious decadent treat piled high with cheese.
So grab a group of friends, a designated driver, and a big appetite and head to Chacho’s for some good food and a lot of fun!
Value: 10/10 (a half order of King Kong Nachos and two big margaritas are like $10/person)
Atmosphere: 9/10 (lots of fun; there are often bands playing music and I think that Thursday is karaoke night; there is always a crowd)
Service: 8/10 (considering the amount of tables and the messiness of the food they are on top of really bussing the tables; the line can take a while, but this is mainly to people going up to get their drink)
Salsa: 10/10 (there are a plethora of salsas both hot and mild; I like the avocado one)
Taste: 9/10 (after you get below the mound of cheese, you will find some tasty meat)
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