July 17, 2017

Nacho Tour of the 614 – Post #2

Nacho Tour of the 614

Blog 2: Nachos in Grandview

Now that we had the campus nacho scene under our belt (and inside our bellies), we decided to take our talents to Grandview. This area of Columbus could often be overlooked by those visiting from suburbs or out of town, as The Short North attracts a much larger crowd. We were excited to explore what Grandview had to offer, and we most definitely were not dip-appointed.

#3 Local Cantina

Here we found yet another Mexican restaurant chain in the Columbus area that thrives by serving out of this world tacos. Local Cantina tends to separate themselves from the pack by practically giving away their vast variety of tacos on Tuesdays (for only $2!!), allows full access to a free chips and salsa bar, and hosts a variety of events such as Tap Takeovers and Trivia Nights. Does it get any better?!

Actually, yes.

Until recently, I had no idea that LC even offered nachos on their menu. One of my fellow trailers mentioned this location as a stop on our map, and it took quite a bit of convincing for me to believe they had not only one nacho app on their menu, but FOUR different kinds.

Local Cantina, you’ve outdone yourself yet again.

The group chose to brave the storm and attempt to make our nacho night on a Tuesday (click here for my post on mentioned amaze-ball tacos for only 8 quarters). Any other night of the week, you can expect to get a table almost immediately. Taco Tuesday, however, is a whole different beast. Even though Local Cantina has locations in Hilliard, Grandview, Clintonville, Brewery District, Gahanna, and Chesterland, the masses flock to their weekly call when it comes to tacos. Us 614-ers don’t mess around.

Fortunately, we were able to snag a table and get to business. I ordered my usual margarita, The Bearded Lady, which is made with only muddled orange and lemon, lime, tequila, and grapefruit soda. A 110-calorie drink will make up for my upcoming feast, right?

Because their menu offers the nacho appetizers in both personal-$6 and shareable-$9 sizes, we were able to get one of everything (LOL like we wouldn’t have anyway?) plus some tacos on the side. Buffalo Chicken was pretty spicy, so make sure you have a marg in each hand when you tackle this beast.

Nachos = gone.

#4 Marshall’s Nachos

Marshall’s is another restaurant (read, hidden gem) that could easily be missed by the general population as it is located in the heart of Grandview. Most poppin’ bars in G-View these days are all right on 5th Avenue or Grandview Avenue, but Marshall’s stands strong. Especially in their nacho game.

If you have heard of Marshall’s, it’s very likely you’ve sampled their breakfast. It’s what they’re known for! That, or the INTENSE Wednesday night trivia rounds- when a bar tab is up for grabs, the trivia-ers come swingin’!

Because it was a pleasant summer night (does anyone else feel like the past few months have either been super gorgeous weather or a world-ending monsoon.. no in between??) we opp-ed for a table on the patio. Our nacho choices left us between “Big Marshall’s Nachos” or “Dan’s Nacho’s”. Here’s a little breakdown for ya:

Big Marshall’s Nachos

Tortilla chips smothered in black olives, lettuce, cheese, smoked chicken, jalapeno peppers, tomatoes with sides of sour cream and salsa $10.95

*Add Pork or Brisket $2.00

Dan’s Nachos

Tortilla chips, smoked chicken smothered in buffalo sauce, with cheese, tomato, jalapeno peppers and sour cream $6.95

Because the buffalo chicken nacho style was what we feasted on at Local Cantina, we decided to go with the Big Marshall’s Nachos. After all, we were hungry. We needed something BIG.

And BIG is what we got!

Although there was nothing particularly original about the ingredients used in the nachos, the execution was flawless. Melted cheese smothered almost every chip, and I always appreciate the use of black olives. Our server brought out extra salsa and sour cream on the side, so we could add as much or as little as we wanted. We also ordered an app of the loaded tots, which happened to disappear so fast I couldn’t even snap a picture. I don’t know what happened!

Regardless, Marshall’s is definitely the place to save some room in your tummy for your next trivia night. Or Paint Nite, which are typically held Tuesdays (half off bottles of wine!)